The windows in your house are double pane with an inert insulating gas sealed between the panes. Occasionally, this seal fails, and moisture will appear in the space between the two panes of glass. If this happens, the window must be replaced; however, you are in luck, as they are warranted by the manufacturer. If you have Weathershield windows, used in Del Webb-built houses, there is a twenty-year warranty. If you have Simonton windows, used in Pulte-built houses, there is a ten-year warranty.
The Weathershield warranty states: “For the first ten (10) years from the date of purchase, no charge will be made for providing replacement glass or a sash glazed with insulated glass. Thereafter, up to 20 years, the consumer will be charged for fifty percent (50%) of the then-list price.” You will be responsible for paying for the installation labor by a Weathershield dealer. You can find a dealer at the web site.
The Simonton warranty covers replacement glass at no charge for the first ten years; however, you will have to pay for the installation labor. This warranty can be transferred to one subsequent owner of the house for a $50 fee and must be done within thirty days after the date of the transfer. Simonton windows have no warranty after ten years.
The best time to inspect your windows is on a cold day. If there is a seal failure, you will see moisture between the two panes of glass. If it is below freezing, you may even see ice. It is a good idea to inspect all the windows in your house twice a year. Right now, all the windows in Sun City are still under warranty, but in the next few years, the warranties will start expiring.
If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home, submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com.
1 Comment
I just wanted to update your article. As of April 2010 Weather Shield updated its warranty which now offers 20 years toward its products and glass (no pro rated timeline). Additionally, it also provides a 10 year transferrable warranty to subsequent owners–which is a great feature that isn’t offered with all window manufacturers. I copied the first paragraph of the Weather Shield warranty for your background information.
Thank you for your consideration.
WEATHER SHIELD warrants that its products and insulated glass shall be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of TWENTY (20) YEARS unless specified below.
Should any WEATHER SHIELD products or components of products be determined by WEATHER SHIELD to contain defects in material or workmanship within the applicable warranty period, WEATHER SHIELD will, at its option, repair the products or components at no charge, or provide replacement products or components at no charge, or refund the original purchase price of the products containing the defective components.