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Andersen Window and Door Warranties Explained: What they actually cover (and what they don’t)

June 12, 2026 | By Pat Ward

Though “windows and doors” might sound limiting, Andersen manufactures a lot of products. At C&L Ward, we carry the full line of Andersen products, which includes different materials and custom design choices to give you the widest range of options. All come with a Transferable Limited Warranty, or an “OWNER2OWNER” Limited Warranty.

This Transferable Limited Warranty means that Andersen transfers their warranty to us, C&L Ward, as an Andersen Certified Elite Contractor. From there, we are able to transfer this warranty to you, the client, to ensure you get all the protections Andersen offers. 

Not every contractor takes the time to clearly explain what your warranty includes, what it doesn’t, and what mistakes to avoid. At C&L Ward, we believe that every homeowner deserves to know and understand the details of their warranty. 

C&L Ward’s Andersen-trained and certified employees have installed more than 200,000 windows and doors. We want all of our clients to understand the protections available to them and help you to keep your warranty for as long as possible.

While C&L Ward sells and installs Andersen products, our goal here is not to convince you to buy Andersen. Our goal is to help you understand exactly how Andersen warranties work so you can make informed decisions whether you purchase from us or someone else. 

By the end of this article, you’ll understand exactly what Andersen covers, what can void your warranty, and how to avoid costly mistakes that many homeowners don’t discover until it’s too late.

Table of Contents

What’s Covered in an Andersen Window & Door Warranty?: A Quick Guide

Manufacturing defects are covered. Glass defects are covered within warranty terms. Installation mistakes, improper maintenance, aftermarket modifications, and/or accidental damage are not covered. Labor cost coverage varies.

What do Andersen’s Window and Door Warranties Cover?: In-depth

At C&L Ward, we carry the Andersen 100-Series, 200-Series, 400-Series, A-Series, and E-Series. Each series comes with its own warranty, 20 years of protection on glass, and 10 years of protection on non-glass parts. 

Because these warranties come from Andersen, they are manufacturer warranties. This means that Andersen will cover defects as a result of the manufacturing process, but not issues resulting from labor or installation.

“In the event a component other than glass fails as a result of a defect in manufacturing, materials or workmanship within the limited warranty period, Andersen, at its option, will: (1) provide replacement parts to the Andersen retailer/dealer you specify — labor is not included; or (2) provide a factory-authorized repair to the existing component at no cost to you; or (3) refund the original purchase price. Such replacement parts or repairs are warranted for the remainder of the original limited warranty period.”

If your Andersen window or door fails to perform because of a manufacturing defect, Andersen may take one of three paths to resolve the issue: 

  1. Andersen may provide replacement parts to your Andersen retailer/dealer of choice. Andersen will not pay for the labor, meaning the cost of installation is not included. 
  2. The parts could also be repaired, which can be free of charge if approved by Andersen. In this case, Andersen does not provide replacement parts. Rather, Andersen approves and pays for a retailer/dealer to repair your damaged window or door part. 
  3. Andersen may refund you for the price of the product (not including the price of labor and installation). In this case, no repairs are made and no replacement parts are sent. The cost of the window or door is refunded to you, but the cost of labor and installation are not.

NOTE: Our Peace of Mind guarantee backs all Andersen products installed by C&L Ward. This guarantee is what protects your labor and installation, but does not cover any part of the manufacturing process. The manufacturer’s warranty, described above, is covered by Andersen.

What Mistakes Do Homeowners Make that Void Their Andersen Warranties?

1. Improper installation

If not installed correctly, the warranty on your Andersen window or doors could be voided the day it arrives. If you or someone you hire messes up, any damages incurred are not covered by Andersen.

SCENARIO:

A homeowner hires a handyman who improperly flashes a window. Water damage appears six months later. Since the issue stems from installation rather than manufacturing, Andersen's warranty would not apply.

2. Use of non-Andersen hardware, paints, stains, or other modifications

If your window is damaged as a result of aftermarket products, your Andersen warranty will not cover repairs. This applies to modifications to glass (for example, tinting your window panes) and non-glass (such as mounting a security system sensor) alike. 

Paints and stains are also considered modifications. Paint can lead to increased heat absorption, especially on vinyl windows, which can cause the product to warp or malfunction. Color should only be handled by the manufacturer or a certified professional, not at home. 

3. Improper maintenance or cleaning

Andersen provides strict guidelines on how to safely clean your windows or doors. The use of brickwash, razor blades, sealants, sanding, or improper washing—with abrasive cleaners or harsh solvents—may damage your product and void your warranty. 

The use and pressure of a power washer can also damage your window. Unless it is a direct result of a defect in manufacturing, materials, or workmanship, water damage isn’t covered under warranty. 

4. Installing a storm door over or with a patio door

It may sound counterintuitive, but installing a storm door over your patio door can do more harm than good. Metal is a great conductor, which means metal storm doors are excellent at trapping heat. This leads to poor ventilation and high temperatures that can warp or damage your Andersen product.

Because of this, installing a storm door atop your patio door will void your warranty. 

How to Avoid Common Mistakes and Preserve Your Andersen Warranty

1. Hire an Andersen Certified Elite Contractor

While Andersen’s manufacturer’s warranty won’t cover labor, a quality contractor will offer their own warranty that does. Get an Andersen Certified Elite Contractor who can provide Andersen’s warranty and can offer their own additional protections. 

For example, C&L Ward offers a Peace of Mind Guarantee on all window and door installations for as long as you own your home. This guarantee is our promise that if a problem arises due to the quality of our installation, C&L Ward will pay for the materials and labor needed to resolve the issue. 

2. Paint professionally

Andersen windows are available in up to 50 standard exterior colors and 7 Anodized finishes. If you want your product to be a specific color, order it in one of these standard options or have it custom finished by a contractor.

A trained professional, like those in C&L Ward’s in-house Finishing Department, can prepare, color, and seal your product in a way that will preserve its integrity and last for years to come. An at-home paint job puts the appearance and performance of your windows or doors at risk in ways an expert can avoid. 

3. Clean in accordance with manufacturer recommendations

Andersen provides a full webpage of Product Care and Maintenance. To safely clean your window or door, they advise wiping away loose debris with a dry, soft cloth and using mild soapy water (or a mild detergent and water solution) to gently wipe the product. After, dry with a clean cloth. 

4. Protect your patio door without a storm door

Outside of snow, Michigan doesn’t see too much extreme weather. Authorized insect screens are permitted within Andersen’s warranty and should do a fine job of protecting against small debris.  If you are concerned about the exposure of your patio door, consider adding a simple awning (above frame and trim) to provide additional protection.

What is not included in Andersen’s Full Warranty?

Beyond these four instances, Andersen outlines several circumstances not covered by this Limited Warranty.

In addition to any other limitations or exclusions in this Limited Warranty, Andersen shall have no obligation for product failure, damage or costs due to or related to the following:

  • Product modifications or glass shading devices (e.g., glass tinting, security systems, improper painting or staining, insulated coverings, etc.).
  • Units improperly assembled or improperly mulled by others.
  • Failure due to the application of non Andersen hardware (e.g., locksets, trim sets, hinges, panic hardware, closers, etc.).
  • Failure to properly install Andersen hardware.
  • Adjustments or corrections due to improper installation.
  • Improper installation or use, including use of a non-commercial door as a main entrance or exit door for a building other than a single-family residential unit or re-installing an Andersen window or door after it has been removed from a building and re-sold and/or re-installed in a different building.
  • Exposure to conditions beyond published performance specifications.
  • Water infiltration other than as a result of a defect in manufacturing, materials or Workmanship.
  • Condensation.
  • Improper maintenance, such as use of brickwash, razor blades, sealants, sanding or improper washing.
  • Chemicals or airborne pollutants, such as salt or acid rain.
  • Delivery by others.
  • Accidents.
  • Acts of God.
  • Normal wear and tear.
  • Installing a storm door over or with a patio door.
  • Deterioration, movement or casualty in the frame, jamb, wall or building within which the product has been installed.

Common Myths About Andersen Warranties

  • Myth: Andersen covers all repairs.
      • Fact: Andersen will cover defects as a result of the manufacturing process, but not issues resulting from labor or installation. 
  • Myth: Labor is included.
      • Fact: Depending on what repair is necessary, the cost of labor may or may not be included. This is determined by Andersen, not the installers.
  • Myth: Every contractor can transfer the warranty.
      • Fact: Not every contractor can transfer Andersen’s OWNER2OWNER Limited Warranty. Only Andersen or an Andersen Certified Elite Contractor may offer this warranty. 
  • Myth: Window damage is always covered.
    • Fact: Window damage is not always covered. Read your specific warranty carefully to fully understand what is and is not included, and under what circumstances. 

What could it cost if you accidentally void your warranty?

Accidentally voiding your warranty can lead to costly repairs down the line.

SCENARIO:

Let's say a homeowner installs aftermarket window tint to reduce glare. Two years later, the glass develops heat-related stress cracks. Because the tint altered the performance of the glass, Andersen may deny warranty coverage.

DIY-tint might sound cheaper upfront, but the cost to repair that altered glass could be upwards of a thousand dollars.

Issue: Replacement sash. Potential cost: $300-$800. Issue: Glass replacement. Potential cost: $500-$2,000 or more. Issue: Patio door replacement. Potential cost: several thousand dollars.

Questions to Ask Before Purchasing Andersen Windows

Is installation covered?

Andersen’s manufacturer warranty covers defects in the product itself, not installation errors. Ask your contractor whether they offer a separate workmanship or labor warranty.

What labor warranty does the contractor provide?

Some contractors offer no workmanship warranty, while others offer coverage ranging from a few years to lifetime protection. Understanding this distinction can save thousands in future repair costs.

Is the installer Andersen Certified?

Andersen Certified Contractors meet manufacturer training requirements and may be able to offer additional warranty protections unavailable through non-certified installers.

What maintenance requirements must I follow?

Ask for written maintenance instructions and warranty documentation before installation so you understand what cleaning methods, modifications, and repairs could affect coverage.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Voided Your Andersen Warranty

Each Andersen product warranty is slightly different. If you think you may have voided your warranty, or are unsure if a repair will be covered by your warranty, the first thing you should do is find your original warranty paperwork. 

From there, look to see what is or isn’t covered. Oftentimes, part of your warranty may not apply, but other aspects can still be serviced. For example, maybe a stray baseball cracked your glass a few years back. Now, your window lock has stopped working properly. Andersen’s warranty won’t cover that damaged glass, but they will fix that lock if the malfunction is due to a manufacturing defect.

If you aren’t sure whether your product is protected under warranty or not, the best way to check is by reaching out to an expert. If your window was installed by C&L Ward, you can submit a Service Request Form online. Our team will be happy to help you navigate the process.

If you are considering purchasing new Andersen windows, you can Schedule a Consultation with one of our in-home consultants. They’ll answer any questions you may have, including warranties and how we back our installations.

How to File an Andersen Warranty Claim

  1. Gather product information
  2. Take photos
  3. Contact installer (If it is not an install warranty issue, homeowners may skip this step and submit their ticket directly to Andersen.)
  4. Contact Andersen
  5. Understand the review timeline

FAQs

Is Andersen's warranty transferable?

Yes. Many Andersen products include the OWNER2OWNER Limited Warranty, which can transfer to subsequent homeowners under specific conditions.

Generally, no. Andersen warranties primarily cover manufacturing defects, not installation errors.

Common causes include improper installation, aftermarket modifications, improper maintenance, and installing a storm door over certain patio doors.

It depends on the cause. Manufacturing defects may be covered, while accidental breakage often is not.

For many homeowners, Andersen’s warranty provides meaningful protection against manufacturing defects, especially when paired with a contractor’s workmanship warranty.