If you’re replacing windows in your Twin Cities home, accurate sizing isn’t just a technical detail. It’s the foundation for energy efficiency, performance, and long-term durability. Minnesota homes face extreme weather, shifting structures, and decades of design variation. From classic bungalows in St. Paul to modern builds in Lake Elmo, the way you measure determines how well your new windows will fit, seal, and perform over time.
Before selecting a product or hiring a contractor, it’s important to understand the key factors that influence sizing.
Key Takeaways
- Accurate sizing matters because Minnesota homes experience seasonal shifts that change window frames and building surfaces over time.
- The choice between replacement and new construction windows depends on your home’s age and existing wall structure.
- Correct measurements include width, height, squareness, and depth to ensure a proper fit for any window type.
- Professional help can prevent costly mistakes and make sure your new windows perform well in all seasons.
Accounting for Minnesota’s Seasonal Shifts
The Twin Cities region experiences drastic heat loss in winter and high humidity in summer, creating expansion and contraction cycles that affect every building surface, especially around windows. In northern climates like ours, fluctuating temperatures can compromise the frame, distort vertical sides, and allow moisture to creep between window jambs and the drywall.
These regional conditions must be factored in as part of your considerations when sizing replacement windows, particularly when evaluating the dimensions and energy performance of new windows.
Understanding Your Existing Window Frame
A clear understanding of your existing window frame is crucial.
Many old windows in Minneapolis and St. Paul homes were built using techniques that no longer exist in today’s construction methods. The trim, head jamb, and side jamb can reveal subtle warping or gaps caused by moisture, wind, or poor sealing.
Knowing how your existing frame interacts with your wall structure ensures you don’t overlook small but important things that affect long-term performance.
Differentiating Between Replacement and New Construction Windows
Homeowners often confuse replacement windows with new construction windows, especially when browsing a store or market for options.
In neighborhoods with more modern building development, new construction windows might be needed for additions or complete remodels.
But in older houses, replacement options are more practical and cost-effective.
These slide into the space left behind after removing the sash, without disturbing the original construction or exterior siding.
Window Style and Operation Impact Measurements
Each form of window has different installation clearances.
Casement windows, awning, sliding, and double-hung designs all require different allowances depending on how they open or function. For example, a casement swings outward from one side, while a sliding unit moves along horizontal lines.
In regions like Woodbury, we often find clients are upgrading to various types of energy-efficient double or triple-pane units for better thermal control. Always note how the project demands might change your approach to measuring or selecting a specific style.
Trim and Jamb Considerations
The surface where your window sits—including trim, jamb, and interior edge details—can shift depending on the type of finish.
In Bloomington homes, for example, it’s common to find a mixture of drywall and wood trim, which can alter how a window fits and seals. It’s also common to encounter unusual shapes in bay windows or custom frames.
Without accounting for every corner, middle, and center section, the installation may not yield the right fit, especially when upgrading to Marvin’s high-performance models.
How to Measure for Replacement Windows: Easy Steps with Precision
Before you commit to ordering or installing new windows, it’s critical to take accurate, site-specific measurements. To ensure your replacement windows fit correctly and function as intended, follow these essential measurement steps:
Start with Width: Measure in Three Places
Grab your tape measure and start with the width across the vertical sides—top, middle, and bottom—measuring from side jamb to side jamb. If your home has settled over several years, which is typical in older areas like Summit Hill or Powderhorn, one side may dip slightly.
That small shift in width can throw off your measurements, so always use the smallest example to ensure a tight seal and proper replacement.
Measure the Height Vertically, Also in Three Spots
For height measurements, start at the sill and measure up to the head jamb in three locations: left, middle, and right. This step is particularly important when dealing with double hung or awning windows, where precise dimensions are critical for smooth function.
If you’re in a Twin Cities region where temperature swings are common, a slight tilt or shift in the frame is almost guaranteed. Again, record the smallest measurement.
Check Window Squareness
Measure from corner to corner in both directions to check for squareness. Any difference suggests your existing frame has shifted. In older Chicago-style bungalows found in the Nokomis area, for instance, it’s common to see frames skew slightly from square over time.
This is where hiring a professional or contractor pays off. They can assess if additional framing adjustments are needed before installing the new window.
Measure the Window Depth for Proper Fit
Depth is essential when sizing replacement windows for performance. Measure from the interior stop to the exterior trim to determine the window’s depth, especially if you’re considering upgrades for energy savings.
Marvin’s triple-pane options, for instance, require more space in the jamb.
This step also ensures compatibility if you’re considering pairing windows with doors, such as in a bay or entryway setup.
Record and Double Check Every Dimension
Don’t rush this process.
Take your tools, recheck each dimension, and double-check that your measurements align with manufacturer requirements. We’ve seen many projects in areas like Lake Elmo hit costly delays due to overlooked details during the planning phase.
Whether you’re replacing windows in April, prepping for winter wind infiltration, or just updating your house for better energy performance, precise measurement is non-negotiable.
Why Professional Help Can Make or Break Your Project
From country cottages in Hastings to modern development homes in Eden Prairie, every window project deserves expert attention.
At Twin Cities Siding and Roofing, we’ve seen how even a small oversight—such as assuming a square frame or using the wrong example from online tutorials—can lead to expensive fixes.
With Marvin’s flexible sizing and our precision-based approach, we ensure that each window is built and installed to match your home’s real-world lines, not just theoretical dimensions.
Ready to Replace Your Windows in the Twin Cities?
No matter what shape or style you’re looking to replace, we’re here to help.
We’ve been serving Minnesota homes for over 30 years, delivering exact measurements, expert installation, and industry-leading Marvin windows tailored to every region and building type in the Twin Cities.
Call (651) 571-9557 or schedule your free estimate today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common mistakes homeowners make when choosing casement windows for replacement?
Homeowners often overlook clearance issues with casement windows, especially near walkways or shrubs. Our team helps assess placement and function to ensure your new windows open safely and work as expected.
Are there extra considerations when sizing replacement windows for homes with double-hung styles?
Yes. Double-hung windows have added sash depth and moving parts. These must be included in your considerations when sizing replacement windows to avoid performance issues after installation.
Does your company offer service across eastern Minnesota for custom window projects?
Yes. Our company serves homeowners throughout the eastern suburbs like Woodbury, Stillwater, and Lake Elmo, offering Marvin windows, full-service measurements, and certified installation built for Minnesota homes.
When is the best time to begin a full window replacement project?
Spring or early summer is best. These seasons offer fewer weather delays, easier scheduling, and better conditions for sealing windows in homes that need multiple replacements.
