Measuring is not a difficult task in principle, but there are differences in how you proceed for a new building or an existing one. A window made to measure cannot be returned and only in rare cases can its size be adjusted. To make sure your windows fit perfectly, we ask you to pay careful attention to the following points when measuring and ordering:
- When measuring windows, the rule is that the width is stated first and then the height, and always in millimetres. When taking measurements you should also note further parameters such as the window opening types (seen from the inside looking outwards), the number of sashes, the glazing and the frame colours.
- Windows often have the same or a very similar size, so on the measurement sheet you should also number the windows and label them by room. If you want to measure several windows in one room, measure them starting from the door and going clockwise.
- Please note that the window must be slightly smaller than the opening into which it is fitted. The window needs space for the sealing materials. In addition, depending on the season, the window expands slightly under the effect of heat and contracts slightly in the cold. If the window has no room to “breathe”, it can warp.
- You should also take measurements at several points, because the window opening is not always perfect and the window may be narrower at the top than at the bottom. Where measurements differ, use the smaller measurement.
- All measurements are understood to include any add-on parts such as surface-mounted roller shutters, frame extensions or connecting profiles.
If you nevertheless feel unsure about measuring, it is in any case advisable to have this work carried out by a specialist before it is too late. There are a few tricks that can still get a mismeasured window into the wall opening, but then it must not be too large, but rather too small. There are window connecting strips for this purpose, with which a window can be widened and also altered in height. It just does not look particularly good if the windows subsequently have a different frame width.
This guide is divided into a version for existing buildings and for new buildings, depending on whether you want to replace existing windows or fit out a new building with windows.
In a new building
Please measure the height of the wall opening from bottom to top to obtain the height of the desired window. Take the measurement on the left and on the right and, in the event of any variations, always choose the smaller measurement. Then subtract 20 mm of clearance (that is, 1 cm per side) from the measured value, plus an additional 30 mm for the window sill connection. (NOTE: the Trocal 88 has a 35 mm connecting strip)
Measure the width of the wall opening from the left to the right of the wall opening to obtain the width of the desired window. Here, too, measure at the top and bottom to identify any variations. Choose the smaller measurement for calculating the order size. If you subtract 20 mm from the measured value, you obtain the order size for the width of the desired window.
Example
Your wall opening measures 1700 mm wide and 2200 mm high. The order size is then 1680 mm wide and 2150 mm high.
In an existing building (window replacement)
Please measure the height from the window sill to the lintel (top edge of the window frame) on both sides so that you can compensate for any dimensional deviations. Subtract 15 mm from this measurement.
Then measure the width of the window or front door on the inside from reveal to reveal (visible width of the window frame) at the top and bottom. The basis is always the smaller measurement, so that the window can be fitted into the existing opening without any problems. Subtract 20 mm from this measurement to determine the order size for your window.
Also measure the window or front door from the outside. If the measurement on the outside is larger than on the inside, the window must be fitted from the outside. In that case, determine the dimensions of the window using the same principle, but on the outside.
To determine the dimension of the window sill connection profile, measure once from the outer and once from the inner window sill, each up to the top of the wall opening. The difference gives the height of the window sill connection profile.
Example
The width at the top is 1240 mm, the width at the bottom is 1230 mm. Subtract 20 mm from 1230 mm to determine the order size - in this example it is 1210 mm.
You have a height from the window sill to the lintel of 1320 mm. (In the event that the heights on the left and right differ, use the smaller measurement.) If you want to keep your window sill, subtract 15 mm of clearance from the height. Your window height measurement is therefore 1305 mm.
You can now enter your details in our window configurator and order your new windows. If you have any questions about measuring the windows, or if you need windows that are not rectangular, please get in contact with us; we will be happy to help.
