Arched windows – a combination of style and functionality

Arched windows should be constructed like normal windows, with reinforcement around the entire circumference and glued-in glass panes, which also have a load-bearing function.  

Arched windows do not necessarily have to be round. Triangular arches, trapezoids and polygons are also available on the market. Modern technologies allow us to create windows in any shape we can imagine. They do not lose their thermal insulation properties.

The basis for the correct installation of arched windows in a building is to prepare and measure where and how the window will be opened. This prevents unnecessary construction errors. 

What should you know before buying arched windows?

There are a few things to consider when deciding on non-standard windows: 

• Finance – it is assumed that the cost of non-standard shaped windows is about 15-20% higher. Pessimistic forecasts even talk about a 50% higher price. 
• Installation – they require a specially prepared lintel, which is much more difficult to make than a classic one. Solid bricks or sand-lime bricks are used to make them. They are also made of reinforced concrete and prefabricated.  
• Measurement – ordering the right size of window is a real challenge in this case. Measuring arched windows yourself can be very risky, it is better to outsource this service to a qualified person. Then we can be sure that the measurement has been made correctly. 
• Fittings – invisible, but decisive for comfort and safety of use. There are companies that specialise in this type of joinery. They ensure a stable construction, keeping the window sashes in the correct position in relation to the frame and preventing them from falling. 
  

Arched windows are divided into facade, large-size (balcony, terrace), and roof windows. They have a fixed, hinged or mixed construction. The last type is characterised by the fact that the upper, rounded part is fixed, while the rest can be easily opened or tilted. 

Large arched windows

Large windows require additional construction solutions because they must be resistant to gusts of wind, stable and rigid, and strong enough to lift the window sashes.  

The material used to make the arched window is also important. You can choose from plastic, wood or aluminium. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages – PVC windows are the best value for money, while wooden and aluminium windows can withstand greater loads and are more durable and long-lasting. 

Accessories for arched windows

So-called dormers, which are placed on the roof of a building, can also enhance the appearance of the building. There are certain rules for their use, including that the window area should be at least 1/8 of the floor area of the room in which it is installed. This allows for sufficient light. 

It is not difficult to cover an arched window. Suitable curtains provide a sense of privacy and protect against overheating on hot days. Classic curtains hanging on curtain rails, as well as roller blinds and internal or external blinds, work well here. Wooden shutters will give the whole building a unique character.

Unusually shaped windows are still quite an expensive investment, which is only intended to emphasise the character of the building and the facade.

Read also:

What are the advantages of PVC windows?

Modern systems we use for PVC windows