What warranty terms and supplier obligations are customary for curtain wall supply, fabrication, and on-site support?

Curtain wall contracts typically specify a combination of product warranties, workmanship warranties, and performance guarantees. Manufacturer material warranties commonly range from 5 to 10 years for components such as frames, coatings, and hardware; IGU edge seals and insulating gas warranties are often 5–10 years with reduced coverage thereafter. Fabricator workmanship warranties also commonly span 1–5 years, while some suppliers offer extended performance guarantees for air and water tightness conditional on compliance with maintenance regimes. Supplier obligations should be explicit: defect rectification within defined response times, replacement of defective components at supplier cost, provision of technical support and certified installers, and assistance with site acceptance testing. For large projects, require performance bonds or retainage to secure warranty obligations and specify conditions under which warranties are voided (e.g., unauthorised modifications or failure to follow maintenance schedules). Include clear protocols for warranty claims, inspection, and dispute resolution, and require suppliers to carry product liability and professional indemnity insurance. For internationally delivered façades, address logistics support for spare parts and remote technical assistance plus on-site commissioning support during critical phases. Ensure warranties specify the start date (typically date of practical completion or handover) and mechanisms for transferring warranties to new owners. Clear, commercially robust warranty terms aligned with realistic maintenance obligations reduce long-term risk and align supplier incentives with quality delivery.