To ensure the greatest accuracy in your measurements, you need to determine if the screen you are replacing is a box frame or a lip frame.   You can tell the difference by removing your window screen.  If your frame is flat along the edges, you have a box frame.  If there is a thin extension along the edges, you have a lip frame.

Tips for Measuring a Box Frame with a Continuous Channel

Before measuring, print out the order worksheet to record the measurements.  For best results, remove your screen off the window and lay the screen down on a flat surface such as a table or floor.  Use a metal measuring tape, keeping it perfectly straight, measure at the corners to prevent bowing of the frame.  Measure all the way to the outside edges of the frame and measure both sides to ensure accuracy.  First measure the width of your box screen window; then, measure the length of your box screen window.  Record your measurements to the nearest 1/16 of an inch and round down if between 1/16 of an inch.  Finally, measure and record the thickness of the frame near the bottom corner.  Select from one of three thickness measures available:  5/16 of an inch, 3/8 of an inch or 7/16 of an inch.  See picture below for directions 

Tips for Measuring a Lip Frame with a Continuous Channel

Print out the order worksheet to record measurements before measuring.  When measuring the width or height of the lip frame, do not include the lip of the frame, measure all the way to the outside edge of the frame, and measure both sides to ensure accuracy.  Measure first the width of your lip frame window screen; then, measure the length and record your measurements to the nearest 1/16 of an inch, and round down if between 1/16 of an inch.  Finally, measure the thickness of your lip frame.  Verify that the thickness of the frame is 3/8 of an inch.  For this measurement you should include the thickness of the lip around the edge.  See picture below for directions.  Record the thickness measurement on the order worksheet.  If the measurement for the thickness does not match 3/8 of an inch, call customer service for assistance.

Tips for Measuring Crossbars

To determine the position of the crossbar, measure the distance from the bottom of the frame to the bottom edge of the crossbar.  Do not assume that the crossbar is exactly in the middle.  Record the crossbar measurement on the order form.  See illustrations below:

 

Identification of Hardware and Position
Identify the type of hardware found at or near the location of the diagram shown on the worksheet.  You will have one of the following hardware configurations:  a butterfly latch, a flat leaf spring, a small plunger, or a large plunger.  These various types of hardware are used in any of the 12 positions on the window screen frame.  Mark the positions on your worksheet to match where the hardware is placed on your current screen.

One of the most common types of screens clips is the leaf.  Below is a drawing of how you would measure this screen clip. Tabs will go on opposite side of the tension springs. Springs go on the side where the screen fits into the deepest channel.

Window Screen Order Worksheet