What type of warranty coverage is important when replacing my windows?
First off, it is important to know that all replacement window warranties are not the same. They vary by brand, manufacturer, line and type of window that is offered. There are lifetime warranties with all the bells and whistles, limited lifetime warranties, and warranties that only last a certain amount of time, like 10, 20 or 30 years.
A limited warranty is conditioned on the normal use and care of the products. When having your windows installed, check the time limitations to report any scratches, dents, nicks, or similar surface defects. Some manufacturers require you report these imperfections within a certain amount of time, or else you lose the right to have the windows covered for surface defects.
When it comes to shopping for replacement windows, you want to make sure the brand and type you choose carries a solid warranty. There are many warranties that are so inclusive that they cover damage like breakage and defective hardware. Reading through warranties can be a daunting process, because they include so many ridiculous loopholes and exceptions. But this step is a necessary evil if you plan on replacing your windows.
What's important to keep in mind is that every warranty on the market has a disclaimer stating they do not cover their products if improperly installed. You could be buying top-of-the-line replacement windows, but if the contractor did not install them properly, your warranty can go in the garbage.
The improper installation of a new window may still allow for drafty windows, air leaks and difficulty opening and closing the window. Make sure you not only choose a window that is efficient, structurally sound, aesthetically pleasing and durable, also make sure you have chosen the right installing contractor.
What's also important to keep in mind is that natural disasters, airborne pollutants, accidents and the misuse of cleaners that can potentially damage the windows, aren't covered by these warranties. In some cases, certain manufacturer warranties won't cover you if your home sits within a 5-mile radius of a body of water, as salt water can damage the outer surface of your windows.
If installing a specialty window like a bay, bow or garden window, be sure to read the warranty terms in full. Some manufacturers will require a roof above these types of windows as they are not designed to be water proof. Therefore, any type of damage or issue may be excluded from coverage if it is not protected by an overhang.
When warranty coverage is unclear, the manufacturer may send a representative to inspect the window. The manufacturer may, in some cases, charge an inspection fee for any on-site product inspection. If the inspector determines the product has a defect covered by the limited warranty, the inspection fee will be waived.However, if it is determined that it is a defective installation, or intentional damage, the homeowner may be responsible for the fee.
When considered the exterior color or finish of your new windows, be cautious and ask if custom colors carry the same warranty as standard colors. A custom window warranty may also limit accessories and hardware, including insect screen frames, and aluminum coil stock. So please ask how custom colors or modifications will affect your warranty.
Most manufacturers allow warranties to be transferred to a new owner, but can only be transferred once. This can be beneficial when considering replacement windows when gearing up to sell your home. The value of your home can increase by replacing your windows, as the buyer can still benefit from the warranty. Some of these transfer clauses require that the transfer be completed within 10 years of the purchase date of the windows. If you decided to sell your home 10 years and 2 months after the date of the installation, guess what? The warranty is no good.
Check the limitations of the warranty if you own a 1-family, 2-family or multi-family house, as the type of home may change the warranty terms as well. Once you have identified the benefits and shortcomings of your window warranty, make sure to ask when the coverage begins; at the time of purchase, or once the windows have been installed. Sometimes there can be a lapse of 3 to 6 months between ordering windows and having them installed. Be sure you read the warranty carefully, as the word of the sales person will not hold up with the manufacturer in the long run.
The best way to understand the warranty specifics is to read the fine print, ask a lot of questions, and make sure that what you are being told by the sales representative is in writing.
Better quality window lines carry comprehensive warranties that can include broken glass, moving parts, screens, sashes and sometimes the labor to make the repair. While some of the lesser quality windows do not offer that much at all. Be sure to also look at the time limitations of the warranty, as some parts of the window may carry a lifetime warranty, while other parts may carry a 10-year or 5-years warranty.
Accidents happen. Windows break. What's important to keep in mind is when something does go wrong, you want a manufacturer who's easy to deal with, and stands behind their product. If their warranty has an abundance of clauses, limitations, loopholes, and has lots of pages, chances are, it is going to be difficult to benefit from the warranty they are providing.
Remember, brochures are written by salespeople and warranties are written by lawyers. When a window manufacturer offers a fully transferable, non- prorated lifetime warranty with very few clauses, it tells you just how much confidence they have in their products. A good rule of thumb to follow is "the bold print will giveth, but the fine print will taketh away".
When considering new replacement windows for your home, pay close attention to the installing contractors warranty. This is a separate warranty from the manufacturer, as the manufacturer may cover the window products and parts for a lifetime, but the installing contractor may only provide the labor free of charge for one year. It is important that you identify an installing contractor that not only stands behind the manufacturer's warranty, but their own labor and services as well.
A professional window contractor will provide you with a thorough contract, including the terms of their installation warranty, which can be separate from the manufacturer's warranty. When considering a window contractor, ask for references of jobs they did 2 to 5 years prior. By then a consumer who may have experienced a problem would have dealt with the company for warranty work, or if there were no problems, could share with you their level of product satisfaction.
John Kolbaska, President The Men with Tools Home Remodeling
(347) 815-4151 www.themenwithtools.com
All our experts are licensed, bonded and insured members of the Home Improvement Contractors of Staten Island (HIC of Staten Island). Homeowners should always consult with licensed professionals, check a contractor's license through the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs (call 311 for information) and ensure that their project complies with NYC DOB regulations before embarking on any home improvement project.