The homeowner of this 1919 American Foursquare in Catonsville, Md., is just trying to keep her house together. Literally. The house and its classic front porch are trying to part company. Home inspector Reggie Marston comes by to try to keep it all together.
Inspector's Notebook—Insulated Windows
Windows are the number one source of heat loss in a home. Double and triple-paned windows can be the answer. They have multiple layers of glass that are sealed. Between each layer is a pocket filled with air or gas that provides extra insulation.
While they are more energy efficient than standard windows, the seals can break. It’s easy to tell if they’ve failed. If there is fog, condensation or haze between the panes, it means the thermal seal is broken. Since the seal cannot be fixed, the window or panes have to be replaced. If a window loses its seal it may be unsightly, but it will still work. It just won’t be as energy efficient.
Here are a few tips to help keep your insulated windows from becoming a "pane" in your wallet.
- Open and close the windows gently. Banging the windows can cause the seal to fail.
- Wash the windows by hand rather than pressure washing. The force of the water pressure can break the seal.
- Clean and lubricate the hardware, screws and moving window parts annually.
Guests Reggie Marston
Residential Equity Management
Home Inspections
Phone: 703-644-0472
E-mail:
Remarston1@aol.com
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