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Mastered in a Minute

How to Measure for Replacement Windows

By Official Fine Homebuilding Post

There are three measurements you need to know before ordering insert replacement windows. One, make sure that your existing frame is within 1/4 in. of square. Two, determine which window width to order, by measuring the window’s opening in three places and noting the shortest width. Lastly, measure the height of the opening in two places, again noting the shortest measurement. Ensuring that you have these three key measurements dialed in when ordering your replacement window will make the installation process much easier.

To learn how to install the insert replacement window, watch the How to Install Replacement Windows Mastered in a Minute video.

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  1. cowtown | Jun 29, 2015 09:28pm | #1

    Yep, just take your measurements......and I do mean YOUR measurements.

    Funny story follows......

    I used to live in a small CDN town where there was one glazier shop, which had been purchased by another business owner for his son, who had no real construction experience, but what the heck, he was a business owner now.

    Only Glazier, I used him once or twice, but always dreaded the interaction.

    So along comes a journeyman licensed master locksmith/glazier and opens up a shop. He and his wife operate it, INSTANT relationship develops. This is where I want to be, whom I want to deal with.

    I was moving, so I went in to check and see if all our accounts were square, and he pulled me aside.

    " because your moving away, I just gotta share this with you". I've been keeping it to myself for a few years,
    ."

    He said "When I first opened up, I was giving quotes on whole house window replacements, and only landing maybe 10% of my quotes, and I knew there wasn't anything wrong with my pricing"

    "And then it clued to me that folks were taking my written quote to the other guy, who would say..."sure, I can beat that by 5% or 10% or whatever""

    So one day, a fella walks in to his shop, known by reputation to be a penultimate skinflint and wheeler dealer, and wants his windows replaced for his whole house.

    Buddy works out a price, and as he's typing out the quote, decides to play a game.

    Price is what he wants, but instead of typing in the real dimensions, changes them. Gives quote to client.

    In the spring, he's driving by this guys house, and sees all the new windows out on the lawn, and three or four folks running around with tape measures.

    Best he could figure was that the competitiion had taken his deliberately mistated dimensions, and without checking them themselves had just ordered the windows based on his quote.

    He was laughing so hard as at least he finally had someone to share his secret with. Happened more than 20 years ago. No harm in sharing now.

    His compteitor got a hard and expensive lesson. Moral of the story is make your own measurements!

    Eric

  2. debluetailfly | Jul 01, 2015 04:24pm | #2

    Would be so much better to teach people how to maintain their original windows. They last nearly forever. Replacement windows are ugly and have to be replaced again and again. Two of the biggest factors preventing a neighborhood from attaining historic status is the adding of "siding" and replacement of windows.

  3. suburbanguy | Oct 12, 2017 06:20pm | #3

    You guys must be better than I am at taking a measurement with a bend in the tape. Sorry, but I'd use pinch rods (or some other means) to get accurate measurements before ordering expensive new windows.

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