Most homeowners don’t really think much about their windows other than just keeping the glass itself clean. If you ask the experts, however, they recommend getting a full Window Inspection done twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. Making sure your windows are as efficient as they can be can have a huge impact on your home heating and cooling costs.
In addition to the energy efficiency of the windows, neglecting your window maintenance can also make your home look aged and run down. Seeing a home with new or freshly painted and maintained windows can drastically improve the curb appeal.
While improving the curb appeal is important, windows are important to a home for many other reasons too. Windows can provide natural light to the home which can reduce your overall utility cost by reducing the amount of artificial lighting needed in the home during the daytime. Having more windows can also improve the warmth of the home during the wintertime months. Another important benefit of windows is the ability to allow fresh air into the home which can help reduce musty odors and allergens. By having your windows inspected regularly you can ensure the functionality of your windows to allow you to use them to their full potential.
What does a Window Inspection Consist Of?
1. Exterior Window Inspection: The outer window panes and sills are
inspected for damage, fogging, and/or signs of cracking. The inspector will also be checking the caulk around the frame to make sure there are no cracks and the caulk is not pulling away from either the home or the window frame. Lastly they will check to make sure there are no tears in the screen and that it is fully attached to the screen frame.
2. Interior Window Inspection: The inspector will again start by inspecting the window panes and sills for any damage, fogging, or signs of cracking, then moving on to checking the caulk around the inside of the window. They will also be inspecting the walls and frames around the window looking for signs of water damage.
3. Window Functionality Inspection: After checking the panes, sills, and caulking of the window, the inspector will then take a look at the locking mechanisms to ensure they are functional and prevent the window from opening. They will then open and close the windows to see that they are able to move smoothly along the window track as well as tilt the windows out to make sure there are no broken tabs, stuck panes, or broken tilt mechanisms. Lastly, they will inspect the weatherstripping to ensure it is creating a proper seal.
As you can see, both windows and regular window inspections are very important to the overall look and efficiency of your home. Some of the issues discussed can be difficult for the untrained eye to notice, which is why it is always best to reach out to a local inspector like Home Sweet Home Inspections. Please use our online scheduling tool to schedule an appointment or simply fill out our contact form and one of our representatives will be in touch soon!