Replacing Window Glass Requires Careful Measurement Of Existing Window Frames

When you need to fit a new glass sheet to a window frame that has glass, you need to cut the glass to the exact size: If it is too big, it will not fit into the frame, and if it is too small, it will not fill the gap in the frame. The gap or hole that you see in the frame is smaller than the actual space, so if you just measure across this, then it will not work. You also need to know the dimensions of the recess where the glass is to be fitted, so that you get a tight fit.

In this article we tell you how to measure the window or door glass for the needed replacement.

What Do You Need?

There are no special tools or equipment needed for the process of measuring windows. Here is a list of tools that will help you in the accurate measurement of windows.

A measuring tape
Leather gloves that are puncture proof
Pen or pencil to note the measurements

Step 1.

For a rough indication of the width of the opening, take three measurements horizontally across the frame.

For each side jamb, measure the horizontal distance at the top of the frame, the middle, and the bottom.
The smallest of these three figures must be circled.
This measurement gives you the rough width of the opening, and is the main measurement that you need to refer to for the purchase of the replacement window.

* Tip: Width measurements must always be listed before those of height.

Step 2.

For the rough opening height, take three vertical measurements of the window frame.

Measure the distance from the head jamb to the window sill from the top to bottom of the frame, on the left, the middle, and the right side of the window.
Circe the smallest of these there figures to give you your rough opening height.

* Tip: Window sills can be sloped, and in this case you need to consider the highest point of the sill, and this is more than likely to be right against the window.

Step 3.

Measuring the window opening depth.

It is important to find the correct depth as some windows can be too deep to fit into the opening of a replacement window.
Your tape measure must run from the outside of the frame to its inside, and then note down the measurement from one edge of the window frame to the other.
Repeat this in several locations all round the window frame and our final dimension is then the smallest of all the measurements.