Introduction: Hello DIY enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the world of window film installations, focusing on one of the most crucial steps – calculating the square footage of your window film use so when you speak to a professional dealer not only will you impress the pants off of them but your calculations will be super accurate. This measurement is vital not only for purchasing the right amount of film for DIY’s but for ensuring your project is both cost-effective and efficient.
Mastering Measurements: Calculating Square Footage for Window Film Installation
Step 1: Understanding What You Need
Before we begin measuring, it’s important to understand why accurate measurements are essential. The square footage determines how much window film you or the dealer needs. Buying too little can halt your project, while too much leads to unnecessary expenses.
Step 2: Gather Your Tools
You will need:
- A tape measure
- A notepad and pencil (or a digital note-taking device)
- A calculator
Step 3: Measuring Windows Properly
- Measure the Width: Extend your tape measure from one side of the glass edge to the other at the widest point. Record this number.
- Measure the Height: Next, measure from the bottom of the glass edge to the top of the glass edge.
Tip: Always measure ‘up’ to the nearest roll size. Solar window film generally comes in widths (rolls) of 36″, 48″, 60″ & 72″ and up to 100′ (1,200″) in length. So if your width is 34.25″ be sure to write down 36″ for true industry quotes. Another example, if your window is 58″ x 63″ it makes sense to use a 60″ roll for the least amount of waist, so calculate 60″ x 63″.
Step 4: Calculating the Square Footage:
Multiply the width by the height to get the area in square inches. For example, if your window is 36 inches wide and 48 inches tall, the area will be 36 inches x 48 inches = 1,728 square inches.
Step 5: Converting to Square Feet:
Since window film is often sold and figured out by the square foot, convert your measurement from square inches to square feet. There are 144 square inches in a square foot (since 12 inches x 12 inches = 144). To convert, divide your total square inches by 144.
Using our previous example, 1,728 ÷ 144 = 12 square feet.
Step 6: Account for Waste and Overlap
Always add a little extra to your total to account for waste and overlap. A good rule of thumb is to add 10% more to your total square footage.
Conclusion:
Calculating the square footage for window film installation is a straightforward process that ensures you communicate or purchase the right amount of material. Remember to measure accurately, convert to square feet, and always add a little extra for overlap and waste.
Clearview Sun Control, Inc. is located in Redondo Beach, CA., we have been serving Torrance, El Segundo, Palos Verdes, Long Beach and surrounding areas within a 100 mile radius since 2001, CA lic #774678.
