How to Measure your Windows for Replacement

The market value of your house will increase and be better protected from the elements if you replace your old, inefficient windows with new modern, energy-efficient windows. Before you decide to get new windows it is important to get proper measurements for each window that you consider replacing. Getting measurements for new windows is not difficult, but a high level accuracy is necessary to ensure you get the perfect fit. Use the following tips and tricks to assist you in taking the precise measurements that are required to install windows so that they meet your home’s specific needs.

1. Note the dimensions you take

When you order new windows it is important that they are custom built for a perfect march the first time around so that you don’t have to waste more time and money on reordering new ones. Whether you intend to replace a single window or every window in your house, taking precise measurements is crucial. We recommend that you either write down the measurements on paper or store them in an online document as an extra precaution. When noting down dimensions for multiple windows, it is also recommended to label each set of measurements with their specific positions by using titles like “North Kitchen Window” or “Southwest Master Bedroom Window”. This will make it easier for you to locate and identify each window in the case you decide to customize specific windows differently.

2. 90-degree measurement

If a new replacement window is installed in a frame that is uneven or out of square, it might not be able to open or function properly. If the window frame is square, which denotes that all four corners are at 90° angles, your initial measurements will show this. To properly take a 90-degree measurement, measure diagonally, keeping the measuring tape taut, from the inside of the upper left corner of the window to the inside of the lower right corner of the window (where the horizontal and vertical trim boards meet), and record the length. After that take a measurement in the opposing diagonal direction and record it as well. A new window can be installed in the window frame if the two numbers are within a quarter-inch of one another. If the difference is more than 1/4 inches, then you will either need a frame adjustment made or a new window frame installed in order for the opening to be square.

3. Find out how wide the windows are in your house

In order to find out the proper width of your window, measure the width of the current window three times horizontally: once at the bottom, once in the middle, and once at the top. This will help ensure that your window is square and not warped. When measuring at each section make sure to place the tape measure against the window jamb on both sides to determine the width. When a window is opened and closed, its outer frame, or sash, slides along the vertical board known as the jamb.

4. The height of the window

The new window’s correct height is determined by measuring height as well as breadth. To getthe height measurement, close the window and measure the height from jamb to jamb. Do the same vertical measurement for the center, far left, and far right of the window. To accurately measure each vertical height measurement, identify the sill as the horizontal board that the bottom of the window sash sits on when the window is closed. The sill is not the horizontal trim board that extends into the room. That board is a window “stool” despite the fact that many people wrongly refer to it as a “window sill” You must open the window in order to access the real sill. Make a second recording of the three measures, then highlight or circle the shortest one.

5. window depth measurement

When you order a new window, the depth measurement won’t be provided because windowdepth is often not an issue in most homes. It usually will never be issue unless the depth is too little to fit a replacement window, like certain windows used in mobile homes and modular homes. However, In the case you need to determine the depth, open the window and measure the distance between the sill and the trim from the front to the rear. It is important to ensure that this space is at least 3 1/4 inches wide in order to accommodate a new Window. 

6. Round the numbers down

When analyzing the written dimensions, note that the measurements that are circled or highlighted, which are the shortest in each group, should be rounded to the nearest 1/8 of an inch after you have measured each window. To round down one of your measures, for instance, if it is 32 15/16 inches to 32 7/8 inches. Don’t alter your initial measurement if it is already in an eighth-inch increment. You will order your new replacement windows using these final figures.

7. Purchase Custom Windows

You may buy replacement windows online or at your local home improvement retailer. It isalways best to have a customer service person purchase a specific set of windows based on theprecise specifications. Some home improvement stores only carry common window sizes so if you’re looking for custom window replacements a home improvement retailer will be your best option. Home Improvement contractors and window replacement retailers work with various window manufacturers to build custom built windows that are a perfect fit for your home’s window openings. At Aspen Home Improvement, we work with the Okna Window Manufacturer, they are local Pennsylvania manufacturer that custom builds high quality and energy efficient windows. The best orders are custom ones since window manufacturers construct the new replacementwindow to within 1/8 inches of those measurements and then subtract 1/4 inches from both theheight and width measurements to offer you the greatest fit. Since the manufacturer builds yourwindows using your measurements, ordering online is also an excellent alternative.

8. Hire a professional

Measuring and replacing a window can be a difficult task, especially for anyone with limited access to tools or construction knowledge. Your safest bet is to ensure that you get the best quality window and installation is to hire a professional. When searching for a window contractor it is important to look at the experience and reviews, it is suggested to not hire anyone with less than 4 stars.
The most reviewed Home Improvement company in Central PA is Aspen Home Improvements.Aspen is a family-owned company that has been in operation for 30 years and with the help ofour 5-star customer service team has helped over 10,000+ customers to date. Aspen will assistyou from beginning to end in installing new energy-efficient windows for a price that fits your budget. If you have any questions about measuring or installing replacement windows, please feel free to contact Aspen Home Improvements at (717) 974-3277 or visit our website at www.aspenwindows.com.