I've got to replace a couple of storm windows, but I'm not sure what measurements to use to order the new windows. The opening where the new window will be installed is about 28-1/2" W x 55 1/8" H. This will be the distance between the outside edges of the flanges (I'm not sure if that's the correct term, but I'm referring to the part that the screws go through to attach the window.)

However, I know that you sometimes have to change the width of a flange to fit by removing a strip from the flange that has been scored at the factory for that purpose. So that measurement doesn't really matter that much, as long as I can remove a portion of the flange, I can make a larger (measured the same way I did) window fit.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

~Jeffrey

 

I always suggest to my customers they measure the size of the hole into which the storm window actually sits. This is what really needs to be precise.

Before ordering, check all windows for square

 

So, unless one or both of us misunderstood the other, my measurements should be the correct numbers to give to the supplier.

I don't have to check for square, at least not with a square, nothing about this old house is square. Then the siding guys came along and slapped the aluminum on the windows making things even less square! Sure, it's old, it's gonna be a rental, the owner wants to spend as little $ as possible; but, surely I'm not being too hard on those guys by calling the job they did poor... to put it mildly.

I've already reinstalled about 17 storm windows. Making them look decent wasn't easy, but I managed. I just need two more to replace missing windows.

Thanks a ton for your help!

~Jeffrey

 

Jeff:

The flange you mentioned in your original post sits on the frame of the window; the measurement I suggested is for the actual storm window that sits into the window opening - the flange is irrelevant.

 

Glad I checked back here before ordering! This explanation changes my numbers.

Thanks a ton!

~Jeffrey

 

There is ad on this page for kaufmann windows. Click on the link and then click measurements.

 

After three months, I'm still plagued by these storm windows.

I'm pretty sure I misunderstood everyone that explained how to measure for storm windows, or maybe I wasn't clear enough. So I'm 99.9% sure the fault is mine.

But, before I ordered them, I asked a lot of window-pros and suppliers about it and the overwhelming majority said the "flanges," or "fins" (where the screw holes to fasten the storm window to the existing window's frame are located) didn't matter.

However, when I received the new windows, the measurements from fin edge to fin edge were exactly the same as the measurements I gave to the supplier. Which means they're too small. They told me my original measurements were wrong, and to ignore the fins... Now they won't admit it, and having no proof, I'm stuck with these smaller windows.

Here's a link to a photo of a similar window minus the storm window: http://www.katanapg.com/picture/71196

If you were ordering storm windows for this window, would you measure from point A or point B?

The fins on all of the original storm windows had been trimmed by whoever installed them. Now, there's a layer of aluminum covering the wood, requiring the original windows to be trimmed even further. Without having an untouched original to measure, measuring from point A would still produce a smaller storm window than the originals.

That's why it made sense to me to measure from point B: the factory would build a storm window that let in the same amount of light as the originals, and it would be my job to trim the fins to the appropriate size.

According to the building supply co. I should have measured from point A, and that manufacturers don't do what I was expecting them to do. I was told this was the industry standard. Does anybody here disagree with that?

I can still use the windows, they just won't match the originals, and I hate "rigging" things so they work despite not being the correct size... I'll probably lose a little sleep over it; but it's just an old house turned into a cheap rental, and my rigging will look as good or better than the rest of the place.

Thanks for the help, and kudos to those that actually read the mini-novels I try to pass off as "posts."

~Jeffrey

 

Well, when I used to order storm windows, I would tell people to measure at point A, and I would order that size and add "exact size, tip to tip". That was for a "blindstop iinstallation". That was what the manufacturer we used specified, I'm sure other places have other ways.

If someone wanted to do a brickmold install, I would normally order the same way, as long as we were in agreement on the actual size they wanted.

I never trusted someone 500 miles away to know what I or the customer was thinking.

I'd just nail some new stop to the existing stuff, paint it, and install the storms.

 

No question, the correct measurment is from point "A". That is the opening size and most manufacturers deduct 1/8" from that for a perfect fit.

 

Thanks guys. This one is chalked up in my "lessons learned" book. I'm waiting for some aluminum expanders, which should be in today or tomorrow. If they don't get here by Friday, then plan B is to add some new stop like you said Gunguy45.

Again, thanks for the help!

~Jeffrey

 

Besides the expanders for the sides, I hope they send you bottom expanders to account for the additional width. I've resorted to this type of fix a couple of times in my years in the business.