Dirty Exterior Windows
Dirty Exterior Windows is a commonly-found finishes defect SURE inspectors have documented across 131 inspection reports. Highest concentration in Baldivis.
Causes
- Dust, dirt, or construction residue accumulation
- General construction dust/debris
- General construction mess
- Inadequate final clean-up
- Post-construction debris
Symptoms to look for
- Visible smudges, dirt, or marks on window surfaces
- Visible scuffs and debris on exterior windows
- Visible scuffs and debris on window surfaces
- Visible dirt or grime on external windows
- Visible scuffs and debris on windows
Remedies
- Perform a builders clean to remove scuffs and debris
- Conduct a thorough cleaning of exterior windows
- Clean the windows thoroughly
- Clean the external windows
- Conduct a builders clean
Where we see this most
These suburbs show the highest concentration of dirty exterior windows in our inspection data (minimum five observations). Click a suburb to see its full defect profile.
Worth asking our inspector about this specifically.
This is common across Perth stock and usually fixable without drama, but the scope of the fix varies. Every SURE inspection includes 12 months of free advice. Call out the defect by name and we check for it directly.
Curated entries in Finishes
- Curated 1–3/5Common Cracks and Settlement in Pathways
Cracking and uneven settlement in concrete footpaths, driveways, and porch slabs is one of the most frequently observed external defects in Perth homes, present in 11.66% of all reports. Most findings are minor and reflect the expected behaviour of unreinforced concrete slabs on reactive soils, though tree-root intrusion and poor drainage can accelerate movement to a point where trip hazards develop.
- Curated 1–4/5Surface Rust on Pergola Frame
Surface oxidation on steel pergola frames is one of the more frequent cosmetic findings in Perth pre-purchase reports, appearing in 11.19% of all inspections. Left untreated, surface rust progresses through the coating into the base metal, eventually compromising the structural integrity of posts and beams. Early intervention with surface treatment is straightforward; through-corrosion is not.
- Curated 2–4/5Cracked Floor Tiles in Wet Areas
Cracked, loose, or drummy floor tiles in bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens. Allows moisture penetration to the substrate, potentially compromising waterproof membrane integrity and causing concealed water damage.
- Curated 1–3/5Damaged Eave Lining
Damage to the underside lining of the eaves - including cracking, holes, gaps at junctions, and poorly cut penetrations around downpipes - is recorded in 8.78% of all inspection reports. Beyond the cosmetic concern, openings in eave lining allow birds, possums, and insects to access the roof cavity and can accelerate timber deterioration where moisture also enters.
- Curated 1–3/5Eave Deterioration and Ageing
General weathering and paint breakdown on eave linings, timber rafter ends, and quad trim is one of the most common findings on Perth homes built before 2000. Left unattended, deteriorated eaves allow moisture into the roof perimeter, accelerating rot in rafter ends and creating conducive conditions for timber pests.
- Curated 1–3/5Defective Door Handles, Hinges, and Locks
Malfunctioning or worn door hardware including loose handles, squeaking hinges, misaligned latches, and non-functioning locks. High-frequency defect across all building eras, typically cosmetic but can affect security and fire egress.