Tag Archives: Windows

Bay Window or Bow Window? What’s the Difference Anyway?

September 18, 2018 Doug Bennett

The names sound similar and the windows themselves are similar. So what in the heck is the difference between a bay window and a bow window? Both will let in lots of light and offer great views, but there are some key differences between the two…

Bay Vs. Bow Window Style

A bay window usually has three openings, so it’s like three separate windows that have been married and live together within one frame. The middle window is typically (though not always) the size of a standard picture window and it’s flanked by two standard-sized windows. If your home is modern, the bay window’s more angular look will probably suit you just fine, although a bay window isn’t relegated to only modern homes.

Most bow windows have four, five or more windows as opposed to the three in a classic bay window. This allows for a curved installation that can even extend around corners, effectively offering a view from two sides of your home! The bow window is generally a bit curvier style-wise, and is perfect for a Victorian style home, although again, it can be used in virtually any style of home.

Bay Vs. Bow Windows for Adding Light

Since the bow window has more openings, it’s usually wider than a bay window and allows more light to come into your home. Bay windows may let in slightly less light and offer slightly less privacy as views encompass more side angles. Either is beautiful, though, and light is one of the main benefits of both styles. They really open up a room making them feel more open and spacious.

Bow Vs. Bay Windows Exterior Considerations

Bay windows tend to extend further from the building. They are generally installed at angles of 90, 135 or 150 degrees from the house so most often protrude further than a bow window. If your home’s exterior is near a sidewalk or street, a bow window may be a better fit. Bow windows also tend to be wider, and can even be installed around the corner of the house.

Bay Windows Allow for More Floor Space

Another thing that’s nice about bay windows is that they bump out a bit from the side of the house, allowing for a bit more floor space inside, perfect for displaying a favorite piece of furniture or artwork. They’re perfect for a breakfast nook, a window seat or just a wide sill that can accommodate a veritable jungle of houseplants. However, both types of window designs allow for the addition of window seats as an interior design feature so you needn’t discount the bow window from your options.

Bay Windows Give More Window Style Options

Bay windows can be flexible when it comes to each individual window type. If air circulation is important in your room, think carefully before choosing bow windows. While opening bow windows can be installed, they are sometimes more expensive or can disrupt the overall flow of the windows’ elegant curvature. Bay windows, on the other hand, can easily accommodate opening mechanisms and function just like ordinary windows. You can choose a combination of double-hung, casement, picture, or awning windows to create your bay window.

Bow Vs Bay Windows Cost Considerations

So which is right for your home? The decision will rest with your tastes and your budget. Bow windows are more expensive to install since they typically require tying into a soffit or a hip roof to seal out air and water. They’re also costlier because they’ve got more glass and more structure than a typical bay window.

Interested in exploring your window options in the Kansas City area? Don’t hesitate to contact us at All-Weather Window, Doors and Siding, the area’s premier window experts!

Windows

Andersen TruScene: a Window Screen That Is True to the View

March 15, 2018 Doug Bennett

We buy windows because they let sunlight into our homes and provide a way to see outside – connecting us with nature, neighbors, and our environment. So why ruin that with a screen that dulls the light and obscures the view? That was the thought that went through the brilliant minds of the window designers at Andersen when they created the TruScene® window screens.

Andersen TruScene® Window Screens Are Clearly Better

As you can see from the picture, Andersen’s TruScene® screens provide more than 50% greater clarity than conventional aluminum screens, letting in more fresh air and sunlight while keeping out small insects. They also let in significantly less dirt and dust!

How Did They Make a Better Screen?

These revolutionary new screens are made with a micro-fine stainless steel mesh that’s one-third the diameter of conventional insect screen wire. They allow more fresh air and sunlight in while keeping pesky insects and dust out. They provide a screen that is superior in both strength and visual appeal.

Leave Them Up Year Round

Many of our customers remove their traditional screens in the winter to provide a better view. Andersen Tru-Scene® screens are virtually invisible so there’s no need to take them off and store them over the winter. You won’t even notice they are there!

Andersen Windows Are Award Winning

With all of these advantages, it’s no wonder that Andersen® 400 Series windows have been named a Best Buy for Replacement Windows by Consumers Digest. Windows were judged on performance ratings, quality of construction and materials, ease of operation, and warranty. If you’re looking for replacement windows, make sure you include Andersen windows when you’re shopping.

All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding is proud to be Kansas City’s premier “KC Metro” Andersen Circle of Excellence showroom displaying the finest Andersen windows and patio doors. Come in and see them for yourself in person.

Call us at (913) 648-9589 or schedule an appointment online to see how we can help you with a new Andersen window installation.

Doors, Windows

Wonderful Winter Window Decorating Ideas

December 18, 2017 Doug Bennett

The shorter days and longer nights of winter mean your home will be illuminated from within every evening. What better time to create some beautiful holiday themed windows? The team at All-Weather Window, Doors & Siding has gathered these window decorating ideas from Pinterest to inspire you to make your windows festive. Maybe even get the kids involved!

Wreaths Put the O in Ho, Ho, Ho

Whether you put one big wreath in each window or dangle a few smaller wreaths at varying lengths, writhes with greenery and and bows add a festive touch to any window.

Ornaments Aren’t Just for Trees

Take those festive ornaments off the tree and display them in a window. Choose elegant metallics, festive red and white or bright jewel tones and hang them from ribbons, garland, beads, etc. Mix it up and make it your own! They’ll look great from both inside and outside.

Get a Little Flaky

Snowflakes are appropriate all winter long, so adorn your panes with any kind you can find. Create a snowflake curtain. Get the kids involved and make them out of paper, get some from the dollar store, or even use the stick-on variety.

Pearls, Polka Dots and Doilies

Get a more elegant look by stringing pearls like window garland and adding small white dots to simulate snowflakes. Multi-size doilies also do a great job of pretending to be a Christmas tree when placed and spaced appropriately.

Light It Up

Lights always add a festive touch. They don’t have to be fancy. Stars, snowflakes or just glowing orbs will bring a touch of holiday magic to any window. Go with small dainty lights or even one big show stopper like the big star below.

Do You See What I See?

Use large letters to send a message of holiday joy to your neighbors and passersby. This is perfect for bay and bow windows too. If you have four windows, choose a word like NOEL. Five windows…PEACE works nicely.

Take the Elf Off the Shelf

Break the rules and have some fun with playfully posed elves. Add a ladder at the bottom or trapeze swings to the top. Let the kids help with this one and get as creative as possible. Young and old alike will find delight in this display.

We hope these ideas have inspired you to share your holiday spirit with the world through your windows! Happy holiday wishes from your friends at All-Weather Windows, Doors and Siding!

General News, Windows

Big City Holiday Window Displays to Put You in the Spirit of the Season

December 8, 2017 Doug Bennett

At All-Weather Window, Doors and Siding, we love windows and we figured what better way to share some holiday spirit than showing you some amazing seasonal window displays from upscale retailers. From Macy’s to Ralph Lauren to Anthropologie, take a virtual stroll down some big city streets to see some of the most amazing holiday window displays. Happy window shopping!

Suspended by festive red ribbons, these white gifts dangle merrily around a beautiful crimson holiday gown. Perfectly punctuated with big red bells, you can almost hear the “Carol of the Bells” in your head.

This Mini packs maximum impact in this festive window display. The car practically explodes with gifts and holiday cheer. From the reindeer perched on the hood to the “Ho, ho, hos” floating jauntily above, everything about this screams jolly. From a branding standpoint, this display subtly reminds us that this car is small and fun. Who needs a one-horse open sleigh anyway?!

Marie Belle, a handcrafted sweets shop from New York created this fairytale woodland window display. From the whimsical mushrooms to the charming deer family, it doesn’t get much more charming than this. The gaps in the stand of birch trees beckon the passersby to peek behind them to see what the warmly lit store has to offer.

A peaceful hush falls over your spirit when you gaze into this soft and snowy winter wonderland. The woods are crisp and quiet, the snow is fluffy and pure. Anthropologie has created an ethereal retreat that surely stands in stark contrast to the noisy city streets outside.

This is an oldie, but a goodie. This Ralph Lauren holiday window display from 2012 is worth revisiting. From the twinkling lights on the willowy tree branches to the giant silver globes on the ground, this silvery scene mixes elegant holiday spirit with a touch of retro charm. The effect is almost like this lovely lady is literally frozen in time.

In another blast from the past, this 2011 Macy’s holiday window display featured a fantastical array of cogs and wheels that make up a steampunk style dream machine for making customer wishes come true. So awesome!

The designer who created this Ralph Lauren, 2013 display must have been dreaming of a white Christmas. The lighting and shadows gracefully illuminate this winter wonderland and who would have ever imagined white peacocks? This surreal scene fits nicely with the eternally elegant feel of the Ralph Lauren brand.

We hope you enjoyed and were inspired by these beautiful holiday window displays. Happy holidays from All-Weather Window, Doors and Siding!

Windows

Window Shopping 101- Anatomy of a Window

October 24, 2017 Doug Bennett

So you’re shopping for new windows, but like most homeowners, you don’t have a lot of knowledge about replacement windows. The team at All-Weather Window, Doors and Siding put together this short guide to help familiarize yourself with the parts of a window, so when you do your research, you’ll know what these basic terms mean and you’ll know what to look for when shopping.

Know the Basics of Window Anatomy before Shopping

1. Frame – the frame is the outside structure (usually made of wood, or composite) that provides structure and rigidity so the window has a place to sit securely.

2. Cladding – made of vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass, cladding is wrapped around the exterior of a wood or composite window to protect it from the elements. It also eliminates the need to paint the window.

3. Sash – this is the moving part of the window. It can slide up and down and allows the window to be tilted in for easy cleaning. Double hung windows have an upper and a lower sash.

4. Insulated Glass – double-glazed windows have two panes of glass sealed together. The space between the two panes of glass is filled with air or another gas that insulates better than air. Argon gas is the most common gas other than air used to fill the space.

5. Low-E Coating – this transparent coating improves the efficiency of the glass by reflecting heat while letting light in. In warm climates, the coating is applied to the outside of glass to reflect the sun’s heat and keep it out. In colder areas, it’s applied to the inside glass to keep heat in.

6. Grilles – these are the decorative pieces that criss cross the middle of the window, usually in a grid pattern. They are available in different designs to match architectural styles.

At All-Weather Window, Doors and Siding, we are proud to offer Andersen replacement windows. We have found that these windows offer the best in quality and price.

If you are considering purchasing Kansas City replacement windows and have questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at (913) 648-9589 or contact us online. We will be happy to answer any questions you have and help make your shopping experience better!

Insulation, Windows

Is That Wood Rot or Just Mold around Your Windows?

July 24, 2017 Doug Bennett

Mold and wood rot are both produced by fungi, but one is more dangerous to wood than the other. While mold is unhealthy, it will not break down wood like wood rot does. However, because mold also requires moisture to form, its presence is a warning that wood rot could happen.

It is easy to spot the differences between mold and wood rot. Wood rot presents as decay, and mold presents as discoloration, usually black or white.

Wood rot is a dangerous but avoidable condition often found in the wood of older houses. Windows are a particular trouble spot and must be checked for wood rot often.At All-Weather, we have seen it all when it comes to wood rot in Kansas City area homes! Our first priority is helping our clients identify wood rot before it becomes a detrimental issue for your home.

Wood Rot and How to Spot It

Wood rot is exactly what it sounds like: the decay of wood caused by fungi. If the wood around your windows is decaying, that’s a sure indication of wood rot, but it isn’t always visible. We suggest that you press your fingers into the wood. If it feels soft or crumbles, wood rot is below the outer surface of the wood.

What You Can Do About Wood Rot

There are four conditions necessary for rot to occur: wood, oxygen, warmth, and moisture. While fungi is what causes rot, it will not affect your wood if all four of the above aren’t present. Once rot has started, you should replace any wood that is too damaged and use borate products to treat new and old wood. Borate products, like BoraCare and TimBor, work as a fungicide and come in either liquid or powder forms.

Preventing and Avoiding Wood Rot

The key to avoiding wood rot is in eliminating moisture. Of course, it’s impossible to completely avoid moisture from coming into contact with your windows, but there are a few ways you can minimize it so that fungi cannot thrive:

Paint the Wood: Painting the wood will act as a barrier against water and moisture. This way, you can let your windows get wet without worrying that the water will seep into the wood.
Remove Standing Water: Remove any standing water (for example, water that pools around your windows during rain storms).
Promote Good Airflow: Maintaining a good airflow is crucial because the faster your wood can dry, the less chance it has of producing wood rot.

If you find the wood on your windows rotting your home, call us at (913) 648-9589 or schedule an appointment online to see how we can help you with a new window installation.

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