Precision-Fit Shutters: Ensuring Your Windows are Perfectly Measured

The key to shutters with a flawless tailored fit lies in precise window measurements. Even being off by a fraction of an inch can result in light gaps, binding, misalignment, and hardware positioning issues. That’s why our team obsesses over utterly perfect measurements down to the millimeter. We take all the time necessary to measure every contour and angle of your windows with painstaking accuracy.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through our meticulous measurement process, top techniques, common pitfalls, and how we craft custom shutters scaled to your windows’ exact dimensions.

The Extreme Importance of Accuracy

Proper shutter function and alignment depend on measurements accurate enough for custom shutters sized to that specific window. Consider the problems inaccurate measurements cause:

Gaps letting in unwanted light around the edges
Shutters unable to fully close or open
Misaligned hinges, rods, and handles
Light leakage through uneven louvers
Hardware that scrapes against frames or walls
Sagging, loose-fitting, or wobbly shutters

We refuse to accept even the slightest measurement uncertainty to avoid these issues.

Interior vs. Exterior Measurements

Measurement techniques differ between interior and exterior mounted shutters:

Interior

Measure inside window openings
Capture frame dimensions on all four sides
Double checkMeasure multiple spots like top, middle, bottom
Account for depth with window cranks or sills

Exterior

Measure outer edges including trim and casing
Size to cover wall area you want covered
Factor in siding depth and protruding trim
Account for obstructions like lights or downspouts

We’ve mastered techniques for both applications through thousands of installations.

Tools of the Measurement Trade

Our arsenal of professional grade tools ensures flawless precision:

Steel tape measures – Less stretching than cloth tapes
Laser distance measurer – Highly accurate for awkward spots
Combination square – Checks perpendicular lines
Crew gauge stick – Extends tape measure length
Spirit level – Verifies plumb and level
Depth gauge – For protruding window parts
Calipers – Precision measurement of louvers
Photographs – Supplement written dimensions

Our specialized tools yield greater accuracy than DIY efforts.

Step-by-Step Measurement Process

Our fanatical measurement process ensures perfect precision:

Clean window frames so tape can sit flush
Take width and height for entire window including panes, trim, and cranks
Note type and position of window locks, hinges, and handles
Measure corresponding points on paired windows for symmetry
Verify measurements multiple times before recording each one
Photograph windows with tape measure for reference
Have a second technician double check all numbers
Cross check initial site measurements against window upon shutter delivery

We measure, remeasure, and verify until numbers are unquestionably accurate.

Watch Out for Common Pitfalls

Some common measurement mishaps we diligently avoid include:

Tape stretching from pull tension
Tape bending around curved molding
Line of sight distortions on tall windows
Transposing digits when recording numbers
Measuring different sides of windows inconsistently
Not converting fractions accurately
Failing to account for uneven walls or non-square frames
Assuming windows are identical without individually measuring

Staying meticulous avoids these measurement mistakes.

Confirming Measurements with You

Once we’ve completed the intensive measurement process, we take one final step before ordering your shutters:

Review all numbers with you to verify accuracy
Show photos with tape measurements for confirmation
Make any necessary amendments right then
Provide a printout for you to approve and sign off
Never order materials until measurements are fully validated

Your final approval gives us immutable confidence in the numbers.

From Measurements to Materials to Manufacturing

With measurements definitive, our process continues:

Dimensions are input precisely into our manufacturing software
Programs adjust for material thickness and saw blade kerfs
High-precision cutting generates frames and louvers scaled correctly
Parts are sanded and assembled based on window contours
Further sanding and tweaking during installation achieves seamless fit

Water-tight measurements yield shutters morphing to your windows’ form.

Achieving Perfection Through Precision

Surprisingly, the path to picture perfect shutters starts with simple measurement numbers. But not just any measurements – those verified six ways to Sunday for absolute accuracy. Our meticulous process paired with expert craftsmanship transforms measurements into shutters indistinguishable from the very windows they grace. Contact us today to get started with your precision custom shutter project!