A measuring error of just a few millimetres can leave gaps around a screen or stop it fitting at all. We explain step by step how to measure windows and doors correctly, the common mistakes and how to prepare before a site survey.
An insect screen is a made-to-measure product, so accurate measurements are essential both for the screen to work properly and for it to keep insects out. An error of a few millimetres can leave a gap at the edge through which flies pass easily, or, conversely, prevent the screen from fitting into the frame at all. In this guide we explain step by step how you can measure on your own at home to get an initial quote or clarify your needs. We still recommend that the final production measurements are taken during an on-site survey.
Preparation Before You Measure
- Use a steel tape measure: A fabric tape stretches and gives inaccurate results.
- Record in millimetres: Write down exact values such as "1,012 mm" instead of "about 1 metre".
- Determine the opening direction: Does the window sash open inwards or outwards; is it tilt and turn or sliding? This directly affects the type of screen.
- Note any obstacles: Projections such as window handles, shutter boxes, curtain rails, sills and air-conditioning pipes can change where the screen is mounted.
Step 1: Decide Where to Mount
Screens are generally mounted in one of two ways: inside the reveal (on the inner surfaces of the opening) or face-fixed (overlapping the outer or inner face of the frame). Pleated and roller screens are mostly fitted inside the opening, while hinged screens are fitted to the frame face. The method you choose determines the reference points for your measurements.
Step 2: Measure the Width at Three Points
Measure the width of the opening at three points: top, middle and bottom. Walls and frames are not always perfectly straight; a difference of a few millimetres is normal, especially in older buildings. For mounting inside the reveal, use the smallest value so the screen fits at every point.
Step 3: Measure the Height at Three Points
Repeat the same process for the height, on the left, in the middle and on the right. On balcony doors, check whether the floor slopes; if the threshold area is sloped, extra measures may be needed for the bottom track of a pleated screen. Again, note the smallest value.
Step 4: Check the Diagonals
Measure the two diagonals of the opening (top left to bottom right, top right to bottom left). If there is a difference of more than a few millimetres between the two values, the opening is not perfectly rectangular. This information is important so that allowances can be made in production and installation.
Step 5: Measure the Depth and Obstacles
For mounting inside the reveal, the screen frame needs a certain depth. With the sash closed, measure the depth of the flat surface between the sash and the outer edge of the opening. Check whether the window handle clashes with the screen; on windows with inward-opening sashes the screen may need to be fitted on the outside.
| Measurement | How to take it | Which value to use |
|---|---|---|
| Width | Top, middle, bottom | Smallest value |
| Height | Left, middle, right | Smallest value |
| Diagonal | Two diagonals | Check the difference |
| Depth | Inner frame surface | Is it enough for mounting? |
The Most Common Measuring Mistakes
- Measuring at a single point and ignoring wall and frame irregularities,
- Rounding to centimetres and losing millimetre differences,
- Forgetting the window handle, shutter rail or sill projection,
- Mixing up the width and height values (width is always written first),
- Ordering several windows with a single measurement because they "must be the same".
Even windows in the same building can turn out to be different. Measuring each opening separately and labelling it with the room name prevents confusion on installation day.
When Are Professional Measurements Needed?
Your own measurements are very useful for getting an initial quote and discussing which system suits you. However, in cases such as double-panel pleated doors, sloping floors, roof windows and crooked frames in older buildings, production measurements should be taken by a specialist. Because demand peaks before the season in places such as Dalyan and Köyceğiz, having measurements taken in spring ensures installation is completed by early summer.
How Can You Send Us Your Measurements?
When sending us your measurements for an initial quote, it is enough to give the following information for each opening: the room name, the width and height (in millimetres), the opening direction of the window or door and the type of screen you would like. If possible, also add one photo of the opening from inside and one from outside; when details such as the window handle, shutter box and sill are clearly visible in the photo, the assessment is much quicker.
If you are measuring several windows, preparing a simple table makes things easier: on each row write the room name, the position of the opening (for example "living room, garden side"), the measurements and your notes. This table helps you quickly identify which screen belongs to which opening, both during the quotation process and on installation day.
With this information we can offer you an approximate price and a system recommendation. Once you confirm the order, our team takes the final measurements on site before production.
Conclusion
Accurate measurement comes down to a steel tape, measuring at three points, using the smallest value and noting obstacles. These steps give you a clear initial quote and the right product choice. For final measurements, our team carries out a free site survey and measurement in Ortaca and the surrounding area, and checks every detail on site during installation.
