measuring for replacement windows

bc0604@yahoo.com

I have read and had people tell me how to measure for replacement windows, however for some reason, I am worried that I will measure wrong and get all the windows in and they will be wrong. I have replaced a half dozen or so entry doors. Have reframed walls, electrical, plumbing, drywall, just about everything, but for some reason, I am still worried I will screw up the measurements. Are the measurements for the inside of the window sills? If someone that has done windows just walk me through this I would appreciate it.

Tom Struble

if you know what kind of windows your going to get just go to thier web site they most likly have very detailed instructions on how to do it

Scuba_Dave

I took the trim off the inside of my old windows & measured the RO
In my case I went with larger windows then the existing since I had empty pockets on either side where the sash weights were

Just Bill

For new construction type windows(old frame removed), do as suggested above, remove the trim and measure opening to the studs. For replacement windows, measure the ID of the frames at 3 points on tops and sides-use the smallest dimension, and check diagonals for square. Be careful to measure to the frame, discount any sash trim or sash guides. Give the dimensions as opening size, not make size. The manufacturer will subtract 1/4-3/8 from that.

The suggestion of going to the manufacturers website is a good one.

jaros bros.

You didn't give nearly enough information in your post to help us out. You are replacing your current windows with replacements as I understood it. If so, are you planning on reusing the trim and casework. Are you going to keep the outside trim? Will you be removing just the sashes? Do the old windows have drywall returns? True replacements, or taking the old out and putting in new construction windows with the flanges?
Sure, you can measure the ROs and give the measurement to the lumberyard and they will size them down according to manufacturers specs for you, but if you're planning on keeping trim and drywall returns you will need the window sized to what your old ones are.
If you are ordering from a lumberyard, give them a call. Most lumberyards will send a salesman out and he'll measure them all up and answer any questions you have free of charge. Then if anything gets screwed up it'll be his/her fault and not yours.

Josh Jaros (Jaros Bros. Construction)

bc0604@yahoo.com

While I am replaceing the siding, and will be replacing the trim on the windows. Am i better off pulling the whole window out and putting in new construction windows?

Tom Struble

probably you can get more glass area and you can insulate and flash it properly

Scuba_Dave

Yes, that's what I did
We are also residing, so I wanted new windows that were properly flashed

Tom Struble

if you do replace the entire unit depending on the building code you may have to make sure it qualifies as an egress window which probably requires you pull a permit