Quality Control of Windows and Doors
Quality control plays a crucial role in large construction projects. Developers and contractors are increasingly checking the quality of joinery before it is delivered to the construction site. At this stage, errors that could delay the window and door installation schedule can be eliminated. Before the products reach the construction site, it is essential to carry out a thorough visual and technical verification.
This helps investors minimize complaints and avoid costly downtime for contractors. In this article, we present how professional quality control in the joinery industry works. We describe practical actions that ensure the quality of products before transport. We avoid references to local regulations, focusing on market standards and best practices. Properly prepared quality control increases efficiency and shortens the time required for the final inspection of the joinery. Find out what to look for to avoid errors that often only appear once on the construction site.
Visual Inspection | More Than Just Scratches and Damage
The first step is to carefully inspect the surface quality of the profiles and glass. It’s important to check every element before it’s packed and shipped to the site. The surface should be smooth, uniform in color, and free from scratches or material discoloration. Special attention should be paid to welding joints in PVC profiles and connections in aluminum systems.
In the case of glass, cleanliness is not the only concern; scratches, inclusions, and air bubbles should also be checked. Quality control at this stage helps detect aesthetic defects that will be visible after installation. It is also important to verify the completeness of glazing—ensure that no glass is missing from the frames designated for transport. A small effort at the production stage can prevent significant problems during final inspections.
Checking Compliance with the Order
Quality control also includes verifying that the ordered joinery meets the project specifications. Each element should have the correct dimensions, proper sash divisions, and the correct type of glazing. Comparing the products with the documentation—such as the joinery list, technical data sheets, or 3D models—helps quickly detect errors or discrepancies before the joinery reaches the construction site.
On large projects, product identification is crucial. Markings such as window numbering, QR code labels, or system labels can significantly speed up unloading. This way, installation teams do not waste time matching elements to specific openings.
Quality control and compliance verification help reduce errors arising from production mistakes. Seemingly minor discrepancies may lead to the need for modifications or delays in the work schedule. Therefore, compliance checking should be considered a mandatory step before each shipment of joinery.
Checking the Functionality of Moving Parts
Quality control should also include functional tests of hardware, handles, and sliding mechanisms. It’s essential to check that the sashes open smoothly, without catching or excessive resistance during operation. Proper locking indicates correct adjustment and proper installation of the hardware in the frame and sash. Handles should operate smoothly, without play, and their position should allow for intuitive user operation.
For sliding constructions, it is necessary to verify the smoothness of the guide rails and the entire rolling system. If the product has micro-ventilation, its function and stability in the tilted position should be checked. For windows with a gradual tilt function, it’s important to test if the latches work properly. Early detection of technical faults eliminates the need for service after installation. Functional testing should be standard, not an addition—it enhances the reliability and durability of the product. Therefore, every manufacturer committed to quality performs such quality control before each shipment.
Packaging and Transport Protection
Quality control also includes assessing how the joinery is secured for transport. Windows and doors must be protected from mechanical damage, moisture, and accidental impacts. Profiles should have protective corners, protective films, and spacers separating the frames from one another. With proper packaging, elements do not shift or rub together during transport.
Pallets must be labeled, stable, and designed for safe unloading at the construction site. Properly secured goods minimize the risk of complaints due to damage during delivery. For larger projects, dividing shipments into zones tailored to the schedule is also crucial. This ensures that the joinery installation can proceed smoothly, without delays caused by disorganization. Therefore, quality control of packaging is not a detail but an important element of the entire investment process.
Why It’s Important to Check Quality “Before,” Not “After”?
Quality control performed before shipment helps avoid costly problems during installation. Once the joinery is on-site, any mistake results in downtime and additional logistics costs. Early verification allows aesthetic and technical flaws to be detected before they enter the work schedule. Fixing errors at the production stage is faster, cheaper, and doesn’t affect the investment’s timeline.
Developers and contractors value partners who control quality before problems arise on-site. Reducing the number of corrections directly impacts the smooth operation of all subcontractors. Additionally, fewer complaints lead to a better final inspection and greater customer satisfaction. By checking quality at the production stage, investors gain an advantage—they can better manage risk. It also signals that the manufacturer takes the investment seriously and thinks in terms of responsibility. Therefore, quality control before delivery should be the standard, not the exception—for both parties in the investment.