Weatherguard Window Warranty & Protection Plans
When you invest in replacement windows from Weatherguard Construction, your investment is protected by comprehensive warranty coverage that combines manufacturer product warranties with our own workmanship guarantee. This multi-layered protection gives homeowners in Minnesota, Illinois, and Colorado complete confidence in their window project.
Manufacturer Product Warranties
Every window installed by Weatherguard carries the full factory warranty from its manufacturer. Because we maintain certified installer status and follow exact manufacturer installation specifications, these warranties remain fully intact\u2014something that can't be guaranteed with non-certified installers.
- Pella Limited Lifetime Warranty: Covers frame, sash, hardware, glass, and screens for as long as you own your home. Includes glass breakage coverage and labor for warranty repairs during the first two years.
- Marvin Limited Lifetime Warranty: Comprehensive coverage on frame, glass, hardware, and finish. Marvin's warranty is transferable to subsequent homeowners, adding value at resale.
- Andersen Owner-to-Owner Warranty: One of the industry's strongest warranties, covering glass, non-glass components, and hardware for 20 years with limited lifetime frame coverage. Fully transferable.
- Kolbe Limited Warranty: 10-year coverage on glass seal failure and 20-year structural frame warranty. Kolbe's warranty reflects their commitment to precision manufacturing.
Weatherguard Workmanship Warranty
In addition to manufacturer coverage, every Weatherguard installation carries our 5-year workmanship warranty covering:
- Installation integrity\u2014proper shimming, leveling, and anchoring
- Flashing and waterproofing\u2014protection against water infiltration
- Insulation\u2014proper foam application around window perimeters
- Interior and exterior trim\u2014fit, finish, and caulking
- Operational function\u2014smooth operation of all sashes and hardware
If any installation-related issue arises within 5 years, Weatherguard returns to correct it at no cost to the homeowner. No fine print, no deductibles, no hassle.
What's Covered vs. What's Not
Understanding warranty coverage helps homeowners set proper expectations. Here is a clear breakdown of what falls under warranty protection and what does not:
Covered under manufacturer warranty:
- Insulated glass unit seal failure (fogging between panes)
- Frame and sash structural defects in materials
- Hardware malfunction under normal use
- Factory-applied finish defects (peeling, fading, chalking beyond normal weathering)
- Screen mesh and frame defects from manufacturing
Covered under Weatherguard workmanship warranty:
- Water infiltration caused by installation error
- Air leakage due to improper sealing or shimming
- Trim separation, caulk failure, or flashing issues from installation
- Operational problems caused by incorrect installation alignment
Not covered under warranty:
- Damage from severe weather events (covered by homeowner's insurance)
- Normal wear and weathering of exterior finishes over time
- Condensation on exterior glass surfaces (a sign of high-performance insulation, not a defect)
- Damage from improper cleaning products or methods
- Alterations or modifications made by parties other than Weatherguard
How to File a Warranty Claim
If you experience any issue with your Weatherguard-installed windows, the claims process is straightforward:
- Contact our office: Call (651) 300-6555 or submit a service request through our website contact form. Provide your project address and a brief description of the issue.
- Assessment scheduling: A Weatherguard service technician will schedule a visit\u2014typically within 5 business days\u2014to inspect the issue in person.
- Determination: We determine whether the issue falls under manufacturer product warranty or Weatherguard workmanship warranty. If it is a manufacturer claim, we handle all communication and paperwork with the manufacturer on your behalf.
- Resolution: Warranty repairs are typically completed within 2-3 weeks. For glass seal failures requiring replacement units, manufacturer lead times may extend the timeline to 4-6 weeks.
Transferable Warranties & Home Resale Value
Replacement windows are one of the highest-ROI home improvements, and transferable warranty coverage adds measurable value at resale. Both Marvin and Andersen offer fully transferable warranties, meaning the remaining coverage passes to the new homeowner when you sell your home. Pella's warranty also transfers with proper documentation. When listing your home, providing warranty documentation and proof of certified installation demonstrates quality workmanship and gives buyers added confidence in the property.
Warranty Comparison by Brand
| Coverage Area | Pella | Marvin | Andersen | Kolbe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frame & Sash | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | 20 Years |
| Glass Seal | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | 20 Years | 10 Years |
| Hardware | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | 10 Years | 10 Years |
| Glass Breakage | Included | Not Included | Not Included | Not Included |
| Transferable | Yes (with documentation) | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Labor Coverage | 2 Years | 1 Year | 2 Years | 1 Year |
Extended Protection Plans
For homeowners seeking maximum protection, Weatherguard offers optional extended protection plans that extend workmanship coverage to 10 years and include annual inspection visits. These plans provide proactive maintenance that can identify and address minor issues before they become major problems. Extended plans include priority scheduling for service calls and discounted rates on any non-warranty repairs or modifications.
Maximizing Your Warranty Investment
To get the most value from your window warranty coverage, keep all documentation organized including your purchase agreement, installation records, warranty registration confirmation, and any correspondence with the manufacturer. Register your warranty within the required timeframe after installation, typically thirty to sixty days. Schedule annual window inspections to catch potential issues early before they become costly problems that might fall outside warranty coverage. Weatherguard provides all necessary warranty documentation upon project completion, handles registration with the manufacturer on your behalf, and remains available for warranty-related questions and service requests throughout the life of your windows. Our dedicated warranty support team ensures you receive prompt attention whenever warranty service is needed.
Understanding Warranty Registration Requirements
Proper warranty registration is essential to activating your full coverage. Most manufacturer warranties require registration within thirty to ninety days of installation to secure the maximum coverage terms. Weatherguard Construction handles all warranty registration on behalf of our customers, submitting documentation directly to the manufacturer upon project completion. This includes your purchase agreement, installation date, product serial numbers, and proof of certified installation. We provide homeowners with confirmation of successful registration along with digital and physical copies of all warranty documentation for their records.
Failure to register your windows within the manufacturer's specified timeframe can result in reduced warranty coverage or denial of future claims. By managing this process for you, Weatherguard eliminates the risk of registration errors or missed deadlines that could compromise your warranty protection.
Seasonal Considerations for Warranty Coverage in the Midwest
Living in Minnesota, Illinois, or Colorado means your windows face some of the most demanding climate conditions in the country. Temperature swings from minus twenty degrees in winter to ninety-five degrees or higher in summer put extraordinary stress on window materials, seals, and hardware. The warranty coverage provided by Pella, Marvin, Andersen, and Kolbe specifically accounts for these conditions when windows are installed by certified contractors following manufacturer specifications. This is one of the most important reasons to choose a certified installer like Weatherguard—non-certified installation may void warranty coverage for precisely the climate-related failures that are most likely to occur in our region.
Common Warranty Misconceptions
Many homeowners misunderstand what their window warranty covers and what actions can inadvertently void their coverage. One common misconception is that any contractor can perform warranty repairs. In reality, manufacturer warranties typically require that warranty service be performed by authorized service providers to maintain coverage. Another misconception is that exterior condensation on windows indicates a defect. In fact, exterior condensation on high-performance windows is actually a sign that the insulated glass unit is working properly, preventing interior heat from warming the outer pane. Understanding these distinctions helps homeowners make informed decisions about their window care and warranty claims. Weatherguard's customer service team is always available to answer warranty questions and help distinguish between warrantable issues and normal window behavior in our northern climate.