How to Measure Replacement windows

In order to know how to measure replacement windows you need to have a good understanding of how the old windows will come out.  You’ll need to be very clear on which parts of the current window will remain (if any) and which parts will be gone.  This means the way you’ll measure will depend on the type of windows currently in your home.

REMEMBER: When you measure replacement windows you set off down the path towards a successful project or a difficult project.  Take your time and be sure you understand exactly what you’re measuring.  You know, measure twice and cut once.

We’ll start off by focusing on the most common types and then we’ll expand from there.  To get started select the post below that best describes your current windows.

• Measuring replacement windows to fit into existing wood frames
• Measuring replacement windows to replace vinyl windows
• Measuring replacement windows to replace windows with metal frames (aluminum or steel)
• Measuring for new windows to replace old replacement windows

In the above posts we’ll be measuring assuming you’re going to be installing typical pocket replacement windows.  This simply means that the new window will have a 3.25″ jamb.  This is the case with any replacement window whether it’s vinyl, fiberglass, composite or wood.

A new construction window or full frame window is the same product with a thicker jamb.  This type of window makes for a slightly more involved installation that typically causes more disruption to the interior of the home.  We’ll be covering this type of installation down the road, but if there isn’t a good reason for it, I’d recommend skipping this idea and sticking with replacement windows.

Another factor to consider as you start down this road is that your blinds may be affected by the new windows.  Whether or not your old blinds will fit back up has more to do with the way they were originally installed than it does with the new windows.  Without seeing your home and your blinds we can’t tell you for sure.  We’ll look at this question in more detail shortly as we know it’s important.