Chances are quite good that you were not the person who picked out the existing windows in your home. Either you bought the home from someone who was living there previously or in the case of a new home, the builder picked out the windows. This is all well and good until something goes wrong with one of your windows. The seal may start to leak, the latch might not work properly, or perhaps the glass breaks.
In the event that there is a problem with your window, it helps to be able to identify the window's manufacturer. It may be that there is a warranty still in effect; if the window is under warranty, the manufacturer could repair it or replace it, and at little or no cost to you. Even if the warranty period has expired, it would be helpful to know the manufacturer of your window so that you can obtain the correct replacement window.
At first glance, it can seem like a hopeless task to identify a window's manufacturer if you do not have the paperwork from the original purchase of your home's windows. The good news is that there are ways to effectively identify the window's manufacturer, and all it takes is a bit of sleuthing.
First, look around the edges of the window for some type of sticker. Especially with newer windows, the manufacturer will apply a small sticker that shows the window's manufacturer and model number. Once you find this sticker, you can copy down the information and take it to a window contractor or a local building supply store to see if you can arrange for repairs or order a window replacement . If a window is covered by a manufacturer's warranty, it is very likely that you will find a sticker.
If you cannot find the sticker that was placed by the window's manufacturer, continue your examination of the window to see if the information is engraved or etched onto the window instead. If your window has a metal spacer in between the panes, the window's manufacturer may have noted the information you will need in this location.
There are other options to help track down your window's manufacturer even if the window contains no identifying information. If you know the builder of your home, give them a call to see if they can access the paperwork for your home to identify the windows manufacturer. They might even be able to stop by your home and visually examine your window to see if they can remember the manufacturer.