Vinyl Siding Warranty

A vinyl siding warranty is often actually comprised of two separate warranties – the product portion from vinyl siding manufacturers and an installation portion from the company installing the siding. The only time these two are combined is when the same company manufactures and installs the product. Discover some of the basic terms and coverage so you’ll be better able to decipher the jargon and know how to better compare vinyl siding warranties.

Basics Of A Vinyl Siding Warranty

Companies that offer better warranties on products and/or service usually do so because they are confident in the quality that they offer. Therefore, finding a quality vinyl siding warranty is usually an indication that you will be selecting a high quality product that will last. It is also important to have an installation warranty if there should be a problem with the siding soon after it is installed.

Separate vs. Combined Vinyl Siding Warranty
If you have siding installed by the company that manufacturers the siding, you will likely get a combined warranty that covers problems related to both the product and the installation. If you hire vinyl siding contractors, then you will receive two warranties, one covering the product from the manufacturer and one covering the installation from the installer.

Why Combined Is Better
Having one that covers both the product and installation is beneficial for a few reasons. You can deal with the same company no matter what type of problem arises and don’t have to deal with each company trying to pass the blame off to the other. Also, you don’t have to worry that something the installer did voids the product warranty. This is a factor to consider closely when choosing an installer because you don’t want to receive a great product warranty, only to find out that if you need it, it’s null and void because of something your installer did or did not do at the time of installation.








Pay Attention To What Voids Warranties

As mentioned above, when you have the same company manufacture and install your siding, you can usually rest assured that you are fully covered under the terms of the warranty. But, if someone else is installing the siding, make sure you know what will and will not void the product warranty before you get started. This is especially true if you are installing the siding yourself. You don’t want to go through all of the expense of a new vinyl siding installation only to find out that when you need to use the warranty, it is not valid because of something that happened years before. Most product warranties will not cover damage to or problems with their product that are a result of improper installation. Therefore, it is important that your installer covers you for anything that may be a result of their installation, so you are covered one way or another.

“Life Of The Structure”

Life of the Structure warranties means that the manufacturer will warrant both their product and the installation or any problems that arise due to installation errors for the life of the structure. This is often done by manufacturers that authorize specific installers to install their product because they know that they know how to properly install their product.

Your Part In Staying Covered
You will play some part in how effectively you are covered. First, make sure you ask any potential installers what they warrant against and check with manufacturers about the warranties they offer. Get all terms in writing and read it completely. You want to make sure you understand what is covered and not covered and what voids the terms. Make sure you register it and then store it, along with any other pertinent information you will need to provide if you need to make a claim (such as the original bill of sale), in a safe place and remember where you put it. This will make it easier for you to contact the company if you run into any problems down the road.

Typical Terms
Each vinyl siding product will carry its own specific terms. Even among the same manufacturer, different products may have different warranty terms so it is important to thoroughly check the terms for any particular product you are considering. As a general rule, most higher-priced vinyl siding products will contain more extensive coverage because the products are higher quality, but this may not always be the case.

Each vinyl siding installer may offer different terms, or even none at all. It is best to check up front with what is covered, how long it is covered, what the remedy is if there is a problem and how you go about getting something done if you should run into a problem. Knowing this before you purchase will make you better informed later so there are no surprises down the road.

What Can Void Warranties

Warranties will all differ slightly, but here are some of the conditions that you may find listed that will void the manufacturer’s responsibility for remedying the situation:

• Negligence
• Fire
• Acts of God, lightening, wind, flood
• Improper installation or maintenance
• Accidental damage or intentional acts of abuse
• Settlement of the structure
• Exposure to pollutants or chemicals
• Insect infestation or water damage

Warranties Need To Be Registered And Active
Usually the purchaser is required to read and sign the terms of the agreement and then must send the warranty agreement back to the manufacturer or installer within a specified period of time, along with proof of purchase or an invoice marked ‘paid in full.’ Some companies will allow purchasers to activate warranties online. Be sure that once it is sent back or registered online that you receive some proof that it was received and is now active. Then hold onto that confirmation with the original warranty.

What To Do If Something Happens To Your Siding
It is best to know early what you need to do in case you have a problem and need coverage under your warranty. Some companies will require you to contact them within a specified period of time after the damage occurs, some will require photos, original documents, receipts, etc. If you know what you need up front, you’ll be better prepared should a problem occur later.

ABTCO Siding Warranty
Their TimberCrest Premium Plus vinyl siding line offers a 25 year warranty against fading.

Alcoa Siding Warranty
Alcoa offers a limited lifetime warranty on their siding. This covers most defects for the original owner of that house. The warranty also covers additional owners for up to 50 years after the date of installation.