Question to ponder

Are your windows and doors in good operating condition and free from wind or water leakage?
Are glass surfaces easy to reach for cleaning?
Are storm windows and screens easy to install and in good condition?
Are the latches, doorknobs or weatherstripping in good condition?
Do your doors have security features such as door viewers, deadbolt locks, reinforced striker plates and hinge attachments?
Is your window hardware adequate to resist forced entry?

Does each bedroom have a window that allows egress in case of fire?

What are your options?

Replace or repair worn out window or door units.

Choose new window units that open or tilt in for easy cleaning. Familiarize yourself with available products and options. Pay attention to energy efficiency features.

Replace worn or damaged latches, doorknobs or weatherstripping.

Install deadbolts on exterior doors. Use door viewers or glazing to give you a clear look at your caller. Install longer screws at hinges or striker plates. Install solid blocking between the jamb and framing at hinge locations and striker plates.

Install bedroom windows that have openings that meet the National Building Code requirement for egress.

Don’t fix it …. Here is what you can expect.

Window and door units will continue to be a source of problems.

You may put yourself and your family at risk.

Question to ponder

Are there existing structural problems that affect your windows and doors?

Will installation of new windows or doors require special structural details or changes in electrical and plumbing services?

What are your options?

Carry out an inspection to help you understand the cause of any existing structural problems. Look for cracked or binding windows and doors.

Repair or strengthen structural components so that they are adequate to carry the loads over existing or new openings.

Consult with an expert to help you with the structural part of the work. Use a licensed tradesperson to disconnect or move any electrical or plumbing services.

Don’t fix it …. Here is what you can expect.

Structural deficiencies can lead to difficulties in operating windows and doors.
Other structural problems can show up as cracked finishes or glass, bowing or displacement of walls and roof structures and possible structural failure.

Structural, electrical or plumbing modifications that are not up to code can be a safety hazard.

Question to ponder

Is there moisture damage to any of the windows and doors?

Is there moisture between the two panes of glass?

Is there visible mold growth on any surfaces? Are there water stains?

Has there been condensation on glazing, jambs or sills?

Is there blistering or peeling paint?

Is any of the caulking cracked or missing?

Are the flashings in good repair?

What are your options?

Determine the source of the moisture. It may be from building leaks or condensation of vapour on cold surfaces.

Replace the sealed unit.

Modify or move curtains, plants or window screens that are keeping warm air from getting to the window surface.

Clean up visible mold growth according to CMHC guidelines.

Insulate, air-seal or use energy efficient glazing to provide warmer inside surface temperatures.

Provide ventilation and eliminate sources of moisture to control high humidity.

Replace or repair all deteriorated finishes or structural components.

Maintain caulking and flashings to prevent water access to the building structure.

Don’t fix it …. Here is what you can expect.

Unsolved water damage problems will continue and lead to further deterioration of the building or newly renovated areas.

A broken seal will allow moisture to build up between the panes, reducing the window efficiency and possibly causing breakage.

Mold growth caused by excess moisture can be a serious source of IAQ problems.

Superficial cleanup or hiding moisture damage behind new finishes will allow deterioration to continue.

Question to ponder

Do large areas of glass make the room uncomfortable and hard to heat?

Does excess condensation form on windows or other surfaces?

Do large areas of glass lead to overheating from the sun’s energy?

What are your options?

Make sure that there is adequate heating supplied to the area. Poor insulation levels and high air leakage will make the area hard to heat, drafty and uncomfortable.

Use energy efficient glazing. In some cases, you may need to install additional ventilation to reduce indoor humidity levels. If you are installing a whole house ventilation system, consider one that includes heat recovery.

Use a licensed installer for heating and ventilation work.

Install blinds or exterior shading to control overheating from the sun and damage to interior finishes.

Don’t fix it …. Here is what you can expect

The heating system may not be able to maintain a comfortable temperature in the living space during cold windy weather.

Condensation may damage your work.

The sun may overheat the living space.