Measuring doors and windows the right way

Are your windows or doors drafty, cracked, damaged, or simply outdated? Then it’s time for a professional replacement from SoftLite. Worn-out exterior features not only affect appearance, but insufficient insulation may be costing you money. So what’s the first step in replacing your windows or doors? Check and verify their size!

You have your tape measure, but how do you go about finding the perfect fit for a replacement? This guide from SoftLite Windows will give you the tips you need.

Important Terminology

Understanding basic parts can make it easier to measure your windows and doors:

The “side jamb” is the vertical piece of trim on either side.

The “head jamb” is the topmost horizontal piece of trim.

The “sill” is the lowermost horizontal piece of trim (often referred to as the “threshold” for doors).

How to Measure Windows

Our SoftLite exterior experts recommend these best practices when measuring.

Tip #1

Always measure from the INSIDE of your house.  If your home has a brick exterior, make sure the brick is not overlapping the rough opening.

Tip #2

Record all measurements to the nearest 1/8 inch, using the format of width by length.

Tip #3

The “reveal opening” is the actual area you’re measuring – the distances between the inside surrounding frame.

Tip #4

Remember to measure within the frame, not just the glass panes.

Tip #5

Always measure more than once to be sure!

To find the width:

Start with measuring the distance from the inner edge of one side jamb to the other.

To find the length:

Then, measure the distance between the sill or threshold and the head jamb.

Expert Window Replacement from SoftLite

For more assistance with window or door replacement, contact the pros at SoftLite today.