The Warranty: Read It, Know It, Live It (and Make It Work for You)

A warranty increases the value of any investment. While somewhat standardized, variations and conditions may exist, so it’s important to read your warranty. For example, many people are surprised to find that they’ve inadvertently negated their warranty by not providing product care and maintenance in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications. With regards to your window and door warranty, there are things to consider, research and be aware of. You’ll find warranties and care and maintenance expectations from major manufacturers to reference ahead.

THINGS TO CONSIDER:

How long does the warranty last? Discover when the warranty begins and ends.

Are there any conditions that may void coverage? Instances of improper product maintenance or after-market modification may affect a warranty.

Who do you contact to get warranty service? The seller or the manufacturer may be responsible for providing product service.

What will the company do if the product fails? Read to find out whether the company will repair, replace or refund money for the product.

What parts and repairs are covered? Check for exclusion of any parts or repairs; some warranties require payment of labor charges.

Are there any conditions or limitations on the warranty? Some warranties provide coverage only if the product is maintained and used as directed.

DO THE RESEARCH:

MATERIAL WARRANTY A warranty must be read closely to understand its exact coverage. How long are the windows warrantied? Many manufacturers’ frame warranties range from one year to a lifetime. Find out if there is a pro-rated schedule for replacement after a base year warranty and if the warranty includes service. Many warranties include free replacement but not free service; whatever the case may be, it should be clearly written in the warranty. Find out if the manufacturer includes verbiage that can negate the warranty. Many manufacturers include language in the warranty that voids it if windows are installed improperly or not in accordance with the manufacturers’ installation procedures.

TRANSFERABLE WARRANTY Does the window warranty transfer to new owners if you sell your home? A transferable warranty adds value to your home at its point of sale. Some warranties include a one-time transfer clause from the original owner to the future buyer; if this feature is included, it should be clearly written in the warranty.

GLASS GUARANTEE Most window warranties cover the frame and glass separately. How long is the glass covered and what does the coverage include? Does the insulated impact glass warranty include seal failures? Is glass broken in an instance of a non-Act of God included? What is the cost to replace impact glass if it does break? Is only the material covered or is the cost of labor included? Do not rely on a verbal guarantee; it should be clearly written in the warranty.

SERVICE AND LABOR COSTS Does the retailer provide free service on covered repairs? Companies often supplement manufacturers’ warranties with their own labor warranties for future service. Such warranties are only as good as the company offering them. Are there exclusions to this benefit? Details of retailer warranties should be clearly written in the warranties.

COMMON INSTANCES WHERE WARRANTIES MAY BE NEGATED:

Improper installation or application of product, use or maintenance

Normal weathering

Highly corrosive environments (defined as residing within two miles of saltwater)

Defects or damages caused by accident, fire, flood, Acts of God, multiple hurricanes and/or water intrusion caused by wind-driven rain due to high-wind events

Vandalism, riot or civil disorder

Building settlement or structural failures of walls or foundations

Stresses resulting from localized heat which causes excessive temperature differentials over glass surface edges

If harmful solvents are used to clean the frame and/or sash

If the frame and/or sash are painted or coated in any way

If any after-market products are applied to the product such as window films

Caulking is used on some installations to seal the frames (or trim package) against water or air penetration. Caulking is considered a maintenance responsibility of the owner and not covered by most warranties.