There are eight types of windows and six types of frame material in general use in residential buildings. Window types are double hung, single hung, casement, horizontal sliding, projected out or awning, projected in, and fixed. The glazing compound or putty around glass panels in older sashes should be examined especially carefully since this is often the most vulnerable part of the window and its repair is time consuming. Examine glazing tapes or strips around glass panels in steel or aluminum sashes for signs of deterioration such as hardened sealant or poor fit. Check metal sashes for weep holes that have been blocked by paint, sealant, or dirt.
Weep holes are usually easy to clean.
Check windows that are not protected from the weather for the presence of essential flashing at the head. For windows close to the ground or easily accessible from flat roofs, note the degree of physical security provided by the windows and their locks. In hurricane regions, check all windows and glass doors that are not protected by shutters to determine if they have been tested for impact resistance to wind-borne debris. If they have not been so tested, determine if plywood panels can be installed for their protection at the time of a hurricane warning. Check each type for fit.