Determining the size of furniture and other objects in the house is usually a simple procedure that can be carried out by anyone who owns a tape measure. Any additional calculations are carried out extremely rarely, and they are usually quite primitive. But not in the case of windows.
Knowing how to measure windows correctly is a real task, which is quite problematic to complete without instructions and experience in taking such measurements. But accuracy in this matter is the main parameter. If the measurements are taken incorrectly, then when ordering new windows or, for example, curtains or tulle for windows in a store, a person will be faced with the fact that the product will have to be returned to the store. Because of this, many companies that install windows take measurements themselves, not trusting the home owners to carry out this procedure.
Despite all of the above, anyone can independently learn to measure window sizes with maximum accuracy. You just need to follow clear rules and instructions. Acting according to these instructions for the first time in his life, the second time a person will already understand exactly how he needs to take measurements. As he gains experience in the future, he will be able to carry out all the necessary measurements in a matter of minutes. You just need to gain knowledge about the basic rules for measuring window openings and advice from construction industry specialists on this topic.
Rules for measuring windows
To begin with, two window measurements are taken: outside the house and inside. It is advisable to start from the street side. Thanks to these measurements, the depth is determined: the distance between the outer and inner limits into which the window should fit. The window itself must be larger in size than its protruding portion, and the above measurements allow us to determine exactly how different the size of the window itself may be from its outer part.
Windows are measured first from the outside and then from the inside
In houses where the window opening does not represent a clear rectangular figure and skews in one direction, the size of the window must be taken taking into account this very skew. Next, you need to make a small comparison of the sizes of the window and the opening in order to determine the amount of plaster needed to apply to the internal slopes, and to find possible inaccuracies in the calculations.
A number of different tools may be needed to determine the exact dimensions of a window. It is advisable to have them on hand:
- tape measure or other measuring device;
- pliers;
- compact hammer;
- objects for drawing: a ruler, an eraser, several pencils, a notebook where you can write down the measurement results;
- building level;
- a specially dull chisel.
The maximum error of measurements taken should not exceed 10 millimeters.
Quarter window measurement
A quarter in a window opening is a protrusion on the street side that prevents the windows from falling out. When installing the window, it will support the frame. The standard quarter depth is 40-75 mm.
On the left is a window opening with a quarter, on the right – without a quarter
Location of the quarters of the window opening (view from the room)
Approximately 20-30 millimeters is the distance by which windows in quarter openings should extend beyond the side projections, and 15-20 millimeters beyond the top projection. The window width is determined after measuring the outer protrusions. To this size an additional 40 to 60 millimeters is added on both sides. Thanks to this addition, the size for the quarter window entry from both directions is determined. The added size may be slightly smaller if the wall is simply curved, or even just has some flaws in its structure. It is used for the assembly seam.
Installing the window width to the side quarters. On each side of the frame it is necessary to leave gaps of several millimeters for the installation seam
Next, you need to compare the distance between the external protrusions with the distance between the attachment points of the internal slopes and the window frame. It is important that the width of this frame does not exceed the width of the window opening measured from inside the living space. If even after several attempts this measurement condition cannot be met, it is better to contact experienced specialists who can adequately solve this problem and carry out measurements as correctly as possible.
The length that results from measuring the distance from the base of the opening under the window to its upper slope is called the height of the measured window. From this value you need to subtract 10-20, which fall on the required layer of polyurethane foam. It is also necessary to add 20-30 millimeters to the resulting height - part of the window structure, which should extend into the upper quarter of the measured opening. This indicator is still not final. From the existing height you need to subtract about another 30 millimeters, which will go under the stand profile for the subsequent installation of the ebb and window sill. The ultimately obtained indicators are the exact dimensions of a standard plastic window for a house and a quarter.
Window height measurement
- A - measuring the distance between the edge of the upper quarter and the lower wall of the opening.
- B - from the resulting measurement A, subtract 10-20 mm for the mounting foam at the bottom of the opening.
- C - add 20-30 mm to measurement B for the window to enter the upper quarter of the opening.
- D - subtract approximately 30 mm from measurement C for the stand profile.
Stand profile
The final dimensions should also be double-checked. The above-described measurements and calculations can be carried out a couple of more times, and all indicators can be checked, achieving the minimum error between them.
You can learn more about measuring windows with quarters in the video:
How experts calculate glazing area
From the point of view of designers, windows are the most vulnerable points in the building envelope. Through them there is intense energy exchange between the room and the environment.
Calculation of window area is carried out according to the methods given in SNiP (“Building Norms and Rules”). They provide illumination standards for various types of premises, corresponding coefficients and formulas.
In a simplified way, the area of light openings can be calculated based on the recommended ratios between the areas of windows and floors. These data were not taken out of thin air, but were obtained on the basis of many years of data analysis in various regions of the world.
The relevant information was summarized and compiled into easy-to-use tables.
For example, for civil buildings in the climatic conditions of the middle zone at an altitude not higher than 800 m above sea level, with slight shading by nearby buildings, the ratio of glazing area to floor area will be as follows:
- living rooms - 1/8–1/6;
- kitchens and corridors - 1/10–1/8;
- staircases - 1/14–1/10;
- classes and audiences - 1/4–1/3;
- playing and dining rooms in kindergartens - 1/4–1/3;
- hotel rooms - 1/8–1/6;
- library reading rooms - 1/6–1/5;
- offices and laboratories of the research institute - 1/7–1/5;
- administrative premises - 1/10–1/6;
- sports gymnasiums - 1/6–1/5;
- gyms - 1/5–1/4;
- medical offices - 1/7–1/5;
- hospital wards - 1/7–1/6;
- restaurant halls - 1/8–1/6;
- trading floors of stores - 1/8–1/6.
Window measurement without quarters
Measuring the width of a window without quarters
To determine the width of the frame of the future window, it is necessary to subtract the required installation gap of 20-40 mm from the width of the window opening (the smallest value of three measurements), depending on the curvature of the wall. If you see that the vertical parts of the opening have a significant difference, then it is better to take 40 mm.
The height of the window frame is determined as the difference between the height of the window opening (the smaller value of three vertical measurements) and the size of the installation gap in the upper part (15-20 mm), as well as the size of the stand profile (30 mm).
Measuring window height without quarters
Measuring the window sill and low tide
It is also necessary to calculate the dimensions of the window sill and ebb. If you have an old window sill, simply measure it with a tape measure. If the window sill is not installed, then to determine the length it is necessary to add 50-100 mm to the width of the window opening on one side (i.e. 100-200 mm in total). The width of the window sill depends on the depth of the window opening, but on average it is 60-70 mm from the window opening. In this case, the projection of the window sill from the wall should not exceed 60 mm. Otherwise, it may break if something heavy is placed on its edge.
Window sill measurement
Important: the window sill should not block the heating radiator! You must take this into account and choose the optimal window sill width.
The length of the ebb is determined as the width of the window opening on the street side, increased by 50-60 mm. The width of the ebb is determined from the window frame to its edge, while the ebb can protrude from the outer wall by 30-50 mm (and from the frame by 60-70 mm).
Low tide gauge
Scope of work performed
To date, we have produced about 200 thousand products for premises in different parts of the capital and region. Buyers choose us thanks to our modern service, which includes the following services:
- consulting professionals to select the optimal window system, components and fittings;
- calculation of the approximate cost of the product;
- accurate measurements using a professional measurer;
- accurate delivery of plastic windows;
- high-quality installation of window systems, slopes, window sills, etc.
Window width measurement
To obtain the size of the window, add 3-5 centimeters to the width of the slope from the outside (a little less in a situation where the wall is curved). To accurately measure a window, you need to know some nuances:
- the window should be the same or slightly wider in the place where the frame touches the slopes;
- the structure should be smaller than the internal window opening.
Measuring the width of the window
To avoid making mistakes when measuring windows in non-standard openings, you need to contact a specialist. A professional surveyor can identify the causes of discrepancies on the spot.
Video description
This video shows in detail how to measure a window to replace it with plastic ones:
All the above information applies only to standard rectangular windows. It is not recommended to measure plastic windows for non-standard openings yourself, since manufacturers of plastic structures have their own requirements for the maximum and minimum diameter of arched vaults, the dimensions of tilt-and-turn sashes, etc.
The services of a specialist will certainly be required in cases where the customer needs to reduce or enlarge the opening or change its configuration. If the house is residential, this must be done immediately before replacing old windows with new ones, since living with empty openings while new windows are being made is not an option.
Window height measurement
When measuring the window in height, it is recommended to subtract 2 centimeters from the distance of the base of the window opening to the upper outer slope. This is the required distance at the top of the opening for polyurethane foam.
Window height measurement
The window height measurement scheme is quite simple and understandable to every developer. To make the structure fit into the upper quarter, add 1.5-2.5 centimeters to this size. When installing a window with a window sill and ebb, you need to use a stand profile, and subtract 3 centimeters from the resulting size.
Features of measuring window openings in private houses of old construction
Before measuring a window opening in an old private house, it is necessary to identify the actual dimensions of this opening. This requires dismantling the slopes. Often, significant gaps are hidden under the slopes, sealed with cement or insulation.
Before measuring a window opening in an old house, it is necessary to dismantle the slopes
During dismantling of the old frame, this entire additional structure may collapse and it turns out that the opening is much larger, which will only be a plus. But, if measurements were previously made using old windows, then all the free space will have to be restored instead of using wider windows.
Consequences of incorrect window measurements
It is very important that measurements of the window opening are made with millimeter accuracy. If it so happens that errors were made during the measurements and the window turned out to be smaller than the required size , then the resulting gaps will have to be sealed with polyurethane foam or the window slopes increased. This process will require additional materials as well as time.
After some time (perhaps several years or several months), such a window begins to deform, cracks and crevices appear. The window begins to let in cold air and freezes in winter. In conditions of high humidity, you cannot avoid constant condensation on the windows, and subsequently the formation of mold. The window also loses its aesthetic appearance.
Difficulties arise when the manufactured window simply does not fit into the window opening ; this situation requires non-standard design solutions. Sometimes you have to order a new window or even cut through an opening.
