The process of successfully installing a blind starts way before you pick up your tools or order the blind. The first step is measuring the window or recess correctly. In this article, we provide some useful tips for measuring windows for blind installations.
Determine the blind’s position
You need to identify how the blind will hang in relation to the window you’re measuring. If you’re fitting a blind on the outside of the window recess, it’s known as an exact fit blind. Exact fit blinds are installed on the wall above the window. The blind’s fabric will overlap the window area slightly to minimise the light entering through the sides of the blind.
What is a window recess?
A window recess is the distance from the window pane to the wall that the window is built into.
If the window you’re measuring has a recess, you need to decide whether the blind would be best fitted inside the recess or outside. This decision may depend on the specific project. In a school, it may be more suitable to fit the blind within the recess, neatly tucked away from children.
If you plan on fitting the blind within the recess, ensure that there are no obstructions that would prevent the blind from extending. For instance, protruding window handles can be a real nuisance for blind installers. A handle can cause an unsightly bump in the fabric and create a gap at the bottom where light can pass through.
Consider the type of blind
When measuring windows, think about whether you plan on installing a cassette blind, vertical blind, roller blind or another type of blind. Certain blinds are better suited to recesses, whereas other blinds are more suited to external fitting.
For instance, the blind mechanism may require additional room which would create a gap on one side of the blind where light will come through. If blocking out the sun is a priority, blinds like this should be fitted outside of the recess to ensure maximum shading is achieved.
Once you have decided where the blind will be fitted and the type of blind you’ll install, you’re ready to start measuring.
Use a good tape measure
The next tip is simple but important. You need to use a good quality tape measure. Have you ever used a cheap tape measure with flimsy metal that bends when it’s used? Well, that’s not going to make the process of measuring windows for blind installations easier!
We recommend using an industrial tape measure such as our 5M tape measure. The metal is very thick which makes measuring large recesses much easier. Using a strong tape measure which doesn’t bend during use will also reduce the likelihood of incorrect measurements.
Take three measurements
If the measurements are inaccurate, the blind won’t offer the same level of shading. It may be too small for the window and let light in, or too large for the window recess. With this in mind, we recommend measuring the width of the top, middle and bottom of the recess and using the smallest measurement. Repeat this process vertically for the drop of the blind. You should measure the left, middle and right of the recess and record the smallest measurement.
Using the smallest measurements for the width and height ensures that the blind will fit and there won’t be any surprises during the blind installation.
Summary
By following these tips, you’ll make the process of measuring windows for blind installations that bit easier. You’ll also reduce room for error, complete installation projects faster and provide a great service to customers.
As a commercial blind manufacturer, we supply premium made to measure blinds to installers around the world. Our product training and ongoing support ensure installers can fit our systems with ease and speed. Once our blinds are installed, they require minimal maintenance and provide years of trouble-free service.
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