How Long Is a Typical Window Warranty?

A typical window warranty lasts anywhere from 5 to 20 years or more. Some companies offer what they call a "lifetime" warranty, but that term can mean very different things depending on the manufacturer. In most cases, "lifetime" does not mean forever. It usually means the expected life of the product or the time you own and live in the home.

The exact length of your warranty depends on a few things. The type of window matters. The brand matters. The materials used matter. And whether the warranty covers just the product or also the labor can make a big difference when you actually need to file a claim. For homeowners here in South Florida, where impact windows face hurricanes, salt air, and intense UV rays, understanding your warranty is not just smart. It is a must.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know. You will learn the main types of window warranties, what they cover, what can void them, and what to look for before you sign on the dotted line.

Types of Window Warranties You Should Know

Not all window warranties are the same. Some give you great coverage for decades. Others look good on paper but leave you paying out of pocket when something goes wrong. Knowing the difference can save you thousands of dollars.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

This is the most common type of warranty in the window industry. A limited lifetime warranty covers certain parts of the window for a set period. The word "limited" is the key. It means there are restrictions.

For example, the vinyl frame might be covered for as long as you own the home. But the glass might only be covered for 20 years. Hardware like locks and balances could have an even shorter coverage window, sometimes just 10 years. And labor? Many limited lifetime warranties do not include labor at all. That means if something breaks, the company will send you the part, but you pay someone to install it.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, the term "lifetime" in a warranty must clearly state whose life or what life it refers to. It could mean the life of the product, the life of your ownership, or even a set number of years the company defines as the product's lifespan.

Full Lifetime Warranty

A full lifetime warranty is the gold standard. It covers parts, labor, and sometimes even accidental glass breakage for as long as you own your home. These are less common and usually come with higher-quality products from reputable manufacturers.

If a company offers a full lifetime warranty, it is a strong sign they stand behind their product. They believe their windows will last. For South Florida homeowners looking at impact glass options, this kind of confidence from a manufacturer matters a lot.

Prorated Warranty

A prorated warranty starts strong and gets weaker over time. In the first few years, you might get full coverage. But as the windows age, you pay a bigger share of the repair or replacement cost.

Here is a simple example. Say you have a 20 year prorated warranty. In years 1 through 5, everything is covered at 100%. In years 6 through 10, you pay 25% of the cost. After year 10, you could be paying 50% or more. By the end of the warranty period, the coverage may barely be worth anything.

Prorated warranties are common with budget-friendly window brands. They sound good at first, but the real value drops off fast.

Extended Warranty

An extended warranty is an add-on you buy separately. It stretches the coverage beyond what the manufacturer offers. These are sometimes provided by a third-party company, not the window maker.

Before buying an extended warranty, read the fine print. It might overlap with coverage you already have. Or it could have exclusions that make it less useful than you think.

What Does a Window Warranty Actually Cover?

A warranty is only as good as what it covers. Let's break down the main parts of a window and how warranties typically handle each one.

Frame and Sash Coverage

Most warranties cover the window frame and sash against defects in materials and workmanship. For vinyl windows, this usually means the frame will not blister, peel, rot, or corrode under normal use. Aluminum frames, which are popular in South Florida for impact products, may have separate terms for corrosion, especially in coastal areas.

Frame coverage is usually the longest part of the warranty. Many manufacturers cover the frame for the full warranty term, whether that is 20 years or a lifetime.

Glass and Insulated Glass Units

Glass coverage can vary a lot. Standard warranties cover defects that cause fogging between the panes, which happens when the seal between the glass layers fails. This is one of the most common warranty claims homeowners make.

For impact windows with laminated glass, the warranty may also cover delamination, where the layers of the glass start to separate. Some manufacturers cover this for 10 years, others for 20. Very few cover it for a full lifetime.

Accidental glass breakage is a different story. Many warranties do not cover it at all. Some offer it as an add-on or include it only with premium product lines. If you live in a hurricane zone like Miami-Dade or Broward County, ask about glass breakage coverage before you buy.

Hardware and Moving Parts

Locks, balances, rollers, tilt latches, and crank mechanisms are the parts that get the most use. They are also the parts most likely to wear out. Warranty coverage for hardware usually ranges from 5 to 15 years, though some full lifetime warranties cover hardware for the entire term.

Since these parts are relatively cheap to replace, some homeowners do not think much about hardware coverage. But the labor to fix them is not cheap. If your warranty does not cover labor, a $10 part could cost you $150 or more to have installed.

Labor and Installation

Here is where many homeowners get caught off guard. The manufacturer's warranty covers the product. But who covers the installation?

A separate workmanship warranty from your installer should cover problems caused by how the windows were put in. This includes things like leaks, drafts, and improper sealing. Workmanship warranties typically last 1 to 10 years, depending on the installer.

The best window companies offer strong workmanship warranties on top of the manufacturer's product warranty. When you work with a licensed, insured contractor like ASP Windows and Doors (License CGC1513274), you get both layers of protection.

Screens and Exterior Finishes

Screens are almost always excluded from warranties or covered for a very short time, usually one year or less. The same goes for exterior paint finishes, especially in coastal areas where salt air can cause faster wear.

If your home is near the coast in cities like Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach, or Naples, be sure to ask about finish warranties specifically. Some manufacturers void finish coverage entirely for homes within a certain distance of saltwater.

How Long Do Different Window Components Stay Covered?

Here is a quick look at typical warranty lengths for each part of a window. Keep in mind these are general ranges. Your actual warranty may be different.

This table shows why reading the full warranty document matters. A company might say "lifetime warranty" in big letters, but the glass could be covered for only 10 years and the labor for just one.

What Can Void Your Window Warranty?

A warranty does you no good if it gets voided. And it is easier to void a warranty than most people think. Here are the most common ways it happens.

Improper Installation

This is the number one reason warranties get denied. Almost every manufacturer includes language that voids coverage if the windows are not installed according to their specific instructions. In the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) covering Miami-Dade and Broward counties, installation standards are some of the strictest in the country. Windows must be installed by licensed professionals, properly permitted, and inspected to meet code.

If you try a DIY installation or hire an unlicensed handyman, you could lose your warranty completely. And if a hurricane hits, your insurance company may deny your claim too.

Aftermarket Modifications

Adding window film, drilling into the frame for blinds, or making any changes to the window after installation can void your warranty. Manufacturers test their products under specific conditions. When you change those conditions, they are no longer responsible.

This does not mean you can never add anything to your windows. But always check with the manufacturer first. Some window films come with their own warranty that replaces the manufacturer's glass warranty. A professional can help you make the right choice.

Lack of Maintenance

Windows need care, even impact windows. Failing to clean your windows regularly, not lubricating hardware, or ignoring small problems can void your warranty over time. Wood windows are especially sensitive to this. If you do not maintain them, rot can set in fast, and the manufacturer will point to neglect.

For aluminum and vinyl windows in South Florida's humid climate, routine cleaning with mild soap and water is usually all it takes. Avoid harsh chemicals, metallic tools, or abrasive pads. These can damage the finish and void your coverage.

Acts of God and Natural Disasters

Most window warranties do not cover damage from hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, or other natural disasters. This surprises many Florida homeowners. Your impact windows are built to withstand storms, but if something does break during a Category 5 hurricane, the manufacturer's warranty likely will not pay for it.

This is where your homeowner's insurance steps in. Make sure your policy covers wind damage and impact events. A wind mitigation inspection can also help you qualify for insurance discounts, which is a nice bonus of having impact windows installed.

Selling Your Home

Some warranties end the moment you sell your home. Others let you transfer the warranty to the new owner, but you have to follow specific steps. Most manufacturers require written notice within 30 to 90 days of the sale. Some charge a small transfer fee.

A transferable warranty adds real value to your home. When buyers know the windows are still covered, it gives them confidence and can help you get a better price.

Window Warranties for Impact Windows in Florida?

Living in South Florida means your windows face challenges that homeowners in other states do not deal with. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 every single year. Salt air corrodes metal. The sun beats down hard enough to degrade seals and finishes faster than in cooler climates.

Why Impact Window Warranties Matter More Here

Impact windows are a serious investment. A full home of impact doors and windows can cost thousands of dollars. The warranty is your safety net. It protects that investment if something goes wrong due to a manufacturing defect or faulty materials.

In Miami-Dade and Broward counties, all impact products must be Miami-Dade NOA (Notice of Acceptance) approved. They have to pass rigorous testing standards including TAS 201, 202, and 203. These tests simulate hurricane conditions with large and small missile impacts. Products that earn this approval are built to last, and their warranties should reflect that quality.

What to Look for in a Florida Impact Window Warranty

When you are shopping for impact windows in South Florida, keep these warranty factors in mind. First, check the glass coverage length. Impact glass takes the most abuse, so you want at least 10 to 20 years of coverage on the glass unit. Second, ask about coastal exclusions. Some manufacturers reduce or void coverage for homes near saltwater. Third, make sure labor is covered. A product warranty without labor coverage means you are still paying for the repair.

Finally, ask about the company's track record. A warranty is only worth something if the company will still be around to honor it. ASP Windows and Doors has been serving South Florida for over 20 years with an A+ BBB rating and more than 1,900 five-star reviews. That kind of track record gives you real peace of mind.

Manufacturer Warranty vs. Installer Warranty

Many homeowners do not realize they should have two separate warranties. One from the manufacturer. One from the installer. Both matter, and they cover different things.

What the Manufacturer Covers

The manufacturer's warranty covers defects in the product itself. If the frame warps, the glass seal fails, or the hardware breaks under normal use, that falls on the manufacturer. This warranty comes with the product and is usually the longer of the two.

What the Installer Covers

The installer's warranty, also called a workmanship warranty, covers problems caused by the installation. Water leaks around the frame, drafts from improper sealing, and windows that do not operate smoothly because they were not set correctly are all installation issues.

A good installer stands behind their work. ASP Windows and Doors uses in-house installation crews, not subcontractors. This means the same company that sells you the windows also installs them and takes responsibility for the work. That single point of accountability makes warranty claims much simpler.

Why Both Warranties Together Give You Full Protection

Think of it this way. The manufacturer warranty is like car insurance for the engine. The installer warranty is like insurance for the mechanic's work. You need both. If your window leaks because the seal was installed wrong, the manufacturer will say it is not their problem. And if the glass fogs up because of a factory defect, the installer will say the same thing.

Having both warranties means there is no gap in your coverage. No matter what goes wrong, someone is responsible for fixing it.

How to File a Window Warranty Claim

When something goes wrong with your windows, you want the process to be simple. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a warranty claim.

Step 1: Find Your Warranty Documents

Dig out the warranty paperwork you received when your windows were installed. If you cannot find it, check for a label on the window itself. Look in areas like the inner corners or under the top or bottom lip of the sill. You can also contact the manufacturer or your installer for a copy.

Step 2: Identify the Problem

Figure out what is wrong. Is it fogging between the panes? A broken lock? A draft coming through? The type of problem determines whether you contact the manufacturer or the installer.

Step 3: Contact the Right Company

For product defects, reach out to the manufacturer's warranty department. For installation problems, contact your installer. If you are not sure which it is, start with your installer. A reputable company will help you figure out the right path.

Step 4: Document Everything

Take photos of the problem. Keep records of all calls and emails. Note the date you first noticed the issue. If you need to submit a formal claim, having documentation makes the process go much smoother.

Step 5: Follow Up

Do not assume your claim is being handled just because you reported it. Follow up regularly until the issue is resolved. Most warranty repairs take a few weeks, but it can vary.

Tips for Choosing Windows With the Best Warranty

A good warranty does not happen by accident. It starts with choosing the right windows and the right installer from the beginning.

Read the Fine Print Before You Buy

Never take a salesperson's word for what the warranty covers. Ask for a copy of the written warranty before you commit. Read it carefully. Look for exclusions, limitations, and any conditions that could reduce your coverage.

Compare Apples to Apples

When getting quotes from different companies, compare warranties side by side. Use a simple chart to track what each warranty covers, including the frame, glass, hardware, labor, and transferability. This makes it easy to see which one offers the best real-world value.

Ask About Transferability

If there is any chance you will sell your home in the future, a transferable warranty adds value. Ask how the transfer works, what it costs, and whether there is a deadline to complete it.

Choose a Licensed and Insured Installer

Your manufacturer's warranty depends on proper installation. Make sure your installer is licensed, insured, and experienced with the specific products they are installing. In Florida, this is especially important because of the strict building codes in the HVHZ.

Pick a Company That Will Be Around

A 20 year warranty means nothing if the company goes out of business in 5 years. Look for companies with a long track record, strong reviews, and solid financials. ASP Windows and Doors has been in business for over 20 years, is bonded for $2 million, and has served thousands of homes across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Lee, Collier, and Monroe counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does a Lifetime Window Warranty Really Last?

A lifetime warranty on windows usually lasts 10 to 20 years or for as long as you own and live in the home. The FTC requires companies to be clear about whose "lifetime" the warranty refers to. Always ask the manufacturer to define what lifetime means in their specific warranty terms.

Does a Window Warranty Cover Hurricane Damage?

In most cases, no. Window warranties typically exclude damage from natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes. Storm damage is usually covered by your homeowner's insurance policy, not the window warranty. However, impact windows are built to resist hurricane-force winds and flying debris, which is exactly why they are required in South Florida.

Can I Transfer My Window Warranty to a New Owner?

Many window warranties are transferable, but you usually have to follow specific steps. Most manufacturers require written notice within 30 to 90 days of the home sale. Some charge a transfer fee. Check your warranty documents for the exact process.

What Is the Difference Between a Manufacturer Warranty and an Installer Warranty?

The manufacturer's warranty covers defects in the product, like glass seal failure or frame warping. The installer's warranty covers problems caused by how the window was installed, like leaks or improper sealing. You should have both for complete protection.

Will Adding Window Film Void My Warranty?

It depends on the manufacturer. Many warranties include language that voids coverage if aftermarket products are applied to the glass. However, under federal warranty law (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act), a manufacturer generally cannot deny coverage just because you added a third-party product unless they can prove it caused the specific issue. Always check with your manufacturer before adding window film.

How Do I Know if My Windows Are Still Under Warranty?

Check your original purchase documents or contact the manufacturer directly. The warranty typically starts on the date of installation, not the date of purchase. If you bought a home with existing windows, ask the seller for warranty transfer information.

Are Impact Windows Covered Differently Than Regular Windows?

Yes. Impact window warranties often have separate terms for the laminated glass, the frame, and the hardware. Some manufacturers offer additional glass breakage coverage for impact products. Since impact windows undergo stricter testing (like Miami-Dade TAS 201, 202, and 203), they often come with stronger warranty terms for the structural components.

What Should I Do if My Warranty Claim Is Denied?

First, ask for a written explanation of why the claim was denied. Review your warranty terms to see if the denial is valid. If you believe the denial is wrong, you can escalate the issue with the manufacturer's customer service department. You may also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau or your state's consumer protection office.

Final Thoughts

A typical window warranty lasts anywhere from 5 to 20 years, but the devil is in the details. The frame, glass, hardware, and labor may all have different coverage lengths. "Lifetime" does not always mean what you think it means. And a warranty is only worth something if the company behind it is still around to honor it.

For South Florida homeowners, window warranties carry extra weight. Your windows protect your family during hurricane season. They keep your home safe from intruders. They block noise, save energy, and reduce your insurance costs. When you invest in impact windows and doors, you deserve a warranty that protects that investment.

At ASP Windows and Doors, every installation is backed by comprehensive manufacturer warranties plus our own workmanship guarantee. We have been serving South Florida from our Doral headquarters for over 20 years. Our in-house crews handle every installation, and our warranty page has full details on coverage from every brand we carry.

Ready to protect your home with impact windows backed by warranties you can trust? Get a free estimate today or call us at (888) 782-8342. We are open Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM, with showrooms in Doral, Kendall, West Palm Beach, and Fort Myers.