Windows
For a typical recessed window, we need to work out where the shutter frame will fit, check if the louvres are going to hit any handles or if we need to avoid any trim around the window. We’d normally measure the protrusion on these objects to help with order checking later on.
Once we know this, we would take 3 measurements across the width and 3-5 measurements for the height.
We measure the diagonal of the window and then check the level all-around to find out how square it is.
If there are any horizontal or vertical features on the windows, we take all these sizes too, so that we know where to align any matching features in the shutter.
Bay windows
Bay windows will take longer to measure as it’s like having 3 windows in 1, so we have to work out where the shutter frame could fit ensuring it misses handles and vents etc. Like the window, all these points are measured.
Then we mark out at each angle with the exact point where the frame will sit, so we can measure to these points. We measure each of the angles in degrees for the custom bay posts.
We need to check the level around the whole bay and check how vertical it is at each upright and at the sides. This is done by spirit levels and laser levels and sounds easy but most bays are always out of level, so there is a lot of planning to work out the best size to ensure the shutters will look at their best.
Doors
Doors are measured in a similar way to windows but we allow for skirting boards, larger handles, possible side windows and window sill overhangs, all these items need to be measured and recorded so the shutter frame can be fitted around them.
Shapes
Shaped windows can be straight forward or take quite a while.
Some curved shapes will need full templates taken, these templates are then sent to the factory so the shutters can be matched exactly. Other shapes will just need normal measuring.
Angled shapes just need measuring, so no templates involved just lots of level checking and taking sizes from laser lines as the key thing when measuring a shape is knowing how level it is.
Fitting clearance
Once we have measured each window and we know how square it is, we decide on our fitting deductions there and then. Typically for our shadow gap, we would deduct 13mm from the smallest width and height.
This creates our neat shadow gap and ensures the shutter fits in the window opening.