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Home : Review Topics : Replacement Window Warranties
Replacement Window Warranties
Here's what we've done - compiled basic warranty information from many of the most popular window manufacturers. However, warranty provisions and exclusions are changing ALL THE TIME. So before you purchase any replacement windows and doors, please read the specific warranty on the specific product you intend to buy. Use the following warranty details as guidelines only. Cheers!Scroll down to read our collection of replacement window warranties.
Dane - Site Editor - Page Last Updated: April 12, 2024
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Window Warranties A to I
Alliance
Alliance makes the Windgate, Belmont and Hawthorne vinyl window series. They are all backed by the Assurance Plus Limited Lifetime Warranty. This warranty covers five years on labor from the date of installation and covers the product for the lifetime on all materials. The warranty is transferable to a second homeowner for 20 years from the date of the install.
Related topics: | Alliance Windows Reviews | Alliance Pricing
Alside
The company a pretty ho-hum warranty in my opinion that is a lifetime limited warranty on the vinyl sash, mainframe, and insulated glass unit. As well, the manufacturer provides a one year warranty on the labor portion of the replacement or repair cost. Exterior applied frame colors are warranted for ten years from the installation date. The Alside warranty is transferable (one time within 30 years of install date) - however, the warranty then becomes pro-rated for the new owner. So, after 10 years from the install date, the owner is then responsible for 50% of the replacement cost and this percentage goes up 10% every five years or so.
Related topics: | Alside Windows Reviews
CGI
CGI offers slightly different warranty terms on each of their three impact window series. All of the series come with a limited lifetime warranty on the frame, 10 years on the frame finish, 10 years on the hardware, screens, and all moving parts. The warranty is transferable one time for the Scout and Sparta series, while it can be transferred unlimited for the Sentinel series. The two more basic series do not include the Intruder Protection provision, while the Sentinel does include this feature.
Related topics: | CGI Windows Reviews
Champion
Champion offers a limited lifetime that covers all parts and components for the life of the window. According to their website, repairs or replacement windows are made at the discretion of Champion. All in all, the warranty is just sort of okay. Warranties are always changing - so please read the warranty in its entirety before you purchase from this or any other manufacturer.
Related topics: | Champion Windows Reviews
Comfort Windows And Doors Warranty
Comfort Windows And Doors offers a very nice warranty on their windows, including lifetime on the windows themselves and lifetime on the labor coverage. As well, it is also transferable for the lifetime of the window, a provision not found in most warranties. Finally, the warranty includes a glass breakage provision, again a great feature to have. All in all, an impressive sounding warranty. Of course, all warranties include exclusions and small print so please read the document in its entirety as these things have a tendency to change over time.
Custom Window Systems
Breaking down warranty information for Custom Window Systems is a tricky one. The company sells vinyl windows, vinyl sliding doors, aluminum windows, aluminum doors, and then each of these can be either impact or non impact rated. The warranty terms will vary between each of these selections. You will honestly have much better luck by googling cws windpact window warranty (for example) and reading the specific warranty for that product.
Gerkin
The company offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty on most of their products, that includes defects in both the materials and workmanship and applies to the mainframe and sash. The warranty is not transferrable to any additional homeowners. In terms of Gerkin vinyl windows, the warranty covers 5 years on the weatherstripping, 5 years on the hardware, 20 years on the insulated glass unit (1 year stress crack), 5 years on the wood veneer. As always, there are a number of exclusions and provisions that we strongly urge consumers to read prior to purchasing their windows so that they fully understand the fine print that goes along with buying Gerkin windows.
Additional Resources | Gerkin Windows Reviews | Gerkin Pricing
Ideal
The Ideal warranty is decent I would say for the industry. The vinyl window frame, sash, and all moving parts are warranted for the lifetime of the original homeowner. Specifically that they are free from manufacturing defects in material and workmanship. The insulated glass unit is warranted for 20 years from the date of purchase. The aluminum screen frame is warranted for life (not the screen itself though). The warranty is transferable to one additional owner (however you must fill out a Certificate of Transfer within 30 days of title transfer and pay $50. The new owner is then covered for 10 years from the install date).
Additional Resources | Ideal Windows Reviews
Windows Warranties J to R
JKR
JKR seems to offer a pretty good warranty, which is a limited lifetime warranty on the window frame, sash and components to be free of defects for the life of the buyer. As well, it includes a 5 year labor or installation provision. Finally, the JKR warranty is transferrable to another owner (but I was unable to suss out the details here). A number of exclusions apply to this warranty - as they all do. Make sure you read the warranty in full prior to purchase as terms, provisions, and exclusions are often changing.
Related Link | JKR Windows Reviews
KHPP
KPP overs a very nice warranty on their products, which covers the original purchaser or homeowner for their lifetime. KHPP will replace or replace any window or screen that is defective based on workmanship. They also offer one year of incidental glass breakage from installation date. If the original buyer sells the home within ten years of the install date, KHPP will cover the next buyer for the lifetime. New owners must notify the company in writing of the transfer of titel - that's important so make sure to read the KHPP warranty in full so you understand how that works.
Additional Resources | KHPP Windows Reviews
Lindsay Window And Door
The company has a separate warranty on each of their products so that makes it pretty difficult to sum up the provisions, inclusions, and exclusions. Therefore, I thought I'd sum up the Pinnacle series, which is the most popular of their vinyl windows. Limited lifetime warranty on the frame, sash, hardware, and the insulated glass units.
The warranty can be transferred only once, but will cover the new owner under the original terms (quite a nice provision). The transfer of title must be submitted to Lindsay, along with a $75 fee. For an optional cost, the company will include an accidental glass breakage provision.
Related Link | Lindsay Windows Reviews
Max Guard
The company is not very transparent in terms of their warranty terms and details on their website. In fact, I could only find a simple and rather vague statement on their site that stated - Max Guard offers a lifetime warranty on the materials and labor. If they truly offer a lifetime warranty on labor, then color me impressed. The warranty on the material side is going to be based on the Schwinco or Andersen warranty.
Related Link | Max Guard Hurricane Reviews
Milgard
The company offers a limited lifetime warranty on their doors and windows, which covers the frame, sill and components. The warranty is transferrable to a second owner, who then gets warranty coverage for 10 years from the date of purchase. The Milgard Warranty includes a glass breakage provision on certain series. Warranties are always changing and you should read the most up to date version prior to buying your windows.
Additional Resources | Milgard Windows Reviews
Mister Window
The company offers a lifetime warranty on every installation, but the manufacturers' terms are going to depend on the brand you buy. And because they sell so many brands, I would advise reading up on the warranty that is specific to the window and door you are purchasing. In terms of the labor portion of the warranty, these are the two claims that Mister Window makes. One, that they will assist with any customer service needs after the installation. Two, that any pieces or parts (under the manufacturer's warranty) that are installed are covered free of charge.
Additional Resources | Mister Window Reviews
Monte Verde
The Monte Verde comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty that covers the original owner from product defects for the life of the product. The warranty is transferrable to one subsequent homeowner, although once tranferred, the warranty is only valid for a period of 10 years from the date of purchase.
Additional Resources | Monte Verde Reviews | Monte Verde Windows Cost
Norandex
Norandex is a large company with tons of models and series. The Limited Lifetime Warranty covers the original owner for as long as they live in the home from defects in workmanship and parts. The insulated glass unit carries a 25 year warranty provision, although the company covers less and less based on a schedule they've created. There are a number of exclusions that are included in the warranty that consumers should take a look at. In general, the warranty they offer on their vinyl replacement and new construction windows is just okay when compared with other warranties from other manufacturers.
Additional Resources | Norandex Windows Reviews | Norandex Window Prices
Okna
The Okna warranty is one of the strongest in the business. It covers the window for the life of the owner and is completely transferable to another homeowner. It's a single page warranty that you can actually read, instead of the some 3 page tiny print warranty that looks like its written by a team of lawyers and full of confusing language.
Additional Resources | Okna Windows Reviews
Paradigm
Paradigm offers just an okay warranty as far as I am concerned. It is a limited lifetime warranty on their vinyl windows and patio doors (free from any manufacturing defects). In addition, for the first 5 years, the company will handle any repair or replacement costs (including labor costs) that owners have with the windows (lots of exclusions here so make sure you read the warranty in full before you purchase.) The warranty is non transferrable - meaning that if you sell the home, the warranty does NOT extend to the new owner. The warranty also does not include accidental glass breakage - most don't, but worth knowing).
Pella
Overall, the Pella warranty is not particularly impressive, but rather pretty standard across the industry. It's a limited lifetime on their vinyl windows. Their wood clad windows come with a lifetime warranty to the original buyer on the windows and parts and a 10 year window warranty on the installation. We always recommend that you read the warranty for the specific product you are purchasing to see what limitations and exclusions apply - there are always a whole big list of them.
Additional Resources | Pella Windows Reviews
Quaker
The Quaker window is not my favorite - by a lot. The company offers odd warranty terms that sort of break down each part of the window and/or patio door and how long the warranty term. So, for instance, the vinyl window frame is warranted for 20 years. The insulated glass for 20 years, hardware 10 years, stress cracks for 1 year, warping for 10 years, and laminates 10 years. Then it goes into all of the exclusions. Always read the warranty in full as terms and exclusions are often changing over time.
Replacement Windows Warranty S to Z
Seaway
Seaway offers a very good Limited Lifetime Warranty on both their Encore and Ovation windows. This includes a lifetime warranty on the mainframe, sash, balance and locking systems, . Any parts that are defective will be replaced by the company, although the owner is responsible for the installation cost. The lifetime warranty also extends to insulated glass failure (including accidental breakage on many, but not all, of their standard styles of windows). They offer a one time transfer to a new owner as long as they receive written notification of the title change and require a $50 fee for the transfer (this is relatively standard in the industry). The new owner does not receive the complete lifetime warranty on the insulated glass, but instead gets a percentage of the cost depending on how long the windows have been installed.
Related Topic | Seaway Reviews | Seaway Window Prices
Shwinco
Shwinco's warranty is pretty weak in my opinion. The company offers a limited lifetime warranty on the frame and sash. The IGU is pro-rated in terms of its coverage - so after year 10, the company only covers 50% of the total replacement cost and this percentage decreases over time. The hardware is also pro-rated and the company covers 50% of the cost at year 10 and again this decreases over time. The warranty does not mention transferability, which almost always means that the warranty is not transferable.
Additional Resources | Shwinco Window Reviews
United
All in all, the United warranty is fairly weak in my opinion. United provides a limited lifetime warranty that covers the frame, IGU, sash, hardware and components. It states that the window unit be free from manufacturing defects. The warranty is transferable, but once the transfer occurs, the warranty is only good for 10 years from the installation date. In the case of a transfer, the IGU is only good for 5 years from the install date. There are a number ox exclusions and provisions that apply so always read a warranty in its entirety prior to purchase.
Additional Resources | United Windows Reviews
Vinylmax
Vinylmax offers a limited lifetime warranty on their vinyl windows and doors. It is transferrable to a single owner and it includes a labor warranty for 1 year (the IGU or insulated glass breakage is transferrable to another owner, but is only good for 20 years from the installation date). The warranty does not include accidental glass breakage (few do, but worth knowing). As always, the warranty has its own set of provisions and exclusions - so make sure to read the warranty from the manufacturer's website prior to purchase.
Related Topic | Vinylmax Windows Reviews
Wallside
Instead of a limited lifetime warranty, the company offers a limited 35 year replacement window warranty It covers any defects in the frame, sash, locks, balance, and weather stripping. The company will repair or replace the item or window, and the installation labor is included. It's actually not a bad warranty if the company doesn't nickel and dime their customers over claims. This is my basic summary of the warranty, but always read the warranty yourself prior to purchase as terms and conditions often change.
Related Topic | Wallside Windows Reviews
Western Window Systems
The WWS warranty is pretty weak in my opinion, but it makes some sense given how large some of their install configurations can be. The specific warranty terms are going to depend on the series that the homeowner purchases. In general though, WWS offers a 10 year warranty that stipulates that the products will be free of defects in materials and workmanship and materials. This does not cover the cost of the labor to pull out the product and re-install. There are a series of exclusions etc. included in the verbiage.
Related Topic | Western Window System Reviews
Wincore
The company offers a "pretty good" overall warranty. As always, it is a limited lifetime warranty on the vinyl frame, sash (if applicable), parts, and components - specifically that they be free from manufacturing defects. The insulated glass unit is warranted for 20 years and then becomes pro-rated - the company only covers a percentage of the replacement cost (and none of the labor cost, this is pretty standard).
The Wincore warranty is transferrable to one additional owner and the coverage period does not change when transferred (this is quite nice as most companies truncate the warranty period as soon as a title transfer occurs). You must notify Wincore of the title transfer within 30 days and send them a check for $50.
Additional Resources | Windcore Windows Reviews
Windsor
The Windsor warranty offers separate provisions for each of their 3 models. The Pinnacle insulated glass is warrantied for 10 to 20 years (with a 30 year optional upgrade), the extruded exterior finish for 20 years, components for 10 years and the painted white interior for 2 years. The Legend composite window has a 20 year warranty on the insulated glass seals, components for 25 years, materials and workmanship for 10 years and factory paint of 10 years. The New Dimensions vinyl window carries a Lifetime Limited Warranty that covers materials and workmanship defects for the life of the original owner, is transferrable (the new owner is only covered for 10 years).
Additional Resources | Windsor Windows Reviews
YKK AP
Overall, the YKK warranty is not all that impressive. It is a lifetime limited warranty that guarantees that their windows and doors be free from manufacturing defects for as long as the original owner lives in the home. The warranty covers labor repair and/or replacement costs for two years after the installation date. The warranty is NOT transferrable to any new owner. Therefor as soon as you move, the warranty is gone. There are a bunch of exclusion and provisions so make sure to always read the fine print prior to purchase.
Additional Resources | YKK Windows Reviews
Zen
The Zen warranty is quite strong - limited lifetime window warranty on any manufacturing defects on the window frame, sash, and all additional parts. It also includes lifetime labor (from Zen itself) on replacement or repair (of course exclusions apply here). The Zen warranty id fully transferrable to another homeowner.
Additional Resources | Zen Window Reviews
Replacement Window Warranty Questions
Window Installation Warranty
Dane if you don't mind a quick question re. labor warranty.
If a dealer gets really solid reviews, but only offers maybe 2 or 3 years labor warranty, in your opinion is that concerning? Or these days, 1-3 year labor warranty is pretty much standard practice and i really can't expect many dealers to offer 5, 10, lifetime labor ??
Thanks Dane. And no worries if such a question is out of scope in terms of types of questions you respond to(!)
Mike - Homeowner - from 2023
[Site Editor's Answer]
Mike, a 2 or 3 year labor warranty is not concerning to me. The windows are typically going to have issues when they go in (that you will hopefully notice) -- shoddy installation work, the windows don't fit properly in the openings, damaged windows in transit, frame blemishes, problems with the hardware, etc. Once the windows are in, functioning well, then you're usually good to go.
Then it's all about how well those windows hold up over time. If the window is a quality unit, you shouldn't have issues for decades....and by that time the warranty may or may not apply, the company is no longer there -- there are all kinds of things that change after two decades.
The important thing in my book is to find a quality brand and window series -- then combine this with quality installation from a trusted local company.
Dane - Site Editor - from 2023
Amerimax Windows Warranty
We put in Amerimax windows in 2007, and they are alright but not great. The noise level was reduced some, but not as much as they said it would. They aren't too drafty but they have some little holes near the bottom tracks that wind can blow through. I had to stuff them with toilet paper. Some of the vent stops broke last summer, and I called the dealer, who told me to call Amerimax. They said they would send replacements, but they never came. I forgot about it, and it wasn't until spring that I remembered and called again. I called Amerimax first this time, and the guy I talked to in the warranty department was rude and told me to go through the dealer next time. The windows are decent but not great, but their customer service was so bad I woudn't buy from them again.
Sharon - Homeowner in Colorado - from 2012
Alside Windows Warranty
Alside, Revere, Alpine, AMI, they are all the same thing, they just keep renaming new lines to try and avoid their reputation. They make a low quality window and they don't do too well, but they are successful at what they do, which is selling cheap windows, and from what I've heard they are decent about honoring warranties.
Holland - Installer - from 2012
Amsco Windows Warranty
The big problem with their composite and vinyl windows is the warranty. They claim that they have one, but if you read the exclusions they eliminate pretty much everything that can go wrong. You can call and order replacement parts but they don't send anyone to make repairs. Amsco says the distributors are supposed to cover labor and the dealers say that Amsco is. I wouldn't bother with their windows cause it's a gamble.
Steven - Dealer in Texas - from 2011
Andersen Windows Warranty
Andersen windows customer service is a joke. I spent over $20,000 on doors and windows from them. One of the doors has a split in the wood. Some of the screens are faulty and don't fit into the frames. We ordered in the spring, but delivery was delayed for some reason which they never shared with me so it didn't come until August. I'm in Phoenix, and I'm not going to try and do all that work in the middle of an Arizona summer, so I stored everything until it cooled down in October.
Now they're saying that it's not their problem, because it's been more than 90 days. They're telling me to fill the split in the door and paint over it. For the screen problem, they said to take it apart and put it back together "to factory specifications." Why didn't it come from the factory "to factory specifications?" The great transferrable warranty that they told me about apparently is a joke. My installer will fix them for me but says I have to pay him, and the Andersen rep clearly doesn't care.
Danny - Homeowner in Arizona - from 2010
Cascade Windows Warranty
I've installed a lot ot Cascade windows here in Los Angeles, and I've never had any major problems with service or the warranty. The quality is spot on for the price and they always deliver on time. I've put in hundreds of their windows, I think I've never had anything worse than a couple of missing screens and those were replaced right away with no hassle. It's certainly better than most manufacturers I've dealt with. One patio door screen was delivered with some damage and they sent someone out to put the new one in so I didn't have to. No manufacturer is going to be perfect, but I've had a lot fewer problems with them than anyone else. My customers have all been happy and that's matters.
Tom - Contractor - from 2011
Crestline Windows Warranty
We built a house last year and went with Crestlines. Just a few months and they were leaking and fogging up all the time. They wouldn't honor the warranty, and every time I called I talked to a different person and got a different excuse. I would never use them again.
Jeff - Homeowner in Wisconsin - from 2010
Silverline Windows Warranty
I put in Silverline 8000-8500s 12 years ago. We had 28 of them, double hung, low-e coating, argon filled, all the extra features. The salesman said they were the best windows on the market, we didn't pick them because they were cheap. Within just a few years, we started having trouble. We started replacing sashes almost right away. They have a rubber seal that keeps the argon gas in and they leak and make the glass streaky. Also, the plastic pieces that keep them in their track get dry and brittle and start to break. I will admit that they honor the warranty, but they do it stupidly. They won't replace the upper and lower sash together, but only one at a time. So they all fit poorly and we now have tons of drafts and upper sashes that won't stay up. I've talked to customer service a hundred times at least. I'm about to give up and I've started looking at windows to just replace these.
Jeremy - Homeowner - from 2012
Read additional Silverline windows reviews.
Sunrise Windows Warranty
I'm trying to decide between the Simonton 5500, the Sunrise, or CertainTeed Bryn Mawr III. Sunrise has a great warranty and I like the finished look of them. They have clean welds and are probably the best window overall. The Simonton has two lines (the Reflections and the Impressions) that I like and I'll probably end up with one of those. The price is good, and with a few upgrades they are about as good as the Sunrise window option. The Bryn Mawr looks good, but I've heard a lot about their quality control issues recently and they make me reluctant to buy anything from CertainTeed.
Mike - Contractor in Delaware - from 2011
Vinylmax Windows Warranty
I was looking at Plygems and Vinylmax, the Vinylmax seems stronger and the welds look nicer, plus it has a lifetime warranty vs 25 for Plygem. The Vinylmax is $60 more each window, and I'm not sure if they are worth that much more? I don't mind paying it if they're worth it but I hate wasting money.
Peter - Homeowner - from 2012
[Contractor Response]
You want to compare SHGC, u-values, DP and AI ratings. I don't know much about Vinylmax. They look like they have some nice features, but I know Plygems and I'd feel more comfortable recommending a company I know well than one I don't. Also, I don't know where you got your warranty info but Plygem has a lifetime transferable warranty.
Harry - Contractor - from 2012
Related Topics: Measuring For Replacement Windows