Perfectly Measured Shutters: Ensuring a Flawless Fit Across Australia

Achieving an elegantly flawless shutter installation with tight seamless joints, proper light gaps, smooth operation and even sightlines requires meticulous precision measurements of your unique window openings. Even small fractional measurement inconsistencies can compound into unsightly gaps or light leakage when shutters are finally installed.

This comprehensive guide covers the intricate art of shutter measuring, common measuring mistakes and pitfalls, the advantages of professional measurements, specialty tools used, importance of squaring openings, tips for challenging windows, verifying measurements, using measurements for ordering, and finding qualified local experts. Follow the recommendations so your custom shutters showcase master craftsmanship and fit like a glove.

The Intricate Art of Precise Shutter Measuring

Measurement for shutters is far from just width and height numbers. Numerous nuanced dimensions are required:

Width at Top, Middle and Bottom – Determines consistent coverage across.
Height on Outer Sides and at Center – Considers uneven floors and ceilings.
Diagonal Corner to Corner – Checks for racking or skewing of openings.
Inside Mount Depth – Critical for clearances determined by dimensions alone.
Obstructions – Handles, cranks and existing hardware can limit inside mounts.
Minimum Operating Clearances – Adequate spacing for free movement without binding.
Light Gap – How much frame shows versus shutter overlay.
Wall Angles – Required for sloped walls and protruding window bays.
Radius – For any arched windows and conforming shutter curvature.

Don’t assume openings are perfectly square and consistent. Precise tailored measurements are essential.

Common Shutter Measuring Mistakes and Pitfalls

Avoid these common problems plaguing amateur measuring attempts:

Single Width and Height Only

Failing to consider variances across and down windows frequently leads to poor fit, light gaps and misalignment.

Measuring Existing Shutters or Blinds

Never rely on pre-installed treatments as sizing indicators. Measure actual window dimensions.

No Gap Allowance

Adding clearance margins around perimeter ensures smooth operation and avoids binding or friction over time.

Skipping Obstruction Check

Omitting built-in cranks, handles and existing hardware catches many DIYers by surprise later necessitating remakes.

No Squareness Validation

Neglecting simple diagonal measurements propagates initial racking into poorly hung final installations.

Estimating Arched Windows

Guessing rather than precisely measuring full radius curves results in unsightly off-the-shelf approximations.

No Written Records

Trusting mental recollections leads to fuzzy figures and inaccurate orders. Meticulously documenting all measurements gives peace of mind.

Avoid common mistakes upfront by learning best practices from experienced professionals.

Advantages of Professional Shutter Measurements

Consider having certified experts measure for utmost accuracy:

Specialized tools like laser measures, framing squares and angle locators ensure precision.
Keen eyes account for any bowing or inconsistencies missed by DIYers.
Experts determine necessary clearances, confirm squareness and identify anomalies.
Liability for any measuring mistakes falls on the provider to rectify.
Completed drawings detail every measurement needed for installers.
Some firms offer lifetime measurement validity so originals apply to future orders.

While measuring seems simple in theory, perfection is challenging. Professionals have the tools and experience.

Specialty Measuring Tools for Expert Shutter Accuracy

Shutter artisans use an arsenal of specialty equipment:

Laser measuring devices self-level and provide incredible precision impossible with basic tape measures. Lasers also work over distance.
Digital angle finders cleanly transfer angled and radius window corners into CAD drawings.
Telescoping radius gauges capture exact curved windows to 1/32nd inch precision.
Rigid steel framing squares and combination squares ensure flawlessly perpendicular measurements every time.
Spirits levels validate plumb vertical alignments and confirm level horizontals during measuring.
Depth gauges specifically developed for window treatments indicate inside and outside mounting ranges precisely.
Metal calipers transfer obscure uneven openings into CAD modeling accurately.

Don’t eyeball it – proper tools result in beautifully fitted shutters.

Importance of Squaring Windows

The Queensland pyramid technique confirms squareness essential for precision arrangements:

Measure diagonally from bottom left corner up to top right corner then compare to the measurement diagonally from bottom right corner to top left corner.
If the two crossed diagonal measurements match precisely, the opening is perfectly square.
Any variance between the diagonal measurements indicates degree of racking or skewing from an ideal 90 degree angle.
Use the difference between diagonal measurements to calculate shim spacing needed at each corner to correct racking.

Square openings simplify installation. Never assume windows are true without checking diagonals.

Measuring Tips for Challenging Windows

Non-rectangular and difficult windows require extra care:

Arched Windows

Measure width of base plus arch height from base to peak.
Indicate where on width arch begins to curve.
Capture radius for custom curved shutters. Use a radius gauge.

Round and Octagonal Windows

Record overall diameter and any window pane muntin spoke widths.
Measure the individual angle facets on any octagonal windows.

Triangle Windows

Measure all three sides fully from corner to corner.
Capture any rake angles if walls slope inward.

Trapezoid and Diamond Windows

Detail all varying lengths of the four angled sides.
Quantify the degree of inward angle from vertical for each edge.

Unconventional geometries require extra notes for specialty manufacturing. Don’t assume standard shapes.

Verifying Messenger Shutter Measurements

Always validate any measurements supplied secondhand:

Physically re-measure each window yourself using the same meticulous techniques.
Compare your independently measured figures to the original set dimension-by-dimension.
Any discrepancy whatsoever implies a probable measuring error so investigate fully before ordering.
For total peace of mind, have a separate third party also re-measure before finalizing for fabrication.
Note any minor gaps or inconsistencies in opening sizes apparent during verification.

Trust but verify – mistakes happen. Independent validation prevents improperly sized shutters.

Using Measurements to Order Shutters

Correctly conveying figures from field measurements ensures proper manufacturing:

Complete Dimension Drawings

Provide diagrams with all measurements for each window opening noted. Photos help too.
Specify inside versus outside mount depths wherever unclear.
Note obstructions, wall angles and limitations.

Digital Files

Submit window measurements digitally from field tablets to integrators or by email.
Formats like PDFs maintain integrity of dimensions.

Verbal Order Checks

Review all measurements over the phone when ordering just to verify.
Repeat odd angles and radius figures slowly and clearly. Confirm interpretation.
Have designer read final dimensions back for confirmation prior to entering fabrication.

Accurate shutters hinge on meticulously communicated, verified measurements. Never assume correct transmission without rigorous checks.

Finding a Qualified Professional Shutter Measurement Service

Seeking experienced specialists protects your investment:

Strong Reviews

Search “shutter measurement service [your area]” and read ratings/reviews of consultants nearby. Cross-check multiple review sites for consistency.

Licensing and Certification

Look for licensure and accreditation by major shutter brands that auditor skills and train techniques.

Methodology

Ask detailed questions to ensure proper protocols are followed rather than hasty informal estimating.

Proof of Work

Require evidence of recent quality work through reference checks, measure drawings and installation photos.

Liability Insurance

Firms should carry errors and omissions insurance that protects you financially in the rare case blunders occur.

For peace of mind, engage seasoned experts using proper tools and techniques for precision results the first time. Then relax knowing your shutters will fit beautifully.

Key Questions to Ask Any Shutter Measurement Service

To choose an optimal firm, ask:

What are your exact end-to-end steps for measuring window openings? Do you follow established industry protocols?
What tools and instruments do you utilize for maximum accuracy? Can I see some of the specialized equipment?
How precisely can you capture and model curved arched windows or specialty shapes?
Do you recheck squareness diagonally even when windows appear square?
Do you provide a digital or printed diagram with all measurements noted for my records?
If any measuring mistakes occur, do you provide free remakes? Is this guaranteed in writing?
Do you have shutter installation experience as well so understand critical clearance needs?

Probe to determine attention to detail – your dream shutters depend on it.

Contact Our Shutter Measurement Experts

If perfectly fitted shutters professionally crafted for your unique windows are your goal, proper measurement is the crucial first step. Our National Accreditation Program certified consultants deliver unmatched accuracy thanks to generations of shutter expertise paired with the latest laser and digital tools. Contact us when only obsessively precise measurements will do for your premium shutters. Our rigorous attention to minuscule details ensures your shutters showcase flawless master craftsmanship and tight precision tolerances.