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Windows and doors measurement

The Ultimate Guide of Frameless Aluminium Sliding Patio Windows and Doors

Table of content:

How to correctly measure aluminium sliding windows and doors?

Assembly errors resulting from incorrect measurements generate high costs for your company and – unnecessary – additional “paperwork”. They also contribute to your customers’ dissatisfaction. So how do you measure openings for frameless aluminium sliding doors so you don’t waste money?

In this guide, we focus on frameless aluminum sliding doors, but remember that the rules of measurement and installation will be the same for any material such as vinyl, pvc, aluminum or wood.

Take measurements in metric units, not imperial units.

Due to the fact that the windows will be ordered from the Polish manufacturer, it is safer to use metric units in centimetres.

If you have doubts about how to properly measure to place an order correctly, contact us.

how to measure windows

Two situations that affect how the measurement is taken

Two situations can be distinguished that affect how the procedure for measuring the opening for joinery should be carried out:

Situation 1 – Measurement with the finished floor without the possibility of hiding the threshold

Situation 2 – Measurement without a finished floor:

  • Option 1 – when the threshold will be embedded  into the floor
  • Option 2 – when the threshold will not be embedded in the floor

Situation 1: Measurement with the finished floor, without the possibility of embedding the threshold into the floor

The first situation is when sliding windows will be mounted on a finished floor without the possibility of embedding a threshold in it.

Opening width measurement

First, measure the width of the door opening from right to left in 3 heights and choose the smallest dimension. Subtract 2 cm on the left and 2 cm on the right. This will give you the width of the opening at the narrowest point minus 4 cm.
Quick contact with the debesto.com broker regarding measurements for the order (here).

Infographic explaining how to take a window measurement

Opening height measurement

Determining the height is a more difficult task. It all depends on the assembly conditions.

If the floor in the building is finished and the threshold cannot be embedded into it, then the height of the sliding door from the floor to the lintel line should be determined by subtracting 2-3 cm for expansion joints.

The final door height will be approximately 2.5 cm (or 1 inch) lower than the height from the floor to the lintel at the lowest point.

Remember!
Remember to order the door with the lowest possible threshold if possible.
Quick contact with the debesto.com broker regarding measurements for the order (here).

Example

You find a window opening which dimensions declared by the investor or your client are 400 cm wide and 220 cm high.

Infographic explaining how to take a window measurement

Opening width measurement

It turns out that you measure the width at the bottom and the real dimension is 398 cm, in the middle – 400 cm, and at the lintel 401 cm.

The width of the opening that you should provide to the window manufacturer is the smallest dimension minus 4 cm: 398cm – 4cm = 394cm.

Opening height measurement

When measuring the height, you discover that: for the left jamb the height is 221 cm, for the middle jamb 223 cm, and for the right jamb 224 cm.

The height of the opening that you should provide to the window manufacturer is the lowest dimension minus 2cm: 221cm – 2cm = 219cm.

The final dimensions for the order that you should provide to the window manufacturer are:

394 cm x 219 cm (width x height)

Remember!
Always remember that width is the first dimension.

Situation 2: Measuring without a finished floor

It is more difficult to determine the correct door height when the building is under construction and the future flooring is not finished yet.

Then you should determine the so-called “Level zero”. In this case, the investor should be asked to indicate and mark the planned floor level on the walls.

After determining the “zero level” of the finished floor (with tiles / carpeting / boards or other subfloor) the measurement is very simple, but we must distinguish between the two variants described below.

Option 1 – Measurement when the threshold will be embedded into the floor (without the finished floor)

Opening width measurement

To measure the width of the opening, follow the guidelines described in Situation 1 because the lack of a finished floor does not affect the measurement of the opening width.

Hole height measurement

When the floor is not ready yet and you need to measure the opening for the sliding door with the threshold embedded in the floor, it is best to do this as follows:

STEP 1:
Measure the height from the “zero” level to the lintel in at least 3 points. Then subtract 2 cm from the lowest height obtained. This is the height of your door from the threshold to the top of the frame.

STEP 2:
To complete the measurement, you need to know the following parameters:

  • The height of the opening from the lintel to the zero level.
  • Model of the door and the height of the threshold which will be embedded in the floor.
  • Height from the lower frame to the zero level (here the rule of “lowest of 3 measurements” also applies).

Remember!
In order to correctly order the door and provide its actual dimensions, the height of the threshold should be added to this height, which, depending on the model, may be from 20 to even 90mm!

The supplier will select sliding doors with an embedded threshold of optimal dimensions and system profiles extending the jamb or floor profiles, e.g. made of XPS or styrodur.

Infographic explaining how to take a window measurement

Opening width measurement

You take measurements and in practice the width of the opening at the floor level is 401 cm, in the middle it is 399 cm high, and at the lintel it is 400 cm. The width that you should give to the manufacturer of windows and doors is: 399 cm – 4 cm, i.e. 395 cm.

Opening height measurement

The declared height is 240 cm. However, it turns out that in practice the finished floor will be 20 cm higher than the present bottom jamb.

After marking the opening on the walls and measuring it in three places with a laser level, the dimension from the future zero level to the lintel on the left is 221 cm, on the right 221 cm and in the center 219 cm.

Infographic explaining how to take a window measurement

The height from the threshold to the upper jamb is: 219 cm – 2 cm, i.e. 217 cm. But that’s not all. You add the threshold height as described below.

Taking the Cortizo Cor Vision Plus sliding door as an example, let’s assume that the threshold is 5.7 cm high. Therefore, the final height of the opening will be: 217 cm + 5.7 cm of the threshold, which is a total of 222.7 cm.

Thus, the width and height are: 395 cm x 222.7 cm

Then you take into account the system extensions for the window (door) that will be embedded in the floor. You take three measurements from the finished floor level to its current level. The measurements show: 20 cm on the left, 19 cm in the middle and 21 cm on the right.

In our example, the necessary extensions resulting from the threshold are: 19 cm – 5.7 cm = 13.3 cm

The final dimensions to be ordered that you should provide to the manufacturer of windows and doors are:

395 cm x 222.7 cm + extensions for the window 13.3 cm.

Remember!
Always remember that width is the first dimension.

Infographic explaining how to take a window measurement

Option 2: Measurement without a finished floor, when the threshold will not be embedded in the floor

Opening width measurement

To measure the width of the opening, follow the guidelines described in Situation 1 because the lack of a finished floor does not affect the measurement of the opening width.

Hole height measurement

In the case of installing sliding doors with the base of the threshold at the floor level, the measurement will be much simpler than in Option 1.

To make the measurement, the height from the “zero level” of the finished floor to the lintel must be measured in three places. Then you need to subtract 2 cm from the lowest dimension and this is the size of the opening that you must provide to the manufacturer of windows and doors.

As in Option 1 the widenings should also be measured. To do this, measure it at 3 points, as in Option 1 (height from the level of the finished floor to the bottom jamb).

Provide the supplier with the lowest value as the dimension to which the system profiles should be selected to extend the frame or ground profiles.
Quick contact with the debesto.com joinery broker regarding measurements for the order (here).

Infographic explaining how to take a window measurement

Example

The opening declared by the investor or your client is 400cm x 240cm. The finished floor will be 20 cm higher than the current height.

Opening width measurement

The situation with the width is the same as in the previous example in Option 1. You are taking measurements and the actual dimensions are: bottom 401cm, 399cm in the middle and 400cm at the top. The width that you should give to the manufacturer of windows and doors is: 399 cm – 4 cm = 395 cm.

Opening height measurement

After taking measurements from the level of the future finished floor to the height of the extension, you get the following dimensions: height from the left: 221, from the right 221, in the center 220 cm. The height of the opening will be: 220 cm – 2 cm, i.e. 218 cm.

Thus, the final dimensions of the opening are: 395cm x 218cm.

There is still systemic extension that has to be included. So measure the height from the threshold to the finished floor height (zero level) and the real dimensions are: left 20, center 19 and right 21 cm. So to the supplier, you will give the 19 cm dimension.

The final dimensions to be ordered that you should provide to the manufacturer of windows and doors are:

395cm x 218cm + 19cm widening for the window

Remember!
Always remember that width is the first dimension.

Infographic explaining how to take a window measurement

Great job! You`ve finished reading chapter 7 of The Ultimate Guide Frameless Aluminium Sliding Windows and Doors

All the chapters of Frameless Aluminium Sliding Windows and Doors – The Ultimate Guide

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Considering importing windows from Europe to the U.S.? Dive into our guide to ensure debesto is the right choice for you. Explore our transparency, legitimacy through official registries, customer experiences, and how we guarantee high-quality windows. Make your decision with confidence — read on to uncover the crucial insights you've been seeking.

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faq

Warranty and safety

Do the products come with an international warranty?

Yes, products are covered by the debesto worldwide warranty, provided they are installed according to the professional standards and applicable regulations in the country of installation.



Are the windows insured during shipment?

Yes, all products are fully insured during transportation, covering the entire value of the products.

Any concerns about potential issues with windows from Poland? Discover 5 main reasons for complaints and ways to solve them

Delivery time

What is the lead time of an average order?

The total time from manufacture to delivery of the windows to the US port is on average 7-10 weeks depending on the destination port and delivery method that you can choose from debesto delivery price list.

Add to this the production time of the windows (from 2 to 8 weeks).

The maximum expected production time can be found on the pro forma invoice. We deliver 97% of all orders shipped worldwide according to the deadline we declare on the pro forma invoice. If we are late, we give you a 2% discount.

More questions about the delivery? Check Frequently Asked Questions about importing windows to the US

Smart-slide

1. In what schemes can Smart Slide be made?

At the moment, we are able to make the Smart Slide system in schemes A and G2. Is it possible to buy smart-slide sliding doors with two movable sashes? (Diagram D)This type of solution (scheme D) is only possible for HST systems. Then we get a double-sash sliding door, where both sashes are movable.

Aluminium

1. What is the quality of aluminum in the products sold by debesto.com?

We work on the profiles of well-known and proven producers such as Cortizo, Aluprof, Yawal, etc. Proven quality confirmed by international certificates and warranty. The aluminum used stands out from the competition throughout the entire production cycle: foundries, extrusions, powder coating, anodizing, processing, etc.

debesto.com – who are we and what do we do?

At debesto.com, we are experts in providing customized window solutions, including patio doors, blinds, entry, and garage doors, tailored to building professionals: developers, general contractors, architects, and construction project managers.


With over a decade of expertise in European windows, we specialize in assisting construction companies to import windows efficiently and profitably.


With debesto, you gain comprehensive, consultative partnerships designed to enhance your project’s success and minimize your business risk. Our customers appreciate most:

  • - cost-effectiveness
  • - deep business understanding
  • - secure on-site delivery
  • - timeliness
  • - exceptional communication and support
  • - incredibly smooth process


Need more info?

Check how to verify debesto

Read what happens after booking a consultation

Delivery time, payment, installation, warranty

1. What is the delivery time on debesto.com?

The time of order processing is highly dependent on its specification. For example, white PCV windows, standard colors (anthracite on one side) can be ready for pick up or a shipment from 7 working days. The waiting time for nonstandard PCV colors is about 4 weeks depending on the color. The production time of PCV doors is also about 4 weeks. Aluminium doors and windows - from 3 weeks, wooden windows from 6 weeks. Furthermore, the blinds about 2 weeks, garage doors - about 3 weeks, metallic doors from 4 weeks. You’ll find estimated production time next to every product on its subpage.

2. How does the payment look like? Do I have to pay the whole amount immediately?

We suggest two forms of payment: 1. 50% of advance for production of the product and 50% shall be paid before picking up/ sending the goods. 2. 100% payment in advance. This form is much more favorable because we give you an additional 5% discount depending on the group of products.

3. Will I buy the joinery with an installation on debesto.com?

No, on debesto.com we sell only windows, doors, blinds, and gates, which we deliver to every place in the world. The installation of the windows depends on the client. We do not offer installation service because our offer is not directed to the building companies, installers, developers, and realtors that can install the joinery by themselves.

4. If the windows would be installed by a different company, do the products keep the warranty?

Yes, the only condition is installing the product in accordance with the art of assembly and applicable standards in the country of the installation in terms of the warranty.

5. Do the products that I buy have a foreign warranty?

Yes, the only condition is installing the product in accordance with the art of assembly and applicable standards in the country of the installation in terms of the warranty.

Transport and delivery

1. Do you have a transport in your offer?

Yes, collaborating with debesto.com you get a complex service of joinery order including transport.Transport is priced individually for every project. The distance and package dimensions or its elements have an impact on the price. The presence of e.g. a huge HS window may raise the price compared to the delivery of standard windows.We always look for the best transport option, which besides the competitive price guarantees safety and punctuality of the delivery. The more you order the more you save - we send goods from different places in one transport. The location ensures favorable delivery prices to many different places. If the transport offer won’t be satisfying enough you can send your own shipping or pick up the package in person.

2. what is an estimated time of the transport?

The transport time depends on the month in which the package is to arrive. To most of the countries, it is something about 3 days after packing the goods. The delivery time depends on that if the transport is dedicated (The driver is going to only one client) or in the partial load (delivery to a few clients). To countries aside from UE the time is much longer. To USA it is about 30-35 days, the delivery to Africa is very similar.

3. If I order the joinery from debesto.com will I get transport for free?

It is possible - the final offer is determined with the client’s keeper. It depends on the size of the order and the place of delivery. At the same time, we always look for the best transport offer, which after summarizing with the prices of products allows the customer to save money on the import from Poland.

4. Will I definitely get the goods on time?

Don’t worry, we know how important punctuality is in our business. That is why we deliver the goods only by using certified transport companies and we order production to the verified factories. We also track the order fulfillment all the time, to react in case of delay. We always assume a margin of error and we do not promise the client unfeasible deadline. We prefer to say honestly, that the delivery will take longer than giving empty promises.

5. Are my goods insured during transport?

Yes, the package is fully insured. We deliver the goods only by using certified transport companies which have OC insurance for transported goods. If the commodity got damaged we deal with fixing the damage, so the new product can come to you as fast as possible. After that, we clarify this situation with the transport company.

6. Is it possible to get a forklift unloading at the price of the transport?

Yes, it is possible but remember that we always explore the client’s possibilities in terms of unloading goods individually. Our experienced logistic section takes care of the transport organisation. It is also looking for the best solution for you in terms of value for money for transport to offered options such as the elevator or a forklift. In some countries, it happens that for example, it is much more profitable to rent a forklift at the location, than paying extra for it at the transport company.

Are my goods insured during transport?

Yes, the shipment is 100% safe. We deliver the goods only using certified forwarders with liability insurance for the transported goods. If the goods are damaged, we repair the damage so that the new goods reach you as soon as possible. Then we explain the situation with the carrier.

Can I buy roller shutters with built-in mosquito nets at debesto.com?

Roller shutters with mosquito nets are popular and seem to be a viable option. Unfortunately they are not as good as clients usually think they are. People with longer fingernails will find it extremely problematic to expand and seathe nets. Damage-prone animals in the house? (yes cats, we look at all of you) Mosquito nets are not finished off with any kind of sturdy frame, which results in jagged sides and easily damagable product. Debesto strongly advise against buying roller shutters with built-in mosquito nets.

Is debesto.com offering an installation service?

No, debesto.com sells and delivers windows, doors, roller blinds and garage doors to our customers around the world. Our offer is addressed to construction companies, developers, assemblers and distributors, that usually take care of installation services for their clients.

What are the payment options? Do I have to pay full price in advance?

Absolutely not. There are two payment options for you:1. 50% advance payment, before manufacturing an order and 50% before delivery.2. 100% advance payment. This form of payment gives you discount varying from 1% to 5% of order price, dependent on category of products.

What is an estimated time of realization of an order in debesto.com?

Times of realization of the orders, depends on various factors, such as dimensions, frame material, system, etc. PVC windows and doors in white and anthracite (external) are available for delivery or pick-up, 7 working days after processing an order. For custom PVC solutions, wait time is up to 4 weeks, depending on the colors used. Six weeks, is an estimated wait time for wooden products. Aluminium windows and doors realization time is up to 8 weeks. Furthermore, roller blinds and sectional garage doors, respectively have 2 and 3 weeks of realization. Steel doors from our offer are available within 5 working days, in case of standard dimensions and custom orders up to 7 weeks.In debesto, we put a great effort to fulfill deadlines of our customers. Our realization times represent guaranteed deadlines for your orders. We do our best, to make sure, your products are delivered to you, as soon as possible.

KoPiBo rotating rolls – what is it and how does it work?

KoPiBo regardless of the size of the window and the quantity of anti-theft points, guarantee the greatest comfort of everyday use and smooth performance of the window, as they automatically set up and down and rotate – reducing the friction between the anti-theft points and the rolls.

What if windows are installed by other company? Is warranty still valid?

Yes! As long as windows or other products are installed in accoradnce with installation standards, warranty of your order will be valid.

Want to know how much your business can gain by importing joinery from Poland?