Aluminum Window Site Survey: What to Include Before an RFQ

Before requesting an aluminum window quotation, provide a labelled opening schedule, state what each dimension measures, and show the surrounding wall and finishes. Keep preliminary survey information separate from approved manufacturing sizes. This helps overseas buyers compare proposals without silently transferring unresolved site decisions to the supplier.

Separate three kinds of information

An opening dimension, an overall frame dimension and a visible glass dimension describe different things. Label each one explicitly. Add units, the measuring date, the opening ID and the person responsible for checking it. A number copied from an old plan should be marked as a plan dimension until it has been verified for the intended order.

Do not choose a universal deduction from the wall opening to calculate the frame size. Ask the proposed system supplier and installer to agree the relevant allowance and installation detail for that opening. This article is an enquiry checklist, not a measurement method or installation specification.

Give every opening its own record

For a renovation or a group of similar windows, use identifiers such as W-01 and W-02 on both the plan and photographs. Record the width and height information requested by the supplier, together with the measurement reference points. Ask the surveyor to identify variations across the opening and any checks needed for alignment or squareness.

If a surface is concealed by existing trim or finishes, record it as unverified. Do not describe a hidden substrate as sound merely because the visible wall looks finished. Agree who will investigate it and when the final dimensions can be approved.

An example record might read: W-02; survey dimension between identified wall faces; units millimetres; internal finishes still to be confirmed; installation detail pending; not released for manufacture. This example describes a document status, not an acceptable construction tolerance.

Photograph the surrounding wall, not only the glass

Include a whole-opening view and useful views of the head, sill and both jambs. Link every photograph to the opening ID. Show nearby tiles, counters, curtains or other obstructions that may need coordination with the proposed operation and handle access. Photos help communicate context; they do not establish dimensions or prove that an installation detail is suitable.

The supplied photograph accompanying this guide shows dark-framed glazing and adjacent interior finishes. It is a visual reference for the information a survey can record. No project location, product model, performance rating or CIMU installation role is asserted from this photograph.

Request the installation interface proposal

Ask who provides the details for supporting and fixing the frame, sealing the perimeter and managing water at the opening. Identify the wall construction and the intended finished surfaces so that the responsible parties can review the interfaces together. Leave unknown items open rather than inserting an unverified standard detail.

As a general reference, Andersen's installation resources distinguish rough-opening preparation, sealing, shimming, fastening, flashing and water management, and offer instructions selected for the product. That illustrates why an installation enquiry needs more than a frame width and height. Those instructions are not a specification for a CIMU system; request the applicable details for your actual proposal.

Align the enquiry with the supply scope

When ordering Aluminum Window & Door Profiles, state whether you need aluminum profile extrusions, a coordinated component package or complete fabricated windows. For profiles-only procurement, identify the fabricator and the party responsible for translating the site survey into cutting, assembly and installation documents.

An Aluminum Profiles Manufacturer, a system provider and an installer may have different responsibilities. Compare the proposed scope in writing. CIMU presents itself as an aluminium window and door system provider supporting product configuration, production coordination and export service; the exact responsibilities and available options must be confirmed for your order.

Use the Products navigation to explore the catalogue, then send the survey information with the enquiry. A catalogue photograph is useful for discussing appearance and opening type, but it does not replace an approved drawing for your site.

Send one coordinated enquiry pack

• Project location and destination port, where relevant.
• Opening IDs, quantities, labelled dimensions and units.
• Plans, photographs and known wall or finish information.
• Intended opening operation, glazing, finish and hardware needs.
• Project performance requirements and the evidence requested.
• Profiles, components or complete windows: the required supply scope.
• Survey, fabrication and installation responsibilities.
• Unresolved items, revision number and approval status.

For a discussion with CIMU, use Discuss your project below. State whether you need a preliminary budget or a proposal based on verified site information. Before an order is released for manufacture, ask the supplier to identify the drawing revision and dimensions it will use, and have the responsible project parties resolve the remaining interfaces.

Reference

Andersen installation resources: https://www.andersenwindows.com/support/window-door-installation

CIMU company and scope information: https://cimualu.com/faq/