The story of Schuco windows in America is a great cautionary tale for anyone considering a replacement window project. Schuco is a large German manufacturing company. They produce all sorts of products all over the world. Several years ago they decided they were going to get into the replacement window business in the US.
To get started they produced a very nice looking window and local contractors all over the country were sold. The type of contractors who do a lot of writing online went on and on about how fantastic these windows were.
What happened? One day Schuco decided the replacement window business in the US was too competitive, they couldn’t make the profit that they wanted, and they closed down. Now all of those folks who listened to the hype and selected these windows are completely out of luck when it comes to warranty service or replacement parts.
You can tell the internet buzz was strong for these products in their hay day. We still get calls in to our office every once in a while from folks asking if we carry Schuco windows because they’ve read online that these are the greatest replacement windows ever produced.
What’s the moral of the story? Don’t believe the hype. As someone who sold windows to local contractors on a wholesale basis in my past life I can tell you it’s relatively easy. Many (but not all) supposed window “experts” are easily swayed by a new feature or a shiny brochure. The seem to completely miss the fact that the definition of a great window isn’t just a pretty product.
For a window to be a great product it needs to have the whole package including a great warranty and the support of a company that is experienced in the business.
Schuco was missing that curtail ingredient. Many local contractors got sold and many homeowners got stuck holding the bag.
I would expect that many of these local contractors would now admit that it was a mistake to jump on the bandwagon with new and unproven product right out of the gate. Unfortunately it’s easy to find examples of many of these contractors doing the same thing again. They jump right onto the next bandwagon with the next “hot” product. Hopefully we don’t see the same thing happen too many more times, but Schuco surely won’t be the last.
Be sure to note the owner and the experience level of the manufacturer when considering replacement windows. We try to include this info in all of our reviews to help folks avoid a Schuco windows situation. Find the best replacement windows reviews online here.
We are looking for replacement parts (cavity fitted gearbox) for our Schuco (tilt-swing open windows) for our hotel in New York city. Do you have or is there a local dealer available?
Hi
We do order window parts from Europe you can email me at alba-windowinstallation@hotmail.com
We are located in NYC
You order parts for older Schuco windows? I’m sure some readers will find that to be helpful.
Yes we do for all European windows and doors .,Tilt&Turn,sliding doors
We need someone to repair or if you have parts please let me know where we can go to look at them or if you can send me a site that has photos of parts. I have shucco double hung windows.
Thank you
Audrey
Am9798@aol.com
My mother, Etta Capps in Williamsport, Pa. had Schuco window replacement windows installed throughout her home. This occured in 2001. The windows had a lifetime warranty. She recently had a break in one of the windows and needs to have it replaced. The company that she purchased the windows from is no longer in service, Solartherm Remodelers Co, Inc. Johnstown, Pa. Can you direct us as how to have the window replaced? They were Bristol Windows. Thank you.
Were they Schuco windows or Bristol Windows? Schuco isn’t in the window business anymore so you may just need to have a glass company replace the glass. I did have a customer write in recently saying she was able to reach Schuco and got a replacement part so you could try to contact them. I think for glass they may just tell you to have someone replace it.
Be sure to let us know how it goes. I’m sure there are other people looking for Schuco window warranty info.
So I am confused that you say Schuco is not in the window business anymore? How are Architects still installing Schuco windows in their projects if they are not in the window business?
They’re not in the residential window business. Try to find Schuco vinyl replacement windows and you’ll see what I mean. A few years ago you could find people to tell you they were the greatest windows ever made. Ended up being not so great after all.
I’m watching a video on The Build Show right now showcasing Schuco windows on a new home build. The video was uploaded on August 23, 2021 and claims Schuco windows are one of the largest window manufacturers in the world.
To my knowledge they left the residential vinyl window business many years ago. I believe they do make commercial metal windows and other products, but not the type of windows we typically talk about here.
I contacted SChuco customer support a few years back to get a replacement crank for a casement window. Took a few months to arrive but only about 5 minutes on the phone. I didn’t have any issue with their warranty service. My Schuco windows are 15 years old.
That’s great. It’s always nice to hear about companies taking care of their customers.
We had all our windows replaced with SCHUCO WINDOWS about 10 yrs ago. The company that installed them went out of business almost immediately after our job. We have two windows that won’t stay up and actually feel like they will fall out of the framing. (Really loose)Not sure if it was a poor installation job or a defect in the windows. We’d like to find someone in Ft Myers Florida to fix this issue.
Hi Patrick, I’m sorry to hear about your trouble. I have heard that folks had been able to get parts for Schuco windows since the parent company is still in business. That was a little while ago and I’m sure it’ll get harder with time, but there might be hope. I don’t know anyone in FL to recommend for that kind of work, but if you do find a solution please post it here. I’m sure there are other folks looking for the same help.
Interesting article that is full of dogging comments with a lack of content. Schuco is still very much in business in the US.
Have you attempted to reached out to them for replacement parts? They stopped producing Plastic Windows however are in the Aluminum Window business. The Plastic Windows have a lifetime warranty for the original purchaser that is still supported with in stock parts in Newington Connecticut.
Give them a call and see for yourself vs dogging a company that you failed to fully research.
I have heard that it’s possible to get warranty parts from them and I think that’s great.
How do I get in touch with them? I just purchased their windows from Europe & I have a few issues with them. Need a couple parts that I need to replace. Please send me their info & a parts catalog.
Thank you
Angie
I’d start by contacting the company you just purchased them from. Good luck!
How about the “replacement fabrix window company” that doesn’t tell you the PRICE of the window/door! Only tells what % off!!!
Sounds like a typical window salesman move. It sometimes feels like some salespeople are really confident that they’re a whole lot smarter than everyone else.
I have 2 windows in bedrooms and 1 in living room the one the tabs won’t move and the other 2 have cracks and need to be replaced.
You probably don’t want Schuco windows. Do you have a window installer you’re working with already?
Schuco windows with cranks installed in my entire home in 2007. Parts are deteriorating and lifetime guarantee means NOTHING as Schuco no longer makes residential windows-at least for the USA. The company who installed went out of business so I cannot even find someone to repair them with parts. Needless to say, I am so very disappointed. This just might be the capitalist business model. Things need to change. Looking for someone who can repair and service these windows near Putnam County, NY. Please help if you can. Thank you very much.
Hi Carol, I’m sorry to hear about your trouble. Unfortunately there were a handful of “experts” that were recommending Schuco windows a while back and everyone who took their advice found themselves out of luck. I have heard that Schuco was still honoring the warranty on those older products, but I would guess that would get harder as time goes by. Have you tried contacting them about the warranty?
I have schuco window. My kitchen window is off track I really need someone to come & look at it to prevent COLD air coming thru
Unfortunately Schuco Windows was one of those companies that a very vocal group of window salespeople used to recommend before they closed up shop and got out of the residential window business. I don’t know of someone who can help with that off the top of my head but the company that installed them can probably help out if they’re still around. Do you know who installed them?
try these guys for some direction:
https://www.eas-usa.com/index.cfm
Got the hard blow off from them. The email is quite comical.
we have purchased windows for commercial complex at Bangalore we have problems with accessories and glass company people and dealer both are not responding ,now i started believing that i made a mistake by choosing this company products ,project is on from 7 months and they have no courtesy to complete the project i am fed up communicating company n dealer can some body help me in completing project?
But Schuco still sells windows. I’m looking at them through European Architectural Supply in Massachusetts for a new residential build as well as some other brands like Zola and Fenstur. Was it a different arm or branch of the company that sold these bad windows?
This post is clearly from someone with a grudge against Shuco or someone who thinks they know more than they actually do. Although, to be fair, Shuco technically doesn’t make windows, they make window components and handle the assembly in their own factory. They have no connection to the glass side at all.