How Do You Measure For New Windows
7 Tips for Measuring for Replacement Windows
Save big on replacement windows past measuring correctly and installing them yourself.
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Replacing old windows with new energy-efficient ones is a dandy way to weatherproof your domicile and heave its resale value. While many replacement window manufacturers offering professional person installation services, if you're a skilled DIYer, you can save anywhere from $150 to $600 per window by tackling the projection yourself. Measuring for replacement windows isn't difficult, but it does require precision. The tips here volition help y'all get the authentic measurements you need to install great-fitting windows.
RELATED: The 6 Best Reasons to Install New Windows
Are your window frames in shape?
Before measuring for replacement windows, you must ensure that you lot tin install them in your home. Replacement windows are more DIY-friendly than new-construction windows, simply they're not suitable in all situations. The condition of the wood frame around the existing window must exist in good shape because the replacement window attaches to the frame. If the wood frame has water damage or rot, it won't exist structurally sound enough to support a replacement window, and a new-construction window will have to be installed instead. But if the existing frame is solid and "in square" (discussed in detail below), you should be good to go.
1. Tape your measurements.
Accuracy is vital when measuring for replacement windows—you'll save time and money by ordering the right windows the first time. Whether you're replacing a single window or every window in your abode, advisedly record the measurements every bit you have them. You tin download a measurement worksheet, such as this ane from Windowstore.com, or y'all tin simply write the measurements on notebook paper or a reckoner file. If ordering multiple windows, label each set of measurements with their exact location, such as "North Kitchen Window" or "Southwest Chief Bedroom Window."
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2. Cheque for foursquare.
Your commencement measurement will make up one's mind whether the existing window frame is in foursquare—which ways all 4 corners are 90° angles. Installing a replacement window in a frame that's out of square (i.e., lopsided) can outcome in a window that won't open.
Holding the tape mensurate taut, measure diagonally from the inside of the upper left corner of the window (where the horizontal and vertical trim boards encounter) to the inside of the lower right corner (where the horizontal and vertical trim boards come across) and tape the measurement. Then, measure out in the other diagonal direction and record that measurement equally well. If the ii numbers are within ¼-inch of each other, the window frame is suitable for a replacement window. If the departure is greater than ¼-inch, opt for a new-construction window.
iii. Measure window width.
Measure the width of the existing window in 3 places—at the bottom, at the middle, and at the tiptop. When measuring for width, position the tape mensurate confronting the window jamb on both sides. The jamb is the vertical board along which the outer frame of the window (sash) slides when you lot open and close the window.
- For the bottom measurement, slide the window upward and measure from jamb to jamb at the everyman signal.
- For the center measurement, slide the window all the style open and measure from jamb to jamb as close to the heart as possible.
- To take the elevation measurement, close the window and measure out from jamb to jamb at the highest bespeak.
Tape each measurement, and so circle or otherwise highlight the shortest measurement.
Considering window replacement?
Notice licensed window installers in your expanse and receive gratis, no-commitment estimates for your project.
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iv. Measure out window height.
Measuring to determine the correct tiptop for the replacement window is similar to measuring the width. Once again, you'll need to take three measurements, each extending from the top horizontal board above the window (head jamb) to the bottom sill. Take one measurement on the far left, one on the far right, and 1 in the middle of the window.
To measure correctly, understand that the sill is the horizontal board that the bottom of the window sash rests on when the window is closed. The sill is not the horizontal trim board that extends into the room. While many call that board the "windowsill," it's actually the "stool" of the window. You'll have to open the window in order to access the actual sill.
Once more, record all three measurements and circle or otherwise highlight the shortest one.
5. Measure window depth.
When you social club a replacement window, the depth measurement volition not exist included, and in most traditional houses, window depth isn't an event. The only time it will be a problem is if the depth is as well narrow to accept a replacement window, such as some windows in mobile homes and modular homes. To determine depth, open the window and measure out the sill space from the trim in the forepart to the trim in the back. This space should exist a minimum of 3¼ inches in society for a replacement window to fit.
six. Round downwards the numbers.
Now that you've measured each window, take the circled or highlighted measurements (the shortest ones in each set) and round them downward to the nearest ⅛ of an inch. For instance, if ane of your measurements is 32-fifteen/16 inches, round it downward to 32⅞ inches. If your original measurement is already in an eighth-inch increment, don't modify it. These final numbers are the ones you'll use to order your new replacement windows.
Photo: istockphoto.com
7. Buy custom replacement windows.
You can buy replacement windows online or from your local abode comeback store. While home comeback centers sometimes stock a small assortment of replacement windows on their shelves, it's usually better to have a customer service technician place a custom gild based on the exact measurements. A window on the shelf might exist close in dimension, simply it'due south rarely going to exist aperfect size.
Custom orders are all-time because window manufacturers subtract ¼ inch from both the height and width measurements, and then construct the new replacement window to inside ⅛ inch of those measurements to give you the best possible fit. Ordering online is besides a expert option, since the manufacturer uses your measurements in the same way to construct your windows.
Considering window replacement?
Find licensed window installers in your area and receive gratis, no-commitment estimates for your project.
Source: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/measuring-for-replacement-windows/
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