The most common and easiest way of properly measuring for a replacement screen is to use your existing screen. Record the width, length and then the thickness of frame and provide these exact measurements to us. Determine which, if any, hardware or screen clips are needed and where they are located on the window screen. Knowing which side the clips are located and how far from the edge of screen is important to note.

Like most homes, your window screens sizes will vary throughout your house. Determining how to measure starts with the existing windows you would like to replace with new screens. One of the most common types of window screens are the spring loaded screens. There is a certain method of how to measure for a spring loaded window screen. Please note that the tabs will go on opposite side of the tension springs. Springs go on the side where the screen fits into the deepest channel of the actual window frame.

Window Screen Measuring Guide

Step 1: Measure The Width

Place your screen on a workbench or any flat surface. Next, use a standard tape measure to measure the width of your screen (left to right). Please measure from the corner and not the distance between the center. This is very important to aquire a true measure because some screens can have a bow in the frame due to either damage, misuse or the screen material being too tight. Measuring from the corners will insure your new replacement screen will fit into the windowsill perfectly.

If measuring an existing screen:

1. First, carefully remove the screen from the window channel
2. Using a tape measure, record the measurement from left to right at the top
3. Next, use the same measuring method and measure from left to right at the bottom.
4. Then, provide us with the smaller of the two measurements you recorded. This will be your width measurement.

If measuring without a screen:

1. Using a tape measure, place it in the top left channel and measure the distance to the right channel
2. Next, measure the bottom width by measuring from left to right. Be sure to place your tape measure inside the channel where the screen will rest.
3. Now that you have 2 measurements, left record the smaller of the two and use this as your width measurement for the next step.
4. Lastly, you will need to subtract an 1/8" from your measurement to allow for clearance for installation.
   1. Example #1: (28 1/2" - 1/8" = 28 3/8")
   2. Example #2: (32" - 1/8" = 31 7/8")

NOTE: If using flat tension springs as hardware on LEFT or RIGHT of the frame - we recommend subtracting an additional 1/8 for the spring clearance. So your total offset would be a 1/4" from your original recorded measurement.

Step 2: Measure The Height

Using your tape measure, let's measure the screens height by measuring from the bottom to the top. Make sure to measure your screen from the exterior of the frame. We recommend that you avoid measuring from the center of your screen, instead measure from the bottom corner to the corner directly above (i.e: bottom right to top right).

If measuring an existing screen:

1. First, carefully remove the screen from the window channel
2. Using a tape measure, record the measurement from top to bottom at the left
3. Next, use the same measuring method and measure from top to bottom at the right.
4. Then, provide us with the smaller of the two measurements you recorded. This will be your height measurement.

If measuring without a screen:

1. Using a tape measure, place it in the top left channel behind the top lip and measure the distance to the bottom left channel
2. Next, measure the right height by measuring from top to bottom. Be sure to place your tape measure behind the lip at the top where the screen will rest.
3. Now that you have 2 measurements, left record the smaller of the two and use this as your height measurement for the next step.
4. Lastly, you will need to subtract an 1/8" from your measurement to allow for clearance for installation.
   1. Example #1: (28 1/2" - 1/8" = 28 3/8")
   2. Example #2: (32" - 1/8" = 31 7/8"
   
   

NOTE: If using flat tension springs as hardware on TOP or BOTTOM of the frame - we recommend subtracting an additional 1/8 for the spring clearance. So your total offset would be a 1/4" from your original recorded measurement.

Step 3: Measure The Frame Thickness

The thickness of your aluminum screen. Window screens frames are avaliable in three different sizes 5/16", 3/8" or 7/16", this is an industry standard. 5/16" thickness is the most popular over both 3/8" and 7/16". Make sure you measure your window frame "tracks" usually found on the left and right side of the frame. Also, you should see one or two grooves on the bottom of your window frame. Make sure the size of your tracks or grooves will allow the frame thickness you choose will fit. Remember, there are literally hundreds of window frame manufacturer's, so it is difficult to explain all of the variations. If you know the manufacturer/brand of you window and the style/part #, it is always good to give them a call to verify what size frame depth/thickness you should choose. If all else fails, choose the thinnest and go with 5/16" which is the most popular as well!

Step 4: Hardware Configuration & Notes

If your screen has pull tabs, you will want to measure the distance between the inside corner and the outter most part of the tabs. If you do not specify the location, we will place your tabs to industry standards - 6 inches from the inside corner. This method is also used for measuring the placement of plungers and acorn latches. As for the springs, they are attached to the corner of the frame before joining the frame pieces together.

NOTE: The the hardware inset measurements should be notated on the "Hardware Comments" on the product configuration page. Use this area to describe in detail where we should install your additional screen hardware. If you need further help, feel free to call our friendly customer service during normal business hours.