How to Measure for Struts for a Concession Window

Struts attach at the corners of concession windows.

You can turn an ordinary concession window into something more attractive when you add awnings above the windows. Since the window of the concession stand is where all the action takes place, it's important to jazz up the windows' features to make a comfortable area for your customers. Awnings can make your concession stand window stand out above your competitors to attract more business to your concession. The struts are what hold up the awnings that you add, so be sure to measure them properly so the add ons don't collapse.

Things You'll Need

• Ladder
• Awning
• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Get an assistant to help you with the measuring process. Position a ladder next to the concession stand window. Have the assistant climb up the ladder until he can reach the top of the window.

2. Hand the awning to the assistant on the ladder. The assistant holds the awning up in position over the window. If the awning is very large and heavy, you may need a second ladder and a second assistant on the other side of the window so that two people hold it up safely.

3. Use a measuring tape to measure the distance between the window and the awning. To do this, place the front end of the measuring tape at the very bottom of the awning. Pull the measuring tape back until it hits the window.

4. Read the distance that the measuring tape reveals in feet and inches. This is the measurement that you will need your strut to have for its extended length. Struts are traditionally measured in extended lengths and compressed lengths. For a concession window you are most concerned with the extended length, because you want the awning to be well supported over the window. If the distance between the awning and the window is, for instance, 4 feet, the extended length of the strut must reach 4 feet.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot find a strut that measures the exact extendable length as the distance between the awning and the window, advance to the next longer strut length. You can adjust the position of where you install the strut along the side of the window -- such as higher or lower -- to account for the longer distance.

• The distance between the ground and the bottom of the concession window awning should be no less than 6 feet, to account for tall customers.

References

• Awnings Guide: Measuring For Awnings