While the goal when purchasing replacement windows is to ensure longevity, window screens can be a different story. Whether it’s the result of tree branches ripping holes in your screen or just wear and tear over time, window screens will eventually need to be replaced. Fortunately, most windows make replacements relatively simple if you know what size to get!
Measuring window screens is more complicated than just length and width, however. You also need to account for depth, not to mention adjusting for hardware space and making sure your screen will fit over the lip of your window (the U-Channel) when installing. What measurements you need to grab also depends on your window type. Consider this your step-by-step guide for measuring window screens, regardless of whether your windows are double or single-hung.
Window screens generally come in two types, and the type you will need depends on what window you have. Half screens are used in single-hung windows where only one-half of the window opens. If you have double-hung windows, you will need a full screen to cover the entire window. These usually have a crossbar in the middle to support the screen, giving it greater stability than if the mesh extended from one end of the window to the other without interruption.
Before we get into the complexity of measuring window screens using the window itself, getting the correct measurements using your existing screen is much easier! If you don’t have the old screen anymore — or never had a screen to begin with — you might consider asking a neighbor with the same style of windows if you could measure one of their screens.
Measuring a screen will give you much more accurate results than measuring inside the window frame, and you won’t have to make any estimations or adjustments to know it will fit. Here’s how to measure your existing window screen for replacement in three simple steps:
Start by measuring the shortest side of the screen. Window screen sizes can vary by small amounts, so take this measurement to the nearest 1/16th inch. This is your length measurement.
Again, record this measurement to the nearest 1/16th inch. This is your height measurement.
Once you have your length and height measurements, you need to measure the width of your window screen to determine the thickness you need to fill your window properly.
If you don’t have an existing screen to measure, keep reading for guidance on measuring your single or double-hung vinyl windows to get the perfect screen fit!
Most windows have what is called a U-Channel. These are U-shaped opposing window edges that keep the screen frame from falling out of the window. Because U-Channels have a lip or edge on both sides, you will need to measure both the width and distance between the two channels to get a proper fit.
First, measure the width of the U-Channel (the small measurement from one edge to another). This measurement will be 5/16” on most standard single-hung windows, but may be 7/16”, ¼”, or ⅜.” Take this and all future measurements from inside of your home.
When measuring the distance between the two U-Channels, don’t measure from the inside of both channels. This will make your screen too big, as it will be too long to fit over the lip on both sides to slide into place. Instead, measure from the inside of one U-Channel (the deepest point) to the outer edge of the opposing U-Channel.
When measuring window screens for a window, you’ll need to adjust the measurements slightly to account for the difference between the window opening and the screen itself. In most cases, you only need to subtract ⅛” from the measurement, but if you will need to install any hardware on the U-Channel then you should subtract ¼.”
Once you have the two measurements for your U-Channels, it’s time to measure the distance between the other two opposing sides of the window, or the “L-Channels.” Like the U-Channels, you want to measure from the innermost part of one side to the outer edge of the other. In case your window isn’t perfectly square, take two measurements at different points and keep the smaller measure.
Subtract ¼” to ⅛” from your measurement, plus another ⅛” if the hardware will be in the L-Channel.
Start by identifying which two opposing sides are your U-Channels and which two are your L-Channels. For double-hung windows, the U-Channels should be the top and bottom sides, and the L-Channels the left and right.
Unlike single-hung windows, you want to measure the distance between L-Channels on a double-hung window from inside to inside. Take two measurements — one from the bottom and one from the center. Use the smaller measure in case your window isn’t perfectly square.
Subtract ⅛” from the smaller measurement. This measure is your screen width.
Start from the inside of the top U-Channel and measure down to the top edge of the bottom U-Channel. Remember, it’s important not to measure from inside to inside with U-Channels, or your screen will be too big and unable to snap into place! Take two measurements — one on the right side and one on the left. Use the smaller measure in case your window isn’t perfectly square.
Subtract ⅛” from the smaller measurement. Subtract another ⅛” if the hardware will be installed in the U-Channel.
Window screens may need to be replaced sooner than your windows themselves due to the inherently fragile nature of screen mesh, but if you invest in high-quality windows built to withstand the test of time, it should be a long while before you even need to replace your screens! This is also an investment in future repairs, as your screen may be covered under your window warranty for years after installation.
If you’re looking for new windows to refresh your home and perspective, contact Hanke Brothers for the finest windows in all of Arkansas!
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