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GBlist: Window Warranties 101 - Draft 1



Friends,

Several asked about "window warranty" issues, so here is a first stab.  I’ll
welcome any additional comments and suggestions.  (Perhaps we can turn this
into a "consumer checklist" for future publication.)   Also, those of you
that might have some suggestions about how to take this "product warranty"
information and couple it with some similar "installation warranty" guideline
PLEASE HELP!!!!!

****Window Warranties 101****

When picking windows there are MANY things that influence decisions.
 Performance, looks, colors, durability, maintenance.  ONE issue is WARRANTY.
 What is covered and what is not.  Following are a few pointers of things to
consider when comparing window warranties.

General Warranty Rules:

1. Look for "Non-prorated" Warranties.  Many warranties cover a LOT at the
start.... but the coverage declines with the age of the product.  Sometimes
this decline is rapid, with the effective coverage diminishing to
worthlessness in as little as 3 years!  READ THE FINE PRINT.  This "prorated"
structure means that if you pay $200 for the window and later have to replace
it, the manufacturer may only cover $50 or $100 of the replacement costs!
 And this does NOT include installation!  

Recommendation:  Look for non-prorated warranty structures that cover the
entirety of the original purchase price for the term of the warranty.

2. Look for long terms on the glass (IG) Units.  Sealed Insulating Glass (IG)
units are among the most critical components of delivering long term energy
and visual performance of a window.  (I’m not going to talk about warranties
on single glazing because I can’t  recommend them anywhere.)  The seal on an
IG unit is essential to the protection of low-e coatings and films as well as
for retaining argon, krypton or other gasses that improve energy performance.
 When the seal fails, "out goes the good air and in comes the bad air...."
 Moisture in the air attacks the low-e coatings and corrosion (rust) begins
to form.  At the same time moisture condenses on the interior surfaces, dries
out and leaves stains on the glass that can’t be cleaned.  There goes the
view.  So probably the single most important element of ensuring PERFORMANCE
over time is a good IG warranty.

Recommendation:  Look for an IG warranty of at least 10 years, and preferably
20.

3. Look for fully transferable warranties.  When you go to sell you house,
how often do you take your window with you?  If there is still "value" left
in the warranty, shouldn’t you be able to use that value in marketing your
home?  Some warranties are good "for the original buyer" only.  Doesn’t make
a lot of sense to me.

Recommendation:  Look for warranties that are "fully transferable" to future
owners.

4. Look for good coverage on hardware.  Window operations are among many
homeowners’ greatest headaches.  The lock broke.  The balance broke.  The
sash sticks.  The crank handle broke.  These seemingly "minor" headaches can
turn into the inability to catch that fall breeze, a safety concern for a
child or other concerns.  A good window with bad hardware is a bad window.
 Many warranties don’t say anything about hardware!  Some are more explicit.
 Make sure all "non-glass components" (that will include the hardware) is
similarly guaranteed.  

Recommendation:  Look for at least 10 years complete coverage on all
non-glass components.  (Also look for manufacturers that maintain inventory
of replacement parts.)

5. Don’t expect your window warranty to cover installation.  This may seem
obvious to some, but many get caught in a finger-pointing battle over "who is
responsible".  Rarely will you find installation covered in a product
manufacturer’s warranty [unless a manufacturer installs the product
themselves and offers a warranty on the installation.]  If making a
significant  investment in windows, you may want to seek some type of
warranty coverage from the contractor or builder.  Sound crazy?  Just ask the
folk in North Carolina involved in the class action suit on wall failures.
 Who is responsible for the accuracy and integrity of the installation?
 Though the jury is still out on that case, it is a good example of the need
for clarity in "who is responsible".  Similarly, if a wall is built
improperly allowing water to get into places on a window where it is "not
supposed to get to", window performance can be compromised.

Recommendation:  Spend as much energy looking into who is standing behind the
installation as you do in looking at the window product warranties.

6. Environmental exclusions.  Some warranties specifically exclude certain
environments. Such as area with high humidity or salt spray/coastal environs.
 These exclusions may apply to the hardware, the finishes, or the glass.
 Some exclusions, such as damage caused by acid rain, are nearly universal.  

Recommendations:  Again, read the exclusions in the fine print to determine
if any particular environmental exclusions apply.

7. Finishes. Some manufacturers offer warranty coverage on finishes (paints,
coatings, cladding).  Others do not.  Repainting, restaining or refinishing
are also a "mixed bag" of coverage among manufacturers.

Recommendation:  Review the warranty to identify any limitations on the
coverage for finishes.

8. Performance.  You will rarely find warranties that specifically address
long-term aspects of expected performance, such as U-factor and air leakage
values over time.  These are embodied (somewhat) in the coverage on the IG
units and the hardware and weatherstripping.  Hopefully NFRC will
successfully address energy performance durability in its efforts.  Other
issues, such as operation, water integrity and others will probably not
surface in most warranties.  

Recommendation:  If the rest of the warranty passes muster, you are probably
dealing with a manufacturer that desires to protect their reputation, and, as
such, is probably going to deliver some reliable performance information.
 Look for NFRC labels.  Look for third party certification of air leakage,
water penetration and structural performance.  Look to see if specific
performance attributes are covered in the warranty.

There are other issues related to warranty repairs, replacement and service
that should be considered.  These include: (1) availability of replacement
parts and inventory; (2) ability to respond quickly to a service request;
and, (3) doing business with a company that will be in business next year or
5 years after you bought the product or for the life of the warranty.

Again, I welcome any additions/thoughts on improving this list and
recommendations.  Sorry for the length of the post.  (If you would like to
spare the lists further commentary on these items, I welcome comments sent
directly to me.  However, if you have some great additions or refinements,
I'm sure the lists would appreciate them.)

R. Christopher Mathis
MCSquared
rcmathis1@aol.com
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