Originally used for church altars and widespread in Victorian architecture, bay windows add a touch of elegance to any room, letting in much light and providing wide views out. Interiors can appear larger, reading nooks can be created, and building value or curb appeal enhanced. With purpose-designed glazing, bespoke dimensions, and a range of stylish finishes, modern bay windows from Neuffer can be custom-designed to meet a variety of different energy, security, and style requirements – just read on to find out more or contact our expert team today.
What is a Bay Window and How Does it Differ from a Bow Window?
Bay windows are typically characterised as windows with three sashes. The middle sash is usually fixed while the two side sashes open and are installed at symmetrical angles to the central one. Due to their construction bay windows tend to be relatively angular and protrude outwards, adding extra space to the interior.
Bow windows, on the other hand, are a similar product but generally feature four or more sashes. The window is often named after the number of sashes – a four-lite model would feature four sashes, for example, whereas a six-lite one would have six. Differently to a bay window, traditionally bow window sashes all tend to be fixed. Beyond this, the window takes on a more curved shape. Thanks to innovative coupling profiles, at Neuffer we can supply both bow and bay windows.
Additional Elements & Options for Supplying Bay Windows
Bay and bow windows from Neuffer can be constructed in different ways. For builders or customers with technical knowledge, we can supply the windows along with differently angled couplings. The windows can then be joined together onsite and built into the desired shape. An alternative, however, is to request the bay or bow shape from us directly, which we will manufacture for you. For more detailed information here, please contact our sales team with questions or details of your project. They can then provide product-specific answers or a free quote.
To add character various glazed top fanlights can then also be placed above the main sashes. Depending on the sash window's dimensions, these extra elements can come with an opening mechanism. Able to be tilted inwardly ajar using a handle or motor, they can securely let in a steady yet subtle supply of air, for example. This can be ideal for bay windows where the main sashes are fixed or for when the product is installed in kitchens or bathrooms where steam should be aired.
Optimise Practical Performance with Purpose-designed Glass
Because most of a bay or bow window's surface area consists of glazing, the quality and form of the glass should be carefully considered as it can be tailored to enhance performance in certain areas:
Opening Mechanisms for Bay Window Sashes
Bay windows from Neuffer are highly flexible and can feature innovative European openings. Along with the fixed or tiltable fanlights mentioned above, the main sashes can also all be fixed or rather be separately operable. One side sash could be tiltable, for example, whereas the other could be equipped with a tilt and turn mechanism. With this tilt and turn system, the window can be set to tilt ajar by around 15° but also has the potential to be swung fully open towards the interior on hinges like a door. This can allow for a great throughflow of air, creating a comfortable climate and meaning users can sit reading on a window seat in the bay while the outside is let in.
Thanks to our quality metal fittings and multiple locking plates, the opening mechanisms are all highly secure and can additionally be equipped with options to enhance child safety. A sash opening limiter can be used, for example, to restrict how far out the window can open to. Lockable handles that come with a key are then a further option, as are tilt and turn systems where the window must first be tilted by turning the handle 90° before it can be swung open when the handle is set to 180°.
Ensuring Excellent Thermal Insulation
At Neuffer all windows come with double glazing as a standard. Consisting of two panes of glass with the space between them filled with inert sealed argon gas, the glazing provides good insulation and prevents heat from being easily lost via conduction. An invisible low-e coating made from a metal oxide is then also applied to the surface to reflect excess solar radiation.
For customers after a higher level of energy efficiency, triple glazing is then also available for certain dimensions or configurations. Thanks to an additional third pane, this glass is thicker and will prevent energy loss more effectively. Interiors are therefore kept quite cool during warmer periods and warm when it's cold out, resulting in a comfortable year-round climate as well as energy savings on traditional heating and cooling systems.
Create Peaceful Interiors with Soundproofing
Because bay windows are often located at the front of buildings to make a beautiful first impression, soundproofing can be important for those near busy roads or an airport. At Neuffer, our window glazing can therefore feature panes that have asymmetrical thicknesses. With this design, the window can therefore achieve noise reduction classes 2 and 3, which, at a maximum, will reduce sound by 38 dB and be suitable for properties located around 300 m from a motorway with approximately 5000 vehicles passing per hour. For more enhanced sound protection, capable of achieving classes 4 or 5 and reducing noise by up to 45 dB, an invisibly integrated "silence foil" is then added to the window's glass. This helps to further slow the travel of sound waves and can be recommended for buildings situated 300 m from an airport.
Enhancing Break-in & Weather Protection
As well as being designed to maximise thermal and sound insulation, bay window glass can be manufactured to increase strength and impact resistance. The glazing can be tempered, for example. This increases its flexibility and makes the window very sturdy under high winds and pressures. Lamination is then also possible during manufacturing. In this process, multiple invisible interlayers of PVB polymer film are added to the glass. This makes the glass harder to break and additionally means that if it is cracked under high force, the panes won't shatter out. They will be rather held on the intact film, which requires special tools to tear through. These professional extras therefore make bay windows more durable and increase time taken to break into the building, which helps to deter intruders and prevent burglaries.
Choosing the Frame Material
Alongside the glazing, a bay window's frame material can play an important role when it comes to the final properties of the product. It can also determine the end design. To meet a range of different customer priorities and preferences, at Neuffer we offer the following five frame options:
In terms of uPVC, this is an innovative modern material featuring multiple built-in chambers that trap air. These chambers make the frame particularly insulating as energy loss through the profile is slowed. The material also tends to be quite affordable and is particularly low maintenance because its smooth surfaces make for easy cleaning.
For customers after a more traditional look, wood may be a preferred option. Available in different timbers, from meranti to oak, larch, and more, the frame adds warm charm to interiors, boasting unique patterns and textures. It is also naturally very sturdy.
For bay windows located on walls that are particularly exposed to the elements, an aluminium frame may then be better suited. The metal is anodised upon manufacturing to make it anti-rust, for example, and impresses with its inherent durability and impact resistance.
If the low-maintenance qualities of uPVC or the deep tones of timber are desired on the interior but excellent resistance on the exterior, our aluminium uPVC or aluminium clad wood frames can be an excellent solution. Here a timber or uPVC core, which shows on the ins
Add Bespoke Style with Our Finishes & Add-ons
To have bay windows beautifully complement or contrast with interiors or an exterior wall, a range of surface colours and decors can be selected from. For uPVC, for example, innovative woodec and aludec coatings are available, which have the frame authentically replicate a wooden or metal surface in both appearance and texture. A range of base RAL colours are then also available, from classic white to contemporary anthracite. All these colours are applied professionally during manufacturing via a high temperature foiling process to ensure durable vibrance and UV-resistance. Aluminium frames and cladding then feature similar options applied via powder-coating, whereas wooden bay windows can fashion a range of water-based varnishes or our most varied palette of acrylic RAL coats.
Ordering from Abroad Kept Simple
Thanks to our transparent and streamlined order process, we have supplied goods to over 250,000 clients across six continents.
From private German villas, contemporary apartments, or US homes, our experience is extensive and our scope wide.
