What are typical warranty terms and liability considerations for manufacturers of a glass curtain wall system?

Warranty and liability terms for glass curtain wall systems must be carefully structured to allocate risk between manufacturer, fabricator, and installer. Standard manufacturer warranties typically cover materials and workmanship for five to ten years, with separate warranties for glazing coatings, sealants, and hardware. For high-value projects in the Middle East and Central Asia (Dubai, Riyadh, Almaty, Tashkent), owners often seek extended system warranties or performance guarantees, which may include remedial obligations for air/water leakage or thermal performance shortfalls.

Liability considerations include defective materials, installation negligence, and consequential damages such as interior water damage or tenant interruption. Manufacturers should clearly define warranty scope: whether it is limited to replacement of defective components or includes labor for removal and reinstallation. Exclusions commonly apply for damage from improper maintenance, extreme environmental events, or unauthorized modifications.

Contractual safeguards include performance bonds, third-party inspection obligations, and milestone-based payment tied to mock-up acceptance and successful commissioning. For cross-border projects, clarify jurisdiction, governing law, and dispute resolution mechanisms (arbitration vs. courts) to avoid unenforceable provisions. Ensure suppliers carry adequate product liability and professional indemnity insurance, and list minimum cover limits in procurement documentation.

Finally, include clear maintenance schedules and owner responsibilities in the warranty to minimize disputes. For Gulf and Central Asian clients, provide local service support options and spare-part stocking plans to expedite warranty repairs and reduce downtime.