How To Measure For Replacement Windows
One of the things that make houses not only look good, but also feel good, is the amount of sun light that comes through its windows. This can really make a room feel welcoming and alive. On the other hand, windowless rooms really feel uncomfortable and constraining and shouldn’t be used for other purposes than storing goods.
Windows have come a long way since they were invented as simple opening on walls. Nowadays, despite their ease of use, windows can be very complex and have several parts. Because of this, while in the past it was rather easy to take a window off and replace it, today, it is much easier to get replacement windows that take advantage of the existing frame for support. Even so, it is recommended that a professional that installs windows for a living is hired to do the job.
Nevertheless, before hiring a professional, you need to know how to measure for replacement windows. If you don’t know how to measure for replacement windows, calling a professional to do it can be either bothersome or expensive, as it will mean that he will have to make two trips, and the first one just to measure the space you want your replacement windows to be in. Therefore, it’s in your own interest to learn how to measure for replacement windows.
Fortunately, learning how to measure for replacement windows isn’t difficult at all (and that’s the reason most contractors aren’t eager to make a trip just to take measurements).
The first thing you have to do when learning how to measure for replacement windows is to know the parts of a window. It can be frustrating or difficult if you don’t know what a lip, a jamb, a sill, or a sash are. Just look a diagram or two on Internet and get familiarized with the most common terms.
Ok, now here’s how to measure for replacement windows: first, you have to measure the width from the inside of one frame to the inside from the other one. It is very important that you measure from the inside of the fames and not from the trim pieces that hold the windows in place, as these have to be removed when installing the window.
From that measurement discount three quarters of an inch, which allows for space for the insulating foam.
Now, measure the height from the inside of the top frame (again, from the inside, not from the trim piece) to the top of the window sill. Again, from what you get, substract three quarters of an inch.
Both of these measures have to be done from corner to corner, that is on one of the extremes of the window space, in order to make sure that the window is square.
That’s it. You’ve learnt how to measure for replacement windows. Now that you know how to measure for replacement windows, you can buy the ones that will fit your frames.