Measuring For Functional Hurricane Shutters
Functional hurricane shutters are a great way to protect your home during unpredictable weather. The act of measuring for installation is a quick and fairly easy process that requires few tools. In general, the only instruments you’ll need are a steel tape measure, not a ruler, possibly a latter depending on the height of the window you’re measuring, paper, and a pencil. Furthermore, each window should really only take around 5 to 10 minutes each. It’s crucial to measure every window you’re applying shutters to as they may look the same size but most of the time they are not. For instance, this is especially true when it comes to 1st and 2nd story windows.
Important Elements To Keep In Mind
It’s imperative to take your time and be extremely precise in your measuring as doing so helps your functional hurricane shutters operate smoothly. There will be three points of measurement when calculating the height and width of your window opening as most are not perfectly square. Along with not being precisely square, it’s key to take in the many variables near your window opening or your home when reading these instructions. For example, siding material or casing may require you to alter your measuring tactics. Ultimately, it’s important to keep in mind the configuration of your home when measuring for functional hurricane shutters.
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Inspect Window Area
As mentioned previously there may be obstructing elements near or around your window opening. For instance, downspouts, building corners, roof lines, or flagpole mounts. If not dealt with or considered they may prevent a proper installation. Additionally, you need to be aware of the space between your windows and apply proper proportions so adjacent shutters don’t collide. There is also the space in front of the window that may have obstructions such as trees, shrubs, or fence posts. These features will also need removal or adjusting as they may stop your functional hurricane shutters from closing. Last but not least, is to address any existing wood rot in your window frame. If this is present it most certainly will need dealing with previous to installation so as to avoid headaches in the future.
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Measuring Width For Functional Hurricane Shutters
To begin you’ll want to measure from the inside left of your window opening to the inside right. This will be done at 3 different points being the top, middle, and bottom. If the measurements vary it’s best to go by the largest one. With this measurement, you will add 4 inches to provide the necessary amount of space so your shutters may close properly.
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Measuring height For Functional Hurricane Shutters
For the height of your exterior shutters, the process is much the same as the width. You’ll measure the inside top of the window opening to the inside bottom at the left, middle, right sides. This will be excluding any window sill and again you’ll take the largest measurement and round up to the next even number. This you’re obtained shutter height to order whenever you’re ready.
