FYI: Lessons re: replacement windows

[Kelly G.]

Greetings 

I have been researching replacement windows for my SFH in Milwaukee, WI and have been amazed at what I've learned - so I thought I'd pass this along.

Be very cautious about - and Read - the warranty Before you choose a window company/contractor!!!  

I looked into 5 different window manufactures:  Zen Windows; Soft-Lite; Vinyl Kraft; Okna; and Ply Gem.  I wanted a Lifetime Warranty will full (or reasonably full) transferrability - for 'investment' purposes;  if I'm going to spend $5k >< on windows - and since I don't know how long I will own this rental - I want to spend my $$ well!

Only 2 of the 5 companies I considered offered a Lifetime Warranty for a SFH "rental": Zen Windows and Okna Windows (though I had to call Okna and get clarification in writing). Most other companies limited their warranty to 10 years. NOT good enough for me as I've already had seal failures on windows I had installed 10 years 6 months ago! (fortunately I did get a full Lifetime warranty w/ that company - though at the time I had not thought about the 'rental' aspect as Mom was living there).

Soft-Lite, and Ply Gem require the original purchaser to "reside" in the property - obviously that doesn't work. Soft-Lite said a SFH "rental" would be covered under their "commercial" warranty which they sent me for review. But right there at the top, in bold print their "commercial" warranty states:  "Commercial/Non-Residential" - Despite several emails - they could not resolve this apparent discrepancy.  

Another consideration is failure of the seal between window panes.  You might want to ensure that the warranty address the formation of "condensation" between the panes.  Some warranties (Vinyl Kraft) address "dust or film" between the panes, but I'm not sure a lawyer (if ever needed) would consider "condensation" or water - the same as a "film";  I wouldn't.  Other companies clearly state that the "condensation" between the panes is an indication of the seal failure and IS covered under their warranty.  

Just thought I would pass this along 

Happy Landlording

Kelly