Taking Measurements for Quoting
This guide can help you take proper measurements of your windows, doors and any nearby structural elements for quoting or purchasing a bullet resistant window shade, door shield or barrier.
Window Measurements
Measure the 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.
Continue reading to the bottom of the page to find the Window Measurement Form
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.
Continue reading to the bottom of the page to find the Door Measurement Form
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.
King Stud Variations
- Header that spans and fills in the the entire area above the window frame. Technically, the mounting screws can also mount into the header as long as it is a firm and solid engagement.
- Double King Stud, which will simply increase the area in which it is safe to mount the brackets.
- Non-standard spacing of a nearby stud, which may appear that the King Stud is further away from the frame.
- Header is set back from the sheetrock. A standard stud finder will not indicate that the framing is sub-flush to the sheetrock. When trying to mount the bracket screws, they will fall short of engaging into the header.
If you are unable to determine the King Stud locations with a stud finder, drill small pilot holes to determine where the studs are.
Clearance for BBP 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.
Nearby Obstacles / Issues
- Photograph the entire window/door and include it with the submitted measurements.
- Take close-up images of unique obstacles or possible clearance issues.
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. - BBP will make its best effort to be ready for an ad-hoc video conference to consult.
Instructions for Taking Measurements for Quoting
Download measurement form PDF's for each product below. Fill the form and send it to us for quoting.