By Iveta Burn
Windows are susceptible to extreme weather elements, and with time they wear out and need replacement. When looking for new replacement windows, you need to measure for the window replacement to choose the right windows that will fit into the existing window frame.
Remember that as far as the material of the windows is concerned, the quality of installation impacts how effective your doors and windows would be. Therefore, you want to take the precise measurements to ensure that there are no gaps left between the window frame and the window panes when it is installed. That will also ensure the proper operation of the windows. Continue reading below to know more about window replacement. You can see more information at thwindowsdoors.
1. Measuring For Replacement Windows.
There are two types of window replacement; pocket and full-frame window installation. The first type is the simplest and involves fitting the new windows in the existing window frame. This method lets the homeowner keep the jamb. When measuring windows for pocket replacement, it would be a great idea to get rid of the old interior jamb to ensure that you take the right measurements of the opening.
2. Measuring the Width.
When taking measurements for the width of the existing window, you want to put your tape against the trim and measure dimension to the other trim. If you are measuring double-hung windows, you would need to remove the parting beard that parts the sashes from the frame during the installation of the replacement windows.
3. Measuring the Height.
After taking the measurements of window replacement width, the next step is to measure the height. You should hold the tape from the bottom to the top of the window sill. Don’t confuse the window sill with the stool. The sill is found in the interior side at the bottom of the window. It is installed to give the window a polished look. If you have double-hung windows, the sill is normally the piece the window sash closes onto. It is fitted in a slopping gradient to allow water flow away from the house. As such, it is essential to take the dimension from the top point of the point where it starts to slope. Start measuring at the sill to the upper jamb.
Make sure you take the dimensions of the window in three different places; at the left, center and left. From the three measurements that you obtain, choose the smallest figure.
4. Final Figure.
Once you have obtained the dimensions for the width and height of your window replacement, deduct some inches from your smallest measurement so that the replacement windows will fit in easily into the existing frame. Window installation experts suggest that you should minus one-quarter of an inch from the width and half an inch from the height. This reduction is made to make sure that the installer will not force the replacement window into the window frame. Forcing the window may cause damage to the frame or affect the operation of the window. Therefore, the allowance space allows the installer to make any adjustments that might be needed for the new windows. It also leaves room for insulation around the windows.
5. Standard Size Windows.
When shopping for replacement windows, you are more likely to get standard size windows from many manufacturers. As such, it is essential to order windows that have the same measurements as your currently installed windows, unless you want to alter the size of your window frame. Remember that if you have a window with smaller dimensions compared to the window jamb, then you can consider shimming it to fit in the window frame snuggly.
However, if you have bigger windows compared to the window frame, it will be hard to fit into the frame opening unless you opt for wall reconstruction, which would be a lot of work to do.
When carrying out window replacement, it is essential to have the right measurements of the old windows and consider window manufacturers who make custom windows. With the right dimensions of the windows you need, you will be able to get customized windows that will fit in the existing window frame without the need for shimming or reconstructing the wall.
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