Window Inspection
Window Inspection Hong Kong: Legal Requirements, Process, Costs & Common Issues
Published: 2026-05-15 · Updated: 2026-07-10 · 5 min read
TL;DR
Essential window inspection before typhoon season! Learn to check for loose aluminium frames, degraded seals, and rusty hinges — with professional repair cost reference. Use the practical checkpoints below to separate a low-risk next step from work that needs a qualified professional. Keep a written record of the scope, timing and any change agreed on site.
Quick decision checklist
| Situation | Safe first action | Before you book |
|---|---|---|
| Active leak, heat, burning smell or repeated tripping | Isolate the affected area only when safe | Describe the symptom, location and urgency in writing |
| Routine maintenance | Record model, age and last service | Confirm scope, consumables and warranty |
| Uncertain cause | Photograph the symptom and avoid repeated DIY attempts | Ask for diagnosis before approving replacement work |
Visual repair guide
Every year from June to October, Hong Kong enters typhoon season, subjecting windows to extreme wind and rain. According to the Buildings Department, over 3,200 complaints about falling or loose aluminium window repairs were received in 2023, with more than 70% attributed to long-term neglect of window maintenance. A window falling from height can damage property at best and endanger lives at worst — and the owner may face criminal prosecution. This guide teaches you how to conduct a thorough window inspection before typhoon season.
Why Must You Inspect Windows Before Typhoon Season?
Under Hong Kong's Buildings Ordinance, owners are legally responsible for ensuring their windows are safe. Since 2012, the Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme requires owners of private buildings aged ten years or above to have windows inspected every five years. Even if your building hasn't been selected, annual pre-typhoon checks are essential. The Observatory reports that average wind speeds during Signal No. 8 reach 63-117 km/h — enough to dislodge a loose window sash.
Five-Step Window Self-Inspection
**Step 1: Visual frame check.** Stand beside the window and look for visible gaps or cracks between the aluminium frame and the wall. If the sealant (silicone) has yellowed, cracked, or fallen off, the seal has failed and water ingress during rain is likely. Normal sealant lifespan is about 5-8 years.
**Step 2: Shake test.** Gently shake the window sash with both hands. A properly secured window should feel solid with no movement. If you hear rattling or feel displacement, the hinges or screws are loose and need urgent repair.
**Step 3: Open-close test.** Fully open and close the window, noting whether the action is smooth. Sticking, requiring force, or inability to close fully may indicate track deformation, roller damage, or frame misalignment — all dangerous in strong winds.
**Step 4: Check hinges and screws.** Hinges connect the sash to the frame. Use a flashlight to inspect for rust, deformation, or loose screws. Pay special attention to the stay arm (restrictor), which limits opening angle — if it fails, strong wind can blow the sash fully open or off entirely.
**Step 5: Check the glass.** Look for cracks, chips, or fogging (moisture between double-glazed panes indicates seal failure). Any glass damage weakens the entire window's structural integrity and dramatically increases breakage risk during typhoons.
| Check Item | Normal | Needs Repair | Urgency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame sealant | Intact & flexible | Cracked/fallen/yellowed | Medium |
| Sash stability | No movement | Rattles/displaces | High |
| Open-close smoothness | Smooth | Sticks/won't close | Medium |
| Hinges/screws | No rust/tight | Rusty/loose/deformed | High |
| Stay arm | Functional | Damaged/missing | Critical |
| Glass integrity | No cracks | Cracked/chipped/fogged | High |
Common Window Problems and Repair Costs
Based on FixNow's repair data over the past year, here are the most common window repair items and cost ranges in Hong Kong: hinge replacement (per pair) ~$300-$600; stay arm replacement ~$200-$400; re-sealing with silicone (per metre) ~$80-$150; roller assembly replacement ~$400-$800; full window replacement (standard size) ~$2,500-$5,000. If scaffolding is needed (high-rise exterior work), add $3,000-$8,000.
When Must You Call a Professional?
Do not attempt DIY in these situations: visibly misaligned or deformed frames, severely corroded hinges requiring replacement, exterior window repairs on high floors (working at height), broken glass requiring replacement, and any work involving structural modifications. Under the Buildings Ordinance, window repairs involving structural changes must be carried out by a registered contractor and may require submission of plans to the Buildings Department.
Emergency Measures Before a Typhoon Hits
If a typhoon is approaching and you discover window problems, take these temporary measures: reinforce loose sashes with strong tape (e.g., 3M VHB), stuff towels or newspaper into frame gaps to prevent water ingress, draw curtains to reduce injury from glass breakage, and move objects away from windows. Remember, these are temporary — arrange professional repairs as soon as the typhoon passes.
Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme: What You Need to Know
The scheme applies to private buildings aged ten years or above (excluding New Territories Exempted Houses). After receiving a statutory notice, owners must appoint a qualified person (registered inspector) within six months and complete required repairs within twelve months. Non-compliance can result in prosecution with a maximum fine of $25,000 and one year's imprisonment. Inspection fees typically range from $500-$1,500 per unit depending on window count and condition.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure: Window Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance significantly extends window lifespan and reduces repair costs. We recommend: quarterly cleaning of frame tracks with a damp cloth to remove dust and grit; bi-annual application of lubricant (e.g., WD-40) to hinges and rollers; annual sealant condition check; and a full inspection after every typhoon. These simple maintenance actions help you catch problems early before they become major repairs.
Conclusion: Window Safety Is Everyone's Responsibility
Window inspection isn't optional — it's every owner's legal duty and moral obligation. A falling window can take a life, yet the cost of regular inspection and maintenance is minimal. If you're unsure about your window condition or notice anything abnormal, contact FixNow to arrange a professional inspection and repair. Our experienced technicians can quickly diagnose issues and provide transparent quotes. WhatsApp free consultation: 9290 2652.
Official reference
For Hong Kong electrical, gas and mechanical-safety guidance, consult the official EMSD resource before making a safety-critical decision.
About the author
FixNow Window Repair Specialist
Frequently asked questions
How often should windows be inspected?
We recommend a full inspection before typhoon season annually (around May), with simple visual checks quarterly. If your building is selected for the Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme, a formal inspection by a registered inspector is required every five years.
Do window repairs require building plans submission?
General repairs like hinge replacement, re-sealing, and glass replacement don't require plan submission. However, changes to window size, position, or structure require an Authorized Person to submit plans to the Buildings Department.
Can I replace window sealant myself?
Interior sealant on lower floors can be DIY-replaced, but use neutral silicone (never acidic). Exterior sealant on high floors must be handled by professionals due to working-at-height risks.
What happens if I ignore a Mandatory Window Inspection notice?
The Buildings Department will first issue a warning notice, then an investigation order. Non-compliance is a criminal offence with a maximum fine of $25,000 and one year's imprisonment.
What should I do if windows leak after a typhoon?
First absorb standing water with towels, then determine if leakage is from the frame or the wall. Frame leakage is usually due to degraded sealant or blocked drainage holes — re-sealing or clearing drainage can fix it.
What is the typical lifespan of aluminium windows?
Quality aluminium windows with regular maintenance can last 20-30 years. However, components (hinges, seals, rollers) have shorter lifespans of 8-15 years and need replacement.