HOW TO MEASURE A WINDOW FOR SCREENS

"Measuring window screens can be challenging due to lack of industry standards.  Providing the existing screen can simplify the process.  Or, ask me to accurately measure your windows."

There are several different window types. Always take at least three measurements (edges and center) for both height and width to determine if there are irregularities in the frame opening.

Whenever possible provide the existing screen to allow the repair person to determine the frame thickness, overall size and frame type.  This will also let the repair person determine if you need special springs, plunger pins, clips or swivels.

If a screen is missing from the window, and there is a similar window in the house made by the same manufacturer, remove the existing window screen and measure the overall opening inside the sill and jamb.  Attach this measurement to the sample screen. Using these two openings sizes and the sample screen our repairperson should be able to determine the size of the missing screen.

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A. FOR SCREENS LIFTING UP TO REMOVE

Screens are held into the window by a track. Usually, the window screen slides into the upper track (which is twice as deep as the lower track) and the bottom is dropped into the lower portion of the track. The height measurement must be taken from the highest point inside the upper track to the bottom edge of the lower track (Figure 1A). Next, measure the width from side to side, and then deduct ⅛" for clearance from both the height and width measurements. There are a few exceptions to this method. Some sliding windows have a deep track running vertically along either the left or right side of the opening, while others do not have a deep track at all. Instead, these screens may be held into the window frame with a variety of attachment fasteners.

B. FOR SCREENS THAT SHIFT LEFT OR RIGHT TO REMOVE
This type of screen is very similar to 1A above, except that the tracks are on the side instead of the top. Follow the measurement (Figure 1B) to obtain the width dimension.


Note: On most windows, the screen is removed from the outside, however, some manufacturers made screens which can only be installed from the inside the window. This type of window requires that the sliding glass panel be removed first, and the screen is then removed from the inside.