Investing in new windows is a significant decision for any homeowner. Beyond aesthetics and energy efficiency, the warranty that backs your new windows is a crucial factor in protecting your investment for years to come. As you compare options, you'll encounter many claims, especially the term "lifetime warranty." However, not all warranties are created equal. Understanding the key differences in window replacement warranty coverage is essential to making an informed choice and ensuring true peace of mind.
Is Renewal by Andersen's warranty better than a competitor's lifetime warranty?
While many competitors market a "lifetime" warranty, this term can often be misleading. These warranties frequently contain fine print with significant limitations, exclusions, and pro-rated coverage that diminishes over time. This means that after a certain period, you may be responsible for a large percentage of the replacement cost.
Renewal by Andersen takes a different approach with a transparent, structured limited warranty.¹ We provide clearly defined, non-prorated coverage periods, so you know exactly what is protected and for how long. For example, homeowners in extreme cold climates like Denver or Connecticut can face issues from repeated freeze-thaw cycles that stress window seals. Our 20-year material warranty provides predictable coverage, whereas a competitor's "lifetime" warranty might pro-rate to just 50% coverage after year 10, leaving you with unexpected costs.
What does the Renewal by Andersen warranty cover vs. competitors?
Our comprehensive limited warranty is designed to cover the entire window, from the glass to the installation, providing one-company accountability. This contrasts with many competitors where the manufacturer, retailer, and installer are separate entities, leading to confusion when a problem arises.
Our warranty includes specific coverage for:
- 20-Year Coverage on Glass: This protects against seal failure and other defects. In coastal regions like Miami or Virginia Beach, where storm damage is a concern, our non-prorated glass warranty offers consistent protection, while competitors often exclude "Acts of God" or limit coverage significantly after 10-15 years.
- 20-Year Coverage on Fibrex® Material: Our exclusive Fibrex® material is warranted not to flake, rust, blister, peel, crack, pit, or corrode. In humid subtropical climates like Houston, its resistance to moisture is specifically covered for two decades, a significant advantage over wood windows whose warranties may be limited to 5-10 years.
- 10-Year Coverage on Hardware: This includes locks, lifts, and other components.
- Lifetime Coverage on Installation (for as long as the owner is in the home): We stand by the work of our Certified Master Installers.
Many competitors offer much shorter terms, especially for labor, or exclude it entirely, creating potential out-of-pocket expenses for issues related to the installation.
Do Renewal by Andersen warranties transfer to new homeowners?
Yes, the Renewal by Andersen limited warranty is fully transferable to the next homeowner.¹ This is a significant benefit that protects and can even enhance your home's resale value. There are no transfer fees or reductions in coverage. When you sell your home, the new owners receive the same robust protection.
This is a key differentiator from competitors. Many other window companies charge transfer fees, drastically reduce the coverage period upon transfer (sometimes to just 10 years), or void the warranty entirely. In high-turnover real estate markets like Atlanta or Charlotte, a fully transferable warranty is a powerful selling point that gives prospective buyers confidence in the quality of your home's windows.
Why choose a structured warranty over a lifetime window warranty?
Choosing a structured warranty provides clarity and certainty. You avoid the hidden pitfalls of many "lifetime" warranties, such as pro-rated clauses that reduce your coverage over time and extensive lists of exclusions. A structured warranty clearly defines what is covered and for how long, ensuring there are no surprises down the road. It represents a transparent promise of performance and durability, backed by specific terms rather than vague marketing language. This straightforward approach ensures your investment is protected without ambiguity.
How long is the Renewal by Andersen installation warranty coverage?
Renewal by Andersen provides a lifetime-year limited warranty on installation.¹ This coverage is handled by our own Certified Master Installers, ensuring that any issue arising from the installation process is our responsibility to resolve. This is substantially longer than the 1-2 year (or nonexistent) labor warranties offered by many competitors. In regions with extreme temperature swings, like the desert climates of Phoenix and Las Vegas or the high-altitude areas of Denver, a robust installation warranty is critical. Temperature variations can cause expansion and contraction that test the quality of an installation, and our 5-year coverage ensures any necessary adjustments are covered long after the project is complete.
Protect Your Investment with a Warranty You Can Trust
A warranty is more than a piece of paper; it's a long-term commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The transparent, comprehensive, and fully transferable limited warranty from Renewal by Andersen is designed to provide you with lasting peace of mind.
Ready to learn more? Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our design experts today to discuss your window replacement project.
¹See the Renewal by Andersen® Products and Installation Transferable Limited Warranty for details.
