Decoding a Home Windows Warranty: All About Accidental Damage Cover

As an experienced repairman, I have had my share of morning calls from groggy homeowners reporting a cracked or broken window. Sometimes the culprits are the neighborhood kids' cricket games or a clumsy gardener. At other times, the friction brought on by wild weather events becomes the villain. Yes! I'm talking about that oddly satisfying ‘tinkle’ sound of glass shattering – when it's not your window co-sharing the symphony.

One of the most frequent questions I deal with during these "casualties" is if a home windows warranty covers accidental damages or not. So, here's me - your go-to handyman, breaking it down for you.

What Does a Standard Window Warranty Cover?

To kick things off, let’s get one thing straight – not all warranty coverage is created equal! It mostly depends on the specific product and the manufacturer. Generally, window warranties cover the cost of replacement parts or repairs due to manufacturing defects or workmanship issues. This could include situations like a warped frame or deteriorated weather stripping.

Standard Exclusions from a Window Warranty

Like all warranties, there are certain exceptions or exclusions to consider. Window warranty often does not cover:

• Normal wear and tear from daily use
• Damage due to improper installation or maintenance
• Damage caused by acts of God, such as earthquakes, fires, hurricanes etc.
• Alterations made to the window post installation
• Accidental breakages!

"Accidental breakages", there, caught your attention, didn't it? Now let’s dive deeper.

So, Does a Home Windows Warranty Cover Accidental Damage?

Hold onto your hammers and take a deep breath! While standard warranties may shy away from offering accidental damage coverage, there are certain manufacturers who promise extended coverage inclusive of accidental glass breakage. Manufacturers like Milgard, Simonton, and Pella, for example, do provide such coverage in some of their product lines.

By now, you might be mulling over whether picking a warranty with accidental damage coverage is worth your buck. Let's make that decision easier.

Accidental Damage Cover - Yay or Nay?

When it comes to warranties, the devil is always in the details. Accidental damage cover can be a lifesaver when you're living in areas prone to storms, or houses teeming with active kids, or even if you're simply a tad too enthusiastic when it comes to indoor badminton!

However, beware of the "fine print" clauses. Such warranties may subject your claim to certain conditions, like:- Limited time frame for reporting the damage- Coverage restriction to specific causes of damage- Specific maintenance standards requirements

A Handy Tip

Don't let these stipulations deter you. As a rule of thumb, make sure to read your warranty documents carefully and clarify any ambiguities with the provider.

Alternatives to Accidental Damage Coverage

While a warranty that covers accidental damages comes with its set of perks, it’s not the only road you gotta travel mate. You can always opt for homeowners' insurance that covers window damages. Although these insurances come with their own set of exceptions, it's advisable to explore your options.

Final Words from Your Friendly Repairman

To wrap up this enlightening session, remember that warranties are preventive measures, not ultimatums. They can help save your time, money, and the unnecessary hassle of finding a decent repairman. However, nothing can substitute for regular maintenance and good practices.

Remember, when buying new windows, don’t just pay attention to the aesthetics or insulation; inquire about the warranty as well. Because when you wake up to a cracked window on a chilly morning, you really don’t want to be mulling over warranty documents with a mug of coffee. You want action. And a warm, undrafted living room.

Keep your tools handy, mates! And remember, I'm just a call away to help you navigate through your home repair hassles.