Measure and Fit

MEASURE & FIT GUIDE

Last Updated: July 12, 2026

Because every Retract Screen is 100% custom-made to your exact millimeter specifications, taking accurate measurements is the most critical step of your DIY project. Don't worry—if you can handle a tape measure, you can do this perfectly!

Follow this step-by-step guide to measure your doors or windows and choose the right mounting option.

📐 STEP 1: Choose Your Mounting Method

Before you pull out your tape measure, you must decide where the screen frame will sit. There are two primary options:

Option A: In-Jam Mount (Recessed / Inside the Frame)

The screen frame is installed inside the door/window jamb cutout. This is the cleanest, most popular look as the screen sits flush with your existing door trim.

  • Requirements: You must have a minimum clearance depth of at least 40mm inside your door jamb, completely clear of any protruding door handles, deadbolts, or security locks.

Option B: Face Mount (Outside / On the Architrave)

The screen frame is screwed directly onto the flat front face of the architrave or wall surrounding the opening. This option is used when you have outward-opening doors, sliding door handles that protrude too far, or lack the required inside jamb depth.

📏 STEP 2: How to Measure Your Opening

Always use a quality metal tape measure (do not use fabric tailor tapes). Always record your dimensions in millimeters (mm) for absolute precision.

For In-Jam Mount (Inside Measurement)

You must measure multiple points because standard building frames are rarely perfectly square.

  1. Measure the Width (W): Measure the inside horizontal distance from jamb to jamb at three points: Top, Middle, and Bottom.

    • Crucial Rule: Write down the SMALLEST of the three measurements. This ensures the screen cassette will slide smoothly into the opening without jamming.

  2. Measure the Height (H): Measure the inside vertical distance from the top lintel to the bottom sill at three points: Left, Middle, and Right.

    • Crucial Rule: Write down the SMALLEST of the three measurements.

For Face Mount (Outside Measurement)

When face-mounting, you are measuring where the outer edges of the screen frame will permanently sit.

  1. Measure the Width (W): Measure the horizontal distance between the outer edges of where you want the screen frame to be fixed.

  2. Measure the Height (H): Measure the vertical distance from the floor/sill to the top edge of where the screen housing will be mounted.

    • Tip: Make sure the surface you are mounting onto is completely flat and wide enough to hold a 40mm wide aluminum profile.

📝 STEP 3: Double-Check and Order

Before submitting your numbers on our website, run through this quick checklist:

  • [ ] Did you measure the opening itself and not your old screen?

  • [ ] Did you provide the smallest numbers for an In-Jam mount?

  • [ ] Are your measurements definitely in millimeters (mm) and not centimeters or inches?

  • [ ] Have you checked that your existing door handles won’t hit the screen mesh when it closes?

🛠️ STEP 4: General DIY Installation (Fitting)

Once your custom crate arrives at your doorstep, installation takes less than an afternoon. While each product model comes with a specific manual, the general process is straightforward:

  1. Unbox with Care: Lay the components on a clean, carpeted floor or blanket to avoid scratching the powder-coated finish. Do not use a box cutter deep into the package to avoid slicing the mesh.

  2. Dry Fit: Place the frame components (Cassette, Tracks, and Receiver Profile) into the opening without screws to ensure a perfect snug fit.

  3. Secure the Frame: Screw the main cassette and side tracks into place using the supplied premium hardware screws. Always use a spirit level to ensure the tracks are 100% horizontal and vertical.

  4. Test & Calibrate: Glide the screen handle bar back and forth. Adjust tension cords (for pleated screens) if necessary until it slides smoothly and anchors flush against the magnetic receiver.

🎥 Need Video Assistance?

We know seeing it done makes it easier. Click below to view our comprehensive, model-specific video guides:

  • How to Measure a Double French Door

  • Step-by-Step Installation for Pleated Stacker Screens

If you are dealing with an unusual architectural opening (angled jambs, sloping tracks, uneven concrete sills), snap a few photos and send them over to info@retractscreens.com—our technical engineering team will guide you on exactly where to measure!

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