Windows & glazing defects in new builds

SiteSnag’s library has 22 entries under windows & glazing, and 3 of them are marked as safety or critical items. They’re listed below with the most serious first. Each one gives the wording an inspector would put in a report and the trade that would fix it, and 15 carry a reference to the standard or guidance they relate to. The references help you look up the relevant section and aren’t a statement that a particular home does or doesn’t comply.

All 22 entries

1. Window restrictor missing

   Safety

   Window restrictor missing or not working. Fit/adjust restrictor.

   Trade

   Glazier

   Reference

   Approved Document K

2. Escape window does not open fully

   Safety

   Emergency escape window does not open to the required clear opening. Adjust hinges/restrictor.

   Trade

   Glazier

   Reference

   Approved Document B

3. Glazing in critical location not safety glass

   Safety

   Glazing in a critical location (low level or near doors) has no safety marking. Confirm or replace with safety glass.

   Trade

   Glazier

   Reference

   Approved Document K

4. Roof window leaking

   Major

   Roof window or rooflight leaking at flashing or frame. Re-flash and seal.

   Trade

   Roofer

   Reference

   NHBC Standards 7.2

5. Scratched glazing

   Moderate

   Scratches to glass visible at normal viewing distance. Replace glazed unit.

   Trade

   Glazier

   Reference

   NHBC Standards 6.7

6. Missing / poor mastic seal

   Moderate

   External mastic seal around frame missing or incomplete. Seal to prevent water ingress.

   Trade

   Glazier

   Reference

   NHBC Standards 6.7

7. Misted / blown double-glazed unit

   Moderate

   Condensation between panes indicates a failed seal. Replace unit.

   Trade

   Glazier

   Reference

   NHBC Standards 6.7

8. Trickle vent missing / not working

   Moderate

   Trickle vent missing, blocked or does not open. Fit or repair.

   Trade

   Glazier

   Reference

   Approved Document F

9. Window does not lock

   Moderate

   Window lock does not engage or key missing. Adjust or replace mechanism.

   Trade

   Glazier

   Reference

   Approved Document Q

10. Window not sealing / draughty

    Moderate

    Window lets in draughts at seals when closed. Adjust and replace seals.

    Trade

    Window installer

    Reference

    NHBC Standards 6.7

11. External sill damaged / no drip

    Moderate

    External sill cracked, damaged or missing a drip. Repair or replace.

    Trade

    Builder

    Reference

    NHBC Standards 6.1

12. Rotten window frame / sill

    Moderate

    Timber window frame or sill shows wet rot. Cut out and repair or replace.

    Trade

    Carpenter / Joiner

    Reference

    None listed

13. Window difficult to open/close

    Minor

    Window sash is stiff/does not close correctly. Adjust hinges and keeps.

    Trade

    Glazier

    Reference

    NHBC Standards 6.7

14. Window handle loose / missing

    Minor

    Window handle loose or missing. Fit/secure.

    Trade

    Glazier

    Reference

    None listed

15. Window board damaged / not sealed

    Minor

    Window board chipped or not sealed to frame. Repair and seal.

    Trade

    Carpenter / Joiner

    Reference

    None listed

16. Frame scratched / damaged

    Minor

    Window or door frame scratched or damaged. Repair or replace section.

    Trade

    Glazier

    Reference

    None listed

17. Window drops / hinges worn

    Minor

    Opening casement drops or hinges are worn. Adjust or replace hinges.

    Trade

    Window installer

    Reference

    NHBC Standards 6.7

18. Window keys missing

    Minor

    Window lock keys not provided. Provide.

    Trade

    Developer

    Reference

    None listed

19. Drainage slots blocked / missing

    Minor

    Frame drainage slots blocked or caps missing. Clear and fit.

    Trade

    Window installer

    Reference

    NHBC Standards 6.7

20. Sash window cords broken / stiff

    Minor

    Sash cords broken or sashes stiff. Re-cord and ease.

    Trade

    Carpenter / Joiner

    Reference

    None listed

21. Window beads loose / missing

    Minor

    Glazing beads loose or missing. Re-fix.

    Trade

    Window installer

    Reference

    NHBC Standards 6.7

22. Blinds / curtain poles loose

    Minor

    Blinds or curtain poles loose or not working. Re-fix.

    Trade

    Carpenter / Joiner

    Reference

    None listed

Using these in a report

In the SiteSnag app, starting to type a defect title in the camera brings up these entries. Picking one fills in the description, severity, trade and reference, and you can edit the wording or add your own defects to the library. Every snag then goes into the branded PDF report with its photos and a numbered pin on the floor plan.

For a room-by-room walk-round, use the new build snagging checklist, or go back to all defect categories.

Other categories

Previous: Doors & joinery (38). Next: Floors (16).

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