Installing Bay or Bow Windows As with any replacement, accurate measurement is the key to a simple and successful installation. Refer to the measurement and specifying section to famil- iarize yourself with the parts and pieces that have to be removed. You must be able to measure the exist- ing window and be able to add the proper inches to the height and width to accommodate the frame that must be removed, but is hidden beneath the trim. If you’re not sure of the dimensions, don’t be afraid to remove any trim when you measure. It is more pru- dent to be concerned with a properly installed and sealed new window, rather than with tampering with the old window. Removing the Old Window There are two types of old windows that are usually replaced with a new Bay or Bow Window- a picture window/double hung or slider combination, or an old Bay or Bow Window. If the window to be replaced is a combination window, then it is best to remove the entire window, frame and all. If the window to be replaced is an old Bay or Bow Window, it might be easier to just remove the window parts and leave the old head and seat board. If the old head and seat boards are structurally sound, the new window might able to be installed to fit within these boards and limit the amount of disturbance you must make to the trim and siding around the old Bay or Bow Window. If the total old Bay or Bow Window needs to be removed, the old roof and outer lower support may also need to be replaced regardless of their condition. New, custom made Bay or Bow Windows may have a different angle or curve than the old bay or bow, and the roof and lower support would have to be rebuilt or replaced to match the shape of the new window and avoid leaks or an unsightly installation. Minor variances can be accommodated by quality capping and trim. Remember, the finished looks are as impor- tant as the structural support. Whenever possible, work with the factory and try to be able to make a custom window and save the work. If the home owner wants new trim outside, at the most offer it as an extra, because if the window fits the opening, new outside trim may not be necessary. Follow the drawings and remove all parts of the old windows until you are down to the head and seat board. The existing header, sill, roof and support are all held fast to the wall. Removing the old window shouldn’t interfere with any of these. The only item you may want to check would be the support since the new window might be heavier because of the insulated glass in the window units. Carefully removing the covering of the support struc- ture will probably allow you to add additional sup- port if necessary. The old covering can be re-applied and trimmed new to blend the new window to the existing siding. Removing an existing combination window should clear the opening down to the header, sill, and jack studs, as shown. Custom Wall Depth Most bay, Bow, or Garden Windows have 6" standard side board depths. For most applications these are the correct dimensions. For some applications, however, the opening is extra deep requiring a custom side board depth. Using the diagrams for Siding and Brick, measure the opening depth. Inside Trim King Stud Sill Plate Jack Stud Cripple Stud Head SIDING BRICK HEIGHT WIDTH Measure Here Measure Here Window Fitters Guide to Window Installation 61 ©2022 AWDI, LLC Do not reproduce without permission SAMPLE MANUAL
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