How to Check Your Recess Before an Inside Mount
Before taking readings the final shutter size, check the usable depth of the recess and whether anything occupies that space. Use that result for this step.
In this article
- Measuring for an Inside Mount
- Find the front reference point
- Find the first obstruction
- Check several locations
- Operate the window
- Inside Mount — Square-Set Window
- Inside Mount — Window with Architrave
- Inside Mount — Square-Set Window with Sill
- Inside Mount — Window with Sill and Architrave
Before you measure: check usable recess depth
For an inside mount, start by checking the shallowest clear depth in the recess. As a general guide, aim for approximately 70 mm of unobstructed space, measured only to the first handle, winder, lock, key, flyscreen or other fitting that projects into the shutter area.
If you have around 70 mm or more of clear usable depth, you can normally continue with the inside-mount measuring steps.
Less than 70 mm does not automatically rule out an inside mount. Frame choice and obstruction position can change what is possible. Check Handles, Winders & Other Shutter Obstructions before finalising the mount.
Inside-Mount Measurements
After confirming that an inside mount will work, take the order width and drop. Because window openings are often slightly out of square, take readings in several positions instead of relying on one width and one height.
At this stage, use a metal tape measure and record every reading as you go. Supply the measured dimensions requested in the guide and do not apply your own manufacturing deductions.
Set the Front Reference Plane
Use the front face of the recess as the reference plane and measure inward toward the window, keeping that same plane around the entire opening.
Common Window Obstructions
Typical obstructions include security boxes, locks, winders and handles.
Find the First Obstruction
Stop the depth measurement at the first handle, lock, flyscreen, mullion or moving window component that could interfere with the shutter. That point defines the usable depth.
Check Depth in Several Places
Check the depth near the top, centre and bottom on both sides of the opening. Use the shallowest clear reading when deciding whether the frame will fit.
Test the Window Operation
Operate the sash, handle and winder while checking the recess. Any moving component that enters the proposed shutter space must be treated as an obstruction.
Inside Mount: Square-Set Window
- Take the drop at the left, centre and right of the opening.
- Take the width at the top, middle and bottom of the opening.
- Submit the smallest width and the smallest drop from those readings.
Inside Mount: Window with Architrave
For an inside mount, ignore the outside edge of the architrave and measure the opening within the recess itself.
- Take three separate drop readings.
- Take three separate width readings.
- Submit the smallest width and the smallest drop from those readings.
Inside Mount: Square-Set Window with Sill
- From the top surface of the sill, take three drop readings up to the inside top of the recess.
- Take three width readings within the recess.
- Submit the smallest width and the smallest drop from those readings.
Inside Mount: Window with Sill and Architrave
- Starting on the top of the sill, take three drop readings to the inside top of the recess.
- Take three width readings within the recess.
- Submit the smallest width and the smallest drop from those readings.
Before ordering: if usable recess depth is below approximately 70 mm, or if handles, winders, locks or flyscreens enter the shutter space, check Handles, Winders & Other Shutter Obstructions before finalising your inside-mount dimensions.
Ready to Enter the Shutter Order?
Once the measurements and layout are confirmed, enter them on the plantation-shutter product page.