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Last Updated: Tuesday, January 27th, 2004, Created: Tuesday, January 27th, 2004

How to measure windows for replacement or repair

A new window is always rectangular, but the hole in the wall where you want to install it could be just about any shape and if you don't take your measurements carefully, the new window may not fit into the wall.

Start by measuring the width, but measure it all the way from the top to the bottom. That will tell you if the sides are properly parallel, or perhaps tapered, or maybe there is a bulge in the middle that you need to compensate for. Taking just one width measurement could get you a window that is going to jam into the wall. You want to note the smallest width.

Then do the same thing for the height. Measure all along from the left to the right to see if the height is the same all along. Again, take note of the smallest measurement.

Now both sides could be parallel but the whole thing tipped to one side so you need to measure both diagonals. If they are not the same, take note of both measurements. Your square window will end up with diagonals different than either of these measurement but having them noted down will allow you to reproduce the shape of the opening on a template to help you determine just what sized rectangle will fit properly into your wall.

One web visitor challenged the traditional idea that if the diagonals are equal, the hole is square. He is right; you could have a pyramid shaped window opening that had equal diagonals. If the height of both sides are equal, and the widths of the top and bottom are equal, and the diagonals are equal-- then you definitely do have a square opening.

One of the tricks for noting all the dimension details, such as for the brick and the trim pieces, is to take several photos of the area, maybe even leave your tape measure in the photo to give you a scale. Then print or photocopy large copies of the photos, return to the window and note down all the dimensions. When you have a photo rather than a sketch, nothing gets left out. Some of the little electronic notepads comes with cameras and allow you to draw right on the screen, giving you a complete dimensioned drawing right at the window. Some allow contractors to e-mail the drawings right back to the office, cutting down on time and errors.

Digital or Polaroid cameras are in fact great assets for noting dimensions in just about any renovation project.

Keywords: Dimensions, Measuring, Pictures, Techniques, Windows

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