Baldwin Door Hardware Assurance: What You Need To Know!

Understanding Your Baldwin Door Hardware Warranty

This guide explains everything you need to know about the Baldwin door hardware warranty, ensuring you’re informed about coverage, claims, and important exclusions. We’ll break down the details to help you protect your investment and understand your rights as a Baldwin customer.

What the Baldwin Door Hardware Warranty Covers

Baldwin’s warranty aims to protect consumers from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. It’s important to understand the specific types of coverage offered. The length of the warranty can vary depending on the specific product and finish.

Mechanical Warranty

This component focuses on the internal mechanisms of your Baldwin door hardware.

• Coverage Length: Mechanical warranties typically range from a limited lifetime warranty for the original purchaser of the product, ensuring your hardware functions correctly for as long as you own your home.
• What’s Covered: Issues related to the locking mechanisms, levers, cylinders, and other internal components that prevent the hardware from functioning properly. For instance, a latch that consistently fails to retract would be covered.
• What’s Not Covered: Damage caused by misuse, improper installation, unauthorized repairs, or normal wear and tear. Damage from external factors, such as forced entry, is also excluded.

Finish Warranty

The finish warranty protects the appearance of your Baldwin hardware against defects.

• Coverage Length: The duration of the finish warranty varies significantly depending on the type of finish.
  • Lifetime Polished Brass: Typically carries a shorter finish warranty due to the natural tendency of brass to tarnish.
  • Living Finishes (e.g., Oil Rubbed Bronze): These finishes are designed to change over time, so their warranties, if offered at all, will be limited.
  • Protective Finishes (e.g., PVD): These are designed for durability and often carry longer finish warranties, sometimes even lifetime.
• What’s Covered: Peeling, flaking, bubbling, or significant discoloration under normal environmental conditions.
• What’s Not Covered: Normal tarnishing, fading due to UV exposure, scratches from daily use, or damage caused by harsh cleaning products. Also, living finishes are specifically excluded from warranty coverage related to finish changes.

How to Determine Your Specific Warranty Period

Determining the exact warranty period for your Baldwin hardware requires some research.

1. Keep Your Proof of Purchase: This is essential. The warranty period typically starts from the date of purchase.
2. Consult the Product Packaging: Original packaging usually includes warranty information.
3. Review the Baldwin Website: The Baldwin website provides detailed warranty information for their product lines. You can often search by product name or model number.
4. Contact Baldwin Customer Service: If you can’t find the information you need, contact Baldwin’s customer service department. Have your purchase date and product information readily available.

Steps to File a Baldwin Door Hardware Warranty Claim

Filing a warranty claim with Baldwin requires a systematic approach.

1. Identify the Problem: Clearly define the issue you’re experiencing with your hardware. Is it a mechanical malfunction or a finish defect? Document the issue with photographs or videos if possible.
2. Gather Documentation: Collect your proof of purchase, product information (model number, finish), and any other relevant documentation related to the installation or use of the hardware.
3. Contact Baldwin Customer Service: Reach out to Baldwin’s customer service department to initiate the claim. You’ll likely need to provide them with the documentation you’ve gathered.
4. Follow Baldwin’s Instructions: Baldwin will likely ask you to return the defective hardware for inspection. Follow their instructions carefully regarding packaging and shipping.
5. Await Resolution: Baldwin will evaluate your claim and determine if it’s covered under the warranty. If approved, they will either repair or replace the defective hardware.

Common Reasons for Warranty Claim Denials

Several factors can lead to the denial of a Baldwin door hardware warranty claim. Understanding these potential pitfalls can help you avoid them.

• Lack of Proof of Purchase: Without a valid proof of purchase, Baldwin has no way of verifying the purchase date or that you are the original purchaser (if required by the warranty).
• Improper Installation: Incorrect installation can damage the hardware and void the warranty. It’s essential to have Baldwin hardware installed by a qualified professional or to follow the installation instructions precisely.
• Misuse or Abuse: The warranty doesn’t cover damage caused by misuse, abuse, or neglect. This includes using the hardware for unintended purposes or subjecting it to excessive force.
• Unauthorized Repairs: Attempting to repair the hardware yourself or having it repaired by an unauthorized technician can void the warranty.
• Normal Wear and Tear: The warranty typically doesn’t cover normal wear and tear, such as minor scratches or fading of the finish over time.
• Failure to Follow Cleaning Instructions: Using harsh cleaning products or abrasive materials can damage the finish and void the warranty. Always follow Baldwin’s recommended cleaning guidelines.

Maintaining Your Baldwin Door Hardware to Protect Your Warranty

Proper maintenance is critical to preserving the longevity and appearance of your Baldwin door hardware and protecting your warranty.

• Regular Cleaning: Clean your hardware regularly with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Lubrication: Periodically lubricate the moving parts of your hardware with a silicone-based lubricant to ensure smooth operation.
• Avoid Harsh Environments: Protect your hardware from exposure to harsh environmental conditions, such as salt air or extreme temperatures.
• Promptly Address Issues: If you notice any problems with your hardware, address them promptly to prevent further damage.
• Consult the Baldwin Website for Specific Care Instructions: Specific care instructions may be different depending on the finish and product. Consult Baldwin’s website.

Baldwin Door Hardware Warranty: Key Takeaways

Here’s a quick recap of essential points regarding your Baldwin door hardware warranty:

• Coverage Varies: The type and length of coverage depend on the specific product and finish.
• Proof of Purchase is Crucial: Keep your proof of purchase handy.
• Follow Proper Installation and Maintenance: Incorrect installation and poor maintenance can void your warranty.
• Understand Exclusions: Be aware of common reasons for warranty claim denials.
• Contact Customer Service for Assistance: Don’t hesitate to reach out to Baldwin’s customer service department if you have any questions or concerns.

So, armed with this info about the baldwin door hardware warranty, you’re all set! Hopefully, you won’t need to use it, but it’s good to know you’re covered. Rock on and enjoy your beautiful Baldwin hardware!