What is the Warranty on Andersen A-Series Windows?

When buying new windows and doors, there are several points to consider. In addition to researching the construction materials, finish options, and other aesthetic qualities, you should also think about costs and warranty. Andersen is one of the leading manufacturers of exterior doors and windows, today we’ll go over the contents of their warranty on A-Series windows.

The content included in this post is drawn from Andersen's warranty documents but you should refer to the warranty for full details. Andersen's website has an archive of helpful documents including past and present window warranties. 

View Andersen A-Series Warranty (2019)↗

Use the links below to skip ahead in this post:

1. Andersen A-Series Windows
2. What is the Warranty on Andersen A-Series Windows?
3. What Does Andersen’s Glass Warranty Cover for A-Series Windows?
4. What Does Andersen’s Parts Warranty Cover for A-Series Windows?
5. What is NOT Included in the Limited Warranty for A-Series Windows?
6. How Do I File a Claim for Covered Repairs on Andersen A-Series Windows?
7. Dispute resolution

Andersen A-Series Windows

Andersen Windows is the largest window manufacturer in North America. The A-Series fiberglass-clad windows are known for their architectural styling. According to the Andersen Windows website, the A-series is the best-performing, most energy-efficient windows, and doors the company has ever offered. There is a wide selection of glass options, including the optional HeatLock® technology for improved energy efficiency, multiple natural wood species, and finish options. There are five window styles available in the A-Series, including picture windows, double-hung, casement, specialty shapes, and awning windows.

What is the Warranty on Andersen A-Series Windows?

The A-Series offers a limited owner2owner transferable warranty with noted exclusions. Like most manufacturers, Andersen does not offer a blanket warranty on the entire unit. Instead, it offers specific coverage for each part. The warranty only applies to damage resulting from manufacturing defects, materials, and workmanship. Coverage for your windows begins at the time of purchase from the dealer and not when they are installed. All sections of the warranty are transferable to future owners for the remaining duration of the guarantee.

LEARN MORE: How to Read an Andersen Warranty

What Does Andersen’s Glass Warranty Cover for A-Series Windows?

The warranty for A-Series windows covers most standard glass packages against defects for a period of 20 years. Specifically, the contract protects against the development of stress cracks or any issues that will obscure vision for 20 years under normal conditions. If these issues develop, they must be the result of the same defects as noted above during manufacturing. Patterned glass has a separate mention and is warranted against the development of the same conditions above resulting from manufacturing defects or as a result of premature failure of the glass or organic seal for 20 years. 

The important things to know about the coverage of your A-Series windows are the specific exclusions mentioned and the options available if you use your coverage for a qualified claim. Certain types of glass such as special order glazings, discontinued glass, Andersen® art glass, insulated art glass, impact-resistant glass, or glass that is not factory installed by Andersen are not protected by the protection plan. It is vital that you check with your dealer or the manufacturer to find out if separate coverage is offered on these specialty items before choosing to have them installed.

What Does Andersen’s Parts Warranty Cover for A-Series Windows?

Andersen refers to the rest of the non-glass parts of their windows and doors as “components other than glass”. This includes hardware components such as nonelectric operators, locks, lifts, balance systems, hinges, handles, insect screens, weatherstripping, exterior trim, sash, and frame members. These parts have a limited warranty of ten years. Certain parts and special features have their own sections with modified terms. You should read these sections carefully to see if any parts of your window have different coverage from the non-glass parts section. 

There are also items that are excluded from coverage. Andersen electric window operators, retractable insect screens, or finishes on bright brass and satin nickel door hardware are listed as exclusions. If you are considering purchasing any excluded options, you should consult your dealer or the manufacturer to find out if separate protection is available and what those terms are if they are not mentioned in other sections of the agreement.

What is NOT Included in the Limited Warranty for A-Series

In addition to the exclusions mentioned in the sections above, Andersen also includes a list of specific situations and circumstances that the warranty will not cover. Labor and installation are not included in the product warranty.

Below is a list of some of the key points that are specifically excluded from your warranty plan. You should carefully read the sections for what is not included and the additional exclusions section for more information. Contact your vendor if you have any questions about excluded items. Unless noted, labor is not included in any covered repair.

Exclusions:

• Adjustments or corrections due to improper installation.
• Product modifications or glass shading devices
• Units improperly assembled or improperly mulled by others. 
• Failure due to the application of non-Andersen hardware 
• Failure to properly install Andersen hardware and/or exterior trim.
• Failure to remove protective film within recommended time frames
• Exposure to conditions beyond published performance specifications. 
• Improper maintenance

How Do I File a Claim for Covered Repairs on Andersen A-Series Windows?

The first thing to understand about your warranty is that it is not an insurance policy. It only covers your new doors and windows for manufacturing defects, or defective materials or workmanship. The warranty doesn’t apply if the glass is shattered by something hitting the window. The purpose of a warranty is to guarantee consumers that their new product will remain functional and in reasonable condition for a set period of time so they do not have to worry about the possibility of costly repairs in the near future.

If there is a defect with your new windows or doors that you believe is covered by the warranty contract, homeowners should begin the process by contacting their dealer or manufacturer directly. The warranty agreement provides an address, phone number, and website to begin your claim.  In order to expedite the process, Andersen requests that you provide the following information:

• Description of the product and inside visible glass measurements
• Glass logo information etched in the inside corner of the glass
• Description of product concerns
• Documentation of the purchase date, if available.
• Your contact information

For complete details of the process, see your contract or check the manufacturer’s website. If there is a defect that falls into the terms of the coverage, Andersen promises to resolve the situation in one of several ways including repairing the product, providing replacement parts from the retailer of the owner’s choice. or offer a refund for the original purchase price. Andersen has the final say in how it resolves warranty claims.

Dispute Resolution

If you are unhappy with the resolution of a warranty claim, or your claim is denied, you have the right to file a dispute with the company. The company requires that your dispute be filed in writing and provides instructions for you to download a form from their website. Andersen allows itself up to 60 days to reply and states that it will respond in writing. Additional terms notify purchasers that by accepting the warranty agreement, you waive your right to join a class-action lawsuit or to have a jury trial if you file a lawsuit.  There are instructions to opt out of this portion of the warranty agreement that includes filling out a form on the company’s website. Doing so will not affect your coverage. 

While the warranty isn’t the only thing homeowners should consider when purchasing replacement windows, it is crucial that you review the warranty before making a final purchasing decision so there are no surprises if problems arise later.  You should use a manufacturer-certified crew to handle the installation of your new windows to ensure that the terms of the warranty are not voided by a poor or improper job. 

Brennan is a window and door sales and installation company based in Arlington, Texas. We proudly serve North Texas homeowners, builders, architects, and designers. We also offer supply-only orders within the United States. If you’ve purchased an Andersen product from another company and have questions about your warranty, contact Andersen or your original contractor.