International Compliance Association (ICA) Home Inspector Practice Exam

When is it advisable to recommend a replacement for thermal pane windows?

1. When they are foggy

2. When the warranty expires

3. When they no longer open

4. When there is no visible damage

The correct answer is: When they are foggy

Recommending a replacement for thermal pane windows is advisable when they appear foggy. Fogging typically indicates that the seal between the two panes of glass has failed, allowing moisture to enter the space between them. This can significantly affect the window’s insulating properties, leading to decreased energy efficiency and visible impairment of clarity. A foggy condition often shows that the window is no longer effectively performing its intended function of providing insulation and thermal comfort, warranting attention and replacement. In contrast, conditions like an expired warranty or no visible damage may not necessarily indicate a functional problem with the windows. Windows can still perform their function adequately even after a warranty expires, and the lack of visible damage does not guarantee that the thermal performance is intact, especially if fogging isn't visible but still present. Similarly, windows that no longer open may require maintenance or repair rather than full replacement, as this could be due to operational issues rather than thermal performance problems.