How To Measure For Window Replacement

How to Mensurate Home Windows

Screen Shot 2018-05-08 at 4.30.46 PM Step i. Take 3 horizontal measurements of the window frame for the rough opening width.

Measure the distance horizontally beyond your frame at the top, at the middle and at the bottom from each side jamb.
Circle the smallest measurement of the three figures.
The smallest measurement is your crude opening width, the main measurement to reference when purchasing a replacement window.

* Tip: Always list window measurements with width before acme.

Screen Shot 2018-05-08 at 4.32.20 PM

Step 2. Take 3 vertical measurements of the window frame for the rough opening meridian.

Measure the distance vertically across your frame from peak to lesser on the left, eye, and right side of the window from head jamb to the window sill.
Circle the smallest measurement of the iii figures, this is your rough opening height.

* Tip: If your window sill is sloped, mensurate from the highest point of the window sill, which is usually correct against your window.

Stride 3. Measure the depth of the window's opening.

Finding the right depth is important because some windows will be as well deep to fit into a replacement window opening.
Run a tape measure out from the outside of the frame to the within and take the measurement from edge to edge of the window frame.
Do this in several locations around the window frame and rely on the smallest measurement again as your final dimension.

* Tip: If you can not open your window, measure the depth on each side of the drinking glass and add together them together. Then add the thickness of your window glass pane. A unmarried window glass pane is normally 1/8″ or 3mm in thickness.

Learn about the standard window sizes you tin can look to find here.

Measuring Crude Openings

It is vital that yous get your window measurements exactly right. Otherwise, your home will be subject to drafts, which will increase your energy bills, expose you to the elements, and reduce your comfort at home.

Commencement, have a horizontal measurement of the replacement window frame. To exercise this, measure the distance across your frame at the summit, at the middle, and at the bottom. Write downwardly the smallest measurement of the three figures. The smallest measurement is the one to reference when purchasing a window. Do the aforementioned thing when measuring the peak. Take a measurement at the center of the window and at either side to see which section is the smallest. Go along the two smallest numbers, one for the width and one for height and rely on those to make your purchasing decisions.
You also accept to measure the depth of the window opening. The depth is important because some windows will be too deep to fit into an opening. Run a tape measure out from the outside of the frame to the inside and take the measurement from border to border. Exercise this in several different locations around the window and rely on the smallest effigy.

Now that yous have the measurements, you can use them to purchase windows that will fit into the infinite bachelor. The windows should be approximately two inches narrower and two inches shorter than the measured infinite. This leaves an inch of infinite around each side of the window for positioning and adjusting the window to fit exactly where you want information technology. Use the depth measurement to ensure that your windows will not exist sticking out of the frame opening—the windows don't accept to exist much smaller than the depth. It may exist all-time to find a local window replacement contractor.

What to Know Before Purchasing

Bring your crude opening window measurements with you and utilise them when purchasing your replacement windows and make sure you are paying a fair cost and know the average replacement window installation costs.

Near probable, you volition be given the measurements of whatever windows that yous plan on purchasing. Nevertheless, you lot should mensurate them yourself to ensure that they are the right size for your window openings.

Use a record measure out to measure the height of the window from top to bottom in three different places. Make note of the largest of the iii measurements just in case the window is not uniform in height.
Then measure beyond the window from outside jamb to outside jamb to see how broad the window is. Accept three measurements and apply the largest.
Finally, measure the depth of the window unit in several locations to meet if it is going to fit in your opening.
Compare the window measurements to the space available in your rough opening to come across if the windows are compatible.

Near of the fourth dimension, you volition not take to practice this when ordering windows because the measurements volition be readily available. It is still good practice to take window measurements whenever yous accept windows physically available to y'all, even if information technology is just to double check someone else'south piece of work. At that place is zero worse than getting windows home that don't fit.

Like shooting fish in a barrel Window Installation

Windows that are sized properly are much easier to install than windows that aren't the right size. Information technology'due south a simple matter to put wedges around the window and level and plumb it before nailing, screwing, or stapling it into place no affair which window type you lot have installed. But when the space around the windows is non right, the installation will be more complicated. Either there volition not exist plenty space to level and plumb the window and material volition take to be cutting away or the window will sit crooked. If there is too much space, it will exist hard to shim the windows and lock them into place properly.

Draft-Free Windows

Drafts are common when windows are non properly installed. They occur for a few different reasons. The first reason is that in that location are gaps left open around the outside of the windows. This usually happens when there is likewise much space around a window and the gaps are not filled properly. It is much more difficult to fill in the space when it is larger than an inch.

Drafts are as well caused when windows warp and the seals between panes interruption.This occurs when windows are crammed into as well tight of a space and they expand and contract against the surrounding material.

The good news is that one time y'all have learned how to measure windows, drafts will exist a matter of the past.

Stable Windows

The windows will demand some space betwixt the glass and the frame to forestall issues due to expansion and contraction. The trick is that they need to be close enough to be finer anchored to the frame. Most an inch of space around the windows is the perfect compromise. It is enough space to go along the windows from pressing against the frame and causing bug, and shut enough to facilitate secure anchoring.

Consider Exterior Infinite

If you lot opt for a swinging window—such every bit a casement or awning window—consider how much outside space is bachelor. These windows swing out from your home, and so if you try to install 1 of them at the peak of your roof where overhangs get in the way, it volition non piece of work out well. If there is a possible obstruction around the outside of your window opening, brand certain you account for it. Whether your dwelling is built right next to the garage, or you lot have other parts of the home or grand to work effectually, proceed in heed how much swing space you volition need to allow.

Cutting a Rough Opening for a Replacement Window

What if you lot are more interested in making an opening around a window that y'all already purchased?

To do this, just have the measurements of the window using the steps above and make up one's mind what depth, width, and height you lot need for the window. The depth tin exist the same as the window measurements, only the height and width of the opening both need to be two inches larger than the window to account for one inch of infinite on all sides. This leaves y'all with infinite to make adjustments, which volition help keep the window level and plumb during installation.

With the opening cut to the proper specifications, you lot volition have to build a frame for the window to sit in. Start you will put in a header, and then you lot volition put in cripple studs both to a higher place and underneath the rough opening for your window. This will assist transfer the weight of your domicile down through the studs rather than through the window.

It is crucial to get the header and cripple studs in place before trying to install a window in the rough opening. Without these, you lot could put pressure level on the window and crusade it to warp and possibly break.

Hiring a Local Window Installer

You tin attempt to install replacement windows on your ain, simply there are a lot of things that can potentially go wrong. If you are unsure well-nigh any of the steps, or if you don't have construction experience, it is best to go out the work up to a professional person. Sure, you will spend a scrap more than money, but you volition salve fourth dimension in the process and benefit from a window warranty when a licensed professional person handles the installation. Best of all, yous will have peace of mind that your windows will proceed your home safe, protected, and comfy for years to come.