Analysis of the Inspection, Diagnosis, and Repair of External Door and Window Frames

Abstract

This paper presents the analysis of the anomalies of external door and window frames, based on the inspection of 295 frameworks, in a total of 96 buildings in various locations in Portugal. With these inspections it was possible to validate a classification system previously proposed, determine the most common types of anomalies, their probable causes, related diagnosis tests, and respective rehabilitation techniques. This study also allowed determining some of the most common features usually found in this type of nonstructural element and correlate them with their materials, characteristics, position and location, and filling an existing knowledge gap on the short- and long-term behavior of these construction elements, which can be found in every new and old building. The analysis of these data is presented in various charts, to facilitate their interpretation and help identify the conditioning parameters in the performance and durability of this type of nonstructural system.