Measuring Windows

Of our windows, only 5 of 13 open at this point. The upstairs has one size, the downstairs has a slightly larger size and the kitchen window is an over-the-sink one. Is it necessary to measure the 6 distances (3 x width, 3xh) on each window or would measuring one window of each size be sufficient? The current windows are wooden, 1955, single pane, with spiral tube balances, and not window weights. They are original to the house.

Thank you!

You are probably all right if they are wood pocket windows and you are going to be installing insert replacements in the exisisting frames after removing the parting bead/trim stop and sashes. Odds are that if one window where that far out of square that you would see issues where the sashes and frames meet. Metal framed windows typically require more care in measuring because they can be non-standard sizes. Most wood windows are standard sizes and given that you are deducting a 1/4 inch from the width and height, you should be fine.

That all being said, we always measure every window so take the extra time and measure them all.

I'm not sure how you planned on measuring the windows, but perhaps this tip will help you measure the ones that won't open.

Get two thin strips of stiff material, such as the staves from a metal mini-blind, making sure each one is longer than 1/2 the longest measurement you'll need.

To measure the height, slip the end of one strip into the space between the lower sash and the sill, and the end of the other between the upper sash and the inside trim-stop. Put a pencil mark where the 2 strips overlap. Now remove them, lay them on a flat surface with the overlap mark lined up and measure the length.

Follow the same process for the width, but try to get the strips between the trim and the tracks that hold the spiral rod to ensure you go all the way to the rough opening.

Finding the longest of your three measurements it's easy to do before you even take out your tape measure. The spot with the least overlap is the one to use.