What you need to know about Windows

Like many other things that are available for your home, there are several different types of windows that are of different qualities. Still, no matter what kind of window you select for your home, if they are defective they will be the source of major expense. Bad windows contribute to a number of unpleasant situations including heat loss, drafts, poor ventilation, and damage to interior and exterior finishes. Beyond a defective roof, windows can be one of the more expensive repairs in the home.

The question becomes then what to look for.  Starting in the basement of the home, you can look at the fit of the windows, and see if and where the frames may have been damaged by moisture. Often, condensation on the inside of the window in the basement will tell you that there is a moisture problem present.  Below grade windows are another concern.  Here, a window well should be fitted that will allow any outside moisture to be directed away from the house as well as the window.  These window wells should have a provision so that the water may drain out of them.  Very often a French drain of gravel is provided and this directs the water away from the window.

It should be no surprise when a home inspector finds some imperfections with the windows in your house because perfection here is next to impossible.  Although you should not concern yourself with every small imperfection that you come across in the windows of your new place, it is advisable that the window capping surrounding the outside be vinyl. Vinyl has also become a popular material for use in the siding of homes although if it is improperly installed, it can prevent vapor diffusion through the finish.

Basically there are two types of windows that are used in most of the newer homes built today.  The first of these are called casement windows and they are typically hinged on one side and swing outwards. These windows are usually operated by a crank or lever mechanism.  Some of the modern casement windows have a pivot point built in so that they may be cleaned from the inside.  A more common type of window that is popular in more modest homes has been nicknamed the Horizontal Slider.  The advantage of this type of window is that there are few moving parts and they are therefore easy to clean.  However there is a disadvantage as horizontal sliders are notorious for air leaks and condensation problems.

A third type that is similar to the casement in that it swings but is hinged at the top is called the awning window. These are common in basements and once again the operation is a crank or lever. This type of window can also be found below larger fixed picture windows and may serve as a ventilator. Fixed windows, as the name suggests, are often the larger picture windows you see at the front of homes. They're used to provide light and offer no source of ventilation. 
 

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