The Foundation of Performance: Precision Window Measurement
In the world of home improvement, there is a common saying: “Measure twice, cut once.” At The Window & Door Store, we take that philosophy even further. When you are preparing a home for the extreme temperature shifts of Bismarck and Fargo, a “good enough” measurement is a recipe for disaster.
Our Precision Measurement Process is a dedicated service phase that bridges the gap between your initial consultation and the manufacturing of your custom windows. It is the technical “secret sauce” that ensures your windows glide open effortlessly and seal out the North Dakota wind for decades.
Why “Standard Sizes” Don’t Exist in North Dakota
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that even in modern subdivisions in West Fargo or North Bismarck, window openings are rarely perfectly square. As a home “settles” into the North Dakota soil—which can shift significantly due to the high clay content in the Red River Valley—the window bucks can tilt or bow.
If you buy a “standard size” window from a big-box retailer, you are forced to make the window fit the hole using excessive shims and thick layers of caulk. This creates a weak point in your home’s thermal envelope.
Our Approach: We manufacture the window to fit your home, not the other way around. Our technicians measure to the nearest 1/8th of an inch, ensuring a “glove-like” fit that maximizes glass area and minimizes air infiltration.
The Technical Steps of Our Measurement Service
When our measurement technician arrives at your home, they aren’t just holding a tape measure; they are performing a structural audit of your wall openings.
1. Three-Point Vertical and Horizontal Checks
We don’t just measure width and height once. We measure at the top, the middle, and the bottom. We also measure the left, center, and right. This allows us to identify if your window frame is “racked” (tilted) or “bowed.”
2. Checking for “Square”
By measuring the diagonals of the window opening, we determine if the house has shifted. If the diagonals don’t match, we know we need to adjust the manufacturing specs of the window frame to ensure the internal sashes remain perfectly level for smooth operation.
3. Pockets and Jamb Depth
Especially in older historic homes in Fargo, wall thickness can vary. We measure the “jamb depth” to ensure the new window sits perfectly flush with your interior trim. This prevents that “sunken” or “protruding” look that amateur installations often suffer from.
4. Expansion and Contraction Calculations
North Dakota materials experience extreme thermal expansion. A vinyl or fiberglass frame can actually change size slightly between a -30°F winter night and a 95°F summer day. Our measurements account for this “thermal movement,” ensuring there is just enough room for the frame to breathe without breaking the weather seal.
