If you’re thinking about vinyl replacement windows for your Utah home, you probably already realize the many benefits new models will provide.
Not only will you improve your home’s curb appeal and value, but you will also reduce your energy use (and cost) and improve the comfort of your home. Vinyl windows also require virtually no maintenance, and they can retain their like-new appearance for decades to come.
Measuring for replacement windows can be a little tricky, to make sure your new ones fit correctly. Measure wrong and you could end up with a big problem on your hands.
How Are Replacement Windows Installed?
New windows get installed during home construction, before the interior and exterior wall surfaces are finished and the builder still has direct access to the studs. Consequently, their design is radically different than that of replacement models.
Replacements are designed such that they can be installed from the inside of your home without tearing out any drywall or exterior finish materials. Consequently, the replacements must fit the openings exactly, or they won’t work.
That’s why careful measurement is critical to ensure the success of your project.
How Are Replacement Windows Measured?
No matter how competent your home’s builder was, you’re likely to discover that some or all of your window openings aren’t necessarily level, plumb or square. This means you’ll have to take multiple measurements of each opening – in both directions.
To determine the width, measure from side jamb to side jamb at the top, bottom and middle. For the height, measure from the sill to the top of the casing or opening at the left side, right side and center. In both cases, use the smallest of your three measurements.
When you note your measurements, use the order of width x height to avoid confusion.
You must also measure the depth of the opening to ensure that it can accommodate the size of your replacements. Most vinyl windows require about 3.25 inches of depth. To do this, measure from the interior vertical surface to the exterior wall.
Consider Letting a Pro Handle Your Replacement Window Measurement
If you choose to have a professional window and door contractor handle your project, you can forget about having to measure anything.
For every project we do, one of the Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors team visits your home and measures each opening by hand. We order your windows individually to specification and they are each fabricated to match your needs.
This means that, when its time for installation, we can minimize the time and disruption required to remove the old windows and install your new ones. You can have full confidence that they’ll fit perfectly and look better than you ever imagined.
Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors sells and installs vinyl windows for customers throughout Utah. We represent some of the most well-respected manufacturers in the world, including Jeld-Wen, AMSCO, Milgard and Win-Door Systems. Contact us today to request a personalized price estimate for your vinyl replacement windows today.