Bay and Bow Window Types
All four project past the outside wall. They differ in the angle of the side units, the number of panes and how far they stick out.
Angled bay windows
The standard bay has a larger fixed picture window in the center and two narrower side windows, angled at 30 or 45 degrees in HomeGuide's description. This Old House says the side units are casements or double-hungs, so the bay opens for air at the ends.
- Installed (HomeGuide): $2,000 to $6,000.
- Full bay (This Old House): $1,100 to $3,300.
Box bay windows
A box bay sets the side windows at 90 degrees to the front, forming a box. Fixr calls it a simple design with no curves that's relatively easy to install, and This Old House says it's often found in kitchens.
- Box bay (This Old House): $750 to $1,400.
Bow windows
A bow uses four to six panes set at a shallower angle than a bay, for a gentle curve. HomeGuide notes that bow windows often have fixed panes rather than opening ones, and HomeAdvisor says they don't extend as far from the wall as a bay.
- Installed (HomeGuide): $3,000 to $8,000 or more.
- Range (This Old House): $1,500 for a premade bow up to $15,000 or more for a custom one.
Garden windows
A garden window is a small glass box that projects from the wall like a mini greenhouse. HomeGuide says it often fits above a kitchen sink for growing plants.
- Installed (HomeGuide and Fixr): $1,000 to $4,000.
Why Pompano Beach homeowners call Pompano Windows
- One independent installer calls back, not a list of five
- The request costs you nothing
- Ask for approval numbers and design pressures on the quote
- Permit, removal and stucco patching priced in writing
Roof, Support and Wind Rating on a Bay
Roof
Fixr points out that a bay sticks out from the wall, so it needs its own roof. On a replacement the roof is already there, but repairing or replacing it adds to the bill.Support
A box or oriel bay needs proper support to take stress off the outside wall, Fixr says, and the wall often has to be opened wider than the old window.Mullions
Where units join, Florida code requires mullions and mulled assemblies in the HVHZ to be tested to TAS 202 or engineered to practice such as AAMA 450. The deflection limits for mullions are on the picture windows page.Approval
Ask how the full assembly is covered by an approved, labeled HVHZ rating, not only each sash.
Replacing a Bay or Adding One
Fixr says replacing an existing bay costs considerably less than installing one where none existed, because a new bay brings the wall's roof, floor and structure into play. HomeAdvisor's numbers show the gap:
Existing opening
A typical bay project runs $2,000 to $4,000, labor $1,000 to $1,500 of it.New opening
About $3,000 to open up the wall, plus about $550 for a structural engineer and $250 to $500 for a general contractor.Labor on big units
Fixr says labor can reach $800 for a large bow or bay that takes several installers to move into place.Seat and floor
Fixr notes a full bay that extends the floor needs new floor and ceiling finishes, and a built-in window seat adds cost. An oriel bay used as a seat needs extra reinforcement.Size
HomeAdvisor says most bays are 4 to 10 feet wide and 3 feet tall, and bigger units can reach $7,500 for the window alone.Permit
Either job needs a city permit in Pompano Beach.
See Picture Windows for flat fixed glass.