Installing home replacement windows — vinyl home replacement windows, wood home replacement windows, fiberglass home replacement windows or high quality aluminum home replacement windows — is a surefire way to improve your home’s energy efficiency, curb appeal, and comfort. These are the main reasons that homeowners opt to upgrade their home windows.
Replacing the windows in your home is a major undertaking. You’re committing thousands of dollars to improving your home. It’s a substantial investment. Make sure you’re making the best investment possible by carefully researching your replacement window purchase before committing. Part of this research should definitely include the home replacement window warranty.
There are as many different home replacement window warranties as there are home replacement window manufacturers. The warranty on Pella windows is different than the warranty on Alside windows — and that’s different from the warranty on Harvey windows, which is markedly different from the warranty that comes with the window you get from the home improvement store.
It’s a confusing situation. How does the homeowner know which warranty is best for them?
You want to look for the following:
Glass Coverage
The most obvious component of any window is the glass. If the glass in your window is broken, cracked, clouded, or otherwise damaged, it’s going to substantially affect your enjoyment of that window. Glass coverage is essential. Make sure that the warranty covers the seals: seal failure is one of the most common problems with replacement windows, and you want to be covered.
Non-Glass Components
The hardware, frame, sash and other window components are critically important. A good warranty will cover these parts. Locks and other security features should also be included.
The Length of the Warranty
How long is the warranty? At a minimum, you should look for a warranty that lasts twenty years. Reputable window manufacturers have no problem issuing these warranties, as they know their products can stand the test of the time.
Transferability
Transferability refers to who gets to enjoy the protection of the warranty. Does the coverage extended under the warranty only apply to the original purchaser of the window, or does it stay with the window itself, no matter who owns the house the window is installed in? The latter case is called a fully transferable warranty, and has obvious appeal.
Labor & Installation
If you have your windows installed by an authorized window dealer’s installation crew, there may be a labor and installation component to the warranty. Additionally, portions or the entirety of a manufacturer’s warranty may be voided if the homeowner opts to forgo the services of an authorized installation crew and go it alone. Inspect this portion of the warranty carefully to make sure you’re not opting out of protection.
Exclusions
Exclusions are those items that are not covered under warranty. For example, many home replacement window warranties do not cover interior or exterior finishes — these items are excluded. Review this section of your warranty carefully to learn what’s not protected.
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