It’s easy for folks to hear salesperson after salesperson say their windows have a “lifetime” warranty. You can get used to hearing it and you might start to think that they’re all the same.
On the other hand, companies that offer more limited warranties will try to explain why a shorter warranty is better. They’ll say that a lifetime warranty is actually only good for a few years (which is not true and they probably know it). Why would they do this? Because nobody would buy their products if they couldn’t explain why the warranty was so short. Renewal by Andersen is a great example of this one.
This is a 2 year warranty on installation, 10 years on the oh so fancy Fibrex frames. That is a REALLY short warranty.
Update: Renewal by Andersen has since updated their warranty and it’s now 20 years on the frames. Perhaps they took our advice! It’s still shorter than what you’d get from a lot of other companies, but 20 years is a pretty long time.
We also hear from customers that they don’t want to depend on a warranty so they want to pick a quality product that they think will hold up. Of course picking a quality product is a great strategy, but in discounting the warranty they’re ignoring a crucial data point indicating the quality and anticipated lifespan of the product.
Here’s the deal. Brochures and flyers are written by salespeople. Warranties are written by lawyers and engineers. There’s a big difference.
The warranty on any window or door product is a direct indication of how long the manufacturer actually expects the product to hold up. If they offer a long and comprehensive warranty they’re telling you they are confident that the windows will last. If they offer a shorter or more limited warranty they are directly saying that they think the product may fail after that point.
Think about it this way: a shorter warranty will absolutely result in fewer sales. The manufacturer knows that some percentage of their potential customers will thoroughly read the warranty and if it isn’t as good as their competitor the customer will buy elsewhere. Why then would one company offer a warranty that is more limited than their competitor? Remember, they know doing this will result in lower sales. They do it because they have to. They do it because they know that some percentage of their products will fail after those limitations run out and they don’t want to be on the hook for the repairs.
So what are the differences between different window warranties?
You’ve probably seen that most decent replacement windows offer some type of “lifetime” warranty. That’s absolutely true, but as with most things, the difference is in the details. When it comes to warranties the differences can be huge.
Here are 5 common differences:
Labor coverage – You’ll see a lot of “lifetime” warranties, but when you actually read them the labor is only covered for a limited period.
There are also 2 types of labor to consider. There is the labor of the installer who did the initial work, and then there’s the labor of the service technician who comes out to replace a defective part. Are they both covered? Is one limited to 1 year or even completely excluded? They may be. If the service labor is limited who is going to repair a broken window or replace a damaged balance? How much will it cost?
Remember the Renewal by Andersen example above. 2 years of warranty on installation. Many companies cover these items for as long as you own the home. That’s a BIG difference.
Glass breakage coverage – Do you know how much it can cost to replace an insulated glass unit? Remember, these aren’t the old single pane windows you might have had growing up. A new sealed glass unit can easily run $100 – $200 for a typical replacement window and the labor can double the total cost. We recently got a quote to repair a broken window from a local competitor to make sure we knew what the competition was charging. It was over $400 for one piece of glass in a typical double pane window. That’s real money.
Here is a clip from the Simonton Prism window warranty. You can see the insulated glass warranty is prorated overtime, but the glass breakage warranty is solid for 25 years.
Some companies offer a glass breakage warranty to everyone they do business with. Some offer it at an additional cost and others don’t offer it at all. When you’re considering a window project it’s important to know what you’re getting.
When you hear that baseball go through the window you’ll be glad you know what you picked!
Hardware & moving parts – As you get a few quotes and look at window samples you’ll quickly see that there are hundreds of choices and they all use slightly different bits and pieces. That’s not a problem, except when you need a new lock 10 years down the road. How will you get one that matches the rest of the windows in your home?
Some companies cover the hardware, balances and all moving parts for as long as you own the home and some limit that coverage to just a few years. This is an important distinction.
Screen coverage – We frequently see warranties that exclude screens. Screens aren’t expensive, but the frames tend to be proprietary so you may have trouble getting a replacement down the road.
Screens are really easy to fix or replace so any company interested in taking care of their customers after the sale will have no problem covering screens. A company that excludes screens is telling you that they don’t want to hear from you once your check clears.
Coastal coverage – This one can be important. We recently read a window warranty from Ideal Windows that defined coastal as being within 1 mile of any tidal body of water. Right now I’m easily a 2 hour drive from the beach, but I’m less than a mile from a tidal river. I grew up in Chicago, less than a mile from Lake Michigan, which has tides. Both of these locations would be considered coastal under that definition and as a result the warranty would be extremely limited.
I can guarantee you my family in Chicago doesn’t consider their home to be near the coast. Someone in that position might skip right over a section on coastal coverage and they would be out of luck if they have a problem down the road. Maybe I like reading these because I have several lawyers in my family, but the devil is in the details.
As you can see from these basic examples (we could go on all day) there are HUGE differences in the warranties of replacement windows. We know it is REALLY dull to read the fine print of a window warranty. It only takes a few minutes and we can guarantee you it will be time well spent.
If you remember any one thing remember that a more limited warranty results in lower sales. Why would a company offer a warranty that results in lower sales? Because they have to. Because they know their products won’t stand the test of time.
This is a HUGE data point and you’ll be remiss to overlook it.
Have a question about a specific window warranty? Post it here and we’ll dig into the details. We really do love this stuff.
Please publish a chart of the warranty coverage for various window companies, including frame warranty, glass warranty, etc. so it’s very easy to compare companies.
We are replacing Andersen products (10 year frame warranty) and want to get a product that has a frame warranty of at least 20 years and 20 years on glass.. or better for a wood frame interior, probably aluminum clad exterior. (Have had a miserable time with delaminating vinyl clad patio doors!).
Thank you.
We’re working on this as we speak. One trick we’ve discovered is that some manufacturers offer different warranties depending on which company is offering the products. Makes a direct comparison difficult and we don’t want to post inaccurate info. We’ll keep working on it, but it may be a couple weeks or more before we can post anything.
did you ever post this side by side comparison? Can youpost the link?
No, I never did. It got a little too messy as many companies will offer different warranties with different window models or they’ll offer optional warranties that some dealers will offer and some won’t. I’ve seen competitors of ours write enough false info about our company that I try pretty hard to be accurate and it was just too complicated to be accurate with all of the variables.
What window models are you considering? We can probably help out.
Window Dog, it almost sounds like the mattress industry, which is a very confusing industry itself. There are a lot of websites built to try to break through the mystery of that industry. One major problem with that industry (and it sounds like the window industry also does this) is that the companies involved try to make it confusing and prevent customers from making apples-to-apples comparison.
One way the mattress companies do this is by building the exact same mattress but giving it a different name at each major furniture store. The average customer doesn’t realize that the “Luxury King” mattress at Ashley Furniture is the same as the “Lux Estate” mattress at Mattress Firm and the same as the “Plush Estate” at Haverty’s. All the confusion with names by the mattress manufacturers is intentionally done because they don’t want you to be able to do apples-to-apples comparisons or price shop.
You’re absolutely right, they’re very similar industries. We’re doing our best to help out!
You may want to update your information regarding the Fibrex Warranty. It is 20 years not 10.
Hi Randy, thanks for pointing that out. We did note that they changed their warranty on the Renewal by Andersen page, but I had forgotten we used that example on the replacement window warranty page. I just added a note to say that their warranty has changed. Maybe they took our suggestion!
I learn a lot when I read your reviews , you gave good tips about the warranties . I plan to replace my windows with local companies who had some good reviews. Do their warranty trustable . Do I need to know what type of window . They just mentioned about the low e vinyl glass windows with double or single hung. Please help
What is the difference between four point welding of vinyl vs fully welded vinyl. Is it significant and when? What told that Thermal Vinyl Windows are fully welded frames
That’s a funny one. I don’t think there is a difference. Sounds like a sales pitch to me. What did the salesperson tell you the difference was?
Window Dog,
I have commercial fixed pane windows, so no frame. What is the longest warrany on seals?
My Cardinal windows seals fail every 7 years, ( 6 year warranty.
I’m surprised you only get a 6 year warranty from Cardinal. You might check with Guardian or PPG to see what they offer for a commercial window project. We don’t deal with products like that too frequently so I don’t know what they offer for a commercial window warranty off the top of my head. We do some light commercial work, but it’s mostly residential.
Windowdog what is your recommendation? ESPN top ten style? Not top ten? I never knew windows are so dizzying…. Need to replace mine and I am totally lost.
Go Hawks!
People ask for that all the time! It’s tough because different people want different things. A great window for one person is the wrong product for another. We’ll keep working on it, but my best suggestion is to talk to the good companies in your area to see what they recommend.
Go Hawks!
Wish you were in Buffalo, NY!
Me too!
Any chance you are on VA Eastern shore?
Generally no, but what’s the zip? I can check to see if we can help out.
Onancock, 23417
You don’t have a recommendation for this area.
No, unfortunately I don’t know anyone out there.
Thanks so much. I believe we are going to go with 4 Window World 4000 (from Delmarva WW) and 6 fix (bay) Windows. the warranty says lifetime and we will only be here for about 6 more year, I think I can make back some in savings. Any comments help.
Thanks Windowdog for the plethora of information. I have Sears come to my house and throw every sales tactic in the book at us. I live in a small town so my options are limited. Home Depot uses Simonton. Its very confusing but your website has helped. Would love to see the warranty side-by-side comparison.
We had an Apex Energy Group salesperson give us a quote on the only window they sell, Insignia, today. Some of the sales techniques you write about were true to our experience. That being said, we are trying to determine if their pricing, service and warranty are reasonable for their product. We did not select them, they came knocking on our door. They do want to use our house as a “promotional” house. Our salesman was not overly pushy and did not give us a deadline for the prices offered. Their offer is $13,986 for 17 vinyl triple-pane windows – a combination of sliders, double hung, and picture and this cost includes the installation of quarter round at $70 per window. We have several fairly large windows and a few on the smaller side. The almost $14,000 cost averages out to $835 per window. Without the quarter round installation the cost is $12,796 and averages to $753 per window. My parents replaced windows five years ago through Home Depot and they paid around $675 per window (double-pane.) Will you please look over Apex’s warranty and let me know what you think. You can find it at the attached web address. Also, what do you think of the price? I am willing to pay more for an excellent warranty, but the product must be worth it. Thank you!
Hi Holly, I’m not a huge fan of that product or that sales pitch. I’d suggest you can probably find something just as good or better for the same or less money.
We are so fortunate to have found your website before we purchase the wrong windows and slider.
We were thinking that the length of warranty was a big point. But as you mentioned the coastal coverage limits the warranty.
We live in St Augustine Florida within one mile of the Atlantic Ocean and the Inter coastal tidal marshland.
We need replacement windows after Hurricanes Matthew and Irma. Some sales people say that we must purchase impact windows at three times the cost of standard windows.
We would appreciate your advice.
You’ll want to check the local codes for your area. Typically in South and central Florida you’ll need impact windows or other storm protection. You may find it’s more affordable to get storm shutters and regular windows. It just depends what you like. The codes are strict there, but look how much better Florida did than some of the islands in the storms.
A local outfit in upstate NY has an excellent warranty and pretty nice window. Been in business for a while. Comfort Windows
1. Lifetime warranty on parts, labor, installation. Pretty much everything. I did my basement windows with them and had to use the warranty for glass breakage and they came right out.
2. They also offer a 5 year non transferable warranty which covers labor for 5 years. Difference in price for the windows is about 12000 vs 13600 roughly 14 windows.
Trouble is my wife and I have entertained three other companies. One sells the Alside Mezo which has no installation warranty. Company gets decent reviews but that makes me nervous they can’t even warrant the installation for a year. They are the cheapest maybe 10000.
Another company sells Okna and Anderson only has a one year on installation. However, for anything covered by the lifetime manufacture warranty they do not charge for service calls.
The last company has the lifetime warranty as well and will find out about installation warranty tomorrow.
How much should I get hung up on the installation warranty? I want to go with the company with the Okna windows price is about the same.
Part of my nervousness is the previous home owners of our house went with Pella windows which is fine but Lowes installed them. Nothing but problems. They are about 9 years old and 3 are failing. My wife says I couldn’t possibly pick that bad of an installer as they did… She is probably right but I value the information on this site and your opinion.
If I go with what I know then I know I do not have to worry about installation…. It is also nice to know they will honor that warranty no problems. I guess I am getting nervous as the other companies in our area although they might be good don’t have as competitive of a warranty. Perhaps because they don’t manufacture their own window?
Sounds like you founds like you found a decent option. You’ll find most companies will also offer longer term labor warranties.
Did you decide to order from this company and have they been installed yet?
It is interesting that it would be smart to get a warranty on your windows. That is a good thing for me to know because I want to get some new energy efficient windows put in my home. So, getting a warranty on those windows does seem smart because I wouldn’t want to worry about them being broken any time soon.
Is there a 3rd party warranty provider for all/most/some of the major window/door manufacturers? Or, do most window/door companies provide and maintain their own warranties in house?
Good question. To my knowledge all window manufacturers maintain their own warranties. It’s been an issue when the manufacturer goes out of business leaving the customers with no warranty, but I don’t know that a third party insurance company would work with custom made windows. Replacing defective parts when the window manufacturer is not in business can get difficult quickly. It feels like the price a 3rd party insurance company would need to charge might be higher than most folks would pay. If the manufacturer stays in business getting new parts is pretty easy. If not, it’s a different story.
It’s good to know more about window warranties. I like how you said that discounting the warranty is not a good idea because you never know what might happen. Getting that legal safety net seems like a great idea when we replace our home’s windows.
The Renewal by Anderson example warranty is out of date. They offer a transferable 20 year warranty now. Still not as good as a lot of other companies, but a little better.
You might include the federal definitions of “Full” vs “Limited” warranties, as per the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. States also may have their own lemon laws as well.
Hi Sheryl, what are you thinking those definitions are? Every warranty is a limited warranty in my experience, despite the claims of some creative salespeople.
I learned a lot from the article and the email exchange that followed. I’m in need of replacement windows and no one other than someone in the window business can figure all this out. Engery ratings on windows and warranties are two of the biggest areas of confusion.
I appreciate your wisdom on the window topic.
Happy to help. Glad you found the info to be useful.
I saw your coastal review of Ideal windows from a few years ago. What do you think of their current warranty?
I haven’t seen a change in their warranty. What did they tell you was different now?
Any thought on Marvin replacement windows and their warranty?
I think their warranty is just fine. If you’re looking at the fiberglass window products I’m usually skeptical of some of the sales claims and the air infiltration rates tend to be significantly higher than you’d see with a nice vinyl window. I believe their warranties for replacement products are pretty solid.
I’m thankful I ame across your site. So much great information to consider when looking into a big purchase like this.
I was wondering your thoughts on Sunrise warranty (and well, their products in general also). They have a lifetime warranty but I saw labor isn not included. Our contractor is trying to get us to lean towards this place for our new windows, but he’s making them seem too good to be true.
I think they’re perfectly fine products, but not too good to be true. Like most companies they make a range of options. You’d typically get a labor warranty from the company that installed them rather than from the manufacturer. Is the contractor offering that?
Dear Window Dog,
Unless things have changed, you unfortunately do not have any recommendations for my neck of the woods (SW Virginia). A shame because I’ve been living on your awesome website for the past week or so, haha. We’re wanting to replace attic and basement windows to help with energy and humidity issues.
We received quotes from Window World (uses AMI), a local installer that uses Vinyl Kraft, and a local installer that uses Sunrise. WW quotes ~$5,000 for 5 casements, 1 picture, and 2 hoppers (seems to be 4000 series..if that’s applicable? Can’t tell from contract sheet). VK installer is ~$4,000 for the same window types (for their lower tier product on the hoppers but higher level for casements). Sunrise (Restoration) was ~$6,000 for 6 casements and 2 hoppers…all are inclusive of labor. All companies have great local reviews, and none of them used heavy-handed sales tactics. Your site and the comments have us leaning towards the Sunrise because it seems like a great price (?) on a higher-end window for our 100 year-old home, BUT the installer only provides a 3 year warranty on labor. Should we be concerned?
Also, a stylistic question: Do you think that the Sunrise windows will look the least odd if we’re not replacing the original windows on the first and second stories (I will restore before replacing! One of the reason we fell in love with the house was the historic elements and would likely go with Indow or something to help with energy savings), or should we look into wood?
Any advice is greatly appreciated! This is all so overwhelming! Thank you!
The renewal by Andersen warranty is 20 years, 10 years on hardware and 2 years on installation I have a copy of it.
Thank you for your site and all the knowledge. What do you think about Viwinco windows? Warranty? durability? air leakage?
I believe they used to make the windows for CertainTeed back in the day and I wasn’t too impressed with that model. Small manufactures just seem to have a harder time competing with larger companies that have more scale. What did you like or not like about them?
Are you familiar with Comfort View windows? My contractor wants to install the in my new home? The windows are double hung vinyl windows and I can`t find any feedback on them.
I feel like I’ve seen more than one company using the Comfort View name over the years, but now I’m only seeing one in Georgia. Is that the one you’re considering?
Hello, Windowdog, I live in NY and had Window King give me an estimate for OKNA windows and sliding door. Okna windows have a lifetime warranty I believe, but Window King only covers the installation for 1 year, and after that is a $95 service call. What would you say is a good warranty on the installation itself?
Also, I’m not sure they would be able to install until November. Does the time of year make a difference with the way the windows are put in/sealed, etc?
Thank you so much in advance.
Hi Christian, a lot of companies do it that way, not a particularly big deal. I do think most companies are pretty backed up right now. I know our orders that are coming in today will likely be installed in November so that sounds pretty normal to me too.
I’m sure they work all year so they’ll be prepared to install windows when it’s a little chilly out. There’s not really anything to do differently to install windows in the winter. The guys will sometimes drive to your house with the caulking in the cab of the truck so it stays warm and they might set it inside while they’re working. Trying to squeeze cold tubes of caulk all day can be a real forearm workout but other than that nothing special required.
We have looked into Marvin Infinity fiberglass, Provia vinyl and Simonton 5500 vinyl. So confused and can’t make up our minds. Don’t know what warranties are yet. Your thoughts on the above 3 windows regarding overall quality? We live in central NJ. Very much appreciated.
Hi Lynne, this certainly can be a challenging industry to navigate. The only real advantage to fiberglass in my mind is the look. They can look more like wood windows and that is attractive to some people. The cost of fiberglass windows is much higher vs vinyl windows so if you don’t want to pay 2x the cost for the look then I’d cross the Marvin Infinity off the list.
The Provia and Simonton vinyl windows can be relatively similar depending on the models and options that are included. If you’re within an hour or so of Warminster PA then my company can help out with another option. We can send pricing product info and warranty info by email to try to make the process as easy as we can. Check out this section for recommended companies all over the country. In your area, click on Philadelphia to get a quote from our company.
Let me know if any questions come up and I’ll be happy to help out.