Opening a window to a dream: home inspection of aluminum windows

The dream of a new or renovated apartment usually includes the sight of gleaming aluminum windows that glide smoothly on their track, sparkling glass, and locks that click shut effortlessly. Reality can be less kind when you come to buy a resale apartment described as renovated, or even a new one. Here is what to know about construction defects, and what a home inspection (bedek bayit) checks in this area.

Common construction defects in aluminum windows

When you buy a new apartment with aluminum windows, you rightly expect them to be well sealed against dampness, well painted, properly leveled, well anchored to the wall, and easy to lock.

Contractors don't always meet the structural standards for this, especially on renovated resale apartments. That makes a professional inspection worthwhile here too: buyers tend to focus on the "big" things and overlook windows, which seem like a minor detail.

Here is a breakdown of the common construction defects in aluminum windows:

Water penetration

This means faulty waterproofing caused by faulty installation.

Beyond the cost of fixing the waterproofing itself, a bad installation can swell the plaster, peel the paint, and lead to mold and mildew.

You won't feel a draft or dampness in summer, but you'll notice it the moment the first rain falls in winter, and heavy rain can quickly turn it into a serious problem. It pays to have the windows checked in advance by a professional, who can spot these defects even in summer, propose the right waterproofing fix, and get the apartment ready for winter.

Peeling paint

Sometimes it is simply poor paint quality. It is worth checking the type and quality of the paint used, whether it is specified by the developer or by a renovation contractor, before the work is done.

The market has standards for painting aluminum windows. Choosing a suitable, quality paint will save you from the scratches that can lead to oxidation on the aluminum surface over time, and eventually to peeling.

Climate plays a part too: Israel's climate, combined with proximity to the sea, can corrode aluminum windows, so quality paint and a proper paint job matter for keeping it from peeling over time. An inspector who specializes in this can recommend which paint to use and whether it meets international requirements and standards.

Faulty leveling

Here the problem is faulty leveling of the frame or of the shutter box.

Uneven leveling can be subtle, but it can still make the window hard to close, lock, or seal against wind and rain.

A professional eye will catch these structural inaccuracies during an inspection and estimate what it would cost to fix them.

Window anchoring

Faulty anchoring is a serious defect. In particular, check that:

• The anchoring is strong enough to keep the glass from coming loose and falling into the building.
• It is made from a standard aluminum profile that resists corrosion and needs only routine maintenance.
• The anchored glass meets fire-resistance standards.

Faulty locks

This is a frustrating one to discover: the window may be well painted, insulated, anchored, and seemingly fine, but when you go to lock it, the lock is simply broken.

A building inspection will catch this immediately.

An efficient window lock is installed according to the profile manufacturer's instructions: snap locks should close onto a tab facing upward. To stop the window being opened from outside by lifting it, the tab needs to face downward instead.

If the window can be opened from outside, either the installation is off or the lock is broken. Don't miss this: it is exactly the kind of thing an inspection is for.

A thorough inspection will turn up every flaw in a set of aluminum windows: paint, waterproofing, insulation and safety. Good luck with the purchase!