Effective Date: Jan 9, 2025

GATZA is committed to delivering high-quality products backed by robust warranties that meet or exceed industry standards. Our warranties cover defects in materials and workmanship under normal use, subject to the terms and conditions outlined below. This warranty applies to products purchased directly from GATZA or authorized distributors.

General Warranty Terms

Coverage Options: GATZA, at its sole discretion, may choose to refund, repair, or replace a product found to be defective under warranty. Replacement products or parts are warranted for the remaining duration of the original warranty period or 90 days, whichever is longer.

Exclusions: Warranties cover the cost of the product or affected components only. Costs associated with removal, reinstallation, shipping, labor, or incidental damages (e.g., downtime, lost profits) are not covered unless explicitly stated.

Claim Process:

To file a claim, contact GATZA at contact@modernstairsusa.com Provide:

Original order number or proof of purchase.

A detailed description of the issue.

Photos or videos clearly showing the defect or damage.

GATZA may request the return of defective parts for inspection or testing at our expense. Failure to comply may result in claim denial.

All claim resolutions (e.g., repair, replacement, refund) are at GATZA’s discretion.

Maintenance Requirements: Products must be installed, used, and maintained in accordance with GATZA’s provided instructions and the “Care and Maintenance” guidelines. Failure to comply voids the warranty.

Non-Transferable: Warranties are non-transferable and apply only to the original purchaser.

Limitations: Warranties do not cover:

Damage due to misuse, abuse, neglect, or improper installation.

Normal wear and tear, including minor scratches or cosmetic changes that do not affect functionality.

Damage caused by “Acts of God” (e.g., floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, lightning).

Unauthorized modifications or repairs.

Products used for purposes other than their intended application.

Product-Specific Warranties

1. Metal Products

Warranty: GATZA warrants that all metal products (e.g., railings, stringers, brackets, plates) are free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for 10 years from the date of purchase.

Structural Integrity: Custom-manufactured metal products are warranted for structural integrity for 10 years, provided they are installed per GATZA specifications.

Conditions:

Exterior applications of the FLIGHT product line must be disclosed at the time of purchase to ensure appropriate material selection.

Products not installed per GATZA guidelines or used for unintended purposes (e.g., supporting non-GATZA components) void the warranty.

2. Wood Products

Warranty: GATZA warrants the structural integrity of custom-manufactured and GATZA-finished wood products for 5 years under normal use.

Exclusions:

Wood products not finished or sealed by GATZA are not warranted.

Stain color retention, color matching, or finish performance (e.g., fading, peeling) are not covered.

Damage due to improper storage, exposure to excessive moisture, or failure to follow maintenance guidelines voids the warranty.

3. Glass Products

Warranty: GATZA warrants that glass panels are free from defects (e.g., chips, scratches, manufacturing errors) upon delivery. Defective panels will be replaced at no cost if reported within 5 business days of delivery.

Conditions:

Claims for damaged or defective glass must be filed before installation. Installed glass is not eligible for replacement under this warranty.

Third-party glass mounting hardware voids the warranty. Only GATZA-supplied hardware is covered.

Glass is not warranted for breakage or damage after delivery unless caused by a manufacturing defect.

4. Finish Warranties

a. Standard Powder Coat

Warranty:

Interior Projects: 5 years against fading, adhesion failure, or corrosion due to finish failure.

Exterior Projects: 1 year against fading, adhesion failure, or corrosion due to finish failure.

Performance Standards:

Color retention: <5 Delta E (CIELAB).

Chalk resistance: Rating of 8 or better (ASTM D4214).

Gloss retention: Minimum 30% retention (ASTM D523).

Conditions:

Not warranted within 10 miles of saltwater unless explicitly approved by GATZA.

Not warranted on 2205 stainless steel in coastal environments due to potential chipping or fading.

Excludes damage from physical impact, abrasion, or chemical exposure.

Not covered in cases of “Acts of God.”

Best Use: Interior or non-coastal exterior environments with minimal weathering.

b. Fluoropolymer Powder Coat

Warranty: 10 years against fading, adhesion failure, or corrosion due to finish failure for both interior and exterior applications, including coastal environments.

Performance Standards:

Color retention: <5 Delta E (CIELAB).

Chalk resistance: Rating of 8 or better (ASTM D4214).

Gloss retention: Minimum 50% retention (ASTM D523).

Conditions:

Not warranted on 304 stainless steel within - Not warranted on 304 stainless steel within 10 miles of saltwater due to material limitations.

Excludes damage from physical impact, abrasion, or chemical exposure.

Not covered in cases of “Acts of God.”

Coverage for Successful Claims:

Years 0–5: 100% of affected product cost covered.

Years 5–6: 75% of affected product cost covered.

Years 6–7: 65% of affected product cost covered.

Years 7–8: 50% of affected product cost covered.

Years 8–9: 40% of affected product cost covered.

Years 9–10: 25% of affected product cost covered.

Best Use: Coastal environments, high-UV exposure, or exterior projects requiring superior durability.

c. 304 Brushed Stainless Steel

Warranty:

Interior Projects: 5 years against structural corrosion or finish defects.

Exterior Projects: 1 year against structural corrosion or finish defects.

Conditions:

Not warranted within 10 miles of saltwater, even with a fluoropolymer coating.

Surface corrosion (cleanable with proper maintenance) is not covered; only structural corrosion is warranted.

Excludes damage from physical impact, abrasion, or chemical exposure.

Not covered in cases of “Acts of God.”

Best Use: Non-coastal environments with minimal exposure to acidic rain or salt.

d. 2205 Brushed Stainless Steel

Warranty: 10 years against structural corrosion or finish defects for both interior and exterior applications, including coastal environments (except as noted below).

Conditions:

Not warranted in Long Island or coastal Connecticut due to extreme salt concentration. Aluminum with a fluoropolymer finish is recommended instead.

Standard powder coats on 2205 stainless steel are not warranted within 10 miles of saltwater.

Surface corrosion (cleanable with proper maintenance) is not covered; only structural corrosion is warranted.

Excludes damage from physical impact, abrasion, or chemical exposure.

Not covered in cases of “Acts of God.”

Coverage for Successful Claims:

Years 0–5: 100% of affected product cost covered.

Years 5–6: 75% of affected product cost covered.

Years 6–7: 65% of affected product cost covered.

Years 7–8: 50% of affected product cost covered.

Years 8–9: 40% of affected product cost covered.

Years 9–10: 25% of affected product cost covered.

Best Use: Coastal or high-corrosion environments, except in specified extreme coastal areas.

Coastal Environment Product Recommendations

For exterior applications within 10 miles of saltwater, GATZA recommends:

Powder-coated aluminum posts.

2205 stainless steel posts (except in Long Island or coastal Connecticut).

2205 stainless steel rods.

Glass railing systems.

Reinforced aluminum handrails.

Important: Use of non-fluoropolymer finishes or 304 stainless steel within 10 miles of saltwater voids the warranty. In Long Island or coastal Connecticut, stainless steel posts in exterior applications are not warranted due to highly corrosive conditions.

Damage and Inspection Requirements

Inspection: Customers must inspect all products for damage within 5 business days of delivery. Report any issues to GATZA immediately.

Damage Claims:

File claims within 5 business days of delivery via contact@modernstairsusa.com Include order number, issue description, and photos/videos.

Claims for installed products are not honored, regardless of timing.

GATZA may require return of damaged parts or additional documentation.

Installation: Products installed contrary to GATZA guidelines, or with non-GATZA glass, hardware, panels, or treads, void the warranty.

Care and Maintenance

To maintain warranty eligibility, follow GATZA’s “Care and Maintenance” guidelines, available at [insert link or contact information]. Key requirements include:

Regular cleaning to prevent surface corrosion or finish degradation.

Use of manufacturer-approved cleaning products.

Protection from excessive moisture, chemicals, or physical damage.

Industry-Standard Enhancements

This revised warranty incorporates the following improvements to align with or exceed industry standards:

Clear Performance Metrics: Added ASTM standards (e.g., ASTM D4214, ASTM D523) for powder coat performance, ensuring measurable criteria for color retention, chalk resistance, and gloss retention.

Extended Replacement Warranty: Replacement parts are warranted for the longer of 90 days or the remaining original warranty period, a common industry practice.

Customer-Centric Language: Simplified terms and added a dedicated contact method to improve accessibility.

Coastal Considerations: Expanded guidance for coastal environments, with clear recommendations and exclusions to address corrosion risks.

Robust Claim Process: Streamlined claim requirements and clarified inspection timelines to reduce disputes.

Maintenance Guidelines: Emphasized proper care to ensure product longevity, aligning with industry best practices.

Exclusions Clarity: Explicitly listed non-covered scenarios (e.g., incidental damages, unauthorized modifications) to manage expectations.

Contact Us

For warranty claims, product inquiries, or additional information, contact GATZA:

Email: contact@modernstairsusa.com

GATZA reserves the right to update or modify this warranty at any time without prior notice. The most current version is available on our website.

This revised warranty is concise yet comprehensive, aligns with industry standards, and enhances customer trust by providing clear, actionable terms. If you need further refinements or specific additions, let me know!

CARE AND MAINTENANCE - GLASS

PROPER REGULAR CLEANING OF YOUR GLASS PANELS AND HARDWARE WILL ENSURE YOUR RAILING IS A LASTING FEATURE IN YOUR HOME. HERE ARE SOME GUIDELINES FOR TAKING CARE OF YOUR GLASS PANELS:

USE A MICROFIBER CLEANING CLOTH WHEN CLEANING YOUR PANELS

USE A CLEANING SOLUTION SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR GLASS

TO CARE FOR YOUR GLASS HARDWARE, FOLLOW THE STEPS OUTLINED IN THIS DOCUMENT'S “CARING FOR YOUR METAL PRODUCTS” SECTION.

CARE & MAINTENANCE - METAL

GATZA CO. RECOMMENDS APPLYING MARINE 31 SEALANT EVERY SIX MONTHS FOR STAINLESS STEEL PRODUCTS. MARINE 31 SEALANT PROVIDES A DURABLE, PRECISE, PROTECTIVE COATING THAT WITHSTANDS THE ELEMENTS FOR SIX MONTHS.

TO APPLY MARINE 31 SEALANT:

SHAKE WELL AND ENSURE THE SURFACE IS COOL TO THE TOUCH.

IF THE SURFACE IS DULL, OXIDIZED, OR STAINED, FIRST POLISH IT WITH MARINE 31 STAINLESS STEEL LIQUID POLISH. APPLY A DIME-SIZED PRODUCT DIRECTLY ONTO A CLEAN, DRY FOAM APPLICATOR. APPLY A THIN, EVEN COAT AND ALLOW TO DRY FOR AT LEAST 5 MINUTES.

BUFF OFF RESIDUE WITH A CLEAN, DRY CLOTH.

MARINE 31 POLISH IS A GREAT WAY TO RESTORE YOUR BRUSHED STAINLESS STEEL PRODUCTS FROM GATZA CO. TO THEIR ORIGINAL SHINE. THIS POLISH REMOVES LIGHT RUST, OXIDATION, AND FILMS THAT CAN DULL YOUR POST'S APPEARANCE. APPLYING THIS POLISH IS CRUCIAL FOR POST APPLICATIONS NEAR BRACKISH AND SALTWATER. MARINE 31 POLISH IS HARBOR-SAFE AND ECO-FRIENDLY.

TO APPLY MARINE 31 POLISH:

SHAKE THE BOTTLE WELL AND ENSURE THE SURFACE IS COOL TO THE TOUCH.

APPLY A DIME-SIZED AMOUNT OF POLISH TO A TERRY CLOTH APPLICATOR.

THOROUGHLY WORK THE POLISH IN BY WORKING IN SMALL SECTIONS.

REMOVE ANY RESIDUE WITH A CLEAN, DRY CLOTH.

MARINE 31 POLISH IS WHITE IN COLOR, AND SPILLS CAN BE REMOVED WITH A DAMP CLOTH.

IF YOU LIVE IN A SNOWY CLIMATE, CLEAR ANY SNOW AND ICE OFF OF YOUR EXTERIOR POSTS AND INFILL.

IT’S IMPORTANT TO CLEAR LEAVES, POLLEN, AND OTHER DEBRIS FROM YOUR EXTERIOR POSTS AND INFILL.

CARE & MAINTENANCE - WOOD

REGULARLY CLEANING YOUR WOOD PRODUCTS IS ESSENTIAL TO THEIR LONGEVITY IN YOUR HOME. FORTUNATELY, CLEANING AND MAINTAINING YOUR GATZA CO. WOOD PRODUCTS IS SIMILAR TO THE CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF ANY OTHER WOOD PRODUCT IN YOUR HOME. HERE ARE SOME BASIC GUIDELINES FOR KEEPING YOUR WOOD PRODUCTS:

SWEEP/VACUUM/DUST YOUR WOOD PRODUCTS REGULARLY. BUILT-UP DUST AND DIRT CAN DAMAGE YOUR WOOD PRODUCTS.

WHEN USING A VACUUM, ENSURE THAT THE HEAD OF THE VACUUM DOES NOT HAVE A BEATER BAR (WHICH CAN DAMAGE YOUR WOOD STAIRS) AND THAT THERE IS NO DEBRIS ON THE WHEELS.

WHEN CLEANING YOUR WOOD PRODUCTS, USE A POLISH OR CLEANING PRODUCT SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR FINISHED WOOD. DO NOT CLEAN YOUR WOOD STAIR PARTS WITH WATER.

CLEAN UP ANY LIQUID SPILLS ON YOUR WOOD STAIR PARTS USING A SOFT CLEANING CLOTH.