A Madison, WI homeowner wants to be protected if there is a problem down the road with their home’s replacement windows or doors making it important to understand the type of warranty(ies) they need when making such a large investment in their home. All replacement window companies are required by law to provide homeowners with the full details of the warranty(ies) they offer, in clear language, before purchase.
Ask yourself the following questions to make sure your replacement windows are fully covered:
Does the replacement window warranty cover workmanship and the product?
Workmanship warranty: A workmanship warranty is a coverage for the quality of the workmanship or window installation. If this is offered, ask how long the workmanship coverage lasts. It might not be the same length of time as the product warranty.
Product warranty: A product warranty is just like it sounds, it is a warranty that just covers the product, in this case, your replacement windows or doors.
Having both a product warranty and a workmanship warranty makes sure you are fully covered in a warranty claim. If your warranty doesn’t cover both, you may find the claim isn’t covered. The manufacturer may say the replacement window or door wasn’t installed correctly and not honor a claim or vice versa.
It is a full or limited warranty, and what part(s) of the product are covered?
There are two types of warranties, full and limited, and you should know ahead of time what you are getting.
Keep in mind – a full warranty may not apply to the entire replacement window or door, only to certain components. Ask what product part(s) are excluded from the warranty.
How long is the warranty? – Lifetime Warranties
Lifetime warranties have gained in popularity however they can be confusing. Be sure to determine if it is your lifetime, the lifetime of the product or the lifetime of the business. If it’s the lifetime of the product – ask how long the expected lifetime is, it may be shorter than you realize. Make sure the Madison replacement window company that you are working with can honestly answer your question(s) on the length of the lifetime warranty or you might have problems with your warranty down the road.
Is the warranty prorated?
Prorated warranty: Over time, the amount that the manufacturer or the company is required to pay towards repairs will be reduced. For example, the manufacturer might cover 100% of the cost of the first year, 90% of the cost of the second year, and so on.
Non-prorated warranty: The total protection under warranty is continuous and does not decrease the manufacturer or company requirements over time. The coverage remains full for the specified warranty period which makes this the ideal warranty.
Is the warranty transferable?
A fully transferable warranty means that when and if you sell your home, the warranty can be transferred over to the new homeowner. A transferable warranty can help increase the selling power of your home.
Do you have requirements to keep your warranty valid?
Many companies require you to provide proof of maintenance, inspections or they could require all repairs to be performed by a specified company to keep the warranty valid. If you fail to perform these tasks as outlined in your warranty, the warranty might become voided.
We know purchasing replacement windows or doors is an investment you only want to make once.
That’s why AHT Wisconsin Windows has a full 50-year non-prorated warranty covering workmanship and products, and the warranty is fully transferable if you sell your home. Make sure to ask the sales representative for details about the warranty(ies) offered from the Madison replacement window company you decide to meet with during your in-home consultation..
Call us today at 866-367-6560 or click here to schedule your free, no-obligation in-home consultation with our experts to hear more about our solid core composite windows and how we can make window replacement comfortable for any budget.