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Shutter Measuring Mistakes to Avoid
Measuring your windows for custom exterior shutters isn't too hard, but one thing is for sure: if the measurements are off, you'll be dealing with a shutter project headache!
Here are some of the most common measuring mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Only Taking One Measurement
It's important to always take two measurements. As each window is not created equal, the measurement you take at the top of the window will vary slightly from the one taken along the bottom. Measure the opening along the top of the window, then measure along the bottom.
2. Measuring Only One Side of the Window
The height on one side of the window will probably be different from the other as well, so take a right-side measurement and a left-side measurement to ensure complete accuracy.
3. Not Accounting for Hardware
To measure for hardware, you first have to measure the window on the inside edge of the casement, as if the shutters would be closed. This measurement is "pair width" (equal to twice the width of one shutter). If your shutters will be functional, deduct approximately 1/2" for clearance. If your shutters will remain open at all times, rounding off to the closest inch is acceptable.
4. Incorrect Measuring of Radius Tops
The "high point" of a radius-top shutter (also known as the "long side") is the length from the bottom (B) of the shutter to the tip of the shutter's arch (A). This will always be synonymous with the shutter length.
The "low point" (also known as the "short side") begins at the bottom of the shutter (C), and extends to the "low point" of the arch's radius (D).
If you're ordering a circle top shutter, follow the directions for radius top shutters, unless you know for sure that the top of your window is a perfect circle. If it is, each shutter will be exactly one-quarter of a circle. In this case, we need the pair width. This will automatically give us the circle's radius.
5. Forgetting The Measurements
If you're measuring alone, make sure you write the numbers down as soon as you have them.
And don't worry - if you're ever stuck, just call us! Our Shutter Experts can help make sure you're on the right track. Call them at 800-250-2221
