Heimer Engineering Home Inspections and Building Inspections

 
Inspections of Homes, Buildings, Condos and Coops
Insight and Understanding Only an Engineer Can Provide

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Windows and Doors

The windows and doors are an important functional component of a house or building.  Most windows and doors are functional in that they can be opened and closed, although sometimes this requires considerable effort.

In some buildings, especially older buildings, poor operation of windows and doors is due to normal settlement or normal wear and tear.  Sometimes, improper window or doors operation is due to structural defects in the building.

The Engineer analyzes the window and door operation to determine if there are structural defects.  For any problems found, the expense analysis in the engineering report helps you plan for future expenses.

Windows

n some buildings, poor operation of windows and doors is due to normal settlement or normal wear and tear.Window replacement is an expense many buyers choose to undertake.  The Engineer's evaluation of windows will determine whether they function properly.  This includes checking for evidence of excessive wind or water leakage, damage, etc.  Even if the Engineer finds that the windows function, you may choose to replace them for personal reasons.

Windows are also checked for other concerns such as the need for caulking, draftiness, ease of operation, and leakage.  Many older windows are drafty, leak when it rains, and are difficult to operate.  Even newer windows may have problems.

Old windows are not as energy efficient as more modern windows.  Houses built during the 1960s may have leaky aluminum windows, while older houses have leaky double-hung wooded windows.  Houses built before World War II may have leaky metal casement windows.

Even with storm windows in place, the old windows are not as energy-efficient as modern windows.  Today, windows are typically double-glazed to help reduce heating and cooling costs.  They are also better insulated, and require less maintenance than older windows.

Doors

Just like with the operation of the windows, door operation can be a clue to problems in a house, building, condominium unit, or cooperative unit.Just like with the operation of the windows, door operation can be a clue to problems in a  building.  A door that binds may just be swollen due to moisture, or it may indicate an underlying structural defect.  A door frame that is not level may be the result of normal settlement or may indicate a structural defect.  A gap around a door may be present due to an underlying structural defects.

Old doors are not as energy efficient as more modern doors.  Even with storm doors in place, the old doors are not as energy-efficient as modern doors.  Today, doors typically contain insulation to help reduce heating and cooling costs.  They also require less maintenance than older doors.

 
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