How to Measure for Custom Hurricane Shutters
Posted by Michael Joiner on
Accurate measurements are the starting point for a useful custom shutter quote. A rough opening width and height tell the office what you need to cover, but they do not tell the whole story. Trim, wall material, handles, soffits, corners and nearby openings can affect the finished shutter size and mounting plan.
Start with the rough opening
Measure the clear opening from side to side and from top to bottom. Take each measurement in more than one place because an opening may not be perfectly square. Record the smallest and largest readings instead of rounding. Label every opening with a simple name such as living room east window or patio door.
Use one unit of measurement throughout the project. Inches with fractions or decimals are both workable when they are recorded consistently. Do not assume two windows that look alike are identical. Measure each opening separately.
Measure the mounting area around the opening
Most exterior shutters need usable wall or frame space around the opening. Photograph and measure the surface above, below and beside the window or door. Note whether the surface is concrete, concrete block, wood framing, stucco over another material or something else. The installer must choose fasteners and spacing that match the product documents and substrate.
Record obstructions and access
Look for window cranks, door handles, light fixtures, downspouts, railings, alarm equipment, trim, shutters on nearby openings and roof overhangs. Measure the distance from the opening to each obstruction. For a sliding glass door, note which panel moves, where the handle projects and whether the opening is used as an emergency exit.
Also consider how the installation area will be reached. Upper-story openings, narrow side yards and openings above landscaping can change the installation plan. Customers are responsible for installation or for hiring their own installer.
Choose the shutter family before final sizing
Accordion shutters stack at the sides of an opening. Rolling shutters need space for a housing above the opening and tracks at the sides. Storm panels require an attachment system and storage between storms. Bahama and Colonial shutters use different hinge locations and clearances. Decorative non-impact models and impact-rated models are separate products.
Photos make a quote more useful
Take one straight-on photo of the full opening and a wider photo that shows the surrounding wall. Add close photos of unusual trim, corners, handles or obstructions. Keep the opening label visible in the photo or file name so it can be matched to the measurement list.
What happens after you submit measurements?
Use the custom quote tool to select a shutter type and enter each opening. You can save the quote or reserve the order. The office then reviews the project with you by phone, including dimensions, colors, hardware, changes, shipping and the final total. Reserving an order does not skip that review.
Important: A quote measurement is not a substitute for final installation verification. Confirm the finished size, approval documents, fastening schedule and local permit requirements for the exact product and opening before ordering.
Empire Shutters is based in South Florida and ships products throughout the United States and internationally. Customers install products themselves or hire their own contractor or handyman. For custom projects, the office reviews dimensions, options, freight and the final total before payment.