What your guarantee should actually cover, and why insurance backing matters.
Most window and door guarantees cover manufacturing defects in the frame, glazing seal failure, and sometimes hardware, for a defined period, often somewhere between ten and twenty years for the frame and a shorter period for moving parts like hinges and handles. It is important to read the specific terms, as coverage can vary considerably between manufacturers and installers.
A product guarantee typically covers the manufacturer's materials, such as the frame or sealed unit, while a separate installation guarantee from your fitting company covers workmanship, such as sealing and fitting quality. Both matter, and a reputable installer should be able to explain clearly which guarantee covers what, rather than leaving you unsure where responsibility lies if something goes wrong.
An insurance-backed guarantee protects you if the installation company that provided your guarantee ceases trading before the guarantee period ends. Rather than your guarantee becoming worthless, the insurance policy steps in to cover valid claims. This is a meaningful additional layer of protection, particularly for guarantees running ten years or more, and it is worth asking specifically whether your quote includes one.
Guarantees typically exclude damage caused by misuse, accidental damage, extreme weather events, or lack of basic maintenance such as cleaning drainage channels and lubricating hinges. It is worth reading the exclusions section of any guarantee carefully so you understand what routine maintenance is expected of you to keep the guarantee valid.
If an issue arises within the guarantee period, contact your installer directly with details and, ideally, photographs of the problem. A reputable company should respond promptly to arrange an inspection. Keep your original guarantee documentation, invoice and any certification safe, as you will likely need to reference these when making a claim.
Before committing to a quote, ask what length of guarantee applies to the frame, glazing and hardware separately, whether it is insurance-backed, and what routine maintenance is required to keep it valid. Getting clear written answers to these questions upfront avoids confusion or disappointment later if you ever need to make a claim.
It is not a legal requirement, but it provides valuable peace of mind, particularly for longer guarantee periods, by protecting you if your installer stops trading. Many reputable installers offer this as standard, so it is worth asking specifically if it is not mentioned in your quote.
No, standard guarantees typically cover manufacturing defects and workmanship rather than accidental damage, misuse or extreme events. For accidental damage, you would usually need to rely on your home insurance policy instead.
Guarantee lengths vary, with frames often covered for around ten to twenty years and hardware for a shorter period. Rather than focusing purely on length, check exactly what is covered and whether it is insurance-backed, as this affects real-world value more than the number of years alone.
Most guarantees expect basic upkeep such as cleaning frames and glass regularly, keeping drainage channels clear of debris, and lubricating hinges and locks periodically. Your installer should provide simple maintenance guidance when the work is completed.
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We're happy to explain exactly what our guarantees cover, including insurance backing, before you commit to a quote.
