How to Measure for New Construction Windows

A new construction home or business requires accurate measuring of windows to ensure a good fit.

A new construction home or business requires accurate measurements of the window frames to order the correct size windows. Taking measurements at the top, center and bottom of the horizontal width along with three vertical measurements for height at the left, center and right ensures a good fit. New construction window frames should be exactly level both vertically and horizontally but may be slightly off if a framing issue causes a shift in the level.

Things You'll Need

• Steel measuring tape
• Pen and paper

Instructions

1. Insert the tip of a steel measuring tape into the deepest part of the window jamb at the top right side of the window frame. Pull the measuring tape down to the bottom of the frame at the sill and record the measurement as the right side window height on paper with a pen.

2. Measure the left side height and the center window height in the same manner. Record these two measurements as well.

3. Insert the tip of a steel measuring tape into the deepest part of the window jamb at the bottom left side of the window frame. Stretch the measuring tape horizontally to the right side jamb of the window frame. Record this measurement as the bottom window width.

4. Measure the center and top of the window width in the same manner and record them on the piece of paper.

5. Use the smallest width and height measurements to purchase or order windows for a home or business.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a steel measuring tape for the most accurate measurements of a window. The metal window frame has splines that protrude with indentations between them at the deepest point of a frame. The metal measuring tape will insert into the indentations for measurements.

• Ordering or purchasing windows in the smallest of the three window height and window width measurements ensures that they will fit into the window frame. If a window is slightly smaller than the frame, shims can tighten it to hold it in place. If a window is too large for the frame, removal of the frame and additional framing to fit the window is needed. This leads to extra time and expense in a new home.

References

• New Construction Windows: How To Measure Your Windows