Hopper

How to Measure Your Windows

Tools (5 things you need)

• 25-ft tape measure (1/16" marks)
• Notepad/phone (record as Width × Height)
• Level (check plumb = vertical)
• Framing square (check square = 90° corners)
• Pencil/marker
  Nice to have: laser measurer, phone camera, small ladder.

Before You Start (quick prep)

• Know your replacement type:
  • Full Frame: entire window/frame removed to studs
  • Retrofit: new window fits inside existing frame
• Clear space: 2–3 ft around the window; lift blinds/curtains.
• Always measure the frame/opening, not drywall/trim.
• Be consistent: measure all from inside or outside—don’t mix.

💡 Pro Tips (accuracy matters)

1. Measure every window separately—even “identical” ones vary.
2. Record to the nearest 1/16" and always as W × H.
3. Take 3 widths (top/middle/bottom) and 3 heights (left/center/right); use the smallest in each set.
4. For large spans, get a helper—your tape stays straight, numbers stay true.
5. Snap photos and note anything unusual (bowed frames, rot, obstructions).

Method A — Outside (Full-Frame / Brick-to-Brick or Siding)

Width: Left outside edge of brickmould/siding → right outside edge.
Take top/middle/bottom; use smallest = Final Width.

Height: Bottom sill/ledge (where it meets cladding) → top of opening.
Take left/center/right; use smallest = Final Height.

Note the exterior material: brick, siding, stucco, wood—this can affect installation details.

Method B — Inside (Jamb-to-Jamb / Retrofit or Quick Quote)

Open movable sashes if present (sliders/casements) to reach the true frame.

Width: Inside face of left jamb → inside face of right jamb.
Take top/middle/bottom; use smallest = Final Width.

Height: From interior sill stool/seat (where sash rests) → top jamb.
Take left/center/right; use smallest = Final Height.

(Optional) Jamb depth: Interior face → exterior face of jamb = Jamb Depth.

Square & Plumb Check (fast quality check)

• Plumb: Place level on side jambs; bubbles centered = plumb.
• Square: Measure diagonals: top-left → bottom-right and top-right → bottom-left.
  • If they differ by > 1/4", plan to shim or consider custom sizing.

Record & Next Steps

• Final numbers (inches, to 1/16"): W × H
• Method used (Outside Full-Frame or Inside Jamb-to-Jamb)
• Window type (slider, casement, fixed) + any notes/photos

Ready to order? Enter your measurements on the Iris product page for pricing and checkout.

Want backup? Book a free measurement check with an Iris expert before you place the order.

Customize your view, privacy, and design with the right glass.

At Iris, we offer several glass options so you can find the perfect balance of light, privacy, and style for your windows or doors. 

Below is a quick “How To” guide to help you choose the right glass for your space - followed by images of each style we offer.

How to Choose the Right Glass

💡 Pro Tips

• Mix & Match: You can mix glass types throughout your home—use clear in your living areas and frosted options in bathrooms or doors.
• Natural Light ≠ No Privacy: Etched and textured glass allow plenty of sunlight in while obscuring outside views.
• Design Matters: Decorative options like Glue Chip make a design statement while serving a functional purpose.

Not sure where to start?

Check out the five glass types below to find your perfect match:

1. Clear Glass

What it is: Traditional, transparent glass that lets in maximum natural light and provides a crystal-clear view to the outside.

Best for: Living rooms, kitchens, dining areas, or anywhere you want full visibility and brightness.

Pro Tip: Pair clear glass with blinds or curtains if you want privacy without compromising the view.

2. Acid Etch Glass

What it is: Smooth, satin-like glass with a frosted appearance created through acid treatment.

Best for: Bathrooms, entry doors, or home offices—any space where privacy is needed without blocking natural light.

Pro Tip: Unlike sand-blasted glass, acid etch resists fingerprints and smudges better, making it great for high-touch areas like doors.

3. Sand Blasted (Pinhead) Glass

What it is: Textured, semi-obscure glass with a pebbled surface that distorts visibility while still allowing light through.

Best for: Laundry rooms, basements, garages, or side windows where you want light but no direct view in or out.

Pro Tip: Sand-blasted glass adds texture and a modern look—ideal for contemporary homes.

4. Bronze Tint Glass

What it is: Lightly tinted glass with a bronze hue that reduces glare and softens sunlight.

Best for: South- or west-facing windows where you want to reduce heat gain or protect furniture from fading.

Pro Tip: Bronze glass adds warmth and a subtle tone to your exterior—perfect for creating contrast with light-coloured frames.

5. Glue Chip Glass

What it is: Decorative glass with a crystalized, frosted pattern that looks like fern or ice crystals. It's both beautiful and private.

Best for: Front doors, sidelites, and decorative feature windows where aesthetics and privacy matter.

Pro Tip: If you want a touch of elegance and texture without full opacity, glue chip is your go-to.

6. Security Glass

What it is: Laminated Security Glass is made by bonding two panes of glass together with a tough interlayer in between. Even when impacted, the glass stays intact, creating a strong barrier that resists forced entry.

Best for: Perfect for homeowners who want extra protection in areas more vulnerable to burglary or break-ins. The thicker interlayer (minimum 0.060" width) makes it harder to penetrate, adding valuable peace of mind.

Pro Tip: Combine laminated glass with secure locks and reinforced frames for maximum protection. This multi-layered approach makes it even more difficult for intruders to gain entry.

Customize Your View with Decorative Grill Patterns

Add character, style, and dimension to your windows and doors with integrated grill patterns. All grill patterns are crafted from a 5/8" flat bar sealed between the glass panes—giving you the classic look of divided lites with none of the maintenance.

Seamless Finish - Inside and Out

To ensure a cohesive look, the exterior grill colour will always match the exterior color of your windows, and the interior grill colour will match your interior finish. This means your grills will blend in beautifully—no matter what colour combination you choose for your frames.

What is a Grill Bar?

The pattern is created with a 5/8" flat aluminum bar sealed inside the glass unit. It delivers an elegant, authentic divided-lite look—without interrupting your cleaning or glass performance.

💡 Pro Tips

• Use Square grills for a traditional or symmetrical façade.
• Prairie designs add framing detail while keeping the view mostly clear.
• Combine your grill style with decorative glass (like Acid Etch or Glue Chip) to personalize light and privacy.

Not sure where to start?

Check out the four grill patterns below to find your perfect match:

1. Square Pattern Overview: A timeless grid made of evenly spaced vertical and horizontal bars. Best for: Colonial, traditional, and balanced window designs.
2. Prairie 3 x 2 Pattern Overview: Creates a border effect with three vertical and two horizontal sections. Best for: Slim or rectangular openings like side lites and narrow windows.
3. Prairie 3 x 3 Pattern Overview: A balanced grid that highlights the perimeter while leaving a wide center pane open. Best for: Craftsman, transitional, and modern farmhouse designs.
4. Prairie 3 x 4 Pattern Overview: A vertically extended version ideal for taller windows and doors. Best for: Vertical sightlines and entry doors.

A brickmould is an exterior trim that frames your window or door where it meets the outside wall.
It provides both aesthetic appeal and structural protection—offering a clean, finished look while sealing the gap between the window frame and the exterior cladding.

Brickmoulds help prevent water infiltration, protect insulation, and improve long-term durability—especially important in Canadian climates.

When and Why Brickmoulds Are Used

Brickmoulds are commonly used in:

• Brick-to-brick installations (typically in full-frame window replacements)
• New construction projects where the window or door is installed before exterior finishes
• Retrofits where old brickmoulds are replaced for a tighter seal or updated appearance

They act as a transition piece between the window or door and the wall—helping align the unit properly while providing a flush edge for fastening and sealing. They also enhance curb appeal by creating a consistent, architectural outline.

Features & Benefits

• Made from 100% virgin uPVC—same maintenance-free material as IRIS windows and doors
• Will not rot, peel, or require painting
• Available in multiple profiles and sizes for every style
• Ideal for DIYers and professionals—easier to install and finish

Choosing the Right Brickmould

• New Construction? Use plank or nail fin brickmoulds for structural fastening and clean installation.
• Retrofit Install? Use cap brickmould or sill nosing for minimal disruption to exterior finishes.
• Vinyl Siding? Choose BMJ J brickmould for an integrated siding channel.
• Custom Shapes? All IRIS vinyl brickmoulds can be bent to match shaped or arched windows.

💡 Pro Tip

The presence of a nail fin typically indicates a new construction window. Nail fins are fastened directly to the wall framing before siding or brick is applied—ensuring stability and performance from the ground up.

Note: All IRIS brickmoulds are manufactured in-house and color-matched to your window or door for a seamless, professional finish that lasts.

Available Brickmould & Trim Profiles

IRIS offers a range of brickmoulds to suit different installation types and architectural styles:

	3½” Brickmould Wide, modern trim ideal for custom and plank styles
	2” Cap Brickmould Caps existing frames—perfect for retrofits
	1½” Brickmould Traditional profile for residential installations
	1¼” Brickmould Slightly slimmer traditional trim
	5/8” Brickmould Narrow, modern look for minimalist styles
	BMJ J Brickmould Includes J-channel for use with vinyl siding
	Nail Fin Vinyl flange for fastening to wall framing in new builds

Security hardware is an optional upgrade that reinforces your window's resistance to forced entry, while still allowing the window to operate normally.
It's applied automatically to eligible window styles in your order, adding an extra layer of protection without changing how the window looks or feels day-to-day.

Security hardware upgrades help reduce the risk of unauthorized entry, support safe ventilation, and are especially valuable for ground-floor, basement, or easily accessible window installations.

How Security Hardware Is Applied

Security hardware is customized based on the window types in your order:

• Each window style has one dedicated security upgrade—there's no need to select anything manually
• If your configuration contains multiple window styles, the appropriate hardware is applied to each eligible window automatically
• Hopper windows are not currently compatible with any security hardware upgrade

Security Hardware by Window Type

Features & Benefits

• Helps reduce the risk of forced entry from outside
• Allows the window to remain open for secure ventilation while restricting further movement
• Maintains normal, everyday window operation
• Engineered specifically for each window style—no universal or aftermarket parts

Choosing the Right Security Hardware

• Casement or Awning? A 4" Sash Restrictor permanently limits how far the window can open—it cannot be quick-released.
• Double Hung or Double Slider? A Forced Entry Lock secures both operating sashes together for added resistance to forced entry.
• Single Hung or Single Slider? A Nite Latch allows secure night-time ventilation without opening the window fully.
• Hopper Window? No additional security hardware is currently available for this style.

💡 Pro Tip

Security hardware is applied automatically—you don't need to add it separately at checkout. Based on the window styles in your order, IRIS will include the correct upgrade for each eligible unit.

Note: All IRIS security hardware is matched to the specific window style it's installed on, ensuring reliable operation and a consistent fit.

Available Security Hardware Options

IRIS offers three types of security hardware, each matched to specific window styles:

4" Sash Restrictor Casement & Awning Windows	Permanently limits how far the casement or awning window can open, allowing fresh air in while preventing the sash from opening fully. Unlike other security hardware, it cannot be quick-released from inside—ideal for homes with children or upper-floor installations where the restricted opening is meant to stay in place.
Forced Entry Lock Double Hung, Double Slider Tilt & Double Slider Lift-Out Windows	A reinforced locking device that secures both operating sashes together, making it significantly more difficult to force the window open from the outside, while maintaining normal window operation.
Nite Latch Single Hung, Single Slider Tilt, Single Slider Lift-Out & Double Slider Tilt Windows	A secondary locking mechanism whose primary function is to allow the window to be partially opened for ventilation while keeping it securely locked in that position—preventing it from being opened further from the outside.