How To Measure a Window For Replacement

Besides saving you hundreds of dollars each year in energy costs, replacing your home’s windows can dramatically improve the look of your home. Once you have accurate measurements, you can estimate the price for new windows for your home and contact a window replacement company for quotes.

Nu Look Home Design is a top-rated window installer in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. For expert measurements and installation, give us a call or schedule online today!

How To Measure Your Home’s Windows

Before you grab your tape measure, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the various parts of your windows. As with most home improvement projects, being off just a fraction of an inch can result in expensive errors. For window replacement, the important parts to know are the sill, jamb, and header (or head). 

First, Measure The Width of the Window

When measuring for replacement windows, you should always start with width, then measure for height. You should also take interior measurements. You measure width by determining the distance from jamb to jamb, or from side to side.

Because homes settle and shift over time, it’s important to take the same measurement in three places: the base of the window, the middle, and the top. Take care to measure from the surface of the jambs — not the trim pieces around your window. Your final measurement is the smallest of the three.

Then, Measure The Height

To measure the height of your window, measure from the sill to the header, which is the top of the window opening. Again, take three measurements in three different spots: the far left, the middle, and the far right. Use the smallest of the three as your final measurement.

Note that if your windowsill slopes, you should measure from the highest point, which is typically snug against the window.

Check Your Measurements With a Professional Window Replacement Company

New windows are an investment that will deliver cost savings and a whole new look for your home, but only if you purchase the right size windows for your property.

Measuring your windows yourself is a good starting point to determine your general budget, but it’s best to consult with a window replacement company to get truly accurate measurements. The last thing you want to confront is a window that’s too small for the opening and thus less efficient or — even worse — a window that is too large and can’t be installed.

It’s also best to work with a window replacement company to install your new windows. Most homeowners replace their windows because they want to save on utility costs. Windows that fit poorly due to a bad installation can cause a range of problems, from uncomfortable drafts to high heating bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, up to one-third of a home’s heat loss occurs through its windows and doors.

Professional window installers have the tools and experience to ensure your new windows not only look beautiful but function and perform exactly as they’re designed to.

Call Nu Look to Talk about Window Replacement for Your Home

If you’re thinking about replacing your windows, contact Nu Look Home Design for a free in-home estimate. Our window installation pros will measure your windows for the most accurate estimate possible.