Taking accurate measurements for your replacement windows is the best way to avoid drafts and premature wear and tear. A snug fit for your windows ensures they will be airtight, watertight, and energy efficient.
At Storm Tight Windows of Texas, we send measurement technicians with the training to take accurate measurements for new windows out to customers’ homes. These experts take extra care to get the numbers right, so our replacement windows provide years of service to customers.
Whether you opt to have a window company take care of that new window installation, or do it yourself, the process for measuring is usually the same. It includes the following steps.
Ensure the Window Opening is Square
Over time, a house can shift and settle slightly causing once square doors and windows to be slightly tilted. Every window should be measured for squareness first. This is simply done by measuring the corners diagonally.
The distance from the top-left corner to the bottom-right corner is compared to the distance from the top-right corner to the bottom-left corner. If the two measurements are equal, then the window opening is square. If not, then the window size will need to be adjusted to fit the smallest side of the window opening.
Check that the Window is Level
Window installers then measure the window opening for levelness. This also ensures that there isn’t a hidden tilt to the window opening, but also checks for other distortions like:
- Bumps
- Dips
- Warping
If these issues are present then the smallest points along the window opening will be the window’s measurements.
Levelness is measured by comparing three horizontal measurements taken at the top, middle, and bottom of the window opening. If they are equal then the window is level.
Measure Window Opening Height
At this point, the technicians will measure the actual window opening height. Make sure to get three measurements from the far left, middle, and far right of the window opening. If there are discrepancies in these measurements, the smallest one is used for the height of the window replacement.
Measure for Depth
Next, the depth of the window opening is measured. The depth is measured from just outside the window opening to just inside the opening. Several measurements are taken around the four sides of the window opening. The smallest measurement should be used as the depth measurement.
Add a Little Extra to the Measurement
It’s also common practice to add 1/2 inch to measurements to account for natural expansion and contraction, added insulation, and the use of shims to stabilize the window.
Measure for the Brickmould
If there are added window features, like a brickmould around the exterior, additional measurements will need to be taken.
For the top and bottom trim, measure the width of the trim to be used and multiply it by two, then add the width of the window opening plus 1/8 inch to figure out how long the cut should be. You’ll also take the width of the trim, multiply it by two and add that to the height of the window opening plus 1/8 inch to get the right length for the side trim.
Get a Professional Window Company to Complete Installation
After these measurements are taken, they are sent to the window manufacturing facility for construction. If you used care with measurements, the replacement windows should fit in great with a minimum of shimming.
Consider hiring a professional window company in Houston to ensure your new windows are accurately measured for installation. Let Storm Tight Windows of Texas tell you more during a no-obligation consultation. Give us a call to get set up with your appointment. Or fill in our quick quote form to request a complimentary estimate on our window replacements.
