Bay Windows

[Irving]

I'm curious about possibly adding a bay window to my house. Nothing in the immediate future, so I'm not looking for quotes or anything. I do have some questions though, and this thread can serve as an info thread in case anyone else is ever interested. If we have any members that are familiar with doors, glass, and or superior installation of either, I'm sure their input would be much appreciated.

The main question is, when installed properly, do you believe the cost of adding a bay window can at least bring equivalent value to the property? This is of course assuming that everything is done well and accents the home design, and doesn't just look like an after thought.

My second question has to do with the durability of the window itself. I've come across more than one person who has a leaky bay window. I usually get a claim called in after a storm, and the leak is completely unrelated, but it has happened enough times that I wonder why it is happening. At least once, the bay window that was leaking was located under a covered porch. Is there something inherent in the design of these windows that makes them prone to leaks?

[Wulf202]

Kitchens and bathrooms add value universally. Bay windows may or may not add value. So unless its in the kitchen you might break even on value

Window leaks in general are from bad install most of the time. Usually from the flashing at the top.

Bay windows and skylights leak because of the window seals facing water. Its not sealed like an aquarium and pointing glass at water is fine but add uv rays/heat to the equation and seals break down even when properly flashed in

[Irving]

That makes sense for sure. I haven't seen a skylight that doesn't like leaking.

[jerrymrc]

Mine has been in almost 10 years now. Mine was built from scratch by a friend and he did point out that the flashing and sealing is critical. The only time I have had an issue was when the windows were not completely shut. I needed a new window anyway and we love ours.

[SideShow Bob]

Try contacting Superior DG, a member here. I don't know if he can do the Constiction work portion, but his glass work is top notch.

[jerrymrc]

Try contacting Superior DG, a member here. I don't know if he can do the Constiction work portion, but his glass work is top notch.

In all reality they are easy to build. Now the trim portion and the mounting in the rafters is another thing. I will say my guy measured and after showing up with the window there was at most an 1/8" gap in the old opening after tearing the old one out.

[Irving]

Now that Wulff mentioned it, the kitchen probably would be a better place to add one on our house if I ever did. Then it'd at least work more toward raising the value.

[Zombie Steve]

From a Realtor perspective (me), no, it won't add any value to the house. It might help it show better and therefore sell quicker, but it's the equivalent of saddle bags on a motorcycle. It's just not going to add much if anything vs. a comparable house.

As far as the construction side, I used to sell windows many years ago. My advice is to frame the bay and use three individual windows vs. using a bay window unit from a manufactuer. I don't know if it's possible with the rough opening you have... Maybe they've improved over the years, but my experience selling them at a distributor level and also directly from a manufacturer has left me with the opinion that they are not user friendly to install, they're very heavy and frequently leakers.

[Irving]

Well, I was thinking on a more grand scale, of adding a nook, more than a bay window in the kitchen. That'd cost me at least $10,000 though. As I think about the bay window idea I originally had, I don't think the current window is wide enough.

[jerrymrc]

Mine was built from 3 windows. Plates on the bottom with rods going all the way to the top. Chains with turnbuckles go through the Soffit into the attic and bolted to the rafters. I was told to keep an eye on it to make sure it did not go anywhere. I put the level on it and check the seal at the top every year but it has not moved. very little weight is actually on the window frame.

We also put R-26 insulation on the top and bottom of the window.