How to Repair a Bow Window
Your home can be made more energy efficient and valuable by replacing bow windows. The cost will differ based on the frame material and glass options.
Window glazing includes triple-pane and double-pane designs. door fitters bow can feature Krypton or Argon gas to provide additional insulation. Insulated glass reduces the cost of cooling and heating.
Support Cables
Stained glass windows rely on stainless-steel cables that transfer tension loads from the window frame to the structures above and below. These cables are shaped in a parabolic shape to resist wind loads. As time passes they can develop the pattern of stress where they bow outward, sometimes surpassing the brace bars that partially stop bowing inward. This is caused by a number of causes, such as building settlement, temperature fluctuations and the oxidation of window lead. Out-of-plane bowing alleviates pressure on the stained glass and frame, preventing further damages. The window can also be removed from the lead and made more resistant to weather. However, it could be hazardous to work on these if they aren't secured correctly.
Add a Wrap
Bow windows can provide your home with an unique look, expansive views of the outside and the feeling of being spacious. Since these windows are a bit out from the house and are exposed to the elements, they can sag or distort. If a bow window becomes unbalanced, it could affect the integrity of the roof and glass, and cause structural damage to the house. Fortunately, there are several ways to create a temporary fix until the glass is replaced by professionals.
The first thing to do is determine the location where the sagging took place. If the sagging is located in the middle, it is possible to install support cables in a L-shaped shape at the bottom of the frame. This will lift the window a bit and spread the weight equally. Support brackets are needed if the sagging occurs at the top or bottom.
If the glass is still in good shape, you can add an additional wrap. To protect the glass, cut a piece from an old wooden stir stick for painter to the right size and cover it with wax paper. Wrap the stick around the bridge of the glasses, crisscrossing as required to create a thick wrap. Leave a piece of the wrap to trim later, and soak the wrap in glue before affixing it to the glasses.
You can purchase the crash wrap from many automotive and hardware stores for an affordable price. This is a type of clear packaging tape that gives solid, flexible support for your glasses. It's also simpler to use than the duct tape, and can be removed once the repair is completed.
If you're thinking of installing a bow or bay window, make sure you hire an experienced professional to ensure that the job is done correctly. This is because these kinds of windows require larger openings and might need to be attached to structural elements of the home. These kinds of windows also require the replacement of window flashings and navigating around electrical wires, which can be hazardous for contractors who are not experienced. Bow and bay windows are heavier than flat windows which makes them more difficult to install.
Add a Filler
Bow windows are a popular addition to homes, offering a unique look with extra sunlight and views. These large windows, with a curving design, often have the window seat or sill to create a focal point within a room and add more space to the home. However, like bay windows, which are their counterparts are susceptible to sagging with time.
If you're building a new bow window or replacing an existing one, it is important to begin with a sturdy base for the frame. Make sure that the frame and header are set to withstand the weight of the bow window, using jack studs and 2 4's can be used in place of block studs as necessary.
Install the window once you have constructed an adequate foundation. Use a bubble level to make sure that the window is level and straight on both sides. Once the window has been installed, you can put in an extension cable kit to help support and stability. The cable absorbs some of the weight and spreads it into the wall, helping prevent sagging in time.
It might be a good idea to add brackets underneath the base in case the bow window is sagging at a certain point. They can be installed using a drill and are usually designed to fit the corner of a home. Once fitted, the brackets must be screwed into the wall and can be positioned evenly on the bottom of the window.
It is also important to maintain your bow windows on a regular basis. Cleaning should include a thorough cleaning of all the glass panes and panels, as well as the frames. You should also grease moving parts every year to avoid them from squeaking or sticking.
Even if you're not a construction expert, adding or replacing a new bow window can improve the appearance of your house. The windows are big and heavy, and require modifications to structural elements of a house that can be expensive. They also require a lot more cutting and bending around the electrical wiring. This is a job that should be handled by professionals.