How To Measure
This guide can help you take proper measurements of your windows, doors and any nearby structural elements for quoting or purchasing a bulletproof window shades, door shields or barriers.
GOT QUESTIONS?
518.842.1800
Contact us today for more information on any of our ballistic products.
Window
Measurements
Measure the window opening width and height.
- The Window “Opening” is defined as the minimum area that has no ability to stop bullets.
- This is usually more than the glass as many windows will have a vinyl frame that is just as weak as the glass.
Door
Measurements
Measure the opening width and height.
The Door “Opening” is defined as the minimum area that has no ability to stop bullets. This is usually:
- The door slab itself
- And the slight gap between the slab and the frame
Measuring from the inside of the frame, edge to edge and inside of frame top to the door threshold.
Additional Protection
Overhang
Discuss with the customer that a roll-up/down covering for a door or window should be oversized and 3-4 inches bigger in each direction.
- This is to stop bullets that are fired at the edge of the window/door at an angle or very near the edge. An overhang of 3-4” will stop bullets fired at about a 45°angle towards the edge.
- Doors are an exception in the direction of the floor only
- If this is not acceptable, determine an oversize limit that will meet your satisfaction and request special sizing in your quote request.
The
King Stud
Using a stud finder, locate the “King Stud” at the sides of the window/door frame. This is a wood or metal stud that runs from the floor to the ceiling and to which the door/window frame is attached.
- Ideally, all of the wall-mounted brackets should be attached to this King Stud.
- Determine the middle of the King Stud.
- Measure the distance from the middle of the King Stud to the outside of the door/window “opening” zone, measured in the first step. Measure both sides as it is possible for the position to vary between the left and right sides.
Variations
King Stud
Discuss with the customer that a roll-up/down covering for a door or window should be oversized and 3-4 inches bigger in each direction.
- This is to stop bullets that are fired at the edge of the window/door at an angle or very near the edge. An overhang of 3-4” will stop bullets fired at about a 45°angle towards the edge.
- Doors are an exception in the direction of the floor only
- If this is not acceptable, determine an oversize limit that will meet your satisfaction and request special sizing in your quote request.
Clearance For
Hardware
- Determine if there is at least 11” of clearance between the top of the door/window “opening” and the ceiling or any object that would be in the way of mounting the roll fixture.
- Is there at least 7” of clearance below the bottom edge of the “opening” for any Hem Bar restraints?
- Is there at least 3” clearance on each side?
- Will the Hem Bar clear the window sill?
Window
Mullions
If there is a mullion (strip of open wall between the window frames), measure its width.
This will need to be covered with excess overhanging material or a small strip of bullet-resistant fiberglass.
Barrier
Measurements
- These designs are usually all custom work and all very different, so there is not much in the way of standard directions to take the measurements.
- Photograph the environment and submit the pictures with the quote request.
- Measure the basic shape of desired coverage.
- Look for obstacles to work around: measure size and position relative to a major feature.