Guide To Home Improvement - Important Replacement Window Warranties

You can buy the highest quality home windows available, but if you don't have a good warranty, all of your research and diligence is rendered irrelevant. About 30 percent of replacement windows are purchased to replace windows that are less than seven years old.

There will always be defects and bad installation. Windows are made and installed by humans, after all, so never discount human error. Commonly, home windows fail because the seal on the insulated glass unit blows. A telltale sign of this is when the window fogs up between the panes. A blown seal causes windows to lose insulation and sometimes the low-e coating oxidizes, which will make it absorb, rather than reflect heat. For these reasons, look for windows with at least a 20-year warranty on the insulated glass.

No matter what the salesperson tells you, be sure to always read the fine print before you buy. Don't let tricky wording fool you. The best warranties are "non-prorated," which means they cover the entire purchase price of the window for the warranty term--not a depreciated amount. Look for warranties that are "fully transferable." That means when you sell your home, the replacement window warranty is part of the deal.

Also, consider the window brand and the longevity and stability of the company. You could get a great warranty, but if the company's not around in 10 years, what good will it do you?

Source

Allbusiness.com, Window warranties: it's all in writing, but you've got to read the fine print, by Clayton DeKorne

About the Author

Mary Butler is a Boulder, Colorado-based writer and editor, who spends much of her free time fixing up an old house.