If you’re shopping for replacement windows, you’ve likely come across Andersen Corporation, a window and door manufacturer with a sparkling reputation for high-quality windows. Andersen Windows is a company well-known for its energy efficiency features, durable window framing, and wide selection of window types and series. But you may be wondering how Andersen Windows warranties work and how they stack up compared to other window providers.
Companies like Andersen that have strong warranties may be more expensive initially, but the long-term protection on your investment makes this up-front cost worth it. Keep reading for a comprehensive review of Andersen Window warranties.
- Price Range: $1,200+
- Glass and Hardware Warranty: 10–20 years
- Labor Warranty: 2 years
- BBB Rating: A+
- State Availability: 47 states
- Installs its own patented Fibrex framing
- Includes a transferable 20-year warranty on glass and a 10-year warranty on nonglass materials
- Holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
- Doesn’t carry aluminum, fiberglass, or wood frames
- Can have long wait times between consultation and installation, according to customer reviews
You can purchase the following window styles from Renewal by Andersen:
- Awning
- Bay/bow
- Casement
- Double-hung
- Picture
- Sliding/gliding
- Specialty windows with geometric shapes
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
How Long Is the Andersen Window Warranty?
Andersen provides different warranties for its window series, such as its E-series, A-series windows, and 400 Series windows, along with unique warranties on its patio doors. Unfortunately, with such a diverse array of product lines, figuring out coverage can be frustrating when browsing Andersen products. But I’ve summarized the most common warranty coverage types below to make it as easy to understand as possible:
20-Year Glass and Fibrex Warranty
This warranty protects you if the glass or Fibrex material has any manufacturing or workmanship defects for the first 20 years from the purchase date. If any faults are found or the glass breaks, Andersen will replace or repair the window at no additional cost to you. In the window industry, this is a relatively standard coverage period for glass unless you go with a company like Castle Windows, which offers lifetime glass warranty coverage.
10-Year Hardware Warranty
The hardware warranty guarantees that all Andersen-manufactured hardware components are free of defects for 10 years from the purchase date. This can include screens, locks, handles, hinges, weather-stripping, and more. So, if the lock on your window breaks off or fails, you can put in a claim for free replacement parts if you are within 10 years of the purchase date. This is a relatively standard warranty period for hardware.
5-Year Installation Warranty
The labor warranty guarantees your windows in the case of improper installation for five years from the window installation date, as long as you have the windows installed by an Andersen-certified contractor.
For specific warranty information, explore Andersen’s sample warranty section to learn about coverage for individual products.
Andersen Warranty Periods Compared to Competitors
So, how does Andersen’s warranty compare to its competitors? My research found that Andersen has an average warranty period for the industry. Despite advertising a strong limited lifetime warranty, parts of its warranty are about average, with hardware coverage only receiving 10 years or coverage and labor receiving five years.
| Andersen | Pella* | Castle Windows | |
| Glass coverage warranty in years | 20 | 20 | Lifetime |
| Frame coverage warranty in years | 20 | 10 | Lifetime |
| Hardware coverage warranty in years | 10 | 10 | Lifetime |
| Labor/Installation warranty in years | 5 | 2 | Lifetime |
It’s important to note that if you install Andersen windows yourself, you void the labor and installation warranty coverage. Watch the following video on how to choose an Andersen-certified installer to avoid this issue:
What Does the Andersen Warranty Cover?
Warranty coverage varies based on the window series purchased through Andersen. For the following example, I looked into Andersen’s Limited Warranty for its popular 400 series, 200 series, and patio doors.
This warranty includes 20-year glass coverage, which provides for common issues like material changes in appearance due to manufacturing defects or premature failure of the organic seal or glass. The grilles and tempered glass are also guaranteed to be free from defects for 20 years. Its 10-year transferable limited warranty on components other than glass includes issues due to manufacturing defects, accidents, “Acts of God, ” and normal wear and tear — although the fine print says this is at the Andersen dealer’s discretion.
If your windows are installed by an Andersen-certified installer, they’re also covered by the installation limited warranty. This coverage lasts for five years from the date of original installation and covers problems due to improper original installation.
I’ve also found that Andersen provides five years of warranty coverage for windows and doors with wood exteriors depending on the type of window you’re interested in purchasing. This is less than its Fibrex line and something to keep in mind.
Overall, most Andersen products are covered by 20 years for glass, 10 years for hardware, and five years for labor-related issues, assuming you have an Andersen-certified installer to replace your windows.
Like most window providers, installing the windows yourself or improper maintenance can void your warranty. To avoid this messy situation, always read the specific warranty for your new windows closely for any fine print and exclusions, and make sure to use a certified installer.
What Doesn’t the Andersen Warranty Cover?
Andersen’s warranties come with several exclusions including:
- Improper use and maintenance. Incorrect usage and repairs, such as failing to properly seal the wood components, could negate your warranty.
- Improper installation by non-certified installers. Andersen’s installation limited warranty only covers improper installation by Andersen-certified installers.
- Accidents and natural occurrences. Damage caused by accidents, weather, chemicals, or airborne pollutants isn’t covered. Normal wear and tear is also not covered under the installation limited warranty.
- And more. Specific window components may have additional exclusions and limitations. You can refer to the product warranty documentation that you received upon purchase or installation for more information.
How to File an Andersen Warranty Claim
If you need to file an Andersen warranty claim, take the following steps:
- Gather as much documentation as possible, including photos, proof of purchase, contractor information (if installation services-related), and details about when the problem started.
- Fill out the contact form on Andersen’s website or scroll to the bottom of the page and enter your city or zip code to locate information on your local Andersen retailer.
- Call the provided phone number to speak with a local retailer, or wait until an Andersen representative contacts you.
- Provide any information requested by the representative to speed up your claim process.
- If you run into a dispute, don’t be afraid to reach out again with further questions and information so you can continue with your dispute resolution.
When starting the warranty claim process, be sure to have your proof of purchase, photos documenting the issue, and specific details on when the problem started. Providing complete information up-front will help expedite the claim.
DIY Warranty Repairs Vs. Hiring a Professional
Professional window installation can easily add hundreds of dollars to your home improvement project, which isn’t ideal, no matter what your budget is. However, most of us don’t have the necessary tools and experience to safely and correctly install new windows. For example, installing an awning window typically requires climbing a tall ladder, which many homeowners aren’t comfortable with due to the dangerous risk of falling. In this case, a professional installation is certainly the way to go.
Another issue is that an improperly installed window can cost you far more money than the initial contractor fee. If a window is improperly installed, it can lead to air leaks, quickly raising your energy bills or even damaging the new window itself or your home’s structure.
Most importantly, an Andersen-certified installation means you won’t void the labor warranty coverage and, possibly other parts of the coverage if you improperly install the frame, glass, or hardware. If you void this warranty, you could need to replace the glass, hardware, grille, or more yourself — a far more expensive situation than having the windows professionally installed.
How Can You Receive an Andersen Warranty?
Andersen window warranties should be included with your purchase. The installation limited warranty is only included if you go with an Andersen-certified installer. However, it is recommended that you register your windows with Andersen to make sure they have the correct details. They will need your contact information, the product type, product series, quantity, and installation date.
Transferring the Warranty When Selling Your Home
A major benefit of the Andersen warranty is that it’s transferable to new homeowners if the windows are included in the sale of your home. This is a huge bonus for interested buyers because they receive high-quality windows with their new home and a warranty that continues to protect the windows afterward. If you’re considering selling your home, bring up this transferable warranty to your real estate agent so they can appropriately value your home, including the protection from the warranty.
Key Takeaways on Andersen’s Window Warranty
Overall, I have found that Andersen window products have standard warranties among the top window providers in the industry. There weren’t any massive red flags or exclusions that I came across, but the warranty also wasn’t a standout in terms of how long the coverage was effective.
Most windows are only expected to last between 15 and 20 years, so a 20-year glass and Fibrex warranty should be sufficient for most homeowners. If certain products from Andersen, like its ENERGY-STAR-certified windows or glazing options, catch your eye, this is still a company I recommend. They’re backed by a fantastic reputation, high-quality products, and energy-efficient solutions. The transferable warranty is another significant benefit for anyone who may sell their home in the next few years because of the added value.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
FAQs About Andersen Window Warranties
Andersen offers warranties with different coverage, depending on the window series and type. If an Andersen-certified contractor installs the new windows, most Andersen products have 20 years of glass and Fibrex coverage, 10 years of hardware coverage, and a five-year labor warranty.
Andersen windows aren’t guaranteed for life. Unlike companies like Castle Windows, Andersen offers a limited warranty with a maximum of 20 years of protection on glass, 10 years on hardware, and only five years on installation.
Visit the Andersen website and submit a contact form requesting help, or call the phone number of a local Andersen retailer. Then, provide the necessary information, such as proof of purchase, photos of your windows, and other information about when the problem occurred. This will allow your Andersen representative to assess the situation and provide you with the necessary support valid under your window warranty.
Most window providers offer window installation warranties of one to five years. Labor warranties are usually much less extensive compared to other parts of the window warranty, such as the hardware or glass.
Renewal by Andersen windows are made from high-quality, energy-efficient materials, which add to the average window cost of its products. Energy-efficient windows typically have several panes of glass, low-E glazes, and other pricier materials that make them more expensive up-front. However, Andersen products are investments that can save you significant money in the long run. Andersen also offers a solid warranty, giving you extra protection should your window have defects, which adds to the overall cost.
Andersen’s installation limited warranty covers “failure to perform” due to improper original installation for five years. However, this coverage is only for windows that were installed by an Andersen-certified installer.
