Windows & Doors Installation Inspection

Per NBC 9.7.2 and NAFS (CSA A440/AAMA/WDMA 101/I.S.2), windows and doors must be tested and labelled to meet the required performance class (R, LC, CW, AW) and performance grade for the project's design wind pressure. CSA A440S1 provides Canadian-specific requirements including thermal performance (U-value) and condensation resistance (I-value). Products must bear the required certification labels.

1. Verify window and door products bear NAFS certification labels showing performance class, grade, and size tested

2. Confirm performance grade meets or exceeds the design wind pressure for the building location and height per NBC 4.1.7

3. Check that thermal performance (U-value) and condensation resistance (I-value) meet CSA A440S1 requirements for the climate zone

4. Verify ENERGY STAR certification (where specified) by checking product labels against NRCan ENERGY STAR zone requirements

5. Confirm glazing units meet NBC 9.6 requirements for safety glazing locations (tempered or laminated where required)

- Windows supplied with performance grade below the required design wind pressure for the building

- Condensation resistance (I-value) too low for the climate zone leading to interior condensation and moisture damage

- Products not ENERGY STAR certified where specified in the contract documents

- Safety glazing not provided in locations required by NBC 9.6 (doors, sidelights, low-level glazing)

Per NBC 9.7.3 and manufacturer's installation instructions, rough openings must be square, plumb, and level with adequate clearance for shimming and insulation. Typical clearance is 10-15 mm on each side and top. The sill must be sloped to the exterior or provided with a sill pan flashing to direct water outward. The water-resistive barrier (WRB) must be integrated with the rough opening per NBC 9.27.3.

1. Verify rough opening dimensions are within manufacturer's tolerances with adequate clearance for shimming (typically 10-15 mm per side)

2. Check that the rough opening is square, plumb, and level using a spirit level and tape measure

3. Confirm sill pan flashing or sloped sill is installed to direct water to the exterior and is integrated with the WRB

4. Verify WRB is cut and folded into the rough opening at the sill and jambs per NBC 9.27.3 flashing requirements

5. Check that head flashing extends beyond the jambs and is lapped over the WRB above per shingle-fashion drainage

- Rough opening too large creating excessive gaps that are difficult to insulate and seal properly

- Sill pan flashing omitted allowing water to pool at the sill and migrate into the wall assembly

- WRB not properly integrated with window flashing at jambs and head creating water entry points

- Head flashing not extended beyond jambs allowing water to run behind the WRB at corners

Per NBC 9.7.3 and CSA A440S1, windows and doors must be installed plumb, level, and square using shims at prescribed locations per the manufacturer's installation instructions. Shims must be placed at all fastener locations and at corners. Fasteners must be the correct type, size, and spacing per the manufacturer's requirements. The frame must not be racked, bowed, or distorted during fastening.

1. Verify the window or door frame is plumb, level, and square after shimming with maximum diagonal deviation per manufacturer's tolerance

2. Confirm shims are placed at all required locations (corners, fastener points, meeting rail supports) per manufacturer's instructions

3. Check that fasteners are the correct type and length and are installed through shim locations into the structural framing

4. Verify the frame is not bowed or distorted by checking that the sash or door panel operates smoothly (opens, closes, locks)

5. Confirm hardware operation: locks, handles, and operators function correctly and weatherstripping makes full contact

- Frame racked or twisted from improper shimming causing binding of sash or door panels

- Fasteners installed between shim points causing frame bowing and distortion

- Insufficient shim support at heavy meeting rails of large windows causing sag

- Hardware not adjusted after installation resulting in incomplete seal of weatherstripping

Per NBC 9.7.3 and NBC 9.25.3, the gap between the window or door frame and the rough opening must be sealed for both air and water tightness. Low-expansion spray foam, backer rod with sealant, or membrane tape systems are acceptable per manufacturer's and building designer's specifications. The air seal must connect the window frame to the interior air barrier. The water seal at the exterior must be vapour-permeable to allow drying.

1. Verify the perimeter gap between the frame and rough opening is filled with low-expansion spray foam or backer rod and sealant per specifications

2. Confirm the interior air barrier is connected to the window frame with a continuous seal (tape, sealant, or membrane)

3. Check that the exterior perimeter seal is vapour-permeable to allow outward drying of any trapped moisture

4. Verify no gaps or voids exist in the perimeter insulation and sealing at jambs, head, and sill

5. Confirm sealant beads are tooled smooth with good adhesion to both the frame and the surrounding finish material

- High-expansion foam used instead of low-expansion, distorting the window frame and affecting operation

- Interior air seal not continuous at the window-to-wall junction allowing air leakage through the wall assembly

- Exterior seal not vapour-permeable trapping moisture in the perimeter gap causing rot and mould

- Perimeter gap left partially filled with voids at corners and behind trim

Per NBC 9.27.3 and NBC 5.6.1, window and door flashings must be integrated with the cladding and water-resistive barrier to shed water to the exterior. Head flashings must project beyond the cladding face and direct water over the window. Sill flashings must be end-dammed to prevent lateral water migration. Flashing must overlap the WRB in shingle-fashion per NBC 9.27.3.

1. Verify head flashings extend a minimum of 10 mm beyond the cladding face and direct water away from the window

2. Confirm sill flashing end dams are in place to prevent lateral water movement at jamb corners

3. Check that exterior trim and cladding are sealed to the window frame with compatible sealant and do not trap water

4. Verify flashing integration follows the shingle principle: upper flashings overlap lower flashings directing water outward

5. Confirm drip edges are provided at window and door sills to prevent water from running back under the sill

- Head flashing not projecting beyond the cladding allowing water to run down the window face and into the frame

- End dams missing on sill flashings allowing water to migrate laterally into the wall assembly at corners

- Cladding installed tight against the window frame without sealant creating a capillary draw for water

- Reverse lapping of flashings directing water behind the WRB instead of shedding it outward

Per NBC 9.6 and NBC 9.7, glazing must meet safety, energy, and structural requirements. Safety glazing (tempered or laminated per CAN/CGSB-12.1) is required in hazardous locations defined by NBC 9.6.1.3 including doors, sidelights, and glazing within 500 mm of doors. Insulating glass units (IGUs) must meet CAN/CGSB-12.8 for sealed unit durability. Low-E coatings and gas fills must achieve the specified U-value.

1. Verify safety glazing is installed in all locations required by NBC 9.6.1.3 and glass bears the permanent safety glazing certification mark

2. Confirm IGU spacer bars are correctly oriented with no visible seal failures, moisture, or fogging between panes

3. Check that Low-E coating position and gas fill match specifications by verifying with manufacturer's labels on the glass or frame

4. Verify glazing bead and gaskets are properly seated with no gaps that could allow water infiltration to the glazing pocket

5. Confirm glass type and thickness meet structural requirements for wind load and impact per NAFS performance grade

- Safety glazing missing in hazardous locations (adjacent to doors, stairs, or at low levels) violating NBC 9.6.1.3

- IGU seal failure (fogging between panes) indicating loss of gas fill and degraded thermal performance

- Low-E coating installed in the wrong position reducing energy performance of the glazing unit

- Glazing gaskets not properly seated allowing water into the frame drainage channels

Per NBC 3.8 (Accessibility) and NBC 9.5, door thresholds must not exceed 13 mm in height at accessible entrances, and must be bevelled at a maximum slope of 1:2. Exterior door sills must be weatherstripped and integrate with the waterproofing and flashing system. Barrier-free entrances must comply with CSA B651 (Accessible Design for the Built Environment) for clear width, hardware height, and operating force.

1. Verify door thresholds at accessible entrances do not exceed 13 mm in height and are bevelled per NBC 3.8 requirements

2. Confirm exterior door sill weatherstripping makes full contact with the door panel and is free of gaps

3. Check that door sill flashing is properly integrated with the waterproofing membrane and directs water to the exterior

4. Verify barrier-free door clear opening width meets minimum 850 mm per NBC 3.8 and CSA B651

5. Confirm door hardware is accessible (lever handles at 900-1100 mm height) and operating force does not exceed NBC and CSA B651 limits

- Door thresholds too high at accessible entrances creating barriers for wheelchair users

- Exterior door sill weatherstripping compressed or damaged allowing air and water infiltration

- Sill flashing not properly integrated with the wall waterproofing creating a leak path at the threshold

- Door hardware not accessible or operating force too high for barrier-free compliance