Interior Doors

Interior doors are made of wood (hard or soft), wood veneer, and sheet metal. Hollow core doors are usually filled with a sound-absorbing material that is fire resistant. Most interior doors are of the single-leaf HINGED TYPE. Double-swing doors will be specified for some locations.

Sliding doors may be specified for closets and for large openings between rooms. They usually will be arranged to slide into concealed recesses when opened. Fire doors are frequently arranged to slide or roll down an inclined track automatically when released by the melting of a fusible link in the anchoring device.

Doors of numerous special types will be encountered, such as elevator doors, trap doors, clutch doors, lattice and louver doors, incinerator doors, vault doors, and accordion doors.

You must be sure that all doors conform to specifications and are free from any defects that impair their strength, durability, or appearance. Also, ensure that all doors are of the prescribed types, that doors and door hardware are installed correctly and accurately, and that doors operate freely and close tightly. You must be sure that sufficient clearance is provided above the finished floor to accommodate floor coverings when necessary. Likewise, make sure that the swing of the doors is in accord with drawings and schedules.

WINDOWS AND SKYLIGHTS

Special care is needed in the inspection of windows and skylights. Windows and skylights come in many different sizes and shapes. They are usually preassembled at the factory or millworking shop.

Windows

Wood windows usually are of the double-hung or casement types. You must be sure that the panels and sashes are of the specified type and grade of wood, that they conform to the requirements for each unit, and that they are carefully handled and fully protected against damage.

The inspector must ensure the following:

That frames are carefully installed plumb and square, and that sashes are fitted neatly so that they operate freely, but without rattling.

That sash weights or spring balances are installed and adjusted correctly and that all hardware and weather stripping specified are installed and adjusted satisfactorily.

That casement sashes are hinged to swing in or out, as required and that they fit accurately and are suitably weather stripped.

That bolts and other hardware are accurately positioned and adjusted.

Steel and vinyl-clad windows are available in many types. Among the more common windows are double-hung, pivoted, commercially projected, architecturally projected, casement, top-hinged, and detention or security types. You must be sure that the windows are of the prescribed type, size, grade, and section of members and conform to the specifications in details and workmanship and, also, that the windows installed in each opening conform to the schedule shown or specified. You must make certain that windows are carefully handled and stored and are free from distortion when they are installed. You must be sure that all anchors, bolts, and clips needed for fastening the windows in place are installed; that frames are set accurately and truly and are caulked, as specified; that ventilators are set accurately and adjusted so that they operate freely and close tightly; and that all operators and other moving parts are made to operate smoothly and easily without strain.

Most aluminum windows are built of extruded shapes of relatively light sections. They are available in most of the types listed for steel windows in the preceding paragraph, but they are generally of the double-hung or casement types. Requirements for inspection are substantially the same as for steel windows. You must be sure that aluminum is of the grade and temper specified. Usually, the manufacturers caution that windows must be kept locked and unopened until they are set and glazed. As the inspector, you should insist that this practice is followed. You must determine that care is taken to avoid marring the members during installation because of their relative softness.

Skylights

Skylights of the framed type maybe constructed of galvanized iron, asbestos-protected metal, copper, aluminum, stainless steel, or Monel Metal. You must be sure that the skylights conform to the details shown; that all necessary steel supports, base curb, and reinforcement are provided; that skylights are flashed to all adjoining work in a watertight manner; that bars are provided with suitable shoulders for the support of the