Window Warranties Explained: Lifetime Isn't What It Sounds Like
What manufacturer warranties cover, transferability, and the labor costs they exclude.
Window warranties prominently advertise 'lifetime' coverage that, on close reading, often translates to 'limited lifetime on glass seals, 10 years on hardware, 1 year on labor.' Knowing what each piece actually covers prevents nasty surprises in year 8.
The three components
Glass seal warranty: typically lifetime (against fogging from failed insulating glass seal). Most valuable component — IGU replacement is expensive.
Hardware warranty: 10-20 years. Covers locks, balances, cranks. Plastic parts at the cheap end of the market often fail within 5 years and aren't always replaceable.
Labor warranty: from the installer, typically 1-3 years. Some premium brands (Andersen, Marvin) offer extended labor through certified installers.
Transferability and exclusions
Most window warranties transfer once to a subsequent owner. Standard exclusions: improper installation, condensation due to indoor humidity, paint and stain failures beyond covered period, and accidental damage.
Save the original purchase invoice forever — many warranty claims require it. Register windows with the manufacturer within 60-90 days of install or fall back to shorter default coverage.