Most folding screen orders that don’t fit are not manufacturing errors. They’re measurement errors.
A large or irregular opening is harder to measure than a window. The frame may be out of square, the threshold may be uneven, the reveal may be deep, and the opening may have been altered since the building was constructed. Getting the measurement right is the single most important step in the process.
This page sets out how to measure a large or irregular opening, what to photograph, and what to check before sending the dimensions.
Before You Measure What you need:
A tape measure long enough for the opening
A helper for openings wider than about two metres
A camera or phone for photographs
A notepad for recording measurements
What to record:
Width at the top, middle and bottom
Height at the left, middle and right
The threshold type and height
The frame material (timber, aluminium, concrete, render)
Whether the opening is square
Any obstructions — handles, hinges, tracks, radiators
Measuring Width Measure the full opening width — the distance between the frame edges that the screen will sit against.
Measure at three points:
Top of the opening
Middle of the opening
Bottom of the opening
Take the minimum measurement. If the opening is out of square, the screen has to be cut to the narrowest point, or it won’t fit.
Note any obstructions. A door handle, a hinge, a track or a radiator can reduce the usable width. Record it.
Measuring Height Measure the full opening height — from the threshold to the top of the frame.
Measure at three points:
Left side
Middle
Right side
Take the minimum measurement. As with width, the screen has to be cut to the shortest point.
Note the threshold. A raised threshold, a track or an uneven floor reduces the usable height. Record it.
Measuring Irregular Openings Arched openings. Measure the width at the widest point and the height at the highest point. Send photographs showing the arch shape.
Angled openings. Measure each section separately. Send photographs showing the angle.
Openings with a deep reveal. Measure the depth of the reveal as well as the width and height. The screen may need to sit inside the reveal or against the outer frame.
Openings that aren’t square. Measure at multiple points and take the minimum. Send photographs showing the deviation.
Openings with a step or a slope. Measure the height at both ends and at the middle. Send photographs.
What to Photograph Photographs are as important as the measurements. They let us check the dimensions against the opening type and flag anything inconsistent.
Take photographs showing:
The full opening, straight on
The opening with a tape measure in frame, showing the width
The opening with a tape measure in frame, showing the height
The threshold and the frame edge
Any obstructions — handles, hinges, tracks, radiators
The surrounding wall or structure, for context
For irregular openings:
The shape of the opening
The widest and highest points, with a tape measure in frame
The reveal depth, with a tape measure in frame
What to Check Before Sending Is the opening square? If not, have you taken the minimum measurement?
Is the threshold level? If not, have you recorded the height at each end?
Are there obstructions? Handles, hinges, tracks and radiators all reduce the usable space.
Is the frame material suitable for the fixing? Adhesive fixing works on smooth, clean surfaces. Screw fixing requires a suitable substrate.
Is the opening exposed to wind? This affects the system choice and the fixing specification.
Is the property rented? This affects the fixing method.
Common Measurement Errors Measuring the door leaf, not the opening. The screen covers the opening, not the door.
Measuring the frame width, not the opening width. The screen sits against the frame edge, not over the frame.
Averaging the measurements instead of taking the minimum. An average will produce a screen that doesn’t fit.
Ignoring the threshold. A raised threshold reduces the usable height.
Ignoring obstructions. Handles and hinges reduce the usable width.
Not sending photographs. Photographs catch most measurement errors before production.
What Happens After You Send We check the dimensions against the photographs. Anything inconsistent is flagged before production.
We confirm the system and fixing. Based on the opening, the exposure and the property type.
We send a quotation. Itemised by opening, within 24 hours.
We produce to the confirmed dimensions. Each panel is cut to its measured opening.
If something looks wrong at any of these stages, we raise it before production, not after.
Get a Free Quote Send us the opening width and height, photographs with a tape measure in frame, your country and your pets. Tell us whether the opening is square, whether it’s exposed to wind, and whether the property is rented. We’ll confirm the fit and send a quotation within 24 hours.
WhatsApp: FSMBOR — send your size and country Email: reply within 24 hours
Message us your opening dimensions for a free quote.
How to measure a large or irregular opening for a folding mosquito screen — width and height at multiple points, minimum measurements, irregular shapes, thresholds and obstructions, photographs with a tape measure in frame, manufactured in Foshan and shipped to over 40 countries.