advice on bow window
 

this window is very large and has single pane glass thus it is not energy efficient.
after running into a new issue plans are now down to 3.
the issue is the new low E glass I was going to put in has a 1/2 inch metal band around the edge of the glass. the lip on the frame is 1/4 inch so that will leave 1/2 to 9/16 of an inch of the band showing. I could put a thicker trim piece on the outside to hide the band and ADD trim around the inside of each frame to hide it. another $100 in trim and a lot more work. this is option 1

option 2, and the one we are leaning towards is to remove all the horizontal pieces of wood and put in 4 pieces of glass. I would still have to trim the inside but it would be easier and probably come out better than cutting 64 pieces to do each window.
for option 1 i would also have to cut 64 pieces for the outside.

option 3 is to replace the broken glass, and the other 4 i cracked and leave it as it was.

the other plan was to paint the inside white. the bottom part has nicks in it from kids banging toys and if i need to i can fill any holes on the vertical parts and the bottom.

for option 2 it does not look like it would be hard to remove the horizontal pieces since they are all individual. (famous last words).

Without a picture, I am guessing you have a four plane window each plane of which is divided into four small panes.
If that is the case I would probably remove the horizontal pieces and put in four vertical double pane windows with modified trim to cover the metal bindings.
(OK with the picture ,)
Best
Les

It looks like you have an old wood window with true divided lites. I don't think you're going to get a big upgrade in efficiency by replacing just the glass. I think you'd have to replace the frame and use simulated divided lites to really get energy savings. I can't think of anyone who offers an off the shelf true divided light bay window anymore. It's too expensive to manufacture true divided lites.

My vote is to simply replace the broken pane and the two that are cracked with replacement glass that matches the original and let it be. If it's too cold or the draft bothers you, cover the inside with one of those clear plastic films you can buy at Home Depot.

Do this now, and consider replacing the entire window next year.

the 3 vertical wood frames are solid one piece wood.
the horizontal one are all short individual pieces.
each glass is individual.

we can really feel heat and cold radiating in from the glass.

the 4 large panes are cheaper than all 16.

each pane would be 74x22
16 low e panels were about 800, 4 would be about 690.

If at all feasible financially...I would replace the window in it's entirety.
https://www.renewalbyandersen.com/windows-doors/replacement-windows/bay-bow.aspx

We had that exact window and sweated like crazy in the winter. They are not cheap, but would replace it if you can scrape the cash together. If you do, get casements that crank open on the sides for cross ventilation

It's funny how renewal by andersen ads bash vinyl windows, but they sell vinyl windows as Silverline.

In any event, I'd replace it with a picture window. Or least expensive bow would be Silverline V3 (Anderson) https://www.andersenwindows.com/windows-and-doors/windows/bay-windows-bow-windows/silver-line-v3-series-bay-and-bow-window/

Replace the entire thing with double pane bay window.

or... remove and build a three panel bay with opening flankers if the full open top to bottom is not a necessity.

I'd replace it with one large flat window.

Either replace the individual panes with new single panes or go big and replace the whole antique window unit. Looks like it's going to cost around $2000 and up to change out the whole window (unless you "upgrade" to a $1000 copper roof).

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1511472992.jpg

I think I would do option one. It will be cheaper if you get broken panes in the future and look better. Shop around for the best price. Also it seems like smaller panels last longer as far as leaking between the glass. A entire new window will have alot less open glass area especially one that opens. Or you can remove half the horizontal pieces and have 8 window panes. That might be a nice comprimise

Well I did it. I am committed or should be committed
Just need to order the glass and finish some clean up of old sealer and do some wood filling.
Man what a difference. It really opens things up. Seems like there is no window there at all. Well right now there isnt.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1512390899.jpg

window is 80 wide and 76 tall.
glass is about 175 each, +trim. I may make my own.
this will be nice. paint it white.

I have already insulated under the bottom of the window and the top, from outside.
there is a gap on the left side I need to fill, then its just a matter of better glass.

Got the glass home, the inside painted and here it is with the glass in.
It's not permanent yet, going to do that today.
I am really excited about how awesome this looks.
The wife is out of town and she does not know I have the glass.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1513260647.jpg

Much better. Good job!!

Thanks for the update. I noticed on the "tailgating" thread you had brought the glass home.
Good to see it come together.
Best
Les