REPLACEMENT WINDOW & DOOR WARRANTIES
The Learning Center
As a consumer, it’s important for you to understand how long your warranty will cover your windows. Most companies will say, “a lifetime”,
which is a very ambiguous term. A lifetime warranty is usually a guarantee on the lifetime of the product on the market rather than the
lifetime of the consumer (the exact meaning should be defined in the actual warranty documentation). If a product has been discontinued
and is no longer available, the warranty may last a limited period longer. When considering warranty issues, there are many components
you need to consider.
Is the replacement window company backing the warranty or is the window manufacturer backing the warranty? Does “lifetime” mean the
lifetime of the window, the lifetime of your home, or the lifetime of how long you live in the home? Does the warranty cover the actual
window as well as all of the window components. If part of a window fails, who is responsible for supplying the part and installing it? Does
the warranty cover any installation-related problems, or does the warranty specifically exclude installation coverage? If a warranty issue
arises, is your window warranty pro-rated? Is there a cost to service the window if a warranty issue does arise? If you sell your home, is
the warranty transferrable? If so, is there a cost for this? If the glass accidentally breaks, is this covered by the warranty? If a window
screen tears, does the warranty include the replacement of that screen? Does the window company have a full-time service technician in
case of a warranty issue?
Make sure you find an easy-to-read warranty, and if there is fine print, make sure you read it thoroughly and ask detailed questions about
the warranty. Don’t let the discussion end with the common response of “Our warranty is a lifetime warranty.” Dig deeper. Ask questions.
6. What is meant by a “lifetime” warranty for replacement windows?
< back to list of questions about window warranties
3245 Miracle Drive
Murrysville, PA 15668
724-387-2991
PA Contractor ID
PA001856
The Learning Center
As a consumer, it’s important for you to understand how long your warranty will cover your windows. Most companies will say, “a lifetime”,
which is a very ambiguous term. A lifetime warranty is usually a guarantee on the lifetime of the product on the market rather than the
lifetime of the consumer (the exact meaning should be defined in the actual warranty documentation). If a product has been discontinued
and is no longer available, the warranty may last a limited period longer. When considering warranty issues, there are many components
you need to consider.
Is the replacement window company backing the warranty or is the window manufacturer backing the warranty? Does “lifetime” mean the
lifetime of the window, the lifetime of your home, or the lifetime of how long you live in the home? Does the warranty cover the actual
window as well as all of the window components. If part of a window fails, who is responsible for supplying the part and installing it? Does
the warranty cover any installation-related problems, or does the warranty specifically exclude installation coverage? If a warranty issue
arises, is your window warranty pro-rated? Is there a cost to service the window if a warranty issue does arise? If you sell your home, is
the warranty transferrable? If so, is there a cost for this? If the glass accidentally breaks, is this covered by the warranty? If a window
screen tears, does the warranty include the replacement of that screen? Does the window company have a full-time service technician in
case of a warranty issue?
Make sure you find an easy-to-read warranty, and if there is fine print, make sure you read it thoroughly and ask detailed questions about
the warranty. Don’t let the discussion end with the common response of “Our warranty is a lifetime warranty.” Dig deeper. Ask questions.
6. What is meant by a “lifetime” warranty for replacement windows?
< back to list of questions about window warranties
3245 Miracle Drive
Murrysville, PA 15668
724-387-2991
PA Contractor ID
PA001856
