Understanding Your Window and Door Guarantee

Installation

Understanding Your Window and Door Guarantee

Guarantee paperwork can look dense, but the principles are straightforward. Here is what is usually covered, for how long, and what to check.

3 min read

A guarantee is only useful if you understand it, and most homeowners file it away unread at handover. This guide sets out the structure common to most window and door guarantees, so you know what protection you actually have.

Terms vary between manufacturers and installers, so always check your specific documentation, but the framework below covers what to expect and what questions to ask if anything is unclear.

What is usually covered

ElementTypical guarantee period
Aluminium frame and finish10–20 years, manufacturer dependent
Residence Collection frame10 years
Sealed glass units against internal misting10 years
Hardware, locks and hinges2–5 years
Installation workmanship10 years, insurance-backed where offered

These figures are typical guide ranges; always confirm the exact terms in your own documentation, since they vary by product range and installer.

Insurance-backed guarantees

An insurance-backed guarantee protects you if the installing company ceases trading during the guarantee period, since the cover sits with a third-party insurer rather than solely with the business. For a purchase of this size, it is worth asking specifically whether this is included.

What can invalidate cover

  • Modifications or repairs carried out by someone other than the manufacturer or an approved technician
  • Damage caused by incorrect cleaning products, such as bleach or abrasive pads
  • Failure to carry out basic maintenance, such as clearing drainage channels
  • Damage from external causes such as impact, extreme weather events or subsidence
  • Painting over a factory-finished aluminium frame

Making a claim

If you notice a genuine fault, such as misting between panes of glass, a failed seal or a hardware defect, contact your installer with your guarantee reference, a description of the issue, and photographs where possible. Most legitimate issues are resolved with a straightforward repair or replacement visit.

Questions

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