Bay and bow windows look nice on a home, but are they worthy investments in yours? Let’s answer common questions and go through their advantages in this series.

2. Bowandbaywindowsareamongthemostbeautifulwindowstyles
youcanchoosefrom.Gettingthesewindowsinstalledinyourhome
is a proven method of increasing your property’s value, but is there
anything more to them than their capacity to enhance your curb
appeal? Can they be energy efficient? Can they also be considered
good investments, especially as far as maintenance is concerned?
How do you make the most out of your bow and bay windows,
should you decide to have them installed? And what’s the differ-
ence between the two window types? Find out the answers to all
these questions – and more – in this e-book series.

4. How are bow and bay windows different?
Bay windows have three angled projections, while bow windows
feature four or more windows. Bay windows typically include a large
fixed picture window with two smaller operating windows, while bow
windows have a more gently rounded shape with a combination of
fixed or operating windows.
In addition, bay windows protrude further, thereby extending the floor
space within the home. Bow windows typically have more glass panes
than bay windows do, and can let in more light.
What are the similarities?
Bow and bay windows have many similarities. They both add great
potential for passive daylighting and ventilation, which can significantly
curb your utility expenses. They also both add great architectural
interest, which can be appealing if you have plans to sell your home.
PART 1: BOW AND BAY WINDOWS: FAQS

5. Whatkindofarchitecturalstylesaresuitedforbowandbaywindows?
Because they have cleaner lines, bay windows are ideal for modern
homes. The curves typical of bow windows, on the other hand, suit
Victorian homes well.
Are they expensive to install?
One of the more significant factors affecting whether or not to have
bow or bay windows installed is price – they do cost more than other
window styles, but then again, this is because they are combination
windows. Other factors that dictate the overall price of the unit include
the glass size, the materials used for the frame, and the final design of
the windows.
What do you stand to gain if you install bow or bay windows in your
home? Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series.
PART 1: BOW AND BAY WINDOWS: FAQS

7. We tackled some common questions about bow and bay windows in
part 1. Now, we’ll answer one of the most important questions about
window replacement: what do you stand to gain?
ADDITIONAL SPACE
Because bow and bay windows extend outward, homeowners typically
gain at least three feet of available space along the same wall, which
can be allocated for other purposes. You can easily use the free space
for something else – such as a bookshelf, a reading nook or storage.
AESTHETICS
The quaint appeal of bow and bay windows is also something that
many homeowners love. Ideal for both modern and old homes, they
can spruce up not just your home, but also contribute a bit of character
to your neighborhood. Plus, they help increase your chances of closing
a successful sale, should you decide to put your property on the market.
MINIMAL MAINTENANCE
Depending on the type of materials you choose to use, bow and bay
windows may require little maintenance over the years. Some types of
bow and bay windows, for instance, feature composite frames that do
not need constant upkeep and repainting.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
The very structure of bow and bay windows encourage natural
ventilation and daylighting, but energy-conscious homeowners who
wish to further boost the energy performance of their windows can rely
on these suggestions:
PART 2: ADVANTAGES OF BOW AND BAY WINDOWS

8. • Mind the glazing and framing
How a window is structured is only a part of what makes it energy
efficient; framing and glazing materials are also important. You can
choose from a host of glazing options, with some specially engineered
to limit heat transfer.
• Choose products according to your climate zone
Energy demands differ from climate to climate, so it is important to
choose windows that are designed to combat the challenges of your
specific location. For guidance for your zone, consult ENERGY STAR’s
recommended values prior to choosing your windows.
How can you get the most out of these windows, though? We will discuss
that in the closing segment of this e-book.
PART 2: ADVANTAGES OF BOW AND BAY WINDOWS

10. Part 1 of this series discussed facts about bay and bow windows, while
Part 2 covered their advantages. To cap off the series, we will now
uncover how you can make the most out of your investment.
PROPER INSTALLATION
It is important to employ proper installation practices with bow and
bay windows. Incorrect installation techniques can give rise to a lot of
issues, including:
• Window condensation
• Lack of proper air circulation
• Improper insulation
The above issues are more pronounced during cold days, as the inside
andglazingofbowandbaywindowsretainmoisturemorethantheother
parts of the home. Care and caution must therefore be implemented –
and allowed for – during installation to curb possible damage
YOUR CONTRACTOR
Who you hire to install your windows is also important. Because the
process requires specialized knowledge, look for these factors before
signing any contract:
PART 3: MAKING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR INVESTMENT

11. • Extensive experience
A long and solid track record always brings something special to
the table. Contractors who have been in the industry for a long time
understand the dynamics involved in projects – from permit acquisition
to your local codes. Experience also teaches contractors to customize
their solutions according to the needs of the homeowner, as well as the
specific conditions of the project.
• A comprehensive portfolio
Experience should not just be a certain number of years, it needs to
be diverse, too. Experience with installation of other types of windows
– aside from bow and bay windows – gives a window contractor
more abilities and helps him or her appreciate the minute differences
between each window style.
Lastly, look for fair pricing – do not automatically opt for the cheapest
you can find; rather, find the best value you can for your money. Make
sure that you get your money’s worth by carefully reviewing your
contract before you sign it.
PART 3: MAKING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR INVESTMENT

12. Renewal by Andersen
of San Francisco
30800 Santana Street,
Hayward, CA 94544
(510)-263-3210
TheBayAreaWindow.com