How to Replace Windows : How to Measure for New Windows

Learn how to measure your windows to make sure they fit from a window installation engineer in this free video on remodeling your house.

Expert: Dave Belch
Bio: After working for his father, Dave Belch has been in the window business for twenty-seven years.
Filmmaker: Reggie Hayes

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• home improvement
• construction
• windows
• homes

[senserdog]

For all those who said this video is wrong, well it worked perfect for me and I'm just a DIY with little or no experience at all replacing windows, my first time.

Thanks in advance.

[dgmcgrat]

A couple other tips. I like to subtract an extra 1/4" from the frame size (making the window 1/2" smaller than the RO) because a 1/8" is too small to fit the straw in for the spray insulation. Also, for older houses (and to be safe in general) take each measurement (W and H) 3 times...middle and sides..then use the smallest of the 3. Remember, ordering too big a window = a big problem, too small a window = a few shims and some extra insulation. better to err on the small side if anything.

[vsedlachek]

This is the best, most straightforward video I've seen on how to measure for windows. Thank you.

[norsmetal]

I have field measured over $16,000,000 worth of windows and door products successfully. Your video is exactly correct. To the DIY'ers out there always measure your width then hieght . I'd never measure the hieght first, you certainly would want your sizes reversed when ordering. width x hieght ;)

[AlessandroVolta1]

@senatorfrisky How are you going to put them in from the inside if the windows have brickmold or built in j channel? You would have to put them in from the outside. Btw, worked for a window manufacturer and in my part of the country you just have to tell them if they are frame size or Rough openening. I don't see any problem with what he is describing in the video.

[heavenlypennies]

@dgmcgrat

Thanks!! That totally answered the question I had in my head.

[colin57396]

whats with all the righting so you can see the video ?

[dgmcgrat]

The confusion is over Frame Size vs. Rough Opening. When you order windows you have to tell them what measurement you're giving them. Frame size is the actual size of the window, Rough Opening (RO) is the size of the hole you are putting the window in. If you give them your RO measurements they (or their computer) will automatically subtract some amount (usually 1/4") from the total width and total height to allow for some play, squaring, and insulating.

[11spike7]

I worked installing windows in base housing on

an AFB. With a crew of 4, we replaced 1500 windows in one summer. If the install wasn't perfect, the inspector made you tear it out and re-install. This guy is doing everything the way it should be...A1, perfect installation.

[senatorfrisky]

I guess we need better clerks?