Bay & Bow Window Reviews

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Bay & Bow Windows Reviews

Read 3 bay and bow windows reviews from contractors and homeowners alike.

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dane@replacementwindowsreviews.co

Bay Window Costs And Options

I have a 74"x53" bay window on the front of my house. It is sagging and the Windows do not close properly. There is water/condensation in between the panes of glass. A local company that soecializes in doors Windows and such has priced me a sunrise replacement (stationery Windows) for $2,000 due to it having to be a custom size (that's what I was told). I have been reading on your site that your contractors like sunrise Windows, which is great news. Now on the other side, my contractor (who has done other work for me and therefore I trust the results of his work & his reputation in the community) has quoted me $2,000 to tear out the old unit and install the new. Bay Windows Prices

The new would be built to fit the space. It is a brick veneer house. It's pricey but it needs to be done (u can feel the cold air drafts in the winter). So my first question is about the pricing. The second question is that a few friends have said I should eliminate the bay window entirely and replace with standard Windows. I like the bay for the unique feature it is and it seems to add more room in the room it is in. Plus my cats like laying in the bay when the sunlight hits it around 2pm in the afternoon. Also the bay seems to open up the field of view. Please let me know your thoughts.

Bryan - Homeowner - from 2016

[Site Editor's Response]

Bryan, Bay windows can be tricky business, not to mention expensive. The $2K for the Bay window itself does not seem out of line for a good Sunrise Bay window. The $2K installation costs also does not seem out of line, although you might want to ask your contractor to break the bid down a bit to make sure all of his math adds up. What does the removal portion of the project entail, what's it cost to dispove of and haul away the old Bay window, what's he charging you to install the new one (how many guys does it require). In all likelihood, he won't move on his price, but the simply fact that you are asking and taking interest in the cost of the install may make him come down on his price.

In my opinion, Bay windows are awesome, they add so much visual interest to a home, a little square footage, a place for the cats to nap, etc. I think their return on investment is going to be better than pulling it out and putting in a patio door (which will probably not save you that much money). Assuming the window fits the existing space, the wood and materials around the frame are structurally sound and the installation is professional, I think you have yourself a great project lined up.

Dane - Site Editor - from 2016

Bay Window Bulkiness

We are considering replacing our old picture window with a bay window in our living room. We have run across a variety of issues and I am confused. First off it seems almost impossible to get a window with a finished inside unless an awful lot of money is spent. I hate to have a window installed, and then have even more work to do. Our contractor suggested Simonton because you can buy it with a finished vinyl inside {wood look} and then you have to stain the upper and lower yourself. That doesn't seem like a bad option.

However as I was looking at them on the computer, it appears that the framing is a bit "bulky" looking as compared to say the Anderson {which doesn't have the inside color options} I also know that the Anderson is not entirely vinyl, and I read that vinly in general will be a little bulky. My question is how much more "bulky" looking is it. I cannot find a showroom in my area to view the Simonton, I can only view the Anderson. Would you have any photos or any advise to offer? Thank you, Rosemary

Rosemary - Consumer - from 2015

[Site Editor's Response]

Rosemary, there are a pretty wide variety of frame widths when it comes to Bay Windows. In general, vinyl windows will be the bulkiest, but will provide the best performance numbers. (Ironically, in Europe their vinyl windows are much thicker and bulkier, but they also last a lot longer and provides excellent value.) fiberglass and composites will typically fall somewhere in the middle and wood and fiberglass frames will be the most narrow and provides the least energy efficient numbers. The difference between narrow and thin window frames is roughly 3/4" to 1/4" on each side. This doesn't seem like much, until you add up each side and see the difference in person. As a consumer, you have to weigh the aesthetics against the durability and performance. It can be a challenging decision.

It's tough to judge Andersen vs. Simonton because Andersen bay windows will typically be at the upper edge of the cost spectrum, while Simonton bay windows will be towards the bottom. Most local Simonton companies and dealers should have samples of the actual windows (obviously not a bay, but the frame should be similar.) Before they come out, make sure they are bringing an actual window for you to see and touch.

You may want to take a look at the Marvin Infinity window, which comes with a nice looking interior laminate grain that looks like wood but doesn't have the same issues associated with it. Sunrise windows makes a nice bay window that will be more narrow than the Simonton. Most companies make a bay window - typically the bay will resemble the width and overall look of their other windows so find quality companies in your area, call them up, make sure they sell a bay window and they should have images and photos for you to see.

Tim - Site Editor - from 2015

Polaris Bay Windows

The Polaris UltraWeld is a good window. Their casement is pretty nice, but they make just about the best bays and bows I've ever seen. Compared to Simontons, I think they win as far as energy efficiency and design both. With their new super spacer, they get a .28 u factor and have really good air infiltration numbers. Polaris uses Sturtz equipment in their manufacturing facilities, some of the best automation equipment that results in a good solid product with very few defects. I do prefer a stainless steel spacer, and they recently started making one, the UltraCept, which I like a lot.

Matt - Contractor in New Jersey - from 2011

Related Topics: Bay Windows Prices