Do Home Inspectors Look At Windows?

The home inspection process

Checklists are imperative when undergoing a thorough home inspection. Home inspectors will evaluate the foundation of the home, structural components, plumbing, electrical systems, the roof, and (most definitely) the windows. A home inspection can range anywhere from two to four hours depending on the size of your home. If you’re buying a home in this scenario, being present during the process can have many advantages. It gives you a chance to see details firsthand that you wouldn’t have otherwise. It allows you to ask questions and determine what needs to be dealt with. Ultimately, it can give you much more insight and information than the report alone. While it can seem like an overwhelming and daunting process, some issues may be minor and won’t actually need to be addressed.

Issues to be aware of with your windows

As mentioned above, windows play a vital role in the inspection process. A visual and operational evaluation is necessary for determining the quality and condition. This process can reveal its level of energy efficiency, how well it’s been maintained, and other underlying issues. Some common issues that may need to be addressed include air leakages, frame damage, pane damage, poor construction, fogging, opening issues, and faulty parts. Let’s take a deeper look into these issues.

About 10% of a home’s air leakage can occur at the windows. This is why it’s important to determine if there are any gaps in the frames. Certified home inspectors will evaluate this and note if anything needs to be done. Furthermore, decaying wood and warped wood can lead to rotting wood. This happens when water settles in areas where it cannot escape. In order to make this determination, the inspector will check for staining. Staining is an excellent indicator that this is taking place. Well-installed flashing with a metal strip will prevent water damage like this.

Windows: Blown Seal

If your window has a hazy look to it, it can mean that the seal has been blown. This can reduce the window’s ability to block heat flow. Additionally, a manual attempt to open your windows will obviously be performed. If the windows appear to have resistance in their opening, it can point to a foundation problem. This is typically a problem that will need to be handled. And finally, faulty locks and broken screens will need to be noted and dealt with.

All in all, making sure your windows are working properly will significantly improve your energy efficiency and keep your energy bills as low as possible. While this may seem like quite the laundry list of possible issues, fixing them can be affordable. It’s important not to get wrapped up in the length of the list, but more so the severity of the problem.

Windows: Check!

As you can see, there are many details to address when dealing with the health of your windows. Fortunately, there are plenty of solutions. If you’re dealing with moisture issues, the seal can be fixed for an affordable price. It doesn’t necessarily mean brand new windows altogether. If your windows aren’t shutting properly, it can often mean there’s simple dust or dirt build-up. Thankfully, a thorough cleaning along with some lubricant spray can fix the problem in no time. If the issues seem to rack up, investing in new windows can ultimately put you at ease for the long haul.

A home inspection report with an indication that the windows are in good shape can be an excellent feature when promoting your home as a seller. For the buyer, it can equate to less time and less money put towards the home. If windows need to be repaired or replaced altogether, it can make or break a sale. This is why making sure you have a proper and thorough inspection of your windows is essential.

America’s Best Choice Omaha, NE | Best Omaha Residential Window Replacement Company

We pride ourselves on hiring only the most knowledgeable and experienced installers in the industry. We know how important this investment is to a homeowner and we want to educate you on every aspect you should consider before making your final decision.

America’s Best Choice Omaha also offers you a competitive price that you will afford without draining your funds. We also work with all insurance companies to ensure that we keep your costs to a minimum. Proudly, we are also an Accredited Business with the BBB!

We offer FREE, No-Obligation Estimates. Call us or fill out our form today if you have any questions on whether you need a minor repair or to replace your old roof with a new roof. We will be more than happy to offer our best recommendation that will offer more quality for your dollar.