How to Measure for a Replacement Window Screen

Your new screen will be manufactured from the measurements you submit, so measuring carefully is the most important part of the ordering process. Helpful ACE needs the finished outside dimensions of the replacement screen frame, not the size of the visible glass.

What you need

• A tape measure that clearly shows 1/8-inch increments
• Your existing screen, if you still have it
• A phone or notepad to record dimensions and hardware placement

If you still have the old screen

1. Lay the screen flat. Put the existing frame on a level surface so it is not bowed while you measure it.
2. Measure the finished outside width. Measure from the outside edge of the frame to the opposite outside edge. Record to the nearest 1/8 inch.
3. Measure the finished outside height. Measure outside edge to outside edge from top to bottom. Record to the nearest 1/8 inch.
4. Record width first, then height. Example: 31 3/8" W × 47 1/2" H.
5. Identify the frame and hardware. Note the frame profile/color and the type, quantity and location of springs, tabs, clips or plungers.

If the old screen is missing

Measure the area where the screen frame actually seats, not the glass. Look for the channels, stops or ledges that retain the screen. Measure width and height at more than one point because openings can be slightly out of square.

How to record hardware

Look at the screen from outside the home looking in. That is the orientation used by the Helpful ACE configurator for top, bottom, left and right hardware placement.

The live ordering tool includes window-screen hardware such as slide leaf springs, standard leaf springs, pull tabs, bale clips, tension springs and plungers. Record the hardware type, quantity and side of the frame.

Check for a crossbar

Large screens may benefit from a crossbar to help resist bowing. The ordering tool will identify larger openings where a crossbar is recommended. If your existing screen has a crossbar, record its orientation and distance from the top-left corner.

Before you submit the quote

• Recheck width and height.
• Confirm width is entered before height.
• Confirm the fraction is correct.
• Confirm frame profile and color.
• Confirm hardware type, quantity and side.
• Confirm any crossbar details.

Once payment is received, the submitted specifications are sent for manufacturing and the order can no longer be modified or cancelled.