Free in-home measure and quote - PGT, CGI and CWS impact lines compared on your actual openings, style by style
Before
After
Before
AfterBay & Bow Windows in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Bay and bow windows in Fort Lauderdale typically run between $1,800 and $6,500 installed, depending on size, glass type, and whether impact-rated glazing is required – which it almost always is here. If you’re also considering other styles, our Window Installation page covers the full range of options. Most installations wrap up in one to two days, and the result is a dramatic increase in natural light, usable interior space, and curb appeal that flat windows simply can’t match.
At Winslow Windows & Doors, we’ve been installing bay and bow windows across Fort Lauderdale since 2011. Ed Winslow started this company as a locally owned alternative to the national chains that send a different crew every time and hand you a 1-800 number when something goes wrong. If you’re thinking about adding a bay or bow window to your home – or replacing an aging one that’s leaking, fogging, or just looking tired – our Window Installation in Fort Lauderdale team is ready when you are. Call us at (904) 913-5886 and a live person will pick up, any hour of the day.
Fort Lauderdale’s climate makes this more than an aesthetic decision. Broward County’s wind-zone requirements mean most residential windows need to meet specific impact and pressure ratings. We’re authorized installers for CGI and ES Windows, two brands that consistently deliver the structural performance the Florida Building Code demands – without sacrificing the elegant sightlines that make a bay or bow window worth having in the first place.
When You Need Bay & Bow Windows
- You want more usable interior square footage without a full addition. A bay window projects 12 to 24 inches past the wall plane, creating enough floor space for a reading nook, a built-in bench with storage, or a window seat the kids will claim forever. In the smaller bungalows common in Sailboat Bend and Tarpon River, this kind of space gain matters.
- Your existing picture or casement window is fogging between panes. Seal failure in South Florida’s humidity is extremely common, especially in windows that are more than 12 to 15 years old. If condensation is trapped inside the glass unit, the insulating gas is gone and the window is thermally compromised. Replacing it with a new bay or bow configuration solves the problem and upgrades the room at the same time.
- You’re renovating a living room, dining room, or primary bedroom and want a focal point. Flat windows are functional. Bay and bow windows are architectural. In the neighborhoods along Las Olas Isles and Victoria Park, we see homeowners use bow windows to dramatically change the exterior profile of older ranch homes during renovation.
- Your current windows don’t meet Broward County’s impact requirements. If your home was built before 2002 or the windows haven’t been updated since, there’s a real chance they fall short of current code. Bay and bow configurations with CGI or ES Windows impact glazing solve the compliance issue and the aesthetic one simultaneously.
- You’re dealing with excessive heat gain on a west- or south-facing wall. Fort Lauderdale’s afternoon sun is intense from March through October. A properly specified low-E impact bay window can cut solar heat gain significantly compared to the single-pane or clear-glass units common in homes from the 1980s and 1990s.
- You want to sell within the next few years and need differentiation. Bay and bow windows consistently appear in real estate listings as a selling feature. In a competitive Fort Lauderdale market, updated windows with an architectural statement carry genuine appraisal value.
Our Bay & Bow Windows Process
- Free in-home measurement and consultation. One of our uniformed, background-checked technicians visits your Fort Lauderdale home, takes precise measurements of the rough opening, assesses the wall framing and exterior cladding, and walks you through the style options – traditional three-panel bay, angled bay, or multi-panel bow. There’s no trip charge for homes in Broward County, and no obligation. We discuss your goals, your budget, and what the Florida Building Code requires for your specific wind zone and wall exposure.
- Custom window specification and product selection. Bay and bow windows are not stock items pulled from a warehouse shelf. Each unit is specified to your opening dimensions and ordered from the manufacturer. We help you choose the right configuration: a three-panel bay with a fixed center and operable flankers, or a bow with four to six equal panels curved across the wall. We specify the glass package – typically impact-rated laminated glass with a low-E coating for Fort Lauderdale’s climate – and finalize the frame material, color, and interior finish.
- Permit application and Broward County coordination. Most bay and bow installations in Fort Lauderdale require a permit, particularly when the rough opening is being modified or the window is impact-rated and replacing a non-impact unit. We handle the paperwork, the product approval documentation, and the scheduling coordination with the county inspector. Homeowners should never skip this step – an unpermitted window replacement can create real problems at resale.
- Structural framing and exterior prep. Installing a bay or bow window is structurally more involved than swapping a flat window. The wall opening may need to be modified, a structural header sized appropriately for the new span, and the exterior soffit or knee wall below the projecting sill built out to support the unit’s weight. Our crew handles all of this framing work as part of the installation – we don’t subcontract structural carpentry to a separate team.
- Window installation, flashing, and sealing. The window unit is set, leveled, and fastened according to the manufacturer’s installation specifications and Florida Product Approval requirements. Flashing is critical in Fort Lauderdale’s rain environment – we use self-adhering flashing tape at the sill and head, and ensure the exterior cladding integrates with the window frame to prevent water intrusion. Every penetration is sealed. Given how aggressively summer storms drive rain against south and east exposures here, proper flashing is not optional.
- Interior trim, inspection, and walkthrough. After the window is secured and sealed, interior casing and trim are fitted and finished. We schedule the county inspection, accompany the inspector on site, and resolve any findings the same day when possible. Before we leave, Ed’s team walks you through the operation of any operable panels, the locking hardware, and what to watch for in the first season. The job isn’t done until you’re satisfied – that’s the 36500-Day Done Right Promise, and it’s not a marketing line. If something isn’t right, we come back and make it right.
Bay & Bow Windows Pricing in Fort Lauderdale
Bay and bow window pricing varies more than almost any other window type, because the product itself is custom-built and the installation involves more structural work than a standard flat window swap. Garden Windows are another specialty option with similarly custom pricing. Here’s an honest look at what Fort Lauderdale homeowners typically spend:
| Configuration | Estimated Installed Price Range |
|---|---|
| Standard three-panel bay window (impact-rated, vinyl frame) | $1,800 – $3,200 |
| Angled bay window with wood interior finish | $2,400 – $4,000 |
| Four-panel bow window (impact-rated, vinyl frame) | $2,800 – $4,500 |
| Six-panel bow window with custom exterior cladding | $4,000 – $6,500 |
| Structural header modification (if required) | $300 – $900 additional |
| Broward County permit (typical range) | $150 – $400 additional |
Several factors move that number up or down for any specific Fort Lauderdale home:
- Impact glazing requirement. Broward County’s wind zone means most installations call for impact-rated laminated glass. This is more expensive than standard insulated glass, but it eliminates the need for separate hurricane shutters on that opening – and it satisfies your insurance carrier’s requirements.
- Frame material. Vinyl frames are the most common choice in Fort Lauderdale because they don’t corrode in coastal air. Aluminum frames offer a slimmer sightline at a similar price point. Wood interior finishes with vinyl or aluminum exteriors cost more but suit older homes where the architectural character warrants it.
- Existing opening size and wall condition. If the rough opening needs to be enlarged, the framing needs repair from prior moisture damage, or the exterior siding requires significant patching, those items affect the total. We identify all of this at the free measurement visit – there are no surprise line items added after you’ve signed.
- Brand and glass package. CGI and ES Windows both produce impact-rated bay configurations that meet Florida Product Approval standards. Glass packages with higher solar heat gain control (lower SHGC values) cost a bit more upfront but reduce cooling costs noticeably in Fort Lauderdale’s nine-month heat season.
Seniors and veterans receive a permanent 10% discount on all installations – not a promotion, a standing commitment. And if you’ve already received a written estimate from another contractor, we’ll give you a free second opinion so you know exactly what you’re comparing.
Call (904) 913-5886 to schedule your free in-home estimate. Upfront pricing, no surprises on the invoice.
FAQs – Bay & Bow Windows
Do bay and bow windows need to be impact-rated in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes, in nearly all residential applications in Fort Lauderdale they do. Broward County falls within a High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), and the Florida Building Code requires windows in new construction and replacement projects to carry an approved impact rating or be protected by an approved shutter system. A bay or bow window that projects beyond the wall plane creates additional structural considerations as well – the unit and its framing need to be engineered for the wind load specific to your home’s exposure. When we specify a bay or bow window for a Fort Lauderdale home, we default to impact-rated glazing from CGI or ES Windows because it satisfies the code, satisfies the insurer, and doesn’t require you to deploy shutters every time a storm threatens. Call (904) 913-5886 and we’ll confirm exactly what your property requires.
How long does a bay or bow window installation take in Fort Lauderdale?
Most installations in Fort Lauderdale take one to two days on site, though the lead time from your deposit to installation day is typically four to eight weeks because the windows are custom-ordered to your exact dimensions. For projects where space is limited, Horizontal Roller Windows can sometimes offer shorter lead times due to simpler sizing. The permit process in Broward County adds some scheduling time as well – we submit for the permit as soon as product approval documentation is in hand, and we track it so you’re not sitting in the dark waiting for news. We’ll give you a realistic timeline at your estimate appointment, and we stick to it. If something changes on our end, you’ll hear from us before it becomes a problem.
What is the difference between a bay window and a bow window?
A bay window typically consists of three panels: a large fixed center pane flanked by two angled side panels (usually at 30 or 45 degrees). The result is a rectangular or trapezoidal projection. A bow window uses four, five, or six panels of equal width arranged in a gradual curve, creating a rounded or semi-circular projection. Bay windows create a sharper, more defined interior nook and are common in dining rooms and bedrooms. Bow windows create a softer exterior profile and are often used in living rooms where the goal is to maximize the panoramic view. For a different approach to capturing views, Casement Windows offer excellent ventilation and unobstructed sightlines. In Fort Lauderdale’s older ranch and mid-century homes, we see both used frequently – bow windows on longer wall spans, bay windows where the architectural character suits a more angular form.
Can a bay or bow window be added to any exterior wall, or are there structural limits?
Not every wall is equally suited for a bay or bow installation, and this is one of the most important things we assess during the free measurement visit. Load-bearing walls require a properly sized structural header above the new opening – skipping this step or undersizing the header is a serious safety risk that no reputable contractor should take. We also evaluate the foundation or exterior wall below the projected sill, since a bay or bow that overhangs the foundation needs a knee wall or cable support system to bear the window’s weight properly. Walls with significant moisture damage, insect damage, or prior repairs need to be assessed carefully before work begins. The short answer is that most Fort Lauderdale homes can accommodate a bay or bow window, but the structural requirements need to be confirmed by a professional on site – not guessed at remotely. Call (904) 913-5886 and we’ll come out, assess your wall, and tell you exactly what’s involved.
Why Fort Lauderdale Homeowners Work With Ed Winslow
Ed Winslow’s name is on the door – and on every job we do. That’s not a phrase we use lightly. When you call Winslow Windows & Doors, a real person answers. When the crew shows up, they’re uniformed, background-checked, and they know your project before they ring the bell. When the job is done, the 36500-Day Done Right Promise means there’s no statute of limitations on making it right if something isn’t.
We’re authorized installers for CGI and ES Windows, two of the brands most trusted by Fort Lauderdale homeowners for impact performance and long-term durability in coastal air. We’ve been at this since 2011, and our address, license number, and Ed’s direct line are publicly available because full transparency is how we do business. No shell companies, no subcontracted mystery crews, no voicemail loops.
Whether you’re adding a bay window to a 1960s ranch in Riverside Village or replacing a failing bow window in a waterfront home near Coral Ridge, our home base is close and our schedule fills up – so reaching out sooner is better than later.
Call (904) 913-5886 for a free estimate. We’ll measure, we’ll specify, and we’ll give you a number you can count on – before you commit to anything.
Written by Ed Winslow, Owner at Winslow Windows & Doors, serving Fort Lauderdale since 2011.
Six Reasons Homeowners Choose Winslow Windows & Doors
Impact systems engineered to design pressures up to +/-100, matched to your wind zone - your openings hold when the storm arrives.
Low-E insulated impact glass from our manufacturer lines commonly cuts monthly cooling bills 20-30%.
Laminated impact glass shuts out up to 40% of outside noise - traffic, neighbors, weather.
Monitoring services run $30-90 a month. Laminated impact glass resists forced entry around the clock, with no subscription.
Florida homeowners average around 25% savings on the windstorm portion of their policy after protecting every opening - some homes qualify for more.
A full impact package upgrades curb appeal, buyer confidence and appraised value in one project.