Bay Windows Vs. Bow Windows
Many folks wonder about the difference between bay and bow windows and which is right for their home.
That’s the case for Erica from Huntington, Calif. She’s wanting to remodel a large flat picture window in her living room into either a bay window or a bow window. Erica asks, “Do you know any reason why we should choose one over the other?”
We’ll break down the differences in this week’s Podcast Question of the Week.
Bay Windows
A bay window is a combination of three windows that angle out beyond a home’s exterior wall. These windows, if on the first floor, also have walls beneath them that extend to your home’s floor surface. Bay windows often function as an extension of the home, providing additional space for various uses like breakfast nooks, storage spaces, and accent areas.
The angle at which the windows are installed will determine how far out they protrude. With a 30-degree angle, the window will typically extend about 13-14 inches. If the windows are at a 45-degree angle, they could extend about 20 inches.
If you have a walkway in front of your house, that might protrude too far out and obstruct it. Carefully consider these things before choosing a bay window.
Bow Windows
Similar to bay windows, bow windows usually have more window panels than bays and have a curved design. They also typically don’t have walls that extend down to the home’s floor level. These pocket windows sometimes have seating within them.
Bow windows come in different sizes and can protrude beyond your home’s exterior by as little as four inches. With a small bow window, you may not have so much of an obstruction outside your house as with a bay window.
Bow windows are excellent for expanding space, improving your view, boosting natural lighting, enhancing the appearance of your home, or creating a space for a particular use. Homeowners seeking more natural light, visual expanse, and different pane sizes often favor bow windows over bay windows.
Other Considerations
Whatever window you choose, consider your roof before installing it. You might be extending the window beyond your roof overhang, which means you will have to do some roof work.
Then, you’re affecting the aesthetics of your home exterior. Consider having a drawing made by an architect to see how the window will look from the outside.
No matter which window you choose, it will make a difference in the room. The added window area will make the room feel larger by flooding it with natural light.
Installing bow and bay windows is not a DIY project, so you should check with some remodeling contractors before installing either one. The average cost of a bow window, with materials and installation, is $3,600, according to HomeAdvisor. A bay window costs an average of $2,110.
Skip to [skipto time=18:52][18:52][/skipto] for the full segment on the Today’s Homeowner Podcast.
Also on this episode:
- Removing a Stone Fireplace Mantel
- Thoughts on Porcelain Flooring Planks
- Attaching Exterior Front Door Trim
- Ridding a Pool Deck of Mold and Mildew
- Whether to Repair or Replace Aluminum Windows
- Getting Rid of Roof Moss
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Simple Solutions
Fast Fix for Sagging Gutter — If you notice that a section of rain gutter is sagging, chances are the spike that holds the gutter in place has pulled free from the fascia board. The solution is to use pliers to pull out the spike, and then replace it with a long structural screw. And, if possible, always drive the screw through the fascia and into the end of a rafter tail.
Watch: How to Repair Sagging Gutters
Paint Color Reminder — This home-decorating tip was submitted by a listener, Betty Dodson. Whenever you paint a room, save two or three extra paint chips of that color, and put them in your wallet, purse or car’s glove compartment. Then, when shopping for new curtains, towels, rugs, or other room accessories, you can pull out the paint chips to help you select accessories that best complement the room paint.
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Other Products and Links Mentioned
- Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue
- Envirosafe Algae Mildew Cleaner
- Quikrete Concrete and Masonry Waterproofing Sealer
- MOSS OUT! for Roofs and Walks
- Wet and Forget Xtreme Reach
