Thinking about adding porch windows to an existing screened porch? In many cases, converting a screened porch to porch windows is easier than you might think. You can often use the framing you already have with just a little opening preparation.
The key is getting the openings ready before you take your final measurements and order your windows.
Start With the Finished Opening
Every porch is a little different.
Some have removable screen panels. Others have wood stops, aluminum trim, railing brackets, or decorative pieces around the opening.
Before doing your final measuring, decide what is staying and what is coming out.
The measurement we need is the finished porch window opening where the new window will actually be installed.
For preliminary pricing, rough measurements are fine. Just make sure you update them before ordering.
Make Sure You Have a Solid Mounting Surface
Xtend Porch Windows install using an exterior mounting flange and need at least 1" of flat, solid mounting surface around all four sides.
Many porches already have enough framing for this. If not, adding trim or building the opening out is usually pretty simple.
We often recommend 5/4 trim because it creates about a 1" thick mounting surface.
Also watch for railing brackets or other hardware that could keep the window from sitting flat. Sometimes the mounting surface simply needs to be built out far enough to clear them.
Prepare the Porch Window Openings Before Measuring
Older porches are not always perfectly square. That is normal.
The sides should still be reasonably straight and parallel.
Before ordering, fix things like:
- Bowed or twisted posts
- Loose trim
- Rotted wood
- Openings that vary significantly from top to bottom
It is better to fix the opening now than try to make the window compensate for it later.
Have a Really Wide Opening?
You have options.
One is to add a post and create smaller openings.
Another is to use horizontally mulled porch windows to combine multiple windows across a larger opening. See more here.
There is not one right answer for every screened porch conversion. The best solution depends on the opening size, the look you want, and how you want the windows to operate.
If you are unsure, send us a picture and your opening dimensions. We are happy to help.
How to Measure Your Existing Openings for Porch Windows
Once the opening is in its final, window-ready condition, take your final measurements.
Measure in several places and use the smallest width and smallest height for each opening. Watch this video to learn how to measure.
Xtend windows are built from the opening dimensions you provide, and we manufacture the window 1/4" smaller in both width and height to allow for installation.
Most existing porches are easier to convert than people expect. A little prep before measuring can make the installation much easier.
And if you are looking at your porch thinking, “I have no idea what I’m looking at,” send us a few pictures.
We look at porches all day. We are happy to help.
Once you have your measurements, request a quote.
