Any reason to call out a window wothout interior trim?

[Andre_The_Giant]

First post here, thanks for your patience.

I went for a final inspection on a single family residence today. The contractor had not finished a window. Is there a valid reason to call this out as an issue to be corrected by the time I come for a re-inspection?

I struggle with not being quality control, and when I mentioned that it should be finished (which he obviously will) he really didn't like it. Is there a valid reason in code to call it? Or should I let it go.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Trim is not required by the IBC but may be required by the window's manufactures instructions.

 

[Joe.B]

The contractor had not finished a window.

As in not completed (i.e. trimmed out as @Mr. Inspector states) or no window installed at all?

 

[Gregg Harris]

Take a look at IRC 316.4 for vinyl windows

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Take a look at IRC 316.4 for vinyl windows

Inapplicable. Vinyl windows are not foam plastic.

They're also not particularly flammable. We had a major vinyl window distributor open a warehouse in town a few years back. The Fire Marshal and I did quite a bit of research. Had a bit of a scare because when we asked for data on flammability the idiot architect sent us a metric boatload of data on the liquid vinyl from which the windows are made. THAT stuff is some serious stuff. Turns out the windows themselves -- even racks full of them -- aren't any big deal.

 

[Andre_The_Giant]

Trim is not required by the IBC but may be required by the window's manufactures instructions.

Manufacturer specifications are what I was leaning towards as well. Any idea which sections of code refer to installing things per Manufacturer instructions/ specifications?

 

[Andre_The_Giant]

As in not completed (i.e. trimmed out as @Mr. Inspector states) or no window installed at all?

Not trimmed out. I'm also wo wondering if altering the windows after his HERS energy rater completed their work would invalidate it.

 

[Andre_The_Giant]

Manufacturer specifications are what I was leaning towards as well. Any idea which sections of code refer to installing things per Manufacturer instructions/ specifications?

Maybe R106.1.2 " Manufacturer's installation instructions, as required by this code, shall be available on the job site at the time of inspection."

 

[BN4537]

Maybe R106.1.2 " Manufacturer's installation instructions, as required by this code, shall be available on the job site at the time of inspection."

That is a stretch. My advice is not to push it. There is no safety or code concern with this installation.

Not trimmed out. I'm also wo wondering if altering the windows after his HERS energy rater completed their work would invalidate it.

Adding trim can only make it better... again not something to worry about.

Sometimes we as inspectors get wound up about stuff that doesn't really matter because the contractor was a jerk about it. Contractors with attitudes do need to be curbed sometimes, but if that is the case they will give you plenty of opportunities that are better than this one. You will meet him another day with better code footing and an actual life-safety concern under you and you can handle his attitude then, if necessary. Strictly necessary. We are professionals and that's just part of the job.

 

[jar546]

So let's look away from the code and talk about what might happen. The new owner has his/her own private inspector who writes this up and tells the owner he is surprised the city inspector signed off on this, therefore shedding poor light on the building department, further reducing the public's trust and view.

With that being said, anything short of an energy code violation or a local, adopted ordinance, you can't enforce that.

 

[angela@hercoastaire]

Not trimmed out. I'm also wo wondering if altering the windows after his HERS energy rater completed their work would invalidate it.

@Andre_The_Giant California Hers rater here, The hers rater is not responsible for verifying the energy features or install of the windows replaced, Now what is required is the cf2r env 01 window certificate or a cf2r env add (if only replacing) this is signed and filled out by the licensed responsible installer or builder of record. So when the window does become hers verified is when QII (Quality Insulation Installation) is called out on the title 24 calcs, now the rater would verirfy that the envelope is sealed, and that window would be an automatic fail. But if QII is not required it's the builder or installer signs that the 2r. But it's unclear if this project is based in California. There is very little states in the US that have a mandate on hers testing, I think Texas is one and maybe Florida. Now I do have to point out that fenestration and the envelope has to limit air leakage: So the non cased window might fall in that category.

§ 110.6(a)1:

Air Leakage. Manufactured fenestration, exterior doors, and exterior pet doors must limit air leakage to 0.3 CFM per square foot or less when tested per NFRC-400, ASTM E283, or AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-2011. * § 110.7: Air Leakage. All joints, penetrations, and other openings in the building envelope that are potential sources of air leakage must be caulked, gasketed, or weather-stripped

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Now I do have to point out that fenestration and the envelope has to limit air leakage: So the non cased window might fall in that category.

If the interior window trim makes the difference between failing and passing an infiltration test, the building has more issues than window trim.

 

[angela@hercoastaire]

You are not wrong in your thoughts on this! But when we are speaking of energy efficiency and building science a well sealed thermal conditioned area makes all the difference with your loads. Existing homes in California lack a sufficient thermal seal, we see it everyday, if one window is left uncased, there is more than likely others, and the attic and pre sealing behind walls combined together makes it fail the infiltration test. Now I see you are from New England area, and those homes were built for the cold, with a good seal. California not so much. A blower door test is not mandatory here in California, although it's written in the Ca Building code as mandatory but the Title 24 Energy Code only requires it when used as a compliance credit or if the home is trying to get a rebate like Energy star (EnergyStar is discontinued) Go figure! But you seeing the one (newly installed) uncased window is a huge red flag for a rater!

 

[angela@hercoastaire]

First post here, thanks for your patience.

I went for a final inspection on a single family residence today. The contractor had not finished a window. Is there a valid reason to call this out as an issue to be corrected by the time I come for a re-inspection?

I struggle with not being quality control, and when I mentioned that it should be finished (which he obviously will) he really didn't like it. Is there a valid reason in code to call it? Or should I let it go. Any new window install follows the ICC/IRC and NFRC tests and certifies window efficiency for the entire US. NFRC does say removing the sticker with the rating before inspection is a code violation at a AHJ level.

Also looking at the window pic there is other potential code issues:

This window isn’t just missing trim it’s missing required air sealing, flashing, and integration with the wall system.
Code cites:
IECC R402.4.3 (fenestration air leakage)
IRC R612.1 (installation per manufacturer)
IRC R703.4 (flashing required)