Start by Figuring Out Which Warranty Applies

Most replacement window and siding projects involve two different types of warranty protection.

• Manufacturer warranty: generally protects the product against covered defects under the manufacturer's written terms.
• Contractor workmanship warranty: generally protects against covered problems caused by the installation.

If your contractor closes, those two warranties can be affected very differently.

For a more detailed explanation, read our guide to manufacturer warranties versus contractor warranties .

What Happens to the Manufacturer Warranty?

In many cases, the product manufacturer's warranty is separate from the installing contractor.

That means the manufacturer's written warranty may still apply even if the contractor that originally installed the product is no longer operating, provided the claim otherwise qualifies under the warranty terms.

You may need documentation such as:

• Original contract or invoice
• Product manufacturer and model
• Installation date
• Warranty registration information
• Photos of the problem
• Serial numbers or product labels where applicable

The exact process depends on the manufacturer's warranty, so keep your project documents in a safe place.

What Happens to the Contractor's Workmanship Warranty?

This is where a contractor closing can become a much bigger problem.

A workmanship warranty is generally a promise made by the contractor that performed the installation.

If that business no longer exists, it may be difficult or impossible to obtain service under that promise unless another company or warranty program has legally assumed the obligation.

That is why a "lifetime workmanship warranty" should never be evaluated by the word lifetime alone.

You also need to consider the company making the promise.

A Lifetime Warranty Is Only Valuable if Someone Is There to Honor It

A newly formed contractor can offer a lifetime workmanship warranty just as easily as a company that has been operating for decades.

The words on paper may look similar.

The business history behind those promises may be very different.

Before placing significant value on a long workmanship warranty, ask how long the contractor has been in business and whether it has a permanent local presence.

Suburban Construction Inc. has served the Quad Cities since 1985 and continues to provide support before, during, and after installation.

Learn more about Suburban Construction's long-term service and support .

What if My Window Has a Seal Failure?

Condensation or fogging between insulated glass panes may indicate a glass seal issue.

If that condition is covered by the window manufacturer's warranty, the manufacturer may still have responsibility for the covered product component even if the original installing contractor is no longer operating.

The challenge is that you may now have to identify the window, locate the warranty documents, contact the manufacturer, document the claim, and possibly find another contractor to perform any required service.

That is one reason having an established installing dealer can make warranty service easier.

What if the Problem Was Caused by Installation?

This can be the more difficult situation.

Suppose the window itself is fine, but water is entering because of an installation detail. Or the siding panels are functioning as manufactured, but they were fastened incorrectly.

The manufacturer may determine that the product is not defective.

Normally, an installation-related problem would be addressed through the contractor's workmanship responsibility. If that contractor has closed, you may need to hire another company to diagnose and correct the issue at your own expense, depending on the circumstances and any other available coverage.

Manufacturer Warranty Coverage Does Not Always Include Labor

Another surprise can occur when a manufacturer approves a replacement product but the warranty does not cover every labor expense associated with replacing it.

For example, there may be costs associated with diagnosis, removal, installation, trim, shipping, or other service work depending on the warranty.

If the original contractor is still operating, that company may be able to help coordinate the process.

If the contractor is gone, the homeowner may need to handle those arrangements independently.

Product Identification Can Become a Problem Too

Years after installation, homeowners may not remember exactly which window series or siding product was installed.

If the original contractor has closed and the project paperwork is missing, identifying replacement parts or siding can become much more difficult.

This is especially important with siding, where product lines, profiles, and colors may change over time.

Keep your original invoices, manufacturer information, colors, product series, and warranty documents for as long as the products remain on your home.

Ask Who Handles Manufacturer Claims Before You Hire the Contractor

This is an excellent question to ask during the estimate:

"If I have a product warranty problem years from now, will you help me with the manufacturer?"

Some contractors may simply give you the manufacturer's phone number.

Suburban Construction takes a more hands-on approach. When customers have covered product concerns, our team helps assess the situation and coordinate manufacturer warranty claims rather than leaving homeowners to navigate the process alone.

Look for a Permanent Local Presence

A local office or showroom is not a guarantee that a company will remain in business forever, but it can be another indication that the contractor has established roots in the community.

Suburban Construction maintains its showroom and headquarters at 3602 North Harrison Street in Davenport.

Homeowners can visit the showroom, see products, ask questions, and return for assistance after installation.

Explore our Davenport home improvement showroom .

Check How Long the Contractor Has Actually Been Operating

A long warranty from a company that opened last year and a long warranty from a company that has operated for decades are not necessarily equivalent risks.

Ask:

• When was the company established?
• How long has it operated under the current name?
• Does it have a permanent local location?
• Does it provide service after installation?
• Can you independently verify its history?
• Does it have established relationships with its manufacturers?

Suburban Construction has served the Quad Cities since 1985.

Check the Contractor's Independent Business History

Before relying on a long-term warranty, take a few minutes to research the company offering it.

Look at independent reviews, accreditation, business history, complaint information, and how the company responds to customers.

Suburban Construction Inc. is a BBB Accredited Business with an A+ BBB rating.

View Suburban Construction Inc.'s BBB Business Profile

Keep Your Project Records

Even when you choose an established contractor, keep your documentation.

Save:

• Signed contract
• Final invoice
• Manufacturer name
• Product series
• Colors and finishes
• Window serial numbers where applicable
• Manufacturer warranty
• Workmanship warranty
• Warranty registration confirmation
• Photos of the completed project

Those records can make future repairs and warranty claims much easier, regardless of who performs the service.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Window or Siding Contractor

• How long have you been in business?
• How long have you served this area?
• Do you have a permanent local office or showroom?
• Who provides the product warranty?
• Who provides the workmanship warranty?
• What happens if I need service years from now?
• Will you help with manufacturer warranty claims?
• Can I get both warranties in writing?
• Is either warranty transferable?
• Can I independently verify your business history?