How to Measure for Replacement Windows

When it’s time to replace your home’s windows, there are a lot of different decisions to make and factors to consider. What style of window fits your aesthetic? Which energy-efficient materials and features can best keep your Colorado home comfortable? And what size are your windows? While there are lots of big and small details that go into selecting and installing replacement windows, measuring your windows can be one of the most complex parts. Learn more about the process and how to measure for replacement windows accurately on your own—or if you want to have a professional service handle all the details, schedule an appointment with BlueBird Windows & Doors to get started.

How to Measure for Replacement Windows

Tools You Will Need For Measurement

Start the project by collecting the right tools for how to measure for replacement windows:

• Pen and paper (or a notes app)
• Level
• Tape measure

Depending on the window’s height, you may also need a step ladder to reach the top comfortably.

Preparing Your Workspace

Before you measure the windows, push aside the curtains and remove any window blinds affixed to the top. These obstructions can accidentally change the angle of the tape measure and give you final measurements that are much wider than the window. Also, remove interior window screens so you can accurately measure how level the windows are.

Before you start recording the actual measurements of the windows, make sure the windows are plumb and level, as well as in square alignment.

• Plumb and Level: Plumbness measures how upright the window is or if it leans inward or upward at the top. Lay a level in place along the vertical face of the window and check that it’s straight. Then measure the levelness, or the side-to-side straightness, by laying the level along the middle sill. The level’s bubble should be between the two markers (or, for a digital level, it should display a straight angle within a few degrees).
• Square Alignment: Measure the diagonal length of the window from the upper left corner to the lower right corner and again from the upper right corner to the lower left corner. If the two numbers are within 1/4″, the window is in square alignment.

These numbers indicate that you can replace your windows without much additional complication. But if the windows aren’t in square alignment or aren’t level and plumb, call in a window specialist to help with how to measure replacement windows that are crooked or misaligned.

Step-by-Step Window Measurement Process

How are windows measured? If your windows are plumb, square, and level—and the area has been cleared away—it’s time to start measuring them. Follow these steps:

1. Measure the width of the window first. Window dimensions are typically organized as ‘width x height.’ Raise the window sash and measure the window without the trim from jamb to jamb. Take the same measurement at the middle and top of the window, and write down the smallest width.
2. Next, measure the window height from the sill to the top of the window (not including the trim). Measure along the left, middle, and right sides, and write down the smallest number.
3. Measure for window screens, as well. If you want to replace your window screens, you can get the right width by measuring across the screen channels and subtracting 1/8 inch from the total. You can also get the height by measuring from the lip of the screen channel to the sash and adding 1/8 inch.

You can use this same step-by-step process for how to measure bay windows, kitchen windows, bathroom windows, and more. Once you have finished the process of measuring a replacement window, you can start shopping. Typically, you can purchase windows within 1/4 inch of your measurements, which will fit nicely in place.

After You Measure, Shop the Selection at BlueBird Windows & Doors

Knowing how to measure a window for replacement is the hard part, and selecting your windows is the fun part. At BlueBird Windows & Doors, we have a wide selection of standard windows and custom window options. Explore our available options or schedule a consultation with a window specialist for window measurements and a presentation. We also provide transparent quotes to guide your window-buying journey.

 

Image Source: Summer Paradive/Shutterstock