Tired of the old windows? If you’re thinking of replacing your home’s old windows with new ones, it’s important to purchase replacement windows that match the style of your home. Even more important than style and energy efficiency is being able to properly measure the window opening to buy the right size replacement window. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Determine whether or not you’re using a rough opening or installing the windows inside the existing window frame. It’s easier to measure the rough opening with the total removal of the old window. However, if you are unable or unwilling to remove the old window entirely to measure the rough opening, then it’s better to measure the opening of the existing window frame. Not all replacement window sizes are readily available at local home improvement stores. If you have to wait several weeks for the manufacture to make a window to fit your replacement window measurements, you might want to think twice about entirely removing the window to measure the rough opening.
2. Measure the width of the window. The best way to measure the width for your is to measure the window opening width at three points. Measure the top most width of the window frame, the middle and then again at the bottom. Although an untrained eye may not notice if the window opening is not perfectly parallel and equidistant, your tape measure can detect uneven openings.
3. Evaluate the height of the window opening. Similar to measuring the width, measure the height. Again, depending on the width of the window, measure the window height at no less than two points. If it’s a wide opening, measure in three points, the two sides and the middle.
4. Use the smallest of the width and height measurements to order your replacement windows. If the window width and/or height varied by a half-inch or so, use the smallest of the height and width window measurements. It’s much easier to fill the gap with shims than it is to enlarge a window opening because you ordered replacement windows ½ inch too large for the opening
5. Seek a second opinion. If you’re not sure if your measurements for the replacement are correct, it’s best to get a second opinion to confirm or correct your measurements. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Tags: window opening, rough opening, width window, measure rough, measure rough opening, measure window, replacement windows
