Don’t Let Poor Measurements Ruin Your Roller Shade Investment: A Complete Sizing Guide for Tarrant County Homeowners
When it comes to window treatments, roller shades offer the perfect blend of style, functionality, and affordability for Tarrant County homes. However, navigating the world of roller shade measurements can present some pitfalls, such as forgetting to account for elements like window handles that can throw shades off balance or obstruct their operation. A single measurement error can result in costly replacements, gaps that compromise privacy, or shades that simply won’t fit your windows properly.
The Foundation: Understanding Inside vs. Outside Mount Options
Before you even pick up a measuring tape, you need to decide between inside mount and outside mount installation. When considering how to measure roller shades, the choice between inside and outside mounts plays a crucial role, as this decision not only impacts light control but also alters the appearance and overall functionality of the shade.
An inside mount creates a clean, built-in look within the window casing, perfect for showcasing beautiful window frames. However, this option requires adequate window depth. This mounting style necessitates an adequate window depth for the flush fit. On the other hand, an outside mount can contribute to higher costs due to larger shade dimensions, but provides better light control.
Critical Measurement Mistakes That Cost Tarrant County Homeowners
Professional installers across Tarrant County see the same measurement errors repeatedly. Here are the most costly mistakes to avoid:
1. Using the Wrong Tools
The common tape measure can be inaccurate due to the tab on the tape measure, and the tabs on tape measures often get bent. For the most accurate measurements, only use a steel tape measure. This investment in the right tool can save you hundreds of dollars in replacement costs.
2. Incorrect Rounding Practices
One of the most frequent errors involves improper rounding. Never round to a half or whole inch, as this will throw off your calculation and the roller shades will not fit correctly on the windows. If the size is on a 1/16th inch mark, round down to the nearest 1/8th inch mark. Measure to the nearest 1/8″ of an inch, and if the size is on a 1/16″ mark, then round down to the next 1/8″.
3. Assuming Windows Are Identical
If you’re measuring for more than one window, measure each one individually – never assume that your windows are the same size, even if they may look alike. Though windows may appear to be the same size, it’s always a good idea to measure them individually, as the smallest difference in width or height could completely throw off the roller shades placement on the windows.
4. Making Unauthorized Deductions
Many homeowners make the mistake of trying to account for hardware space themselves. Do not make any deductions or additions to those measurements as the factory will do this for you, since roller shades have very specific deductions made. Professional manufacturers know exactly how much space to account for based on the specific hardware and mounting style.
Step-by-Step Measuring Guide for Inside Mount Roller Shades
For inside mount installations, precision is paramount. Start by checking your window depth requirements, as different roller shade styles need different clearances.
Width Measurement: Measure your width only at the top of the window for roller shades. When measuring the width of the window, you’ll want to measure from the inside jamb on the left and right sides in three places: the bottom, middle and top. Make sure to not include any trim in this process and record the shortest measurement.
Height Measurement: Measure the height of your window opening in three places: left, center, and right. For measuring the height, you may need a step ladder to measure safely and accurately. Measuring from the sill where the sash rests when closed, take three measurements on the left side from sill to header, the center and lastly on the right side. The smallest of the three units will be the height of the window.
Outside Mount Measurements for Maximum Coverage
Outside mount roller shades offer superior light control and can make windows appear larger. You’ll use the largest of the three measurements and add a minimum of four inches, which is two for the top and two for the bottom. This ensures the window will be properly covered.
For optimal coverage, we recommend adding 2–4 inches wider on each side of your window frame. For the height, add 3–6 inches above the window frame to allow space for the mounting hardware.
Special Considerations for Tarrant County Homes
Tarrant County’s diverse architectural styles, from historic Fort Worth homes to modern Arlington residences, present unique challenges. Older homes may have settling that creates uneven window frames, while newer constructions might have precise measurements but varying window depths.
The intense Texas sun also makes light control a priority for many homeowners. For optimal light and glare control, outside mount is recommended, or you may add a secondary soft window treatment to hide the light gap on an inside mount.
Professional Installation Makes the Difference
While accurate measurements are crucial, professional installation ensures your investment pays off. Companies specializing in Roller Shades Tarrant County understand local architectural nuances and can navigate the unique challenges of North Texas homes.
A Plus Shutters & Shades brings over a decade of construction expertise to every roller shade installation in Tarrant County. A Plus Shutters, Shades and Barn Doors is a proud branch of the highly successful A Plus Home Remodel, a company with over 10 years of experience in transforming homes. They bring that same commitment to excellence to every shutter, shade, and barn door they create.
Quality Materials and Custom Solutions
The measurement process is only as good as the final product. Companies featuring Texas-made products with superior quality and leveraging a decade of construction expertise for flawless installations understand that proper sizing must be matched with quality materials and professional installation.
Understanding the specific needs of Tarrant County homes, the area’s climate and home styles demand flexible window solutions. From the bright sunlight of Texas summers to the privacy needs of residential areas, quality roller shades provide the perfect solution.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes: Final Tips
Remember that buying incorrect sizes for windows will not only be a waste of time, but also a waste of money. Take your time with measurements, use proper tools, and don’t hesitate to call in professionals when in doubt.
When using a tape measure, make your measurements with an assistant for wide shades to prevent the tape measure from sagging. It’s also good practice to start your measurement at an alternate number on the tape like at the 1″ mark and then subtract that from your measurement.
By following these guidelines and working with experienced professionals, Tarrant County homeowners can enjoy perfectly fitted roller shades that provide years of reliable light control, privacy, and energy savings. Don’t let measurement mistakes compromise your window treatment investment – take the time to measure correctly, or trust the experts to handle this critical step for you.