How to Measure a Window for Security Bars Correctly

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To measure a window for security bars, record the width and height of the opening at several points, check depth and the surface where the bars will be fixed, and note any obstacles like shutters or handles. Accurate measurements taken before ordering prevent fitting problems and wasted material.

Why Accurate Measurements Matter for Security Bars

Security bars are made to measure, so the frame has to match your opening exactly. A small error can leave a gap that defeats the purpose of the bars or a frame that will not sit in the reveal at all. Old buildings often have openings that are not perfectly square, so one measurement is rarely enough.

Measuring carefully before you order saves time for you and for the workshop, and it means the installer arrives with a product that fits.

What to Measure: Width, Height and Depth

Start with the clear opening where the bars will sit. Measure the width at the top, middle and bottom, and the height at the left, centre and right. Use the smallest figure in each direction so the frame does not get stuck.

Width at three heights
Height at three points across the window
Depth of the reveal, where the bars will be fixed

Write every figure down in millimetres or centimetres and note which measurement is which.

Checking the Mounting Surface

The bars need solid material to hold them. Check whether the frame is set into stone, concrete, brick or a plaster finish, and whether there is enough space around the opening to drill and fix anchors without cracking the surface.

Look for tiles, old fixings, pipes or cables near the edges. If the surface is weak or crumbling, mention it when you place your inquiry so the fixing method can be planned in advance.

Allowing for Shutters, Handles and Frames

Many windows have roller shutters, opening handles, hinges or a window frame that projects into the opening. These affect where the bars can sit and how they open. Measure the space occupied by these parts and note whether the window opens inward or outward.

If the bars need to open for emergency escape, the design has to allow that. Describe how the window opens so the designer can plan an opening section or a release method.

Taking Photos and Sending Your Inquiry

Photos help a great deal. Take one picture of the full window from a short distance and close-ups of the corners, the fixing surface and any obstacles. Put a tape measure or a ruler in one shot so the scale is clear.

Send the photos along with your written measurements. A clear inquiry lets the team prepare a proper drawing and specification before the on-site visit.

When to Ask for an On-Site Measurement

If the opening is irregular, very large, on an upper floor or part of a building with shared facade rules, ask for an on-site measurement. The measurement team checks the opening as it really is and confirms details that are hard to see in photos.

Your own measurements are a good starting point, but the final figures used for production are taken or confirmed on site.

Frequently asked questions

Should I measure the window frame or the opening?

Measure the clear opening where the bars will sit, not just the window glass. The frame and reveal determine the real space the security bars must fill.

How many times should I measure?

Measure at least three points in both width and height. Old openings often vary, and the smallest measurement is the one that matters for fitting.

Can I order security bars without an on-site visit?

You can send your measurements and photos for an inquiry, but an on-site measurement is recommended for irregular or large openings to confirm the final dimensions.

What if my window opens inward?

Tell the team how the window opens before ordering. Inward-opening windows and handles affect the bar layout and may need an opening section.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is measuring only once and using the outer frame rather than the clear opening. Skipping the mounting surface check can also lead to a design that cannot be fixed securely.

Our recommendation

Take all measurements twice, write them on a sketch with photos, and share the sketch with your order so the team can confirm any differences before production.

Summary

Measure the clear opening at several points, check depth and the mounting surface, note obstacles and opening direction, and send photos with your figures before ordering.

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