Bow Windows
Your Personal Style
In its essence, bow windows are a curved or arched version of bay windows, and use multiple glass panes (a minimum of four and up to eight) to produce a more
rounded window. Since the 1800’s, bow windows have grown in popularity for their aesthetic appeal that is architecturally friendly to any building, home, office
or getaway cottage. Bow windows create an additional space dynamic to any room and simultaneously creating a useable ledge within the interior (double bonus!).
Having expansive windows that bring in far more natural light, create a spacious & dynamic view and offer fresh air ventilation may be your style…with your
personal touches of course to make your bow windows unique to your home.
Bow Windows Style
Bow windows can consist of a collection of fixed windows or, some operational casement windows with a fixed centre pane or, the entire collection can consist of
casement windows that all are fully operational. From the exterior, bow windows are extremely attractive and eye appealing, that really pack a ‘curb & street
side appeal’ punch! The casement windows that are used with bow windows are hinge mounted at the sides, either by single pane or double pane. When casement windows
are installed into a shared frame, the hinges are usually mounted on the outside and open outward to a full 90 degrees. Each of the casement windows is ‘hand cranked’
by way of a cam handle, a lever or a crank, and if located at the bottom of the windows, will serve a dual purpose, by folding down and locking into place, this
provides additional locking and security. Because casement windows can be mounted to open from the left or the right, this makes them highly valued as being a
versatile type of window that can compliment any room within a home or office. Beveled exterior sash designs provide a more spacious glass perimeter appearance
and a sleek slimness to the entire structure.
Bow Windows Performance
Bow windows that are made up of casement windows is engineered with heavy-duty hinge systems (multi-directional ventilation), positive crank mechanism (ensures
ease when closing and opening the sash), metal reinforcements (securing & operating the hinge system with multi-point locking) and top quality & multi-point
hardware (heavy-duty hardware to operate the windows efficiently via a single lever). Some casement windows come with full-sized fibre glass screens that have
snap-in glazing in the interior to further ensure more security. The performance factors are superb when it comes to casement windows and is the number one
choice for many builders, homeowners and interior designers that apply them to bow windows collection. The framing materials used to encase all of these windows
sis an important choice, with a healthy number of options like vinyl, wood and aluminium as the top three most popular.
Bow Windows Sound Insulation
Glass styles for bow windows are just as diverse as window choices, from decorative glass, or plain glass or even textured glass, with a double or single glazing
(the glazing is what dictates the transmission of heat and sound). Adding glazing layers to casement windows is an option, and there are windows available that are
made specifically for meeting a STC rating (blocking sound). The insulation factor (via multi-chambers) create a sound barrier that is an important factor to many
people that are considering new window purchases, and casement windows used in bow windows has addressed this challenge. Through higher quality materials used to
manufacture these types of windows and their unique engineering, a better sound barrier exists for the transmission of sound.
Bow Windows Energy Efficiency
There are multi-chambers within casement windows, which not only maxes out structural integrity & strength, it provides a higher energy efficiency rating. Cutting
edge technologies aid in the energy efficiency of casement windows by the frame & sash corners being fusion-welded to add additional strength, which in turn
provides an airtight and watertight seal that is unsurpassed for energy savings. It is no secret that windows that slide are less energy efficient then windows
that the sash closes by pressing against the framing, and this is how casement windows are more energy efficient. If making any of the windows a fixed window, then
that alone adds even more energy efficiency and raises the energy savings to a higher level.
