When it comes to buying windows, looking for the highest-quality products is not always enough. While doing so is, indeed, very important, we should not ignore another crucial aspect of choosing which windows to purchase: the warranty. Warranties essentially determine the anticipated lifespan of a product, and its quality and ability to hold up against wear and tear for a specified period of time. The thing is, not all replacement window warranties are created equal. In this post, we give you the lowdown on what makes for a good warranty.
First Things First: What is a Warranty?
A warranty is a statement made and given by a manufacturer or contractor to support the integrity and quality of their products and services. It is designed to give customers an assurance that the products will perform as expected within a specified period. If they fail to live up to this �promise,� the warranty can be used to get a replacement product which can also be installed for free. This last bit, however, will depend on the terms of the warranty -- and this is the reason why you must check the warranties that come with the products you are looking to purchase.
The Essential Questions
As manufacturing techniques and technologies continue to advance, consumers are promised better products that offer enhanced durability, efficiency, and overall quality. However, there may be instances where the products may not function as promised. A warranty exists to cover such problems. To know if a warranty offers great value, you need to ask these questions:
-Where is the warranty from? Is it from the manufacturer, installer, or both?
-What does �lifetime� mean in a lifetime warranty? Will the window be covered within the average lifespan of the window product or the home where it will be installed? Is there a specific time period? Can this �lifetime� be carried over to the next owner of the home, if I should decide to sell it?
-Is the warranty transferable? As mentioned earlier, this information could prove essential in case you sell the house.
-In case of a warranty issue or default, will I need to pay for anything?
-In case of a warranty issue or default, will the warranty be pro-rated?
-Will the warranty cover the entire window, from the frame to glass?
-Will the warranty also cover window screens?
-Who will I call? Ensure if the party who offers the warranty (manufacturer or installer) has a full service technician who is available on call, and if there is a 24/7 customer service hotline.
Coverage: The Different Aspects That Spell the Difference
Many, if not all, companies today offer lifetime warranties. However, they also differ in various aspects, so make sure to check on the following:
-Labor coverage. Some warranties offer limited labor coverage. You need to check if you will need to pay for labor if you are acquiring the services of a contractor other than the one who installed your window initially, for instance.
-Glass breakage coverage. Some manufacturers offer this warranty for free while some may do so for an additional cost -- and some may not offer this at all.
-Hardware and moving parts coverage. Some warranties cover the hardware, balances, and others, but some may not.
-Screen coverage. Since screens are generally easy to repair and replace, some companies may include them in the warranty. But again, some won�t.
-Coastal coverage. Windows can deteriorate faster when installed in coastal areas, so if this concerns you, make it a point to check for this coverage.
Reading the warranty may be tedious, but if you�ve got time to spare, why not? After all, it can save you a lot of grief in the future.
About the Author
Justin Bartley began as a contractor for Next Door and Window and worked his way up to become the company�s installation manager. For him, every project has its own story to tell, and he is always eager to share what he experiences every day. Catch his blog at http://www.nextdoorandwindow.com/blog.
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