After installing plastic windows, it is necessary to provide for the installation of blinds that are suitable for the design, which allow you to create optimal natural lighting in the premises in any weather outside the window.
But for proper installation and design selection, you need to know how to measure blinds for plastic windows yourself.
This knowledge will help you save money on paying for the work of a construction team or purchase a more expensive model of blinds.
Choosing the right type of blinds
It is possible to take measurements for the installation location of the blinds and determine their dimensions only after the appropriate type has been selected, on which many nuances and measurement methods depend. Some people mainly focus on decorative properties and ease of use, which, in general, is correct, but it is worth noting the fact that the complexity of their installation can differ significantly.
Roman blinds are great for living areas of an apartment
Therefore, it is worth choosing designs that best satisfy all the design requirements of the room, but at the same time it is possible to install them yourself. Manufacturers offer the following types of structures for indoor installation:
- classic version with horizontal or vertical lamellas;
- roll;
- Roman curtains;
- pleated.
The first and second options are optimal and inexpensive, therefore, if there is no experience in measurements and installation, then they are ideal. Taking measurements for them is quite simple, they are undemanding to operate and are quite repairable. If you want to create a unique design, then the other options are suitable.
Determining the mounting method
Before measuring the window, you need to decide on the method of fastening the structure being installed.
If you follow the instructions, you can install the curtains in a matter of minutes.
To do this, you can use the following recommendations:
- Vertical fastening can be done inside the opening or directly to the wall, depending on how the plastic window was installed.
- Vertical structures must be fastened in such a way that there is a minimum distance of more than 50 mm from the floor.
- If you plan to install blinds overlapping the window opening, then you need to be prepared for the fact that part of the window sill will be occupied by its structure.
- When attaching a vertical structure, the width is selected so that the canvas protrudes beyond the window by at least 15 cm.
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Fastening in the window opening should be carried out so that the window sill is not touched by the canvas, that is, it is necessary to make a height indent of 20 mm. It is necessary to determine in advance the opening direction of the blinds and select a mechanism.
The process of measuring the size of blinds for plastic windows
Steel tape allows you to take measurements with high accuracy
To measure blinds correctly means choosing the right tool, wisely selecting the required design and deciding on the location for installation, and then performing the necessary measurement steps.
It is important to measure all the necessary linear dimensions only using a steel tape measure, since only it can provide the required accuracy.
The use of other measuring instruments can subsequently create significant problems, since even 1 mm up or down is enough for this error to be visible throughout the entire life of the window.
Measuring the dimensions of horizontal or vertical blinds
Before measuring blinds for plastic windows, you should choose one of the methods for installing blinds:
- In the doorway. The method is effective for installation on fixed windows with non-opening sashes.
- On top of the opening. The implementation of the method is similar to the first case.
- On the window sash. The method is suitable for a single glass unit or a window with one glass installed.
- Inside the window.
Measurements for installing blinds in the opening
When measuring, take at least 2-3 width measurements to ensure accuracy.
You can measure blinds for installation in a window opening in the following order:
- Using a tape measure, we measure the dimensions of the window opening at several points (at least three) along each linear dimension to eliminate the situation with an uneven opening.
- If distortions in width or height are found, the smallest of the three values is selected.
- We subtract 10 mm from the width of the opening, and the height of the opening is equal to the height of the canvas.
- We take into account the presence of openable sashes and adjust the dimensions so that the window, when open, does not touch the rolled canvas.
- We take into account the location of the regulatory controls and make appropriate adjustments.
To select the dimensions finally and if you have any doubts regarding the measurements taken, it is recommended to make a sketch on a convenient scale and put all the structural elements on it.
Measuring the dimensions of blinds for installation over the opening
Installing the structure over the opening is very simple, since correctly measuring the required dimensions is quite simple and it is almost impossible to make any mistakes. Therefore, this installation method is one of the most common.
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Blinds over the opening look beautiful and are a decorative element
The measurement process is performed as follows:
- We measure the window opening in width and height.
- To determine the width of the canvas, add 20 mm to the measured value.
- The height of the structure can only be calculated by adding 50 mm to the measured value of the opening height, which is what we actually do.
- We make adjustments to the position of the controls and the collapsed structure itself.
Taking measurements to install blinds between the sashes
Selecting the right size for blinds to install between the window sashes is quite difficult. Therefore, it is important to take correct measurements, the sequence of which is as follows:
- We measure the dimensions of the visible part of the glass inserted into the frame, excluding glazing beads.
- If distortions or irregularities are detected, we select a smaller size value and take measurements at several points.
- The dimensions of the canvas formed by the lamellas are determined by adding 10 mm to the height and width to the measured values.
- The selected size should take into account the location of the blinds when rolled up and not interfere with the opening of the window sashes.
Taking measurements for installation inside a window
Installing blinds inside a window is only possible if the window frames have the correct geometry and the blinds controls can be moved outside. That is, the plastic window frame must be specially designed for this type of blinds. In most cases, the window design does not provide for opening sashes.
The sequence of actions for determining the dimensions of the canvas is as follows:
- Using a tape measure, measure the height and width of the visible part of the glass, including glazing beads.
- We determine the presence of curvature in the plane of the frame and decide on the possibility of installing blinds.
- From the measured height of the window, we subtract the height of the structure for fastening the panel, which protrudes beyond the position of the upper bead. We add 30 mm to the obtained value and obtain the desired length of the blade.
- The width of the canvas should be equal to the measured width of the window along with the glazing beads.