Window Manufacturer for warranty?

secutanudu · 04-18-2010, 02:53 PM

I bought my house about 2.5 years ago. Approximately half the windows in the house, or 7 windows, are permanently fogged up. I am wondering if they may be under warranty. They were purchased by a previous homeowner. Newer-style vinyl double-hung 2-pane windows.

I see the label below on the upper part of the top sash. The H.D. Smith company (I've never heard of them) appears to own a bunch of window companies. Also, they are located in Maryland, and I am in NY. Any way to find out who actually made them? This is the only marking I see on either window sash.

Is something like this usually covered? I see it says 04/11 on them, so maybe that's a warranty expiration date.

Any advice would be great, thanks.

troubleseeker · 04-18-2010, 03:46 PM

I'd try contacting the H.D.Smith Company, wherever you can locate them and talk to a service or warranty department tech. That long number that looks like an automobile VIN probably tells them everything they need to know about where and when the window was manufactured. The fogging is due to seal failure, and should not happen on units that are only a couple of years old. Unfortunatley, the equipment and technology has become widely available that allows many local vinyl window manufacturers to spring up (and often soon fail), many with less than envious quality control, and warranties that are not worth much. If your windows were a local manufacturer operating under a licensing agreement with the parent company of the H.D. Smith CO, they may be willing to stand behind the faulty units.
I have never heard of this company before, but good luck.

**kwikfishron** · 04-18-2010, 03:47 PM

Most, but not all window warrantees disappear when the house is sold. It’s worth looking into but don’t get your hopes up.

Good Luck.

secutanudu · 04-18-2010, 08:31 PM

Worth a shot, we'll see tomorrow I guess. Thanks.