Is This a Prank?

Awarding the prize of a houseful of windows, began with a phone call from Scotty Church. Scotty owns  The Window Source of Piedmont-Triad, the area where the contest winner lives. Imagine getting a call saying you’ve won a whole houseful of new windows. You’d think it was a prank, right? That’s exactly how Connie felt. Connie would not call Scotty back. If you know Scotty, he is a veteran who runs his business with integrity.  The situation was almost comical.  It was a follow-up call from The Window Source corporate office that Connie realized she was the winner! Skeptical at first, she couldn’t believe her good luck.

Choosing the Right Windows

Scotty Church, the owner, of the Window Source of the Piedmont Triad, took the time to walk Connie through her options. Taking the time to explain the various window features and benefits, ensured Connie made an informed decision. Connie chose double-pane, white, fusion-welded, vinyl, insulated windows. Her selection speaks to her taste and wisdom to have durable and energy-efficient upgrades for her home.

Professional Installation

The installation process was carried out by Certified Master Installers. Certified Master Installers are true professionals and using them reflects the high standards of The Window Source. The transformation of Connie’s home is a testament to the commitment to high-quality products, professional installation, and customer satisfaction that defines our work.

Happy Homeowner

We extend our warmest congratulations to Connie and express our gratitude to Scotty Church and The Window Source of the Piedmont-Triad team. Connie is thrilled with her new windows. She is one happy homeowner. The independently owned and operated TWS of the Piedmont Triad and their guidance of Connie from choosing the windows, professional installation, and service after the sale exemplify the values of The Window Source honesty, proficiency, and customer service.

Enter to Win

Stay tuned for more inspiring transformations as we continue to make a difference, one home at a time. To those dreaming of a home makeover, remember, your opportunity could be just around the corner.

For more information on The Window Source and our annual giveaway, visit our contest page. Submit your entry so we can create more beautiful, energy-efficient homes together!

About The Window Source

The Window Source is a network of carefully selected independently owned and operated entrepreneurs backed by a national brand. The Window Source believes that local family-owned businesses, supported by industry leaders with more than 40 years of operating experience, are an ideal combination for a company that values providing high-quality customer service, and exterior home-improvement products at the best prices possible. Read our review at various locations across the country and see what your neighbors and others are saying about The Window Source!

This article provides an easy-to-understand step-by-step guide on how to measure your current window correctly, so you can be sure that when you order your replacement windows they will fit like a glove! 

Learn all the tips and tricks of measuring for new or old windows, including different types such as sliding, double hung and bay/bow windows.

Get familiar with window sizing terminology such as sill, jambs and header–and even DIY vs professional measurements! Start off on the right foot by learning about accurate window measurements: Our article will help make this process easier than ever before!

Why It’s Important to Properly Measure Your Windows

Knowing the exact dimensions of your windows ensures that you can purchase a replacement window with the correct fit, while providing more precision when estimating costs.

Ensures correct fit for replacement windows

Having the right size window is essential for ensuring a proper and energy-efficient fit when replacing existing windows. Accurate measurements are needed to select the appropriate replacement window that will both look graceful and function electrically as well.

Measuring from the inside of your existing window frame provides you with the most accurate dimensions for ordering your new windows, ensuring there won’t be any gaps that can cause drafts or inefficient insulation, leading to increased energy costs in cold seasons.

Additionally, adequately accounting for wall thickness plays an important factor in selecting the right size of replacement windows since it affects the overall dimension of your window opening; otherwise, air leakage or installation difficulties may occur.

Helps with cost estimation

When replacing the windows of a home, cost estimation is essential to ensure that the project goes as smoothly and inexpensively as possible. Taking accurate measurements beforehand can help to avoid costly mistakes such as ordering too small or large of window frames and incurring additional expenses for modifications or repairs.

Before replacing your windows, accurately measure each opening including width, height, depth and jamb thickness. Be sure to carefully check that all components are level and square so you do not need to make adjustments later on.

Additionally, consider factors like frame material which could affect costs when determining an estimate for window replacement – vinyl and aluminum tend to be more affordable than wood or fiberglass frames while also being less maintenance in terms of upkeep over time.

Parts of Window You Should Be Familiar With

It is important to familiarize yourself with individual window components such as the sill, jambs, and header before beginning the measuring process.

Sill, Jambs, and Header

The sill, jambs, and header are essential parts of a window frame that make up the opening. The sill is located at the bottom of the frame and runs horizontally across it. This part of the window helps to keep water from pooling around and underneath the window area.

Jambs are vertical along both sides that run between the sill and header creating an enclosed space within which a window sits or slides open/closed. The header supports the weight of windows above as they open/close in place.

When measuring for replacement windows, these components must be accurately measured for proper installation of new ones – this ensures correct fitment and can help with cost estimation too!

Check for square and level

It is essential that you check for square and level before measuring your windows for replacement. A window that is not square or level can lead to installation issues, as well as problems with the overall performance of the replacement window.

This includes air leakage, water infiltration, and difficulty operating the window due to an imbalanced frame. When measuring a window opening, it’s important to start by assessing if its corners are perfectly straight in order to ensure correct fit for the replacement windows.

You should also take measurements from outer corners of the window opening instead of inner ones so you have accurate measurements when ordering new products. By checking if a frame is square and level prior to taking dimensions this helps ensure accurate estimates on cost and ensures proper fitting replacement windows every time!

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Windows

To get the most accurate measurements, use a steel measuring tape and measure the window’s width, height, and depth from both inside and outside faces of the trim molding.

1. Measure window width

When it comes to the window replacement process, accurately measuring the width of each window is essential. Measurement mistakes can cause costly delays and potentially result in a poorly-fitting new window which ends up costing more money in repairs or replacement.

Taking accurate measurements also makes cost estimation easier, ensuring that you won’t pay for more frames than necessary. When measuring the width of either a single pane or multiple panes like with bay windows, use a tape measure from one side to the other for precise results.

Make sure your measurement includes any jamb extensions if applicable because these will add extra dimension in some cases: for example, an angled sill may need to be taken into account when computing total length.

In the case of bay windows it’s important to take proper measurements of each panel at their center point since they vary due to design differences such as headers, sills or jambs being higher on one side versus the other.

2. Measure window height

When measuring the height of a window for replacement, it is essential to do so accurately. Taking accurate measurements can ensure correct fitting when replacing your windows and help you get an accurate cost estimate.

The most precise way to measure a window’s vertical size is by taking three separate height measurements – left side, center, and right side – before selecting the smallest of these numbers as the official measurement.

Generally, rulers or tape measures are used for this purpose, and measurements should be recorded in inches or any other preferred unit of measurement. Additionally, bay and bow windows require trim-to-trim measurements at the center with a level or square check prior to installation.

3. Measure window depth

Measuring the depth of a window correctly is essential to ensuring you get a replacement window that fits properly and can be installed without causing any issues. To measure the correct depth, open the window completely and then measure from front to back of the sill space at least 3 1/4 inches deep.

It’s important to also ignore any parting strips or pulleys as these will not be used in your replacement installation process. Knowing how much opening depth you have helps determine both size and type of window needed for successful installation.

Homeowners, property managers, real estate investors, and commercial property owners should all ensure they take accurate measurements when replacing windows to avoid common pitfalls associated with improper installations or inadequate sizes for new windows.

Measuring for Different Types of Windows

It is essential to understand the crucial measurements and styles for each window type in order to accurately measure your windows for replacement, such as awning/casement windows, sliding/double-hung/single-hung windows, and bay/bow windows.

Awning/Casement windows

Awning/casement windows are a great way to let in natural light and ventilation into almost any space. When measuring these types of windows for replacement, it’s important to take the exact measurements in order to ensure that the new window fits correctly.

For accurate measurements, use carpenters’ levels with multiple bubble level indicators on both horizontal and vertical planes—these will be used to measure the different sides of the window (i.e., sill, jambs, and header).

Additionally, make sure you check if your old windows square or level before taking additional measures. To get started with measuring your awning/casement window for replacement, measure its width first by “mark-measure-transpose” technique using a carpenter’s tape measure or ruler from side jamb opening outwardly over exterior stops as required.

Then proceed to take note of its height from the top sill origination point until meeting other stop at base. Finally calculate its depth recorded at lower jamb behind trim from inside outwards toward exterior stonework back side details to achieve overall accuracy required whilst considering ventilator demands also should you desire any installed for added complexity consideration points purposes.

Bay/Bow windows

When measuring for replacement windows, whether they are casement, sliding, double-hung, or single-hung windows it is important to accurately measure each window opening. Ensuring the measurements are accurate helps with both proper fitting and cost estimation of a window’s replacement.

When taking your measurements make sure to include any trim that intersects with the frame such as sills and jambs to have exact specifications for a perfect fit. Additionally some windows such as bay/bow require precise measurements so be sure to properly check for squareness and level before beginning any installation projects.

Sliding type windows should be measured in width from trim to trim in order to determine height while double-hung window and single-hung window types can use standard measurement along all faces of the frames.

Bay/Bow windows

Bay and bow windows provide a great way to add depth and character to any room in your home. These unique designs have angled panes that form a gentle curve, or alternatively have rounded shapes that fit multiple replacement applications.

Unlike traditional rectangular-shaped windows, the measurement of bay and bow windows need some special attention due to their complex design which often requires measurements at different points around the window frame.

To ensure proper fitting of replacement windows, make sure you double-check each dimension including width, height, depth as well as angles with all the noted parts such as sill, jambs, and headers taken into account since they differ from conventional types of windows.

DIY vs. Professional Window Measuring

DIY window measuring offers the potential for cost savings, but it is important to consider any risks associated with attempting this project yourself. Ultimately, whether you measure your own windows or hire a professional depends on the complexity of the project and available resources.

DIY homeowners can certainly benefit from taking measurements themselves, though there are risks involved that could end up costing more in required repair work if not done correctly.

Also keep in mind additional factors such as specialized tools needed or accessibility issues regarding reaching high windows. If these considerations outweigh cost potential savings associated with trying to do it yourself then hiring a professional may be the best option.

Regardless of which route is chosen, taking proper measurements should always be done accurately to ensure promised accuracy for replacement windows fitment during installation.

FAQs

1. How do I measure a window for replacement?

To measure a window for replacement, first you need to determine the height and width of the opening, taking into account factors such as existing trim or molding. Then, use a tape measure on all sides to get the overall measurements of both the interior and exterior opening.

2. What tools are needed to measure a window for replacement?

The only essential tool that is needed to accurately measure a window for replacement is an accurate tape measure with centimeter-millimeter markings. Additionally, a level can be used if available.

3. Are there any safety concerns when measuring windows?

Yes, there may be safety risks involved when measuring windows that are located in high places or difficult-to-reach areas, so it’s important to take necessary precautions such as wearing protective clothing or using appropriate ladders/scaffolding while doing this activity.

 4. How should I record my measurements once they’ve been taken?

It’s important to record your measurements accurately and clearly so that you have something concrete refer back to later if needed during installation or ordering new windows – 

These records could include things like drawings showing size and placement measurements; written notes (including product names) or even photos highlighting exact locations within each room where new windows will go later on down the line!

How do you know you have chosen an eco-friendly window? Start with basic window science and you will learn eco-friendly windows are high-performance windows. Replacing inefficient windows with high-performance is a smart move toward reducing energy consumption.

Know More Before You Shop for Windows

Before you buy new windows make sure you spend time learning key terms that will be featured in high-performance windows. Basically, a wise investment in eco-friendly windows begins with knowledge of key terms such as U-Factor, Visible Transmittance, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, and Air Leakage. These terms refer to measurable energy efficiency ratings for windows and doors. They are also the science behind high-performance windows and doors. High-performance windows designed using up-to-date scientific knowledge are durable, weather-tight, and reduce the overall energy consumption of the home. Additionally, extreme weather events, as well as changes in average seasonal temperatures, call for windows with multiple panes, inert gas fills, and non-conductive frames. Multiple pane windows have warm-edge spaces and inert gas fills to keep outside temperatures outside and inside temperatures inside. Non-conductive window frames also help to maintain the interior climate of the home. When shopping for windows and doors ask your Window Source representative to show you the NFRC energy-efficient ratings and key features.

Learn Even More About High-Performance Windows

To learn more about high-performance windows, the pictures and captions below provide additional information about window energy efficiency. High-performance windows have a low U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). The National Fenestration Rating Council is The NFRC is an independent non-profit organization that establishes objective window, door, and skylight energy performance ratings to help you compare products and make informed purchase decisions. The NFRC Rating for The Window Source’s high-performance 9000 series window is better rated than a double-pane window and is better rated than a double-pane insulated glass window. When you look at the corner cut of a sample high-performance window the scientific terms make sense and you will be able to shop with confidence.

For additional tips go to this The Window Source blog page explaining NFRC energy-efficiency ratings or check out this article on Why You Should Consider Eco-Friendly Windows for Your Spring Remodeling Plans.

What is the Difference between Builder Grade and Custom Windows?

Builder-grade windows look great when they are new. Fast forward 5-10 years and builder-grade windows may begin to look and perform very differently. The terms builder-grade windows and contractor windows refer to stripped-down, lower-quality windows. Builders and land developers purchase low-end windows to cut costs. Sure, brand new builder-grade windows look great in a brand new house. However, builder-grade windows fall short in meeting the minimal energy-efficiency, Energy Star standards. Additionally, they are typically made with standard-grade materials and parts. Builder-grade windows typically begin to fail within 5-10 years of installation. A builder-grade windows warranty is usually prorated within a 10 year period or is not even offered. Cutting costs with builder-grade windows in your new home now means spending more on heating & cooling costs and eventually spending more replacing the windows.

Characteristics of Builder Grade Windows:

• Seals fail prematurely – often many windows seals will fail at the same time
• Hardware rusts and breaks down faster
• Operating parts become difficult to move
• Usually only meet minimum energy-efficiency standards
• Glass may become less clear over time
• UV protection is little or nonexistent – furniture fading or damage is preventable
• Installation is often done by the builder rather than a master window installer
• Screening is minimal or nonexistent
• 10 year prorated warranty or nonexistent warranty

Characteristics of Custom Windows:

• Custom measured and ordered for your home
• NFRC energy-efficient performance rating
• Double and triple pane insulated glass units
• Exterior & interior color options
• Glass coatings
• Inert gas fills
• Grill options
• Premium vinyl
• Hardware options
• Professionally installed
• Lifetime warranty

Premium Grade Custom Windows

Premium-grade windows are the best windows that a window manufacturer has to offer and are custom ordered for your home. The homeowner is able to choose windows with glass and color options that match their aesthetic preferences as well as energy-efficiency requirements. The Window Source offers a lifetime warranty on custom-ordered windows.  To keep an already complex building process under control, very few builders offer premium, custom-grade windows as an option. Savvy new homeowners choose to upgrade to energy-efficient custom windows to save on heating & cooling bills and avoid replacement windows costs. Call The Window Source to learn more about the features and benefits of using high-quality windows from the start.

The Window Source gives back to the community by donating a portion of all sales to support safe and healthy housing for low-income homeowners, senior citizens, and veterans. Partnering with Rebuilding Together to empower neighbors to stay in their homes and revitalize communities is a natural extension of our work. The Window Source provides high-quality, custom, energy-efficient, replacement windows and doors to homeowners across the United States.  

The Window Source understands the importance of giving back to our neighbors, maintaining safe and healthy homes, building generational wealth through homeownership, as well as revitalizing neighborhoods across the US.  Partnering with Rebuilding Together, takes our commitment to homeowners to a greater level of impact.  “The Window Source will donate a dollar for every window and door unit purchased going forward,” said Keith Kailian, President of The Window Source. 

Rebuilding Together, a leading national nonprofit providing essential home repairs and revitalizing communities announced a national initiative with The Window Source. The effort will focus on addressing urgent housing challenges through critical housing repairs that help provide safe, healthy, and accessible homes for everyone. 

Rebuilding Together has local affiliates in every state served by The Window Source.  Locally-based owners of The Window Source and their customers have the opportunity to give back to their community by supporting Rebuilding Together’s mission to repair the homes of people in need and revitalize communities. Customers can elect to round up their purchase and make a donation to the local non-profit organization at the time of purchase.  The Window Source location owners may also choose to donate products, expert knowledge, or sweat equity to specific Rebuilding Together home repair projects. 

About Rebuilding Together

Rebuilding Together is the leading national nonprofit organization repairing the homes of people in need and revitalizing our communities. Through its national network of affiliates, Rebuilding Together works proactively and collaboratively with community leaders, long-term residents, funders, and volunteers to foster dialogue and create safe, healthy communities across the country. Learn more and get involved at rebuildingtogether.org.

About The Window Source

The Window Source is a network of carefully selected independently owned and operated entrepreneurs backed by a national brand. The Window Source believes that local family-owned businesses, supported by industry leaders with more than 40 years of operating experience, are an ideal combination for a company that values providing high-quality customer service, exterior home-improvement products at the best prices possible.  Learn more about The Window Source location near you at https://thewindowsource.net/locations/

From the age of 15, our founder, Keith Kailian was setting sales calls for in-home improvement projects.  In 1975, Keith and his father, Norm Kailian, started a replacement window business in York, Pennsylvania. It grew to span the Mid-Atlantic Region and to be one of the most successful in the industry.

Over 40 years of working in the industry, Keith learned every aspect of the large-scale home improvement business including marketing, sales, branch management, and manufacturing.  In 1995 a replacement window manufacturing plant was acquired and The Window Source was launched in 2008.  Keith applies the skills learned over a lifetime in the industry to lead a streamlined business model that has made it one of the top replacement window companies in the nation. As a homeowner, you will notice The Window Source difference in the upfront pricing

Armed with more than 30 years of verifiable success in areas of customer service, sales operations, business development, marketing, and communication, Ralph is the Vice President of Sales and Operations. Once you have had the pleasure of meeting Ralph, it is quick to see that he is approachable, well presented, and able to contribute immensely toward the success of The Window Source brand. Ralph supports individual location owners, within established standards, policies, and procedures.

The Window Source network of carefully selected entrepreneurs care about high-quality customer service and offering the best value to homeowners. Our high standards for selection and conduct protect the integrity and value of our national brand.  The Window Source offers homeowners a very competitive price without all of the sales gimmicks typically used in the industry.

For a Free Estimate Call The Window Source in Your Area!

Each year, the average American household spends $1,500–2,500 on energy bills. 45% of that cost is for heating and cooling. Choosing high-performance windows, doors, and skylights can save you money and keep your home comfortable.

The NFRC Rating is an Energy Performance Label.

All Window Source products come with voluntary National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) labels so that you can compare window products with confidence. You can rely on the labels and forget about all the sales gimmicks that you may hear from companies charging much higher prices. In fact, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relies on NFRC data to set its ENERGY STAR guidelines.

The National Fenestration Rating Council is committed to advancing the continuous improvement of windows, doors, and skylights, contributing to making buildings more comfortable and energy-efficient.

What does the NFRC Label Tell You?

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The layers of glazing in an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) must be held apart at the appropriate distance by spacers. Because of its excellent structural properties, window manufacturers started using aluminum spacers in the 1960s and 1970s. Unfortunately, aluminum is an excellent conductor of heat and the aluminum spacer used in most standard edge systems represented a significant thermal “short circuit” at the edge of the insulating glass unit, which reduces the benefits of improved glazings. In addition to the increased heat loss, the colder edge is more prone to condensation.

All Window Source windows utilize the latest warm edge spacer technologies that reduce thermal conductivity while improving surface and corner appearance over other insulating glass spacers. Our innovative warm edge spacer systems save energy by insulating the frame and edge of the insulated glass unit making the unit much less conductive around the perimeter.

Warm edge spacers have become increasingly important as manufacturers switch from conventional double glazing to higher-performance glazing. For purposes of determining the overall window U-factor, the edge spacer has an effect that extends beyond the physical size of the spacer to a band about 2-1/2 inches (64 mm) wide. The contribution of this 2-1/2-inch-wide “glass edge” to the total window U-factor depends on the size of the window. Glass edge effects are more important for smaller windows, which have a proportionately larger glass edge area. For a typical residential-size window (3 by 4 feet/0.8 by 1.2 meters), changing from a standard aluminum edge to a good-quality warm edge will reduce the overall window U-factor by approximately .02 Btu/hr-sq ft-°F.
A more significant benefit may be the rise in interior surface temperature at the bottom edge of the window, which is most subject to condensation. With an outside temperature of 0°F, a thermally improved spacer could result in temperature increases of 6-8°F (3-4°C) at the window sightline–or 4-6°F (2-4°C) at a point one inch in from the sightline, which is an important improvement. As new highly insulating multiple layer windows are developed, the improved edge spacer becomes an even more important element.

Call The Window Source In Your Area For A Free Estimate!

Windows keep your home well-ventilated, comfortable, and safe. The type of window, where the window is located in your home and the amount of maintenance provided, impacts how long a window lasts. Exposure to the elements affects the condition of your windows over time, which can lead to decreased energy efficiency and decreased comfort from drafts and leaks. So how do you know when it’s time to replace your windows?

Call The Window Source In Your Area For A Free Estimate!