A handrail is both an aesthetic element and a safety feature. You want to feel confident that it will retain its attractive appearance and its integrity, so knowing that your handrail comes with a robust warranty is reassuring. However, not all handrail warranties are created equal. When shopping, it’s wise to take the time to read the details of the product’s warranty. Do you know what to look for in a handrail warranty?
What to Look for in a Handrail Warranty
A warranty is the manufacturer’s promise to stand behind their product. While you can opt to pay extra for service contracts, extended warranties, and other programs, there is no additional charge for a warranty. It is included in the purchase price.
What does a warranty cover? That varies widely, so savvy consumers know that it is vital to read and understand the warranty included with any product they purchase. Are you planning to enhance your interior or exterior living spaces with new handrails? While colors, materials, styles, and prices are important, don’t make the mistake of overlooking the warranty. Here’s what to look for in a handrail warranty:
Duration
How long does the warranty last? You want a handrail that will deliver decades of reliable service. That means you should probably look for a warranty that suggests that the manufacturer expects their product to stand the test of time. While some products come with short-term warranties, you’ll also find top-quality handrails that are crafted with first-rate materials and meticulous attention to detail that come with limited lifetime warranties.
Coverage
What exactly is covered by the warranty? Does the warranty protect you against defects in the materials that make up the handrail? Is the finish covered? What about the workmanship that went into creating the finished product? All three of these factors play a major role in the performance and lifespan of a handrail. Ideally, all three should be included in the warranty.
Conditions or Limitations
Are there conditions or limitations that might make the warranty less useful or valuable? Most warranties only cover normal and proper use, so you’ll want to avoid any actions that might be considered abusive. Some warranties require that certain maintenance be performed. Failure to perform required maintenance voids the warranty. Other products are only under warranty for residential use, so installing them in a commercial or public setting would invalidate the warranty. That’s why it’s important to read through the warranty before making your purchase. If you want a warranty that will protect your investment, you need to verify that your intended usage is a good fit for the warranty being offered.
Claims Handling
If the product fails, what happens? When reviewing a warranty, it’s important to explore how a claim would be handled. Do you contact the seller or the manufacturer? Will they repair the handrail or replace it? Could you opt for a refund instead? Would you have to ship back the damaged handrail? If so, is the original packaging required? Understanding your options and the difficulties you are likely to face when trying to make a claim under a warranty can help you evaluate the true value of the warranty.
The Company Behind It
Arguably the most important aspect of any warranty is who is offering it. Fantastic promises sound great, but they won’t do you any good if the company is unable or unwilling to stand behind them. When weighing a warranty, look carefully at the company making the promises. Do they have a solid reputation? How long have they been operating? What is their customer service like? How can you find out? Do a little research. Visit the company’s website and scroll through their social media activity. Check out their rating with the Better Business Bureau or contact the state’s consumer protection office. Reading testimonials from previous customers can also be enlightening.
Aluminum Handrail Direct
Now that you know what to look for in a handrail warranty, are you ready to begin shopping? At Aluminum Handrail Direct, we’ve been providing exemplary, maintenance-free handrails directly to our customers for more than 15 years. We source made-in-the-USA extrusions and components and utilize local powder coating facilities so that we can keep a careful eye on production and quality. We’re confident that our products deliver excellent value. That’s why we stand behind them with a limited lifetime warranty that protects our customers from any defects in either the materials or the workmanship. We also promise that the finish on our handrails won’t crack, peel, blister, flake, or rust, so you can feel confident that they’ll stand the test of time.
Available in a variety of colors, textures, and styles, aluminum handrails are a fantastic way to simultaneously add visual appeal and safety to your home. Check out Aluminum Handrail Direct’s online store today to explore our full selection of quality handrails.