Buying new windows is an investment, one that you want to ensure you get right the first time around, to not only save you time and money but a headache as well. While a majority of homeowners will go through a residential window contractor to purchase their new windows, you might hear the terms “rough opening” or “actual window size” being thrown around during the bidding process. What exactly are they talking about and what is the difference?
A rough opening is the size of the opening, in which your window sits. This is not going to be the actual size of your window, which will be smaller, in order to fit in the opening. The net size will be the actual size of the window that gets ordered to fit within your rough opening space. Even if you don’t plan on measuring or installing the windows yourself, it is still good to know what the difference is between the rough opening and net size in case you want to change the size of the opening or add a new window where there wasn’t one before.
Typically, a rough opening will be a half-inch larger on both the width and the height, allowing for a 1/4 -inch allowance all the way around. While this is the typical difference between rough openings and net sizes, it can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. If you are ordering windows through a reputable residential window contractor, such as Gordon’s Glass, they will send a technician out to your home to measure for new windows, so you don’t have to worry about getting the size just right.
No matter if you are needing to order windows for new construction, or for a replacement window, the process will be very similar. The only complication will be with replacement windows as the window already is surrounded by sheetrock, which can make it slightly more difficult to get an accurate measurement. But it is still possible to get an accurate measurement for a replacement window.
Now that you have a basic understanding of the difference between rough openings and net sizes for new windows. If you are in the market for new or replacement windows, contact Gordon’s Glass today to schedule a free estimate, where one of our technicians will come out and get exact measurements for you, so you don’t have to worry about getting it right!
