The windows being installed when a house is built have really come a long way. The modern double pane window is designed to eliminate the need for storm windows by giving the window some insulating value. How do they do this?
To start with, two pieces of glass are put into a frame, separated by an air-tight gasket material. This results in an air gap which is usually filled with a dry, inert gas such as Argon. The glass itself is not an insulator. The insulating value comes from the dry, airtight gap.
As with most products on the market today, there are different levels of quality. The most common complaint with these windows, especially those of lower quality, is the failure of the airtight seal. When this happens, you will begin to notice a hazy, white substance between the panes. At first it appears as if the window is always dirty. You soon realize that no matter how much you clean the window it doesn’t help. The problem is between the two pieces of glass. Some other signs of a failed seal are moisture between the panes, water spots on the inside, or rust on the seal between the glass panes.
The unfortunate part of this story is many of the windows that have failed seals will need to be replaced. That can mean replacement of the part of the window or the whole thing, frame and all. Some windows can be repaired, so it doesn’t hurt to call a window professional to see if your windows need to be repaired or replaced.
Thanks for reading!
David Novalinski
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847 669 9040
That is a question I hear all too often. Many people think inspecting new construction is not necessary. I think they are wrong! You may think I’m just saying that to get more business, but that is not the case. I have seen some new construction issues both in person and through other inspectors that scare me.
There are photos all over the internet of potential disasters waiting to happen in new homes. One of the more disturbing images I have seen is a fireplace chimney flue pipe that was never completed. The flue pipe ended 3 feet above the fireplace and the chimney was capped at the top. This type of oversight could have caused a major fire, smoke damage, or Carbon Monoxide poisoning if not found during the home inspection.
Who needs flashing?
I’m not saying these things are done on purpose. Most times they are simply oversights. Somehow the schedule gets changed and the drywall goes up before the fireplace is completed. It happens. And it is repairable if it gets noticed.
Isn’t the house inspected by village or county inspectors? Yes. But they are not able to spend the amount of time necessary to perform an in depth inspection such as the inspection performed by a Home Inspector. The role of the government inspector is to enforce code compliance, not workmanship.
If you are having a new house built consider hiring a professional home inspector to make sure your new home not only looks good, but is safe for your family to live in.
About Your Home Inspection, Inc. offers inspections throughout the building process. Pre-drywall, final walkthrough and one year warranty inspections are recommended. A homeowner that chooses to use our services for all three inspections will be offered a package deal. Call our office for details.
David Novalinski Sr.
About Your Home Inspection, Inc
847 669 9040
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