Windows
Window systems provide light, security, and exclusion of exterior noise, dust, heat, and cold. Frame materials include wood, aluminum and vinyl.
This inspectable item can have the following deficiencies:
- Cracked/Broken/Missing Panes
- Damages/Missing Screens
- Damaged Sills/Frames/Lintels/Trim
- Inoperable/Not Lockable
- Missing/Deteriorated Caulking/Seals
- Peeling/Needs Paint
- Security Bars Prevent Egress
Cracked/Broken/Missing Panes
Deficiency: A glass pane is cracked, broken or missing from the window sash.
Level of Deficiency:
Level 1: You see a cracked window pane.
Level 2: N/A
Level 3: You see that a window pane is broken or missing from the window sash.
Damaged/Missing Screens
Deficiency: Screens are punctured, torn, otherwise damaged, or missing.
Level of Deficiency:
Level 1: One or more screen(s) in a unit are punctured, torn, otherwise damaged, or missing.
Level 2: N/A
Level 3: N/A
Damaged Sills/Frames/Lintels/Trim
Deficiency: The sill, frames, sash lintels or trim are damaged by decay, rust, rot, corrosion, or other deterioration.
Note: Damage does not include scratches and cosmetic deficiencies.
Level of Deficiency:
Level 1: You see damage to sills, frames, sash lintels or trim, but nothing is missing. The inside of the surrounding wall is not exposed. You see no impact on either the operation or functioning of the window or on its weather tightness.
Level 2: Sills, frames, sash lintels, or trim are missing or damaged enough to expose the inside of the surrounding walls and compromise its weather tightness.
Level 3: N/A
Inoperable/Not Lockable
Deficiency: A window cannot be opened or closed because of damage to the frame, faulty hardware or another cause.
Note:
- If a window is not designed to lock, do not record this as a deficiency.
- Windows that are accessible from the outside, for example, a ground level window, must be lockable.
Level of Deficiency:
Level 1: A window is not functioning and can be secured. Other windows in the immediate area are functioning.
Level 2: N/A
Level 3: A window is not functioning, but cannot be secured. In the immediate area, there are no other windows that are functioning properly.
Missing/Deteriorated Caulking/Seals/Glazing Compound
Deficiency: The caulk, seals or glazing compound that resists weather is missing or deteriorated.
Note:
- This includes Thermopane and insulated windows that have failed.
- Caulk and seals are considered to be deteriorated when 2 or more seals for any window have lost their elasticity. (If the seals crumble and flake when touched, they have lost their elasticity.)
Level of Deficiency:
Level 1: Most of the window shows missing or deteriorated caulk, seals and/or glazing compound but there is no evidence of damage to the window or surrounding structure.
Level 2: N/A
Level 3: There are missing or deteriorated caulk, seals and/or glazing compound with evidence of leaks or damage to the window or surrounding structure.
Peeling/Needs Paint
Deficiency: Paint covering the window assembly or trim is cracking, flaking or otherwise failing.
Level of Deficiency:
Level 1: You see peeling paint or a window that needs paint.
Level 2: N/A
Level 3: N/A
Security Bars Prevent Egress
Deficiency: Exiting or egress is severely limited or impossible because security bars are damaged or improperly constructed or installed. Security bars that are designed to open should open. If they do not open, record a deficiency.
Level of Deficiency:
Level 1: N/A
Level 2: N/A
Level 3: Exiting or egress is severely limited or impossible, because security bars are damaged, improperly constructed/installed, or security bars that are designed to open cannot be readily opened.