Interior Climate Control
Coverage 1st Year Only. Workmanship and Materials.
Please note: Bolster is responsible only for areas of the property worked on and specified in the contract, and not for the entire house.
Air Infiltration and Drafts
8-1-1
Observation: Air infiltrates around exterior doors or windows.
Performance Guideline: Some infiltration is usually noticeable around doors and windows, especially during high winds. No daylight shall be visible around the frame when the window or door is closed.
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor shall repair to meet the performance guideline.
Discussion: Proper repair can be performed by adjusting or installing weather stripping around doors and windows. In high-wind areas, the owner may elect to have storm windows and doors installed to further reduce drafts.
8-1-2
Observation: A draft comes through an electrical outlet.
Performance Guideline: Electrical outlets and switch boxes on exterior walls may allow cold air to flow through or around an outlet into a room.
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: No action is required of The Bolster Contractor. The owner may elect to install foam insulation pads under switch and outlet plates to help decrease drafts.
Humidity Control and Condensation
8-2-1
Observation: Water, ice, or frost is observed on a window.
Performance Guideline: Windows will be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and applicable building code.
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: No action is required of the con-tractor unless the water, ice, or frost is directly attributed to faulty installation (i.e., that deviates from the manufacturer's instructions and/or applicable building code).
Discussion: Condensation usually results from conditions beyond The Bolster Contractor's control. Moisture in the air can condense into water and collect on cold surfaces, particularly in the winter months when the outside temperature is low. Blinds and drapes can prevent air within the building envelope from moving across the cold surface and picking up the moisture. Occasional condensation (water) in the kitchen, bath, or laundry area is common. It is the owner's responsibility to maintain proper humidity by properly operating heating and cooling systems and allowing moving air within the home to flow over the interior surface of the windows.
8-2-2
Observation: There is moisture between the panes of a double glazed window.
Performance Standard: Moisture between the panes of double glazed windows during the manufacturer's warranty period is unacceptable.
Corrective Measure: The owner should contact the manufacturer.
Air Distribution and Ventilation
8-3-1
Observation: The attic or crawl space is inadequately ventilated.
Performance Guideline: The attic and crawl space shall be ventilated as required by the applicable building code.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will provide for adequate ventilation. The Bolster Contractor is not responsible for actions by the owner that interfere with the ventilation system.
8-3-2
Observation: There is airflow noise at a register.
Performance Guideline: The register should be correctly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: No action is required unless registers are not installed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
Discussion: Under certain conditions, some noise may be experienced with the normal flow of air, even when registers are installed correctly. See the manufacturer's instructions.
8-3-3
Observation: There are gaps between HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning) vent or register cover and the wall or ceiling.
Performance Guideline: This is a normal condition beyond The Bolster Contractor’s control. Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: None.
Discussion: It is the inherent nature of the heating and cooling system to cause vents and registers to bend over time. This can result in gaps occurring between the vent or register cover and the wall. As long as the vent or register is securely attached, this is not a warranty item.
8-3-4
Observation: A condensate drain line is clogged.
Performance Guideline: The Bolster Contractor will provide unobstructed condensate lines at the time of substantial completion of the project.
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor shall unclog any clogged condensate line at the time of substantial completion of the project. Condensate lines will eventually clog under normal use and they must be kept free of all clogs to operate properly. The owner is responsible for maintaining them in proper condition.
8-3-5
Observation: There is condensation on the outside of air handlers and ducts.
Performance Standards: Air handlers and ducts will collect condensation on their exterior surfaces when extreme temperature differences and high humidity levels occur. Condensation usually results from humid conditions within the home that are created by the owner or during the curing process in a new space.
Corrective Measure: Unless the condensation or frost is directly attributed to faulty installation, it usually results from conditions beyond the control of The Bolster Contractor. No corrective action is required.
Discussion: Condensation usually results from conditions beyond The Bolster Contractor's control. Moisture in the air can condense (to form water) and collect on cold duct surfaces, particularly in the summer months when the outside humidity is high.
8-3-6
Observation: Kitchen or bath fans allow air infiltration.
Performance Guideline: Bath and kitchen fans shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and code requirements.
Remodeling Specific: See Note at beginning of chapter.
Corrective Measure: No action is required of The Bolster Contractor if fans meet the guideline.
Discussion: It is possible for outside air to enter the house through a ventilation fan. The dampers in most fans do not seal tightly. Its is possible for the damper to be lodged open due to animal activity (including nesting in the outside opening), or the accumulation of grease, lint, and other debris. Maintenance of ventilating fans is the owner's responsibility.