The majority of replacement doors and windows for homes are manufactured in the mainland and shipped to Hawaii. It makes sense economically to do this, as Hawaii is not really equipped for large-scale manufacturing.
Hawaii offers unique challenges for any kind of building material because of high levels of ultraviolet light and salt. Salt is one of the most corrosive agents found in nature and Hawaii is surrounded by it.
Quality windows that work well in California, Texas or Washington often are not equipped to deal with the elements Hawaii has. Products most susceptible are the screens and hardware, as they contain metal and have the most direct exposure to the elements.
Major manufacturers have become aware of this fact, and as a result, have special warranties for Hawaii, as these companies know what the elements will do to its products, and don’t want to be liable.
If you go online and check out various manufacturers, the warranty will say, “Limited Lifetime Warranty,” but in the fine print you will find disclaimers if you live in Hawaii, on an island or within two to three miles of the ocean. Most companies then limit its warranty on screens and hardware (the elements that wear out first) to two to three years. Companies also charge for shipping and labor to replace.
At Diamond Head Windows, the company decided to change this scenario, as it has encountered too many homeowners who thought that their windows were covered by warranty, only to be shown the fine print once they had problems. The company negotiated with Amerimax — an international building supply manufacturer — about a full lifetime warranty covering screens, hardware, frames, glass and accidental glass breakage, as long as you live in your home.This product and warranty has been very successful in Hawaii. Some competitors — who are not able to match the warranty — then tell consumers not to worry because its dealership will repair their windows.
The maxim Diamond Head Windows follows with any warranty or sale is this, “If it isn’t written, it isn’t true.” If the manufacturer is not willing to support its windows in Hawaii for more than two years, what does that tell you? If a salesperson wants to offer a “personal guarantee,” will the salesperson or his/her company be around when the need arises? Many company warranties have a clause at the end stating that its warranty can’t be altered or added to by a salesperson.
In addition to the manufacturers’ lifetime warranty, Diamond Head Windows also offers a lifetime “installation warranty,” should your window ever leak, or have any issues not covered by the manufacturer.
Protect your home and your investment. If you’d like more information, or a free estimate to replace windows or doors in your home, contact Mark McKinstry of Diamond Head Windows at 419-7500.
DIAMOND HEAD WINDOWS & DOORS
contact // 419-7500
web // diamondheadwindows.com
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