When you’re investing in new windows and doors for your home in the Greater Toronto Area or Southern Ontario, you’ll see plenty of companies promoting a “lifetime warranty.” But what does that really mean? And how is it different when you buy directly from a manufacturer that also installs and services what it makes?
Key Takeaways
No universal definition: In Canada, “lifetime warranty” is not defined by law. Each company sets its own terms.
Ontario rules: Under the Consumer Protection Act, warranties must be clear and in writing for purchases over $50.
Fine print matters: Many “lifetime” warranties are limited to certain parts, exclude labour, or are not transferable.
Longevity counts: A warranty only matters if the company is still around to honour it.
Manufacturer advantage: A warranty from a company that designs, manufactures, installs, and services its own products offers stronger accountability.
Nordik’s difference: The 25-Year “No-Bull” Warranty covers product, installation, and service — all under one roof.
What “Lifetime Warranty” Actually Means in Ontario
There is no government-issued, universal definition of “lifetime warranty” in Canada. The meaning depends entirely on the company’s written contract.
It could mean:
The lifetime of the original owner (non-transferable if you sell).
The lifetime of the product, which often raises questions like: When does a product’s lifetime end — when it fails?
Or, different lifetimes for different parts (glass, hardware, seals), while labour and installation may not be covered at all.
Under Canada’s Competition Act, companies cannot make misleading warranty claims. If a “lifetime warranty” gives homeowners a false impression that coverage lasts forever in every situation, regulators may treat it as deceptive. In Ontario, the Consumer Protection Act adds another safeguard: for big purchases like windows and doors, warranty terms must be clear, written, and accessible.
Know Your Consumer Rights in Ontario
When reviewing warranties, it helps to know the laws that protect you as a homeowner:
Competition Bureau of Canada — Warranties and guarantees : Companies cannot make misleading warranty claims. If a “lifetime” promise creates an impression they cannot reasonably honour, it may be challenged.
Government of Ontario — Your rights under the Consumer Protection Act : For purchases over $50, warranties must be clear, written, and provided in your contract.
Pro Tip
Always keep a copy of your warranty documents. If you ever need to make a claim, written proof is your strongest protection.
This information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Why “Lifetime” Often Doesn’t Mean What You Think
Homeowners across the GTA and Southern Ontario often discover that a “lifetime” warranty:
Excludes installation and labour. You might get a free replacement part, but you’ll still pay to have it installed.
Declines over time. Some warranties become pro-rated, meaning coverage drops as the product ages.
Doesn’t transfer easily. Selling your home may void or reduce the warranty, unless you pay a fee.
Varies by component. The frame might be covered differently from the glass or the hardware.
So while the word “lifetime” sounds reassuring, the actual coverage may be less valuable than it appears.
A Homeowner’s Warranty Checklist
Before choosing a window and door provider, ask:
Scope – Does it cover product, installation, and service?
Duration – Is it really lifetime, or limited by product type or original owner?
Transferability – Will coverage follow the home if you sell it?
Pro-rating – Does protection shrink as years go by?
Exclusions – Are common issues or labour costs excluded?
Accountability – Who’s responsible: the manufacturer, the installer, or both?
Longevity – How long has the company been in business, and will it still be there in 10, 20, or 25 years to honour your warranty?
Nordik’s Approach: End-to-End Accountability Since 1982
Most companies in Ontario either manufacture windows and doors or install them. Nordik does both — and more.
We design and manufacture our own windows and doors in Ontario.
We install them with our own trained crews.
We service them with our own in-house service department.
We’ve been serving Ontario homeowners since 1982 — a 40+ year track record you can trust.
That means no finger-pointing between manufacturer, dealer, and installer. One company takes full responsibility for your purchase — from the factory floor to the service call years down the road.
And we back it all with our 25-Year “No-Bull” Warranty :
25 years of coverage in plain language. Increased from 20 years in 2020.
Product, installation, and service included — all in one document.
One accountable partner — the same company that built your windows and doors will service them if needed.
Conclusion: Why Clarity and Longevity Matter
For homeowners in the GTA and Southern Ontario, replacing windows and doors is one of the largest upgrades you’ll make to your home. Don’t get caught up in buzzwords like “lifetime warranty.” Look for clarity, accountability, and staying power.
With Nordik, you’re working with a company that has been serving Ontario since 1982 — and that designs, manufactures, installs, and services everything it sells, backed by a transparent 25-Year “No-Bull” Warranty. That means fewer headaches, no runaround, and protection you can actually count on.
So, if you’re looking to upgrade your home with newer, better windows and doors without having to learn Legalese, book a free consultation and quote now . We’ve got you covered.