Preparing the opening and Measuring

Using the Existing Window Frame

1. Before the new replacement window can be installed, the existing window framing must be prepared by removing all debris and correcting any defects. Ensure that the window opening is the correct height, width, and depth to meet the specifications of the window being installed. Check the opening for the squareness by performing corner-to-corner diagonal measurements.
2. If the opening is out of square, correct it until it is square. Measure again to ensure that the window will fit into the opening.
3. Wood windows must have all of the chips and rough edges (caused by the removal of the blind stops and the parting stop) removed and/or smoothed to avoid impeding the installation.
4. Aluminum windows must have wood blocking fastened into the sash tracks of the sill to help support the weight of the new window. The wood blocking must also be fastened into the jamb and header sash tracks to give an additional fastening reinforcement to the screws that will be used to attach the replacement window to the frame. Cut the wood blocking flush with the top edge of the sash track leg.
5. After the window, the opening has been inspected and corrections, if any, have been made, the window is ready for installation.

Using the Rough Frame Opening

1. Before the new replacement window can be installed, the rough framing must be prepared by removing all debris and correcting any defects.
2. Clean the rough frame opening. Remove all dirt, dust, nails, old putty, and sealants.
3. Ensure that the window opening is the correct height, width, and depth. Check the opening for the squareness by performing corner-to-corner diagonal measurements.
4. If the measurements indicate that the opening is not correct, build up the rough framing with wood bucks or small pieces of wood-framing materials until the opening is within specifications. If the opening is small, remove the rough frame material at the area where the measurement is incorrect until the opening is within specifications.
   This recommendation is not intended to correct for mis-measured or mis-ordered windows.
5. After the rough frame opening has been inspected and corrections, if any, have been made, the window is ready for installation.

How to Measure your windows

New Construction

The window and patio door sizes for Viwinco’s new construction products are usually established by the homeowner and/or contractor. The rough opening is then constructed per the window size. Make sure the opening is 1/2″ larger than the window in both width and height. When ordering Viwinco windows or patio doors, be sure to give the width measurement first, and then the height.

Full-size, step-by-step measuring instructions for New Construction windows.

Replacement

The window and patio door sizes for Viwinco’s new construction products are usually established by the homeowner and/or contractor. The rough opening is then constructed per the window size. Make sure the opening is 1/2″ larger than the window in both width and height. When ordering Viwinco windows or patio doors, be sure to give the width measurement first, and then the height.

Full-size, step-by-step measuring instructions for Viwinco’s Replacement windows.

Note: Accurate measurement of the old window frame is the key to a perfect fit. Examine the old windows to determine how they are installed into the rough opening. When ordering, please state the measurements taken for the window width first and then the height. Make sure, as is explained in Step 3, that the window dimensions conveyed in your order are 1/2″ smaller in width and height than the rough opening.

Exactly where the actual measurement is taken may vary depending on the type of window being replaced and the wall construction type. In some cases, the interior/exterior trim may have to be removed to obtain an accurate measurement.