How To Measure For New Construction Windows
7 Tips for Measuring for Replacement Windows
Save big on replacement windows past measuring correctly and installing them yourself.
Photograph: istockphoto.com
Replacing former windows with new energy-efficient ones is a great mode to weatherproof your domicile and heave its resale value. While many replacement window manufacturers offer professional installation services, if you're a skilled DIYer, you tin save anywhere from $150 to $600 per window past tackling the project yourself. Measuring for replacement windows isn't hard, merely information technology does require precision. The tips here will help you get the accurate measurements yous need to install peachy-fitting windows.
RELATED: The six All-time Reasons to Install New Windows
Are your window frames in shape?
Before measuring for replacement windows, you must ensure that yous can install them in your home. Replacement windows are more DIY-friendly than new-construction windows, but they're non suitable in all situations. The status of the forest frame effectually the existing window must be in good shape because the replacement window attaches to the frame. If the wood frame has water damage or rot, information technology won't exist structurally sound enough to support a replacement window, and a new-construction window volition have to be installed instead. But if the existing frame is solid and "in square" (discussed in detail below), you should be good to become.
1. Record your measurements.
Accuracy is vital when measuring for replacement windows—yous'll relieve time and money past ordering the right windows the first fourth dimension. Whether y'all're replacing a single window or every window in your home, advisedly tape the measurements equally you take them. You tin download a measurement worksheet, such as this one from Windowstore.com, or you can merely write the measurements on notebook paper or a reckoner file. If ordering multiple windows, label each prepare of measurements with their exact location, such as "North Kitchen Window" or "Southwest Principal Bedroom Window."
Photo: istockphoto.com
two. Check for square.
Your commencement measurement will determine whether the existing window frame is in square—which means all four corners are 90° angles. Installing a replacement window in a frame that'due south out of foursquare (i.e., lopsided) can consequence in a window that won't open.
Holding the tape measure out taut, measure diagonally from the inside of the upper left corner of the window (where the horizontal and vertical trim boards run into) to the within of the lower correct corner (where the horizontal and vertical trim boards encounter) and record the measurement. And then, measure in the other diagonal direction and tape that measurement also. If the 2 numbers are inside ¼-inch of each other, the window frame is suitable for a replacement window. If the divergence is greater than ¼-inch, opt for a new-structure window.
three. Mensurate window width.
Measure the width of the existing window in three places—at the bottom, at the middle, and at the top. When measuring for width, position the tape measure out confronting the window jamb on both sides. The jamb is the vertical lath forth which the outer frame of the window (sash) slides when you open and shut the window.
- For the bottom measurement, slide the window up and measure from jamb to jamb at the lowest point.
- For the heart measurement, slide the window all the manner open and mensurate from jamb to jamb as close to the middle as possible.
- To take the elevation measurement, shut the window and measure from jamb to jamb at the highest point.
Tape each measurement, and so circle or otherwise highlight the shortest measurement.
Considering window replacement?
Find licensed window installers in your surface area and receive free, no-commitment estimates for your project.
Photo: istockphoto.com
4. Measure out window height.
Measuring to determine the correct pinnacle for the replacement window is similar to measuring the width. Again, you'll need to take three measurements, each extending from the top horizontal lath above the window (caput jamb) to the bottom sill. Accept ane measurement on the far left, i on the far right, and one in the middle of the window.
To measure out correctly, understand that the sill is the horizontal lath 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," information technology's actually the "stool" of the window. You'll have to open the window in order to access the actual sill.
Again, record all three measurements and circle or otherwise highlight the shortest i.
5. Measure window depth.
When yous order a replacement window, the depth measurement volition not be included, and in near traditional houses, window depth isn't an issue. The just time information technology volition be a problem is if the depth is likewise narrow to accept a replacement window, such every bit some windows in mobile homes and modular homes. To determine depth, open the window and measure the sill space from the trim in the front to the trim in the back. This space should be a minimum of 3¼ inches in order for a replacement window to fit.
6. Round down the numbers.
Now that you've measured each window, have the circled or highlighted measurements (the shortest ones in each fix) and round them down to the nearest ⅛ of an inch. For example, if i of your measurements is 32-15/16 inches, round it down to 32⅞ inches. If your original measurement is already in an 8th-inch increment, don't change it. These terminal numbers are the ones you'll utilize to social club your new replacement windows.
Photograph: istockphoto.com
7. Purchase custom replacement windows.
You can buy replacement windows online or from your local home improvement store. While dwelling house comeback centers sometimes stock a minor array of replacement windows on their shelves, it's usually better to take a customer service technician place a custom order based on the exact measurements. A window on the shelf might be close in dimension, but it's rarely going to be aperfect size.
Custom orders are best considering window manufacturers subtract ¼ inch from both the height and width measurements, and then construct the new replacement window to within ⅛ inch of those measurements to requite y'all the best possible fit. Ordering online is besides a adept selection, since the manufacturer uses your measurements in the same mode to construct your windows.
Considering window replacement?
Observe licensed window installers in your expanse and receive costless, no-commitment estimates for your project.
Source: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/measuring-for-replacement-windows/
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