Measuring window thickness.

[AndrewB]

I need to specify the thickness of replacement windows. For that, I would like to know how thick the existing windows are. Anyone got any tips on measuring the thickness of the 'glass', without actually taking it out the frames, or removing the frames from the boat?

I want to leave the old frames in place for the time being as it will be a while before the new ones can be made up.

 

[johndf]

When my double glazing was replaced at home, the window company rep had a nice little devcice which measured the thickness of each pane and the gap between them. I don't know where you'd get one, nor whether it would work with single panes, nor whether the refractive index affects the reading. Other than that, it's just what you are looking for!

 

[jimd]

You could drill a small hole to measure and block it up with a rubber plug or silican sealer

 

[AndrewB]

Thanks!

Why didn't I think of that?

 

[Guest]

Re: Measuring window - a hole-less solution!!

Cut an old plastic rule off at "zero".

Get a "mirror surface" (tin foil - shiny biscuit tin etc).

Place "mirror surface" at far side of the pane.

Place ruler up against the other side.

"Guestimate" the gap between the "mirror surface" and the ruler - using measurements seen on ruler.

Bingo - glass thickness.

It works - I've just tried it with a biscuit tin lid and the glass on the living room door is 4mm thick!!

DON'T USE A MIRROR - I tried it and the thickness of the glass in front of the mirror's surface will complicate the calculations. (In other words my brain has gone dead at the moment and I can't be bothered to work it out!!)

Best regards )

Ian D

 

[AndrewB]

I did try this, but ...

... the size of the 'gap' changes with the angle you look at it. Seen from a really acute angle, no gap at all! Probably something to do with refraction ...

 

[Stemar]

Re: drill a small hole

If the "glass" is plastic you're fine drilling a hole. Just make sure it's not real toughened glass, or you'll get a nasty surprise. You've seen the pile of little glass cubes the local intelligensia leave when they relieve your car of its radio haven't you...

 

[Guest]

Re: I did try this, but ...

If you can see the ruler you have the right view to measure whatever gap you can see. i.e. if the window looks "thick" then the gaps between the marks on the ruler will be "wide" and vice versa.

Also, if you have a mate who works on a chemical plant or refinery then he may be able to borrow an ultra-sonic test set for measuring the wall thickness of pipes and vessels. They are accurate to within a few microns.

Ian D

 

[LadyInBed]

Re: Angle

45 degrees?? Incidence = refraction?

 

[jollyjacktar]

Get some samples.

Glass [and plastic] comes in standard thicknesses. Get some samples from your friendly merchant if you are not familiar with the sizes and compare it with your window. It is very easy to then judge what the thickness it is. Most glass fitters would be able to tell you at a glance and with about 5 minutes practise you would be able to do this also. It is not rocket science.

 

[AndrewB]

Thanks everyone for the help.

I drilled a very small hole and confirmed it is 10 rather than 12mm acrylic.