Warranty and Service
Window companies fall into one of two warranty approaches. The large replacement window companies and most of the vinyl world offer a lifetime, often transferable, warranty on the product and labor. Since lifetime is a theoretical target and not a statement of true product lifecycles, these warranties are written with the support of actuarial experts who calculate the frequency of validated warranty claims to determine their level of acceptable warranty exposure.
The other approach is ten years on product and twenty years on glass seal failures. This approach has its roots in the large window manufacturers who built their businesses serving contractors and their new construction and remodel projects.
Which warranty, depends on how you look at the difference between lifetime and life cycle. As a practical matter, I am not sure there is a big difference at the product level and, if the installation is of high quality, the labor warranty term will be less important.
Thank you. I learned a lot.
Last night I had a sales person from “Renewal by Anderson” windows and the quote was over $1000 per window. I am not sure that I need to spend that much for a quality window.
I’ve tried looking at other options, but confusion reigns supreme.
I need a wood clad window, since I’m not replacing all windows at the same time and my current windows are all wood. At least 5 of my 32 windows are rotting. I would appreciate some advice. Thank you Eva
Without knowing weather your house exterior is brick, stucco, siding or a combination, my response will be generalized. First, over $1,000 per window is high unless your windows are unusually large. It has been my experience (remember we are a specialty window dealers so we too can be accused of bias) that companies such as Champion Windows, Renewal by Anderson, and Pella (with due respect to their trademarks) that advertise heavily tend to price those costs into their installation offers. One way for you to test this for yourself is to tell the Renewal by Anderson sales person that you have decided to get a quote from Pella to have a basis of comparison. What will likely happen is an immediate offer of an additional discount if you sign immediately.
Another strategy to manage the cost of your replacement project, is to do it in phases. There is no reason a company would not be happy to replace a room or two, just the five rotted windows, or a floor at a time. If that company does a good job, they will enjoy the right to be confident about your returning to them for subsequent phases.
Lastly, whatever decision you make, make sure the person or company that is going to install your windows is certified under the Installation Masters program. Here is a link where you can check for yourself http://www.installationmastersusa.com/certifiedinstallers.html
Good luck with your project!