MEASURING AND OUT-FITTING SPECIAL/ODD/AWKWARD WINDOWS

Measuring and out-fitting windows don’t need rocket engineering.

Many homes and buildings sport those interesting windows that lend aesthetic architectural appeal to a building. Sometimes, the top edges of a window mimic the shape of the roof, and rightly so, I would think! Sometimes, walls ending in peaked roofs have peaked window tops, sometimes, rounded window tops. While the latter looks quite good, I would prefer it if it were a peaked window top rather than a rounded or arched window top. The idiom that comes to mind is a square peg in a round hole…..just doesn’t fit!!! But that’s just a bit of an obsessive-compulsive attitude. Skylights add quaintness and functionality to buildings.

I also wonder if it would be to cover these ‘specialty’ windows. I would imagine covering them with drapes would be a total waste. There are some great options to cover these odd-shaped and hard to reach windows, but first, take exact measurements to have them outfitted with precision.

Measuring Skylights.

Skylights are defined as windows set into roofs or ceilings at the same angle, designed to let natural light in. It’s a great way to cut down on artificial lighting during the day, saving you on energy consumption. In today’s economic slowdown, many homes are being upgraded with the addition of skylights to create dramatic visual appeal and energy savings. Skylights can also be unobtrusively fitted into roofs with an option called tubular skylights. But skylights also let in heat and cold, especially large ones, creating discomfort. The only option to take care of this is to shade them. Getting them covered can sometimes be tricky and may call for professional assistance. First, they need to be measured accurately. Let’s take a look at how skylights can be measured:

1. Have your pencil, paper, and metal tape measure ready.

2. For the snuggest of fits, take diagonal measurements of your skylight – from the top right corner to the bottom left corner and the top left corner to the bottom right corner. If there’s a difference in the measurements of more than a ¼ of an inch, you need to shim the skylight opening to make space for shading with a track system.

3. For the width, take exact measurements from the top, the middle and the bottom. Circle the narrowest measurement.

4. For the height, take exact measurements from the top of the window to the sill of the left, the middle and the right of the skylight, and circle the longest length.

Shading Skylights.

Depending on how much you need to shield a room, the best options include:

· Comfortex Cellular Shades – these insulating honeycomb shades are available in light filtering and blackout options; in single and dual cell layers depending on how much insulation is required; in myriad color options that allow them to blend into any decor possible. Cellular window shades provide the best insulation from heat and cold.

· Graber Roller Solar Shades – these shades are an excellent option to protect the indoors from the harmful UV rays of the sun. They provide excellent room lightening and view while blocking the sun optimally. They also protect skylights from the threat of condensation that may cause window panes to crack.

· Norman Skylight Shutters – endowed with the cutting-edge technology, these Perfect tilt RF shutters make the ultimate sense when it comes to covering skylights. It can include an e-timer that can be virtually enabled by means of a USB or smartphone for seamless control from any distance up to 65 feet. These shutters are useful for light control and insulation from heat, cold, and noise while providing the best view and privacy.

Measuring Oddly-Shaped Windows.

Arched Windows –

First, take width measurement of the base of the arch from the inside of the opening.

Next, measure the tallest point (middle) inside of the arch opening – this must amount to half the width for a perfect semi-circle.

Corner Windows –

To minimize the problem of privacy where shading meet at a corner, take measurements so one shade by-passes the other (so that one shade butts into the other). In effect, for an even sized corner window, one shade ought to be wider than the other.

Angle-topped Windows –

Take all measurements accurately: the tallest length, the shortest length, the length of the slope from the tallest point to the shortest point, and the width of the base, all from inside the window recess. A cut-out would provide the most accurate description of the window size.

Hexagons and Octagons –

Draw out the shape on a piece of paper and label each angle A, B, C, D, etc. Take measurements from point to point, e.g., A-B, B-C, etc. Take measurements of the tallest vertical length and the widest horizontal width. Finally, provide a fool-proof cut out that’s accurately measured out.

Please be advised that the odd shaped part of the windows can be shaded, but once fitted with a shade, it’s not often they are operable.

Shading Odd-Shaped Windows.

· Norman Custom Wood shutters and blinds.

These are excellent options for awkwardly shaped window tops. They are the only options that allow for view-through as their vanes can be tilted open or closed, either with wand controls or if automate, with RF remotes. They are inherently attractive and lend grace to the windows without masking them entirely.

· Graber:- Pleated and Cellular Shades

These shades can be fitted to the odd-shaped part of windows without being operable. They’re available in impressive colors and provide an excellent shield against the sun, the heat and the cold. Opt for the light filtering variety if room lightening and a shadowed view of the outdoors are important to you.