How a Bay Window is Manufactured
A bay or bow window is more than just a style upgrade; it’s an architectural feature that changes the way a room feels, looks, and performs. Unlike a standard full-frame window, a bay projects outward from the wall, combining multiple window units into one seamless structure.
At Hi-Tech Energy Windows & Doors, we don’t piece together bay windows onsite. Every bay and bow window we install is designed, built, and assembled as a complete unit in our Winnipeg manufacturing facility. That means stronger performance, better insulation, and the confidence of our Lifetime Transferable Warranty , which provides protection that stays with the home, even if you sell it.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how bay windows are constructed in the factory, and why Hi-Tech’s process stands apart.
Step 1: Measuring and Designing the Bay Window
Every bay or bow window starts with an accurate measurement of the existing opening:
- Overall width and height of the opening.
- Projection depth, which determines how far the window will extend outward.
- Angles of the unit, calculated from those dimensions.
These details drive the design, ensuring the final window fits seamlessly into the home.
From here, we determine the number of window faces: a classic three-panel bay (one fixed center, two angled sides) or a four-plus-panel bow with a graceful curve.
Step 2: What Bay Windows Are Made Of
Each face of the bay window is manufactured as an individual box unit. These can be:
- Fixed units for a wide, unobstructed view.
- Operable casement units for ventilation.
Hi-Tech manufactures two different window lines, both designed for Manitoba’s extreme climate. Units are built from maintenance-free PVC and composite materials, ensuring durability with no risk of rot or warping.
Once the box units are built, they’re ready to be joined into the larger frame.
Step 3: How Bay Windows Are Constructed in the Factory
This is where Hi-Tech’s process stands apart. Instead of shipping loose box units to the jobsite, we build a complete bay window system in the factory.
- The box units are set into a custom frame designed for the opening.
- At each corner joint, we apply minimal expansion spray foam insulation to seal the gaps.
- Once the foam cures, corner caps are installed to secure and finish the joint.
- The frame includes an integral brick mould that is sized to the exact opening, protecting against moisture and ensuring a clean exterior finish.
This ensures the bay window leaves the factory as one solid, insulated structure, not a collection of parts.
Step 4: Exterior and Interior Finishes
The finishing details are built into the unit itself:
- Exterior brick mould is integral to the frame, not a site-made add-on. It’s sized to the exact opening and protects against water intrusion.
- Interior jamb extensions are added when needed, trimmed to fit flush with the home’s interior wall.
Trim details are completed in the factory, giving the window a clean, finished look from the day it arrives.
Step 5: Insulation, Energy Efficiency, and Weatherproofing
Are bay windows energy efficient? Yes, when built properly. Hi-Tech bay windows are designed with Manitoba’s climate in mind:
- Spray foam insulation between box units (sealed with corner caps).
- Insulated head and seat boards, protecting the top and bottom of the projection.
- Brickmould and frame seals, keeping air and moisture out.
Older bays can be drafty, but Hi-Tech’s factory-built units meet Energy Star® standards, helping reduce heat loss and lower energy bills.
Step 6: Quality Control and Assembly
Every Hi-Tech bay window undergoes a full quality inspection before leaving the factory:
- Frames and joints are checked for strength and insulation.
- Exterior finishes are inspected for precision.
- Glass packages are reviewed for Energy Star® performance.
Once approved, the complete unit is packaged and shipped to the home for installation.
Step 7: Installation in the Home
Because the bay arrives as a factory-built product, installation is faster, cleaner, and more reliable:
- The window is placed directly into the prepared opening.
- Brickmould and jamb extensions fit seamlessly into the structure.
- The installation team seals and insulates the perimeter, integrating the bay into the wall.
Unlike onsite assembly, this method avoids inconsistencies, reduces installation time, and ensures the performance of the factory-built system.
Our Lifetime Transferable Warranty: Coverage That Stands Apart
A bay window is a significant investment, and warranties matter. At Hi-Tech Energy Windows & Doors, we back every bay and bow window with our Lifetime Transferable Warranty.
- Complete coverage — the entire unit (frame, glass, brickmould, jamb extensions, finishes) is covered, not just individual parts.
- Transferable protection — if you sell your home, the warranty passes to the next homeowner, adding resale value.
- One point of accountability — because the window is manufactured as a complete product, coverage isn’t split between product and installation.
Homeowners need to understand the difference between factory-built, custom-fit full-frame windows and onsite-assembled bay windows. While some companies may assemble bays from individual box units on the jobsite, not all components may be covered the same way. Asking the right questions about what is covered under product warranty vs. install warranty is critical.
Why Hi-Tech’s Bay Windows Are Different
- Built in Winnipeg — not shipped in or cobbled together onsite.
- Factory-assembled as a complete, insulated unit.
- Integral finishes like brickmould and jambs built into the design.
- Maintenance-free PVC and composite materials for long-term durability.
- Insulation at every joint with spray foam and capped corners.
Lifetime Transferable Warranty that covers the entire unit and follows the home.
Closing Thoughts
A bay or bow window is a major investment in your home’s comfort, efficiency, and curb appeal. When you choose Hi-Tech Energy Windows & Doors, you’re not just getting a window; you’re getting a complete system, manufactured and assembled locally to perform for decades in Manitoba’s climate.
Don’t settle for a window that’s pieced together onsite. Choose Hi-Tech, and get the confidence of a factory-built product backed by Manitoba’s only Lifetime Transferable Warranty.