Windows · Warranties

Window warranties

A window project carries two separate warranties: the manufacturer's product warranty on the window itself and the installer's labor warranty on the installation. They are issued by different parties, cover different failures, and usually run for different lengths. Within the product warranty, sealed glass units, frames, hardware and finishes are frequently covered on different terms.

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Read the actual warranty document before you sign the contract, not the brochure line. Terms differ by manufacturer and by product line within the same manufacturer, and we will not tell you what any specific brand's terms are — you need the document for the exact line being installed.

The questions that decide whether a warranty is useful: does it cover parts only or parts and labor; is the sealed glass unit covered on the same terms as the frame; is coverage transferable if you sell, and does transferring require a fee or a filing deadline; and does it survive if the installing dealer goes out of business.

The labor warranty matters more than most homeowners expect, because perimeter leaks are installation issues and the manufacturer will not cover them. Get the length in writing and find out whether it is backed by the company or by an insurance-style program.

Warranty claims fail on paperwork more than on merit. Keep the contract, product line, serial or order numbers, photos of the NFRC labels, and the warranty documents in one place.

How to choose

Get both documents before signing: Product warranty from the manufacturer and labor warranty from the installer. If either is 'we'll send it later,' wait.
Check glass terms specifically: Seal failure causing fog is the most common claim. Confirm exactly how the glass unit is covered and whether labor to install the replacement glass is included.
Ask about transferability: If you may sell, find out whether coverage transfers, whether there is a fee, and whether a deadline applies after the sale.
Register the product if required: Some manufacturers require registration within a set period. Missing it can reduce coverage.
Note what voids coverage: Aftermarket window films, certain cleaners, and unapproved repairs can void glass or finish coverage. Read that clause before you tint anything.

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FAQ

Windows warranties — common questions

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What is the difference between the product and labor warranty?

The manufacturer covers defects in the window. The installer covers the installation — flashing, sealing, and fit. A leak at the perimeter is typically a labor claim, not a product claim.

Is fogged glass covered?

It depends on the specific product warranty and how far into the term you are. Ask for the glass clause in writing before purchase and check whether labor to swap the unit is included.

Does the warranty transfer if I sell the house?

Some do, sometimes with a fee or a filing deadline, sometimes with reduced terms. Read the transfer clause in the actual document.

What if the installer goes out of business?

The manufacturer's product warranty generally survives, but the labor warranty may not. Ask up front whether the labor coverage is company-backed or third-party-backed.

Sources

Where these figures come from

NFRC — Energy Performance Label (product identification and certified ratings) · retrieved 2026-07-25
ENERGY STAR — Residential windows key product criteria · retrieved 2026-07-25