doors and windows in building inspection

October 8, 2021
Effective Building
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What is the Life Expectancy of Doors and Windows?

Doors and windows aren’t only aesthetic parts of a home or property’s façade. They’re also the world’s access points and means to see the outer world without being exposed to different elements.

Depending on the age of the home and its doors and windows, you’re likely to encounter the need to replace the doors and windows with more energy-efficient and elegant models to provide soundproofing and protection against severe weather.

Much planning goes to choosing new doors and windows to maintain a quiet, secure, and comfortable environment inside your home. While having a door and window replacement means preparing yourself for significant expenses, it’s also important to know when to replace them and how long they will last.

20 to 40 years is the average life expectancy of doors and vinyl windows, depending on the external environment. Climates affect the deterioration rate, especially in hot climates with adequate sunshine.

Doors and windows installed in the 1950s to the 1970s were made with durable materials. However, there have been major advances in window technology that older windows don’t have throughout the years.

It’s essential to consider these factors when you’re considering purchasing new windows for your home.

How Does Effective Building & Consultancy Inspect Door and Windows?

When our professional building inspector, Elie Farah, comes to your home or the property you are eyeing to buy, windows and doors are one of the most important aspects we inspect. Doors and windows add style and beauty to a home, provide access points, and acquire natural light. Problems with doors and windows can be expensive, and a failed window or door may be the starting problem. A building inspection with us can save you money and heartache by identifying problems that can be fixed easily.

Window Inspection Checklist

While windows emit light into your living space, they also perform the important job of protecting the house from the weather outside. We at Effective Building & Consultancy include checking the window during a building inspection. We identify that if the window is installed properly, water will not leak into your home with intact seals. Here are the steps:

Inspect caulking and weather-stripping around windows.
Identify if there is an air and water-tight seal around each one
Search for gaps and cracks in window frames.
Check for drafts near windows.
Inspect the glass panes if there are cracks or scratches.
Check if the window is easy to open and close.
Inspect if cranks or turn handles and window locks function properly.
See if the frame or the mesh screen is undamaged.

Door Inspection Checklist

Doors must do their job perfectly as this is the first line of your home’s security defence to protect your family and your possessions. For this reason, we will also test and inspect the doors to know the following.

Operate smoothly and quietly without grinding, scraping, or binding.
Caulking and weather-stripping around externally facing doors with an airtight seal around each one.
No obstruction to the door movement
The door level
No worn and damaged rollers
No loose fasteners and damaged bottom brackets
No damaged vertical track and track brackets and door jambs should be securely fastened.
No damaged torsion spring assembly and is securely fastened.
No back-hanging and horizontal tracks are damaged.

If you have concerns on your windows and doors and want to conduct a building inspection, call us now on 02 9613 3353 or email us at service@effectivebuilding.com.au, and we will be glad to assist you.