How to Measure for Glass in an Aluminum Frame

Replacing the glass in your aluminum-framed window is typically a good candidate for a DIY project. You do not generally need any great expertise, though you may wish to leave the task to a professional if your window is particularly large. Despite being a relatively straightforward project, however, there are some places that you may hit a snag if you do not know better. Measuring the aluminum frame to determine the size of your new piece of glass is one of these places. Perhaps surprisingly, the glass should not be exactly the same size as the opening in the frame.

Measuring tape
Pencil
Paper

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the opening of the window frame from side to side about halfway up. Write down this measurement. Measure from side to side at the top of the opening, and again at the bottom, writing down both measurements.
- 2
  Compare the three width measurements for the opening and make note of the smallest one.
- 3
  Subtract one-eighth inch from the smallest of the three width measurements. This is the width you need for your replacement piece of glass.
- 4
  Measure the opening of the aluminum frame from top to bottom, approximately halfway across the width of the opening. Write down this measurement. Measure from top to bottom at each side of the opening, writing down both measurements.
- 5
  Compare the three height measurements for the opening and make note of the smallest one.
- 6
  Look carefully within the aluminum frame. Some frames have a slot on the top where the glass slides into place. If this is the case, add one-eighth inch to the largest of the height measurements. If not, subtract one-eighth inch from the smallest of the height measurements. This is the height you need for your replacement piece of glass.

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