Bay Windows

Many homeowners install a bay window to add elegance to a room and increase the room's natural light. Bay windows can create a sense of enlarging a room.  Bay windows often feature a shelf or a seat which is placed in-between the windows to  add additional seating or shelf space in the room. Architects often suggest a bay window as a room's focal point.  

== Bay Windows ==
Bay windows are created from three window panes which are arranged in an arc. The bay window has one window in the center and two other windows on either side. The bay window's angles catch the light which streams in while the window's multiple dimensions permit an expansive view of the outdoors. Many homeowners choose to add a replacement bay window to a den, kitchen, living room or even a master bedroom. Some homeowners choose to create an entire wall of windows by placing two or three bay windows side-by-side. 

== Considerations ==
Replacement bay windows present a stylish alternative to a home's design, offering an attractive architectural style while also providing comfort and grace. Homeowners have a number of reasons for choosing replacement bay windows the option to add seating or counter space to a room, the spacious look that a bay window presents and the increased flow of light and air that comes with a bay window.    

=== Types of Bay Window ===
Bay windows are combinations of three or more operable or non-operable panes which project outward from a room. When designing a room with a replacement bay window, design options include using one type of window for all three bay windows or combining two different types of windows into a bay window. Homeowners can create a bay window by using a block-glass pane for the middle window and casements on the sides, block-glass windows for the side windows and a double-casement window for the center window or double-hung windows for all three windows. Other alternatives are also available. 


=== Sizes and Shapes ===
Replacement bay windows add light and ventilation to a room. Bay windows are available as angled bay windows or in a box shape with 90 degree right angles. It is possible to create any architectural style by integrating the replacement bay window options so that the component windows work together in the way that suits the homeowner's preference. Smaller bay windows can be placed in a room above a planned desk unit or above the sink  in a kitchen. Larger bay windows are a good choice for a living room, den or patio. A group of large bay windows can offer an attractive alternative for a room that needs supplementary sunlight options.

The wall's opening will provide a starting point for a homeowner to consider which type of replacement bay window to install. 

=== Placement  ===
The rough opening for a replacement bay window determines the bay window size and angle adjustment. Bay windows can be joined in a 30°, 45°, 60° or 90° degree joints to create either an angle or box replacement bay window. An architect or designer will want to review the room's size, available sunlight and other existing windows or plans for other replacement windows when developing a plan for a bay window.  The component windows can be long and rectangular for a full-floor bay or short and wide for a smaller opening. In addition, the homeowner may choose to have a large middle window flanked by two smaller windows or create a replacement bay window in which all three component windows are the same size. 


=== Glazing Options ===
Homeowners can select a replacement bay window with their choice of glazing options. 
Each manufacturer presents the glazing options that are available with their specific type of window. These include single-pane windows, double-pane windows and, less commonly, triple-pane windows. Multi-pane windows provide increased insulation because of the insulating argon or krypton gas which the manufacturer pumps in-between the panes. The double or triple panes are all sealed together within the window's frame so there is no danger of escaping gas. Multi-pane windows also block noise. 

An additional insulating option -- the Low-E window coating -- is a good choice for a replacement bay window for a wall that faces the afternoon sun. This Low-E -- low emissivity -- coating suppressive radiative heat flow and blocks heat transfer caused by direct sunlight. Glazing alternatives are often dependent on the window's framing material, with multi-pane glazing a common alternative in aluminum-clad wood windows. 

Many states offer rebates and other financial incentives for homeowners who include energy-efficient replacement windows in their home's remodeling plan. In addition, the savings in utility costs that energy-efficient windows offer make them an attractive replacement window option. 

Replacement bay windows can also be purchased with single-pane glazing and can offer an inexpensive alternative for a bay window that isn't placed in a sun-facing position.  

=== Framing Material ===
Framing materials for replacement bay windows include inexpensive vinyl or aluminum and more costly aluminum clad and fiberglass. Wood windows are also an option though they must be frequently painted to prevent warping. 

Vinyl frames need little maintenance and are durable. They resist color fading, corrosion and moisture. They offer good insulation though the installer must ensure that the cavities in the sash and frame are insulated.

Fiberglass frames are a light, durable and strong window alternative for a bay window. They are good insulators. 

Clad wood frames have the advantage of the wood window's insulation along with the protection of the aluminum or vinyl cladding. They require very little maintenance. 

Aluminum windows are an inexpensive and low-maintenance replacement window alternative for bay windows but because the aluminum is a cool surface, moisture condenses on the window frame.

=== Interior Moldings ===
Interior trim is a standard feature on many bay replacement windows. The window installer attaches the trim to the wall surrounding the window inside the house. Homeowners can select the molding profile that they prefer from amongst several choices offered by a window manufacturer or may find a trim that fits their needs at a home center or window-supply store.  


=== Accessories===
Replacement bay windows come with a variety of accessories including screens and grilles. Screens are attached to the outside of a double-hung bay window and to the inside of a casement window. Other accessories include cranks for casement bay replacement windows and handles for all windows which can be ordered in brass or plastic. 
Bay window grilles are available in a variety of shades and designs. Some multi-pane window manufacturers can install the grilles in-between the window panes while other bay windows have grilles which clip into the window's inner frame.