Common Problems with Garden Windows in the Kitchen

Garden windows are a great way to bring the outside in, making your kitchen feel like an indoor/outdoor room. These windows are much different from the typical bay window.

A garden window may suit your needs when you want to beautify your home. They can also help you maximize your home's resale value. So overall, they are a good idea you should try.

However, since garden windows protrude from your home's exterior walls, they can be more prone to issues than other windows.

So, if you're looking to learn all about how to take care of your garden window and problems you may encounter, we've got you covered.

What are garden windows?

A garden window is a small greenhouse-like structure that protrudes out by about 1 foot from the wall of a kitchen.

Garden windows have a similar look to bay windows, but serve different purposes in the home. While bay windows have three windows, a garden window has four. Bay windows are also typically used in dining or living rooms, while garden windows are almost always found in kitchens.

Its purpose is to allow sunlight to shine directly into the kitchen and provide space for plants and herbs. Garden windows often include shelves that homeowners can use for lighting houseplants.

As with any other home improvement project, garden windows come in various styles and designs.

Common problems with garden windows

If you're considering garden windows, there are a few things to keep in mind: 

1. Water Leaks Are Common

One of the biggest complaints about garden windows is that they leak at the top corners.

Sometimes, this is due to shoddy installation. The installer may have forgotten to seal the corners before putting in the glass panes or used too much caulk, which eventually cracks and leads to leaks. Other times, it's due to roofing problems that weren't visible when the window was installed but that developed later on.

In either case, fixing a leaky garden window usually involves removing the sash and resealing the corner joints with fresh caulk and new weather stripping. If the leak persists, you may need to have your roof inspected and repaired by a pro.

2. Humidity Can Damage the Seal on Insulated Glass

One of the most common problems with garden windows is that they develop moisture between their panes of glass. This is a problem because most garden windows use insulated glass, which means that only an air gap separates two pieces of glass.

Insulated glass uses a seal around its edges to keep moisture out. However, these seals can fail over time. When the seal fails, moisture can work its way between the panes.

At a glance, you may think that condensation has formed on your windowpane. This occurrence makes it hard to tell if it's caused by humid conditions on the outside or a bad seal on your window.

If you're not sure what's causing the problem, check your warranty information before doing anything else. Your garden window may qualify for repairs or replacement under warranty.

3. Poor Installation Can Lead To Sagging

Garden windows protrude from the wall to provide extra space for plants and other decorations. However, they can sag if too much weight is put on the window unit or it is not correctly attached to the house.

In addition, if your installer doesn't use caulking on the seams of your window, water can get behind it and cause the window to sag. Eventually, the sagging glass box will begin to drop and fall off the wall.

If you notice sagging, you should call a professional right away before it falls off completely. If it does fall off completely, it could take down a portion of the siding or even a wall with it, leading to expensive repairs.

4. Not Energy Efficient

Garden windows are typically made of glass, which means they do not have the same level of insulation as standard windows with frames and thicker panes. This can make garden windows less energy efficient than other types of windows in your home.

Garden windows have a U-factor of approximately 0.40, which is relatively high compared to other types of windows. For comparison, double-pane vinyl replacement windows typically have a U-factor between 0.26 and 0.30.

Energy Star-rated vinyl replacement windows can have a U-factor as low as 0.20. So if you are looking for a way to improve the overall energy efficiency in your home, garden windows may not be the best choice.

How to clean garden windows

Once you do have garden windows, it's essential that you keep them clean. If left dirty, this can lead to mold growth or water damage on nearby wood surfaces. It is advised to wash your garden windows at least once a year.

Because garden windows extend out from the house, they're easier to clean than other designs. However, their shape makes them prone to trapping water and moisture because of their many corners and recesses.

To avoid excess moisture around your window while cleaning, you should start with vacuuming the dirt around the window. Once you get all or most of the dirt and dust removed, then you can go in with a microfiber cloth to clean it up. You should spray the solution directly onto the cloth.

Are garden windows a good idea for your home?

How much are garden windows?

Garden windows extend outward from the house, so you're adding a lot of windows, which can get expensive. Better-quality garden windows tend to run around $1,200 to $ 5,000 for just the window itself, not including installation costs. That's about twice as much as a comparable standard window.

Gives your home a great view

A garden window gives you an outdoor feel without going outside. It's like a mini greenhouse that evokes the feeling of being outdoors while bringing nature indoors at the same time.

You can build a small herb or vegetable garden in your kitchen or add some beautiful flowers to your living room to brighten up your environment or create an inviting and soothing atmosphere wherever you put it. A garden window also makes an excellent place to display houseplants and other decorative items, such as sculptures or candles.

Garden windows are not energy efficient

Garden windows have less glass area than standard windows. Their design means they tend to lose heat more quickly than standard window designs. This means they have lower R-values and U-factors than standard designs, making them less efficient than standard double-pane windows with low-E coating and argon gas fills.

Final thoughts

Garden windows are an excellent way of increasing the overall value of your property and providing a fun, unique, and original addition to any room.

If you plan on having a garden window, you're likely to meet any of the problems we have mentioned above. Especially in North Texas homes (where we are), where it is humid with hot summers, it's important to keep an eye out for these issues. The most important thing you can do is have them installed by a garden window expert and make sure you keep them clean!