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The major and crucial step in window replacement glass is window measurement. People usually ask, “How to measure for replacement windows?” but they do not get satisfied by the answers.
Keeping in view the user problems, Fab Glass and Mirror has opted to enlighten people about measuring the replacement glass for windows efficiently. Read our expert guide on taking the correct measurements for replacement windows and avoid any inconvenience.
The first and foremost thing is to know the size of your window. Taking the accurate and precise measurements of the window you would like to replace is the best thing you can have. So, let’s dig out the measurement guide.
Table of Contents
Before You Begin: Safety and Tools Checklist
Measuring for replacement glass often means dealing with a broken window. Safety should be your first priority. Before you start sticking a tape measure near cracked glass, make sure you are prepared.
Tools You Will Need:
- Steel Tape Measure: Do not use fabric or flexible measuring tapes, as they can stretch and result in inaccurate readings.
- Heavy-Duty Cut-Resistant Gloves: Essential if the current glass is cracked or shattered.
- Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes from any rogue shards of glass.
- Notepad and Pencil: To record your measurements immediately.
- Putty Knife (optional): If you need to gently pry away window stops to see the hidden edge of the glass.
Pro Tip: Always remove or carefully tape over loose, jagged shards of broken glass before attempting to measure.
Crucial Distinction: Full Window Unit vs. Glass-Only Replacement
Before we start measuring, you need to know what you are ordering:
- Full Replacement Window Insert: This means you are replacing the glass, the sash, and the frame. (Follow Steps 1, 2, and 3 below).
- Glass-Only Replacement: This means you are keeping the window frame and simply swapping out a broken pane or a foggy Insulated Glass Unit (IGU).
Step 1: Take Horizontal Measurements
While taking the dimensions of the replacement window, always measure it at three points. It gives a clear insight into whether the window has equal distances or not. Take the horizontal measurements from the top, middle, and bottom.
- Take the measurements of the top side first with the help of measuring tape. Measure from one jamb surface to the other
- Measure from the middle and then the bottom of your window
- Now you have three measurements of your window. Use the smallest measurement as your width dimension.
Step 2: Take Vertical Measurements
You have to repeat the same measuring steps of width measurement while taking vertical dimensions i.e. three measurements vertically (leftmost, middle, rightmost).
- Measure the height distance across the window frame from bottom to top from left, middle, and right of the window from the window sill to the head jamb.
- Just like the width measurement, take the smallest measure of the height while ordering your replacement window.
FYI: Do You Need to Subtract from Your Measurements?
When ordering a full custom replacement window unit, you usually provide the exact “rough opening” or tight frame size and let the manufacturer calculate the necessary deductions for the window framing.
However, if you are ordering glass-only replacement (just the pane), you must account for a subtract factor. Glass expands and contracts with temperature changes. If you order glass cut to the exact, tightest measurement of the frame, it will shatter from thermal expansion or simply won’t fit during installation. A standard industry practice for glass-only replacement is to deduct 1/8” to 1/4” from your final tight measurements to give the glass room to breathe. Always check with your specific glass manufacturer regarding their deduction requirements before placing your order.
Step 3: Measure Diagonally to Ensure the Window is Square
Never assume your window frame is perfectly square. Houses settle over time, and window frames can warp or rack.
- Measure diagonally from the top-left corner to the bottom-right corner.
- Measure diagonally from the top-right corner to the bottom-left corner.
If these two numbers differ by more than 1/4-inch, your window frame is “out of square.” If you are ordering a perfectly square replacement window to fit into a crooked frame, you will face major installation problems.
Step 4: Take Depth Measurements
Finally, the depth is the last thing of a window to measure for glass replacement. After taking the depth dimensions, you are all set to order a glass replacement for yourself.
- Measure the depth from the inside window trim to the outside blind stop strip.
- Take the dimensions of the depth from several points.
Note: Don’t worry about the pulleys and parting strips while taking depth measurements. All this stuff is removed during window installation.
Rough Opening and Window Size
The rough opening is the opening where the window frame sits. The rough opening measurements are important while choosing a frame size. However, the replacement window size is lesser than the rough opening as the frame has a header, sill, and vertical trimmers.
How to Measure for a Glass-Only Replacement (Just the Pane)
If your window frame is in good condition and you only need to replace the glass pane itself (or a foggy double-paned unit), do not measure the whole window frame. You only need to measure the glass.
1. Measure the Daylight Opening (Visible Glass)
Measure the exact width and height of the glass you can actually see.
2. Account for the Glass Bite
The visible glass is not the full size of the pane; the edges are tucked behind the window frame or stops. This hidden edge is called the “glass bite.” Usually, this adds about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch to your Daylight Opening measurements (roughly 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch on each side). The most accurate way to measure this is to carefully remove the window stops with a putty knife and measure the full, tight opening, then apply your 1/8″ deduction for expansion.
3. Measure Glass Thickness
This is a step many homeowners miss! You must measure how thick the glass needs to be to fit properly into the window sash.
- Single-Pane Windows: Usually require standard 3/32″ or 1/8″ thick glass.
- Double-Pane Windows (Insulated Glass Units – IGUs): You must measure the overall thickness of the entire unit (glass + spacer + glass). These usually range from 5/8″ to 1″ thick. You can measure this by opening the window and looking at the top edge of the sash, or by measuring the thickness of the broken pieces you removed.
You Can Take Measurements in Square Feet Too
If the above-given steps don’t make you feel at ease, you may opt to measure the window for glass replacement in square feet.
- Measure (in inches) across the bottom of the window glass
- Measure from bottom to top
- Multiply both readings and divide them by 144 to have the measurements in square feet
Note: The window glass area is calculated by multiplying the length into width.
What is the standard size for a window?
People usually ask for the standard window size. For their information, there is no particular standard measurement of a window. Yes, it’s a sure thing that when you shop for replacement windows, you probably encounter some consistent size dimension windows. These windows are made to fit mostly the rough opening sizes in the home. However, it’s always better to measure your windows and place an order. If you don’t find a pre-manufactured window, you’ll have to go for a custom-cut solution.
Talking about the common window size usually found at home is 24✕36. You can’t take it as a standard size but a common size.
Pro Tip: Fab Glass and Mirror is in favor of performing DIY tasks at home. However, for window measurement, we highly encourage you to get the help of professionals to ensure error-free measurements of your replacement window glass. This step will avoid you from financial loss as well as give you peace of mind.
Where to Buy High-Quality Replacement Glass?
The glass market is very diverse, and you find several types of glass for windows. The important thing is the quality of the replacement glass and its price. At Fab Glass and Mirrors, we offer a wide range of replacement glass of different shapes, sizes, and finishes. Order online a high-quality replacement glass at a reasonable price.
