Most
home warranty plans do not include coverage for windows, leaving homeowners to seek alternative protection for these essential home features. While standard home warranties typically exclude windows from their coverage lists, homeowners have several other insurance and warranty options to safeguard against window damage and deterioration.
Home Warranty Limitations
Home warranties primarily cover major home systems and appliances, focusing on items like HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and kitchen appliances. Windows generally fall outside this scope of coverage. In rare instances, some premium home warranty plans might offer window coverage as an add-on option or in special circumstances, but this is not the industry standard.
When windows do receive coverage under home warranties, it typically applies only to specific components like locks or mechanical parts rather than glass breakage or frame damage. Homeowners should carefully review warranty documentation to understand these limitations before assuming windows are protected.
Alternative Coverage Options
Homeowners have several viable alternatives for protecting their windows:
- Homeowners insurance typically covers window damage resulting from covered perils such as storms, vandalism, or accidents
- Manufacturer warranties often protect against defects in materials and workmanship for a specified period
- Builder’s insurance may cover newly installed windows in recently constructed homes
Homeowners Insurance Protection
Standard homeowners’ insurance policies generally include coverage for windows damaged by specific events. If a window breaks due to a storm, fire, vandalism, or unavoidable accidents, the homeowner’s insurance policy will likely cover repair or
replacement costs after the deductible is paid.
However, homeowners’ insurance typically won’t cover damage resulting from normal wear and tear, gradual deterioration, or poor maintenance. Insurance also generally excludes coverage for manufacturing defects, which is where
manufacturer warranties become important.
Manufacturer Warranties
Window manufacturers commonly offer warranties on their products, with coverage periods ranging from 10 to 20 years or more, depending on the company and window quality. These warranties typically cover defects in materials, workmanship, and sometimes even glass seal failure.
The protection offered by manufacturer warranties varies significantly between companies. Some provide lifetime limited warranties on specific components, while others offer transferable warranties that remain valid even when a home changes ownership.
“Manufacturer warranties often represent the most comprehensive protection against window defects, though they rarely cover damage from external forces or improper installation,” notes a window industry expert.
Builder’s Insurance for New Construction
For newly constructed homes, builder’s insurance or builder’s warranties may provide window coverage for a limited time. These warranties typically last one to two years and cover defects in workmanship and materials, including windows.
Some builders offer extended structural warranties that can last up to 10 years, though these generally focus on major structural elements rather than windows specifically.
Homeowners should maintain detailed records of all window-related documentation, including original purchase receipts, warranty information, and any communication with manufacturers or builders regarding window issues. This documentation proves essential when filing claims for window repair or replacement.
Understanding the limitations of home warranties regarding windows allows homeowners to make informed decisions about supplementary coverage options. By combining appropriate insurance policies and warranties, homeowners can ensure comprehensive protection for their windows against various types of damage and deterioration.
