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Before you order new windows for your home, it’s important to know how to measure for replacement windows. You will need to measure the height of the window opening, its width, and, if non-standard, its depth. You must also check whether the opening is square.
In this guide, we will give you some tips on how to get the right measurements. It’s the first step toward a successful project that enhances curb appeal along with your home’s security and energy efficiency.
Never Measure the Old Window Frame
Thinking about a shortcut? Measuring the old window frame is not the best idea. There’s a good chance that it’s warped, and when you buy a window frame, it will be sized to the opening, so knowing the old frame’s dimensions doesn’t really help.
Measure the Structural Opening
The size of the glass and its frame will eventually matter, but if you are replacing the entire window, it’s not the place to begin measuring. Your new windows must fit into the structural opening made for them when the house was built.
That means measuring the space in the wall the window will occupy from top to bottom and from side to side. However, you have to be careful. The opening might not be precisely square, so you need to check that too. Depth may also have some bearing on the frame, so that’s another measurement to get down.
How to Measure Windows: Inside or Outside?
Although some DIYers measure from the inside, professionals prefer to measure from the outside. This is where your measurements will be the most accurate. By getting the measurement of the “rough opening” or structural space left for the window as close to the original construction materials as possible when you measure, your window installer can plan properly for the frame, sealing, and trims.
Tape Measure Technique
Obviously, if the tape is angled or slack, you will not get an accurate measurement. Be absolutely sure that the tape is straight and pulled taut. As the saying goes, “measure twice and cut once.” In this instance, you are measuring twice so that you don’t end up with the wrong window frame size, so you may want to repeat measurements several times just to be sure.
Measure the Height
Start measuring from the upper brickwork, pulling your tape downwards to measure the height of the window opening. Measure each side and the centre. You will use the smallest of these three measurements. You may be surprised to find quite a variation between the three. That’s because buildings settle over time and brickwork is not always completely regular.
Measure the Width
Repeat this process when measuring the width. Measure the opening from brick face to brick face and get at least three measurements taken at different points. Of these, you’ll use the smallest one so that your window won’t be too wide for any point in the window opening.
Check How Square the Window Is
To check whether the window opening is still square, measure diagonally across the opening from corner to corner. These two measurements should be very close to one another. If there’s more than a couple of millimetres difference, the window installer will have to make allowances for the fact that the opening isn’t square.
Use the 10mm Deduction Rule
A frame that’s the exact size of a window opening can’t be slid into place, so to get the right size for the window frame itself, you need to deduct 10mm from your smallest height and width measurements. This allows the installer to slide the window frame in without damaging it or the surrounding brickwork. After that, they will seal around the edges to exclude draughts.
Extra Tips on How to Measure For New Windows
Once you get to measuring for new windows, you’ll find that like so many things in life, nothing is quite as easy as it looks. Although your measurements should be accurate if you follow our tutorial, you may notice a few features that could complicate window installation.
Things like uneven plaster or decorative features need to be taken into account, so if you notice anything like this, you should discuss it with your installer or the company that is making your replacement windows. Get advice on these challenges before finalising any orders.
If you will be using a professional installer anyway, they should be willing to visit you and assess the job in person. That way, there’s less chance of making mistakes that come back to bite you later on. Let them use their experience to help you.
Replacement Windows The Beautiful Way
Stronghold Security Doors takes the stress out of window replacement, turning your renovation project into a pleasure. We custom-make your security windows, and we begin by measuring things up for you.
You focus on the fun side of things - the design you want or the choice between sash windows or casement windows, plus choosing a colour that matches your preferences. When it’s time to install your windows, our experienced team handles everything quickly, neatly, and efficiently.
Treat your home to security windows that look perfect and give you greater peace of mind. It’s not just our products that are superior. Our service matches their quality. Contact us today and enjoy a safer and more beautiful home with us.
