2024-03-10 7 min read Garage Door Company Brea
# Warranty Comparison: What Every Homeowner Should Know
When investing in a new garage door or major repair, understanding warranty coverage is crucial. Not all warranties are created equal, and knowing what's covered—and what isn't—can save you thousands of dollars down the road. This guide breaks down everything homeowners need to know about garage door warranties.
Manufacturer warranties cover defects in materials and workmanship of the door itself. These warranties vary significantly:
Limited Lifetime Warranty: Covers the door panels and sections for as long as you own the home. However, "limited" means there are exclusions and conditions.
10-25 Year Warranties: Common for mid-range doors, these cover structural defects for a specified period.
Hardware Warranties: Springs, hinges, rollers, and other hardware typically have separate, shorter warranties (often 1-5 years).
Reputable installers provide separate warranties covering their workmanship. At ${siteConfig.name}, we offer a ${siteConfig.warranty} warranty on all installation work, ensuring that if any issue arises from the installation itself, we'll fix it at no charge.
Garage door openers have their own warranty structure: - Motor: Often warranted for 5-10 years or lifetime - Parts: Typically 3-5 years - Accessories: Usually 1-2 years
Understanding inclusions helps you know when you can make a claim:
Materials: Defects in steel, aluminum, wood, or composite materials used in construction
Finish: Many warranties cover paint and finish against fading, chipping, or peeling (conditions apply)
Hardware: Manufacturing defects in springs, hinges, rollers, and brackets
Structural Integrity: Warping, bowing, or deformation due to material defects
Equally important is understanding what's NOT covered:
Normal wear and tear: Springs, weatherstripping, and other parts that naturally wear out over time
Improper installation: If not installed by an authorized dealer or certified professional
Lack of maintenance: Failure to maintain the door as specified in the owner's manual
Modifications: Any alterations to the original door or system
Acts of God: Damage from storms, floods, earthquakes, or other natural disasters
Cosmetic damage: Dents, scratches, or other damage from use
Commercial use: Residential warranties typically don't cover commercial applications
When shopping for a new garage door, compare warranties using these criteria:
Longer isn't always better if coverage is limited. A 25-year warranty with extensive exclusions may provide less protection than a comprehensive 10-year warranty.
Can the warranty transfer to new homeowners if you sell? Transferable warranties add value to your home.
Read the fine print. "Lifetime warranty" means different things to different manufacturers.
How easy is it to make a claim? Some manufacturers require specific documentation or have strict timelines.
Pro-rated warranties decrease in coverage over time. Non-pro-rated warranties provide the same coverage throughout the warranty period.
We stand behind our work with one of the best warranties in the industry:
${siteConfig.warranty} Workmanship Warranty: Every installation and repair we perform is guaranteed for three years. If anything we installed or repaired fails due to workmanship, we fix it free.
Parts Warranty: We use premium parts and pass along manufacturer warranties to you.
Satisfaction Guarantee: ${siteConfig.guarantee}
Store your warranty paperwork, installation receipts, and maintenance records in a safe place. Digital copies are even better.
Most warranties require regular maintenance. Keep records of: - Annual professional inspections - Lubrication schedules - Part replacements
Many warranties require repairs by authorized professionals. DIY repairs or using non-certified technicians can void your warranty.
Most warranties require you to report problems within a specific timeframe. Don't delay if you notice an issue.
If you need to make a claim:
1. Document the issue: Take photos and notes describing the problem 2. Gather paperwork: Find your warranty documents and proof of purchase 3. Contact the appropriate party: For installation issues, call your installer. For product defects, contact the manufacturer. 4. Follow up in writing: After phone calls, send an email summarizing the conversation
Before purchasing a garage door, ask these warranty questions:
1. What exactly is covered under this warranty? 2. What are the exclusion and conditions? 3. Is the warranty transferable? 4. What maintenance is required to keep the warranty valid? 5. How do I make a claim if needed? 6. Do you provide a workmanship warranty separate from the manufacturer warranty?
At ${siteConfig.name}, we're happy to answer all your warranty questions. Call ${siteConfig.phoneFormatted} for a free consultation and honest advice about protecting your garage door investment.