Window warranties are made to protect homeowners from costly repairs and replacement costs in the event of a product defect or improper installation. To protect yourself against unexpected project expenses, always ensure you’re adequately covered by a warranty.
While warranties are extremely important in giving peace of mind to homeowners, they are not mandatory, which can leave you and your wallet in trouble if and when your new windows start giving you problems. This is a common issue with DIY window installations. Most window manufacturers have warranties that provide coverage only if the windows are installed by professionals. This means that hiring an amateur contractor can put your warranty’s validity at risk To protect your rights and investment, we recommend asking your contractor or installer the following questions:
- What are the types of warranties you offer? –Since providing warranties isn’t legally required, some contractors don’t offer any coverage. If they do, however, be sure to ask which types they provide. There are two basic types of warranties: material and workmanship. The former covers issues pertaining to product malfunction, while the latter covers issues with the labor and installation.
- Does the material warranty cover all parts? – Windows might seem like simple enough contraptions, but contrary to what most people believe, they’re actually made up of a complicated system of moving parts. That’s why a material warranty may not cover specific parts, such as hardware, glass or screens. Ideally, all parts should be protected, so be sure to check with your contractor.
- Is the warranty a limited or a full one? – In a nutshell, a full warranty covers much more than a lifetime warranty. A full warranty allows homeowners to replace all defective parts within a reasonable amount of time at their convenience. A limited warranty, on the other hand, is more strictly regulated and may only cover certain parts of the window.
- How long is the warranty valid for? – Just because several contractors claim that they offer both material and workmanship warranties doesn’t mean they are valid for the same length of time. Some warranties only last for 5, 10 or 15 years, while others may last for as long as 20 years. Of course, it’s ideal to consider those who offer longer coverage periods.
Rather than dealing with the planning, labor and cleanup all by yourself,(not to mention other necessary steps to ensure proper placement and installation), choose a professional with adequate experience and knowledge for the job.
With a pro by your side throughout the process, you can be sure that your home and its contents will be adequately protected. Put simply, if you want to enjoy your new windows and the appeal they add to your home, hire an expert installer who can do the job right the first time around.