Few things can enhance your home’s curb appeal the way that a bay window can. However, installing bay windows that match the style of your home is key essential to choosing the right size and style of the bay window. This can help ensure you achieve the look you desire.
Here is a look at some of the most important considerations to keep in mind when you are planning to install bay windows in your home.
The Size of the Window
One of the main reasons that homeowners opt for installing bay windows is the amount of natural lighting and extra space they can provide to the room. Therefore, you need to give careful consideration to the size of the window you would like to install.
A bigger window will provide you with a better view of the outdoors, but larger windows tend to be more expensive to purchase and install than smaller ones. It is also important to remember that heat from the sun in summer and cold air in winter can enter the home more easily through wider panes of glass.
However, you can counteract this by choosing an energy-efficient bay window designed to keep the room comfortable year-round. Most window contractors will be able to customize the window to make sure it meets the specific size requirements of the home.
Structural Support
Because a bay window will protrude out from your home’s facade, you may need to make some modifications to your house’s structure to support them. Two common approaches are support cables and braces. Braces will lend support from beneath the window itself, while support cables will provide support from above the window.
Many people choose support cables because they can be hidden within the window’s frame, making them a more aesthetically pleasing option. However, not every manufacturer offers the support cable option, so if this is the approach you prefer, it is important to check beforehand to make sure it is available for the type of window you choose.
Energy Efficiency
With bay windows, like all other types of windows, you should always purchase the most energy-efficient models you can afford. Installing bay windows may seem expensive on the surface, but if it is going to be a replacement for an older window, the savings on your energy bills that you enjoy each month can make the investment worth it.
Window technology has improved dramatically in recent years, and many homeowners are surprised by how much more energy efficient their homes become when they purchase newer windows with modern technology like low-E glass.
The Type of Window Sash For Installing Bay Windows
When it comes to the type of sash you choose for your bay window, you have a slew of great options. Many people simply go for a sash that matches the type found in the other windows of the home.
However, there may be cases when going with a different type of sash is wise. For example, for tall and narrow bay windows, casement sashes are the sash type of choice, while shorter windows tend to work better with a double-hung sash.
Although the center window of a bay window is normally a picture window, some homeowners opt to fit theirs with an operable sash so it can be opened as needed.
Eaves
Bay windows are generally tucked beneath an eave. Therefore, it is essential to take careful measurements to make sure the window will fit properly. In homes where a Bay window needs to be installed in the middle of a wall or there are no eaves, it will be necessary to construct a small roof above the bay window to provide it with the desired appearance.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Another important factor that should guide your bay window decision is how much maintenance you are willing to perform on your window once it has been installed. The type of material will influence how much work is needed to keep the window looking clean and well-maintained.
Some of the most popular options are fiberglass, aluminum and vinyl as all three require little in the way of maintenance and are built to be strong and durable. In addition, they can stand up to extreme weather conditions.
While materials such as steel and wood may be attractive, they require a significant amount of upkeep; wood may even corrode or warp and will need regular repainting.
Qualify A Contractor Before Installing Bay Windows
Installing bay windows are notoriously tricky to install, which means it is worth taking some time to consider the qualifications of the window installer you choose.
Check their certifications and read reviews online to find out whether others would recommend their services, and be sure to ask for a portfolio to gauge the quality of their work.
Contact the Window Replacement Team at Adelphia Exteriors
The professional window replacement team at Adelphia Exteriors can guide you through every step of the process to installing bay window, from choosing the right window for your Northern Virginia home to professional installation.
As a family-owned and operated company, we treat each client like a member of our family, and our decades of experience mean you can be confident in the quality of our work.