Let’s learn what bay windows angles are and how to measure your bay windows angle effectively.
Bay Window Angles Based on Shape
Here’s a breakdown of the common bay window shapes and their corresponding angles:
1. Square or Rectangular
Angles: 90 degrees between all windows.
Structure: Three windows, each at a right angle to the others.
2. Hexagonal
Angles: 135 degrees between all windows.
Structure: Three windows, each angled at 135 degrees.
3. Triangular or Trapezoidal
Angles: 120 degrees between all windows (oriel window).
Structure: Typically, three windows, but can have more, each angled at 120 degrees.
4. Curved
Angles: Varying angles, depending on the curve’s shape.
Structure: Often a combination of straight and curved sections.
5. Custom
Angles: Can vary widely based on the specific design.
Structure: Depends on the desired shape and angles.
How to Measure Angle for a Bay Window?
To measure an angle bay window, follow these steps:
Understanding the Components:
Width: This is the total horizontal distance across the bay window, including the sides and the front.
Depth: This is the distance from the exterior wall to the furthest point of the bay window.
Height: This is the vertical distance from the floor to the top of the window frame.
Measuring the Angles:
Protractor: Use a protractor to measure the angles between the sides of the bay window. This will help determine its shape (e.g., square, hexagonal, triangular).
Measuring Individual Windows:
Width and Height: Measure the width and height of each individual window.
Frame Size: Measure the width of the window frame, including the casing.
Considering the Sill and Header:
Sill: Measure the width of the window sill (the bottom part of the window frame).
Header: Measure the width of the window header (the top part of the window frame).
Creating a Diagram:
Sketch: Draw a rough sketch of the bay window, labeling the measurements for reference.
For Example:
Let’s say you have a hexagonal bay window. You would measure the total width of the bay, the depth from the wall, and the height of the window frames. Then, you would use a protractor to confirm that the angles between the sides are 135 degrees. Finally, you would measure the width and height of each individual window, as well as the sill and header. By following these steps, you can accurately measure your angle bay window and obtain the necessary information for ordering or installing new windows.
How to Calculate Bay Window Angle?
To calculate bay window angle, you need to follow these steps below.
When measuring a bay window for angle calculations, it’s essential to identify the three main sides that form the bay. These sides typically correspond to the front, left, and right sections of the bay window.
Identifying the Sides:
Front Side: This is the side that faces outward, directly projecting from the main wall. It’s usually the widest part of the bay window.
Left Side: This is the side that extends from the left corner of the front side to the main wall.
Right Side: This is the side that extends from the right corner of the front side to the main wall.
Measure the Sides:
Measure the length of each side of your bay window. Label them as “a,” “b,” and “c.”
Use the Law of Cosines:
The Law of Cosines states: c² = a² + b² – 2ab * cos(C)
Where:
c is the side opposite angle C.
a and b are the other two sides.
cos(C) is the cosine of angle C.
Calculate the Angle:
Rearrange the formula to solve for cos(C):
cos(C) = (a² + b² – c²) / (2ab)
Use a calculator to find the value of cos(C).
Then, use the inverse cosine function (also known as arccosine or cos⁻¹) to find the angle C.
Example:
If you have a bay window with sides of length 4 feet, 5 feet, and 6 feet, you can calculate the angle opposite the 6-foot side (let’s call it angle C) using the Law of Cosines:
cos(C) = (4² + 5² – 6²) / (2 * 4 * 5)
cos(C) ≈ 0.3
C ≈ cos⁻¹(0.3) ≈ 72.5 degrees.
