| S.No. | Checkpoint | IS Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. OPERATION TEST | |||
| A1 | Door/window opens and closes smoothly through full range without jamming Acceptance: Open/close cycles: ≥5 repetitions without sticking; smooth operation; no abnormal noise; full range 90° or greater | Cl. 4.1 — Operation smoothness | |
| A2 | Lock/latch operates smoothly; key turns easily; latch engages securely Acceptance: Lock tested ≥3 times; smooth operation; no grinding or binding; secure engagement | Cl. 4.2 — Lock function | |
| A3 | Door closer (if present) provides controlled closure; no slamming or excessive speed Acceptance: Closing time 3-5 seconds for full closure; smooth deceleration; no jerking | Cl. 4.3 — Closer performance | |
| B. WATER-TIGHTNESS TEST | |||
| B1 | Water spray test performed at frame-to-wall junction; no water penetration into building interior Acceptance: Water sprayed at ~100 mm above sill level for 5 minutes; interior surfaces remain dry; drainage path functional | Cl. 5.1 — Weatherproofing verification | |
| C. GAP AND ALIGNMENT VERIFICATION | |||
| C1 | Gap uniformity verified when door/window closed: ≤3 mm top/sides, ≤5 mm bottom Acceptance: Gap measured at top, middle, bottom; uniform throughout; no binding areas | Cl. 6.1 — Gap verification | |
Doors + windows are functional + visual elements — but they fail the most frequently of any building component. Residential warranty data shows 30-45% of post-handover complaints relate to doors / windows: - Doors not closing properly - Locks jamming - Window leaks during monsoon - Sliding doors derailing - Aluminium windows warping in heat - UPVC mullions cracking - Gaps developing at sill / head
The Operation + Performance Test is the QC step that catches these defects before handover rather than after move-in. Industry data: a defect caught at the Operation Test costs ~₹500-2000 to fix; the same defect post-handover costs ₹5000-25,000 (callout charges + complaints process + rework).
Governed by: - IS 1003 Parts 1-2:2018 — Timber Doors - IS 1948:1961 — Aluminium Doors + Windows - IS 17341:2020 — UPVC Windows + Doors - IS 1949:1961 — Aluminium Windows for Industrial Buildings - IS 6248:1979 — Metal Rolling Shutters + Rolling Grilles - NBC 2016 Part 6 Section 3 — Doors + Windows specifications
The test forms part of the handover snag list — defects found here go into rectification list before Substantial Completion Certificate.
Standard 4-section test:
A. Operation test: - Smooth opening / closing through full range: - Door: 90° minimum (more for double-leaf) - Window: as per type (casement / awning / sliding) - 5 repetitions minimum - No sticking, binding, abnormal noise - Hinges turn freely - No friction on stops
- Lock + latch operation: - 3-5 repetitions of key + handle - Smooth turn (no grinding) - Latch engages firmly - Strike plate alignment correct - Cylinder + handles secured (no loose screws) - Master key operation (if applicable)
- Door closer / hinge spring: - Controlled closure: 3-5 seconds for full close - No slamming - Two-speed action (fast → slow) - Hold-open feature works (if specified) - Backcheck (prevents door slam on full open)
- Hardware functions: - Espagnolette / multi-point lock (windows) - Mullion engagement - Roller smooth (sliding doors) - Restrictors / stays for windows - Letter plate / spy-hole / electronic lock (where applicable)
B. Water-tightness test: - Water spray at sill level + slightly higher - 100 mm above sill, simulating rain - 5-minute spray duration - Window in closed position - Inspect interior face: - Frame-to-wall junction (no water penetration) - Frame-to-shutter junction - Sill drainage (water exits via drainage path, not interior) - Glazing seal - Weatherstripping integrity - For premium windows: pressure-difference test (per IS 17341); not always done on site
C. Gap + alignment: - Gap between shutter + frame measured: - Top + sides: ≤ 3 mm - Bottom (with floor): ≤ 5 mm (allow for floor finish) - Gap uniform throughout perimeter - No binding (locally tight) areas - Door / window plumb + level - Diagonal measurements equal (rectangle, not parallelogram) - Glazing in centre of frame (no shift) - Sealant uniform width + colour
D. Final acceptance: - All A, B, C tests PASS - Visual inspection: surface finish, paint / powder coat, no scratches - Hardware operation smooth - Signage / labels removed - Cleanliness - Glass clarity (no cracks / chips) - Sign-off by QC + (for premium) consultant
1. Door drops on hinge — top gap > 3 mm, bottom locked; hinges need shimming or repositioning.
2. Lock binds — strike plate misaligned; relocate strike plate ±2 mm.
3. Door doesn't close — frame out of plumb; remove + re-fix frame; or plane shutter.
4. Window stays open — espagnolette mis-adjusted; tighten roller spring.
5. Sliding door derails — track damaged / not aligned; re-fix track + rollers.
6. Water enters at sill — drainage holes blocked / missing; drill / clear holes.
7. Water at frame-wall junction — sealant gap; re-seal with PU / silicone.
8. Glazing rattles — gasket compression insufficient; replace gasket.
9. Hinge squeaks — lubrication needed (graphite for steel hinges).
10. Closer slams — speed valve not adjusted; turn valve clockwise to slow.
11. Closer doesn't close fully — return spring weak / closer faulty; replace closer.
12. Aluminium window distorted — heat-related; check section thickness vs span; sometimes needs replacement.
13. UPVC frame warped — high-temperature exposure (south-facing windows); reinforce with steel insert.
14. Timber door warped — moisture absorption; re-condition + repaint; sometimes replace.
15. Lock cylinder loose — fixing screws backed off; tighten; verify cylinder seat.
16. Weatherstripping gap — strip torn / missing; replace.
17. Frame loose in wall — anchors inadequate; add anchors + grout.
18. Door catches on floor — floor finish higher than expected; trim bottom OR raise frame.
19. Window slides out of guides — guide channels worn; replace guides.
20. Locking handle off-centre — handle mounted wrong; remount centred.
Companion QAQC formats: - Doors + Windows Register (QC-DWH-REG-001) - Doors + Windows Pre-Use Test (QC-DWH-TST-001) - Snag List Register (PMC-HND-LOG-002) — door/window defects feed snag list - DLP Rectification Tracker (PMC-HND-LOG-004) — post-handover defects - Painting Inspection Checklist — companion finish check
Codes + standards: - IS 1003 Part 1:2018 — Code of Practice for Timber Door Shutters - IS 1003 Part 2:2018 — Code of Practice for Timber Door Frames - IS 1948:1961 — Specification for Aluminium Doors + Windows + Ventilators (with amendments) - IS 1949:1961 — Aluminium Windows for Industrial Buildings - IS 17341:2020 — UPVC Windows + Doors (newer) - IS 4351:2003 — Specification for Steel Door Frames - IS 6248:1979 — Metal Rolling Shutters - IS 6315:1992 — Floor Springs (Hydraulically regulated) for Heavy Doors - IS 7196:1994 — Aluminium Doors + Windows — Hardware - IS 11433 Parts 1-2 — Glazing requirements for Building - IS 12440:1988 — Specification for Precast Concrete Door Frames - NBC 2016 Part 6 Section 3 — Doors + Windows - EN 14351-1:2010 — European Window Performance Standard (referenced in international) - AAMA 502 + 503 — North American Window Performance