A Window is more Than Just a Window

Your interior home checking schedule should include checking all the windows in the house. There are varieties of windows available – made from wood, vinyl, metal, etc. It is just a matter of personal choice. Inspect to see that the seller has maintained the windows well. Windows are no longer just the conventional windows. The type of windows installed speaks in terms of energy use, and impacts on both, heat loss and heat gain. Find out whether the windows leak air, have any stains on them, or have any broken hardware. Check to see the overall deterioration of the windows.

Are the windows working properly or not? Check to see that they fit snuggly. There should not be any gaps and warping. Cold drafts in winter can be quite uncomfortable, other than increasing your energy cost. Check the hinges, knobs, and latches, for quality and condition.

Wood windows, or windows with wooden frames, would be found in older homes. Though very economical to purchase, the other side is that they rot, with the vagaries of the weather. Due to poor maintenance, water collects on the horizontal surfaces and joints, and rot sets in. There are also prone to termite infestations. Metal windows also need to be well maintained, as they are prone to rust.

Many people prefer vinyl windows, as they do not fade and crack. Some have Titanium Dioxide in them, which absorb Ultra Violet (UV) radiation.



Interior Home Checking: Upgrading Existing Windows

You may need to upgrade existing windows, as they may be inefficient, as far as energy consumption is concerned. If the existing windows of the home you are considering buying has damaged or rotted wood, cracked or chipped glass, missing putty, poorly fitting sashes, or hardware that does not work, you may need to replace them. However, if the windows are in good condition, you may probably have to boost their efficiency by weather stripping, caulking, and fitting them with storm panels without incurring the expense of window replacement. Make sure that all window edges and cracks are sealed with rope caulk. Ensure that removable storm windows are of low air leakage rates, as low as 0.01 cfm/ft to 0.3 cfm/ft.

You may even consider upgrading the windows to save energy costs by just changing the glass. First, there was a standard insulated glass and then came the insulated glass with hard coat Low E followed by soft coat Low E, and now we have the Low E with invisible heat films. (Low E – which stands for low emissivity – glass is coated with metallic oxide layer to improve thermal performance). Make sure that the windows of the home you propose to buy are in excellent condition.