There are a few concepts that will typically come into play as you consider new windows for any part of your home, and one of these is naturally going to be window size. Knowing how windows are typically sized, and how those sizes are expressed and discussed, will often be very helpful for you in making your selections quickly and efficiently.
At Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors, we’re happy to assist clients around Utah with all their window installation needs, including help with any and all size-related concepts involved in your selection or installation. Let’s take a look at some important terms in this arena, some tips on how to read standard window sizes (and why this is important), plus a few size tips on particular window types you might be thinking about.
Defining “Standard” Window Sizes
Across most of the window and door world, “standard” sizes for windows refer to dimensions that will fit in newly-built homes. There are a number of different terms used to describe these sizes, however some of the more common ones you’ll run into include “rough opening” and “finished opening.”
Naturally, these standard sizes stand in contrast to custom window sizes, which are windows that don’t fit within the standard size range. These can also be specified in different terms such as “odd-sized,” “special order,” or even simply as measurements like width and height – but regardless of what they’re called, custom size windows will often require special ordering and may take longer to install.
Now, just because a window comes in a standard size doesn’t simply mean it’s of lower quality or is just made on an assembly line. Most top window manufacturers still product standard window size items in a made-to-order format, ensuring that you’re still getting quality windows with all the bells and whistles you’re looking for. The main differences between standard and custom sizes is simply the ability of the latter to fit windows into unusual or specific space areas.
Benefits of Understanding Standard Window Sizes
While absolutely no one is saying you need to memorize all the most common standard window sizes, it can be very beneficial to understand the basic size ranges and terminology. This allows you to pick out certain windows quickly that may fit in with your architecture or personal style, as well as giving you an idea of how much customization might be involved in getting them installed.
Simply put, it’s a lot easier and more straightforward to measure for and install windows that come in standard sizes. That’s because these are the measurements most commonly used by window manufacturers, meaning more products will match up to them out of the box. Knowing your rough opening size ahead of time can also help you budget better and plan for any necessary construction before installation – two important factors when it comes to getting new windows installed quickly and correctly.
By understanding standard window sizes, you’re also allowing yourself to more easily compare different windows in terms of measurements, as well as giving yourself a better idea of what kind of options are out there for customizing certain rooms or parts of your house. So if you’re interested in replacing old windows with something new, be sure to keep these things in mind.
At Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors, our team is here to help you with any and all of your window installation needs in Utah. We can provide personalized advice on standard sizes for certain windows, as well as helping you get custom sizes installed quickly and correctly. Contact us today to learn more about the quality products or services.
Tips on Reading Window Sizes
It’s also important to know how to read basic window sizes, whether you’re browsing catalogs, talking to a contractor, or measuring for the windows yourself. While you’d naturally expect them to be listed by height and width, and this is indeed the format, you may not be aware of the special way in which these measurements are typically listed.
That is, most window manufacturers use a four-digit number for window size. The first two numbers here will be the width (in feet then inches), while the last two numbers will be the height (again in feet then inches). So for instance, a window labeled 2832 is 2 feet, 8 inches wide and 3 feet, 2 inches tall.
Now, it’s also important to realize that this number can be used not only for window products themselves, but also for window openings where a planned window is to be installed. It’s a simple way of making sure the new item will fit in directly, rather than having to make adjustments or find something else that works.
Tips and Basics on Common Sizes by Window Type
Now that you have a basic understanding of window sizing and how it works, let’s take a look at some general information on common window types and the sorts of frequent sizes or size templates you’ll find within them:
- Single- and double-hung: Single and double-hung standard windows tend to have some of the widest ranges of sizes, typically running from about 24″ x 36″ up to 48″ x 60″, but with some extreme cases going as high as 72″ x 96″.
- Casement: Casement windows are another type of window that comes in a wide range of sizes, though not as extensive as single- or double-hung. These generally start at around 20”x15” and can go up to 48″x72”.
- Awning: Awnings often come in a variety of standard sizes, but not as much as the other two types we’ve mentioned so far. These will typically range from 16”x21” up to 24″x36″.
- Sliding: Fittingly enough, sliding windows come in sizes that are usually compatible with sliding doors, so it’s quite common to find these between 72”x72” and 96″x96″.
Of course, there may be variations in size within each of these categories or even among different types of windows. When you’re selecting new windows for your home, just remember to start by understanding the sizes that are common for your particular window type and then customize as needed. That way, you’ll be able to find something that fits perfectly into the space available and looks great in your home for years to come.
For more here, or to learn about any of our window or door products and services around Utah, contact our team at Rocky Mountain Windows & Doors today.