The short answer is no, a Home Service Plan (aka Home Warranty) from 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10) doesn’t cover windows.
In fact, it’s unlikely that any home warranty company will cover your home’s windows. Windows simply don’t fall under most warranty coverage. However, to help you approach window problems properly, we can give you some tips and tricks on how to maintain your windows and what to look for if you’re considering buying a house. Be sure to check out our 5 House Window Cleaning and Care Tips article for more ideas.
Does Any Insurance or Warranty Company Cover Window Problems?
There are two kinds of insurance or warranty that might cover window problems.
- Homeowners insurance
- The window manufacturer’s warranty
Homeowners insurance could cover a broken window under certain circumstances. For example, if you needed a replacement window from someone trying to break in or from a weather-related event (e.g., hail or wind), your homeowners insurance policy could cover it. In cases like these, you’d need to contact your homeowners insurance company. Your 2-10 Home Warranty wouldn’t cover this.
If you recently installed new windows, the manufacturer may have included a window warranty. However, it’s important for you to know that not all manufacturers warranties are the same. Different companies provide different coverage. If you’re considering a new window installation, be sure to ask the company about what their window warranty covers.
Common Problems With Home Windows
Over time, your home’s structural foundation may shift, or your windows may warp or wear out from age and the elements. This can affect your windows and cause problems that waste energy, fail to hold your house’s temperature, and may even let unwelcome critters in your home.
Some common window problems include the following:
- Letting in a draft
- Condensation buildup
- Windows that don’t seal properly, that get jammed, or won’t stay open
- Cracked, warped, or rotted windowsills
- Cracks in windows either due to debris, an accident, or an environmental disaster
- Old double-hung windows let out air too quickly
What Kinds of Window Problems Should You Look Out For?
If you’re already a homeowner, there are a few potential problems to look out for.
One of the most common problems is water leaks. Water leaks most commonly occur because of cracked or worn caulking. If you ever notice leaks around the sides or bottom of your windowsill, especially when it rains, you may need to recaulk. It’s important to do this as soon as you notice a leak! Unaddressed window leaks can lead to bigger problems, such as rot and mold.
Another common problem is an abundance of condensation (fog) on your windows. Too much of this fog can also cause cracking, rotting, warping, and mold. If you notice your windows fogging up for no good reason, try reducing the room’s humidity by running a fan or opening the window. If you still notice problems, you may need to call an expert to determine whether you have insulation issues.
If you’re looking to buy a home, make sure you ask about the windows, especially if you’re looking at an older house. Older houses often have windows that may not have modern insulated glass. This can cost you money in energy bills over time and make your house less comfortable.
Basics of Home Warranty Window Coverage
A 2-10 Home Warranty will not cover windows. Your best bet is to use the window care tips that we’ve put together to help you maintain your windows. And if you have window trouble caused by theft, weather, or an accident, your homeowners insurance policy can help.
When Are Window Repairs Covered by a Home Warranty?
Window repairs aren’t ever covered by a 2-10 Home Warranty. You may have heard about a builder’s warranty, which people sometimes mistake as a product that covers windows. However, that’s a common misconception about this product.
As a homeowner, you may not purchase a builder’s warranty (often called a structural warranty). This product is only available to home builders, and it only applies to newly constructed homes. However, if you’re a homeowner looking into purchasing a new-construction house, you can request that your builder cover your home with a 2-10 Structural Warranty. Be advised that a structural warranty does not cover windows themselves, however.
Conclusion
Although a 2-10 Home Warranty won’t cover your windows, we do have tips for how to maintain your windows. Check out some of our articles below.
- No More Drafts: How to Seal Your Windows
- 5 House Window Cleaning and Care Tips
- Where Does Your House Lose Heat the Most?
Although we don’t cover windows, a 2-10 Home Warranty can cover many of your home’s major systems and appliances against routine breakdowns. That can save you a ton of money. It can also save you time, since we have a network of licensed, local technicians to call upon, so you don’t have to.
