Existing Vinyl Window Measuring

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tbl01
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Existing Vinyl Window Measuring

#1 Post by tbl01 »

Quick question on measuring for replacing an existing 25 yr old vinyl replacement window.
How do you accurately measure the height. Top of the stop, but what about the bottom? Width stop to stop less a quarter seems to work or I could always pull the stop off.

The height has the stool inside and a stepped sill. I do notice a sill extender on the outside about 3/8 of an inch?

Any help or references would be greatly appreciated.

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Windows on Washington
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Re: Existing Vinyl Window Measuring

#2 Post by Windows on Washington »

Drywall returns?

Do you have a picture you can attach?

tbl01
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Re: Existing Vinyl Window Measuring

#3 Post by tbl01 »

Hi,
I don't have a pic but I will post one later when I get home. standard sheetrock on exterior wall with wood trim around window and standard depth stops on the returns.

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Windows on Washington
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Re: Existing Vinyl Window Measuring

#4 Post by Windows on Washington »

Sounds good. You will need to take a measurement from both the interior and the exterior to determine what your options are in terms of total unit size.

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HomeSealed
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Re: Existing Vinyl Window Measuring

#5 Post by HomeSealed »

+1. The picture would definitely help as well. :)

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Windows on Washington
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Re: Existing Vinyl Window Measuring

#6 Post by Windows on Washington »

HomeSealed wrote:+1. The picture would definitely help as well. :)
Image

tbl01
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Re: Existing Vinyl Window Measuring

#7 Post by tbl01 »

Hi sorry for the late reply. I am working two jobs right now and by the time I get home its been after12.
Here are a few pics. I am still unclear on the measuring? both inside and out?

Thanks again for you help and patience.
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Delaware Mike
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Re: Existing Vinyl Window Measuring

#8 Post by Delaware Mike »

The easiest way would be to find an existing manufacturers ID label up in the head or to the side of one of the sashes. This would typically have the make size of the window on it. These labels are often missing as the glue that holds them on the vinyl can be quite weak in most cases which is intentional regarding not wanted warranty claims down the road. Even if that were the case you would be ordering a window off of measurement of another installer or homeowner and who knows if they under or over measured?

Regarding the sides you can easily just measure to the outside edges of those vertical modern/ranch/clam shell/ 3/4 round type stops and deduct the standard 1/4". Since you can't see or really gain access to the interior of the highest point of the sill what I would do would be to cut the caulk and paint at the edge of the stool cap as it meets the bottom face of the existing replacement window with something like a utility knife with just enough room to get small steel scale or rule down there until it meets the bottom of the sill, then do the math.

tbl01
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Re: Existing Vinyl Window Measuring

#9 Post by tbl01 »

DM,
Thank you for the great idea. I think that will work well.
I appreciate all the responses and the time!

And I like the sleeping cat photo WOW.. My wife got a kick out of that photo.

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Windows on Washington
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Re: Existing Vinyl Window Measuring

#10 Post by Windows on Washington »

tbl01 wrote:DM,
Thank you for the great idea. I think that will work well.
I appreciate all the responses and the time!

And I like the sleeping cat photo WOW.. My wife got a kick out of that photo.
Killed two birds with one stone.

It was actually a copy cat because HomeSealed copies what I say.

It is the sincerest form of flattery.

....and +1 to what Mike said. That is the easiest way. If that doesn't work, report back and we can give you measuring ideas.

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Window4U (IL)
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Re: Existing Vinyl Window Measuring

#11 Post by Window4U (IL) »

Here's how to do a quick measure. Measure sideways to the points in the picture and subtract a quarter of an inch.
Measure the height by going from under the stool board to the same spot I showed you on the sides but on the top instead. Subtract a quarter of an inch.

I'd bet money that it's a 27 3/4 x 53 1/2 window. 8)

Image

tbl01
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Re: Existing Vinyl Window Measuring

#12 Post by tbl01 »

Window4u, real good guess. using your measurement method I get 30" x 57-3/4" not subtracting the 1/4". I havent tried the other measurment method yet, but I think this would work too.

Were contemplating doing the whole room over at this point. If thats the case I will do the windows and have someone come in and do the room renovation.

Always comes down to time and $$. Thank you for the great advice.

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Window4U (IL)
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Re: Existing Vinyl Window Measuring

#13 Post by Window4U (IL) »

Darn, I thought I had the size nailed from the picture. :oops:

From my experience, you are dead on. That window order size would be a 29 3/4 x 57 1/2. We run into the same sizes over and over and that is a common size in a certain age home.

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