A reputable glazier in New Zealand should provide a workmanship warranty covering the quality of their installation, separate from any product warranties that come from glass or frame manufacturers. While there is no single fixed minimum period set specifically for glazing workmanship across the board, most professional glaziers offer between one and five years on their labour, and you are also protected by the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA) regardless of what any written warranty says.
What the Consumer Guarantees Act Means for You
The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 is your baseline protection as a homeowner. Under the CGA, any glazing service must be carried out with reasonable care and skill, be fit for purpose, and be completed within a reasonable time. If the work fails to meet these standards, you have the right to have it remedied — even if the written warranty period has expired, provided the fault is one that a reasonable person would not have expected to occur so soon.
This means that even if a glazier offers only a 12-month written warranty, the CGA may still protect you for longer if a defect arises from poor workmanship. For more on your rights, Consumer NZ has useful plain-English guidance.
Typical Warranty Periods to Expect
Here is a general guide to what you might expect from a professional glazier:
| Item | Typical Warranty Period |
|---|---|
| Workmanship / installation labour | 1–5 years |
| IGU (double-glazed unit) seal failure | 5–10 years (manufacturer) |
| Aluminium frames | 10+ years (manufacturer) |
| Glass breakage | Generally not covered |
| Sealants and gaskets | 2–5 years |
These are approximate guides only — always ask your glazier to spell out exactly what is and isn't covered before work begins.
What a Good Workmanship Warranty Should Cover
A solid workmanship warranty from a glazier should clearly state:
- What is covered — e.g. seal failure due to poor installation, leaks around frames, glass movement or rattling caused by incorrect fitting
- What is excluded — e.g. accidental breakage, storm damage, normal wear and tear, or damage caused by building movement
- The warranty period — start date and end date
- How to make a claim — who to contact and what process to follow
- Whether it is transferable — useful if you sell your home
Always get the warranty in writing. A verbal promise is much harder to enforce.
Product Warranties vs Workmanship Warranties
It is important to understand the difference between these two types of cover:
- Product warranties come from the manufacturer of the glass, frames, or sealed units. For example, an insulated glass unit (IGU) used in double glazing typically carries a manufacturer's warranty against seal failure — often 5 to 10 years. Ask your glazier for the manufacturer's documentation.
- Workmanship warranties cover the glazier's own installation quality — how well they measured, cut, fitted, sealed, and secured the glass.
If an IGU fails because the glazier installed it incorrectly (e.g. wrong edge clearance, damaged seal during fitting), the workmanship warranty should apply, not just the product warranty.
NZ Building Code Considerations
Glazing work in New Zealand must comply with the NZ Building Code, particularly Clause E2 (External Moisture) for weathertightness and Clause F2 (Hazardous Building Materials) for safety glazing in critical locations such as near doors, low-level panels, and bathrooms. Safety glass requirements are also covered under NZS 4223.
If glazing work requires a building consent, the installation must meet these code requirements. Some glazing replacements (like-for-like) may be exempt under Schedule 1 of the Building Act — but always confirm with your local council before assuming consent is not needed. MBIE Building Performance has detailed guidance on when consent is required.
Red Flags to Watch For
- No written warranty offered at all
- Warranty excludes virtually everything in the fine print
- Glazier cannot provide manufacturer documentation for IGUs or frames
- No mention of compliance with the NZ Building Code
- Pressure to pay in full before work is inspected
Tips for Protecting Yourself
- Get at least two or three quotes and compare warranty terms, not just price
- Ask whether the glazier is a member of the Glass Association of New Zealand (GANZ) — members are expected to uphold industry standards
- Keep copies of all invoices, warranties, and product documentation
- Photograph the completed work before making final payment
- Check that any IGUs are marked with the manufacturer's details (most reputable units are etched or labelled)
When to Call a Professional
Glazing involving safety glass in critical locations, fire-rated glazing, structural glazing, or any work requiring a building consent must be carried out by a qualified glazier. While homeowners can replace minor items like a cracked pane in a low-risk location, anything involving weathertightness, height, or safety-critical areas should be left to a professional. You can find qualified local glaziers on tradedirectory.co.nz.
If you have a dispute with a glazier over warranty work, Consumer NZ and the Disputes Tribunal are good starting points for resolution.
Sources & Further Reading
- Consumer NZ – Your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act
- MBIE Building Performance – Building consent information
- BRANZ – Building research and best practice
- WorkSafe NZ – Safety on the job
- Standards NZ – NZS 4223 Glazing in Buildings
- Licensed Building Practitioners – Finding licensed tradespeople
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