Is Milgard a Good Window Brand?

Is Milgard a Good Window Brand?

August 19, 2024
By:
Martin Whitmore, President of US Window & Door
Image of a woman reading on her couch in front of Milgard sliding windows.

Milgard, a brand with a long-standing reputation in the window industry, has been a trusted choice for over six decades. With our own three decades of experience, we've chosen Milgard windows after extensive comparisons with other manufacturers. Our firsthand knowledge confirms that Milgard is a brand you can rely on. Their commitment to quality is unwavering, which is evident in their manufacturing process, warranty, and customer satisfaction.

Does Milgard Make a Quality Window?

Milgard manufactures its windows in the United States, allowing for strict quality control measures. Local production ensures that each window meets the company's high standards before reaching customers. The company employs advanced manufacturing techniques and uses premium materials to create aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior windows.

Their comprehensive lifetime limited warranties further demonstrate Milgard's commitment to its products. This robust warranty covers defects in materials and warranty-covered labor for as long as the original purchaser owns and occupies the home where the windows were installed. Such a warranty is a testament to Milgard's faith in the longevity and reliability of its products, providing you with peace of mind and security in your investment.

Countless homeowners and professionals have praised the quality and performance of Milgard windows. Positive reviews highlight the windows' durability, energy efficiency, affordability, and aesthetic appeal. Customers appreciate the smooth operation of Milgard windows, including their SmartTouch Lock, even years after installation, and the noticeable improvement in their home's comfort and energy efficiency. Our customers' satisfaction with the installed product throughout the years is a testament to the quality of Milgard's windows, providing peace of mind on your potential purchase.

What are Milgard Windows Made Of?

Milgard offers windows in three primary materials, each with unique benefits:

Image of a salesman showing and explaining the benefits of Milgard windows to homeowners.

Fiberglass Windows

  1. Extremely durable and low-maintenance
  2. Resistant to warping, cracking, and peeling
  3. Excellent insulation properties
  4. Ideal for extreme weather conditions
  5. Can be painted to match any color scheme
  6. Environmentally friendly due to a long lifespan and recyclability

Vinyl Windows

  1. Cost-effective option
  2. Energy-efficient and low-maintenance
  3. Resistant to moisture and decay
  4. Never need painting or refinishing
  5. Available in a variety of colors and finishes
  6. Excellent sound insulation properties

Aluminum Windows

  1. Sleek, modern appearance
  2. Strong and lightweight
  3. Ideal for large window openings
  4. Resistant to rust and corrosion
  5. Recyclable and environmentally friendly
  6. Require minimal maintenance

Each material offers distinct advantages, allowing homeowners to choose the option that best suits their needs, climate, aesthetic preferences, and budget.

How Long Should Milgard Windows Last?

The lifespan of Milgard windows varies depending on the material, maintenance, and environmental factors. Remember that some materials like fiberglass or windows made with the most recent manufacturing advances haven't had enough time on the market to prove their expected longevity. However, we can discuss the total expected time each window type should last based on the material and warranties, assuming you maintain them properly. Maintenance may include replacing insulated glass units (IGUs), grids, or locks rather than opting for a new replacement window to ensure the initial investment is long-lasting. That's because the frame is the section of the window that will generally last the longest and can't be replaced as an individual part.

Milgard offers windows in three primary materials, each with distinct longevity characteristics. Fiberglass windows may last up to 50 years with proper maintenance, showcasing exceptional resistance to extreme temperatures and weather conditions while maintaining their shape and structural integrity over time. Vinyl windows typically have a lifespan of 20-40 years, depending on climate and care, performing well in moderate climates and requiring minimal maintenance to preserve their appearance and functionality. Aluminum windows can last 20-30 years with proper upkeep, boasting high durability and corrosion resistance. However, they may need occasional maintenance of hardware and weatherstripping.

These varying lifespans reflect the unique properties of each material, allowing homeowners to choose the option that best suits their long-term needs and local climate conditions. Milgard's lifetime warranty provides additional peace of mind regarding the longevity of their products. This warranty covers defects in materials and warranty-covered labor, ensuring that homeowners can enjoy their windows for many years to come.

How Energy Efficient are Milgard Windows?

Collage of examples of Milgard vinyl, aluminum and fiberglass windows each highlighting different operating styles.

Milgard demonstrates its commitment to energy efficiency through its certifications with the Energy Star program and offers a range of energy-saving features in its windows. These include advanced glazing options with Low-E glass coatings that reflect heat while allowing light to pass through and improved insulation using multiple panes of glass with insulating air or gas between them.

Milgard utilizes argon and krypton gas fillings between double- and triple-pane windows, which provide better insulation than air, and incorporates energy-efficient spacer technology to reduce heat transfer around the glass edges. Additionally, the company employs frame materials with superior insulating properties, particularly in their vinyl and fiberglass options.

These energy-efficient features contribute to lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills for homeowners, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature year-round and reducing the load on heating and cooling systems.

How Customizable are Milgard Windows?

One of Milgard's strengths is its extensive customization options, allowing homeowners to tailor their windows to their needs and preferences. They offer:

Various styles: Including single-hung, double-hung, casement, awning, sliding, bay, and bow windows.

Multiple frame materials: Fiberglass, vinyl, and aluminum to suit different architectural styles and climates.

Diverse finish options: A wide range of colors and finishes to complement any home's exterior and interior.

Choice of hardware: Various styles and finishes to match your home's decor.

Specific glass types: Options for different climate and performance needs, including sound control, UV protection, and privacy glass.

Grille patterns: Various grille options to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the windows.

This level of customization ensures that homeowners can find windows that perform well, perfectly complement their home's style, and meet their specific functional requirements.

How is Milgard's Customer Service?

A varied customer service experience accompanies Milgard's reputation for producing quality windows. The company requires installation by authorized dealers to maintain warranty validity, which ensures proper installation but may limit flexibility in choosing installers. Customer service reviews are mixed, with some customers reporting long wait times for repairs or replacements, while others praise the responsiveness and professionalism of Milgard's service team.

The warranty claims process is generally straightforward, but some customers have reported difficulties navigating the process or experiencing delays in receiving service. Milgard maintains service centers in many regions to facilitate quicker responses to service requests. Despite these efforts, some customers have expressed frustration with delays or communication issues, highlighting the variability of the overall customer service experience.

That's why it's crucial to maintain a relationship with your installation company, which can help you support through any required Milgard services. We help our customers through service requirements to ensure our installation warranty is utilized if and when needed and that the manufacturer provides the necessary services to honor their warranty. No matter the company size, customer service often feels the brunt of errors from other departments, but having guided our customers through Milgard's warranty process many times, we've seen how easy it can be in most situations. A more challenging situation occasionally arises, making the process a bit more complicated. However, Milgard honors their warranties and handles the work as promptly as possible. To us, that means Milgard provides excellent customer service even if you need a little help in your corner. Working with a reliable installation company, like US Window & Door, that can provide ongoing support and mediate any warranty claims or service requirements is vital.

What Makes a Good Window Brand

Image of a woman cleaning her kitchen countertops in front of Milgard vinyl windows.

Milgard has established itself as a reputable window brand with over six decades of industry experience, offering a compelling combination of quality, durability, and customization options. Their commitment to manufacturing high-quality windows in the United States and their lifetime limited warranty demonstrate confidence in their products' longevity and performance. Milgard's range of window materials caters to diverse needs and preferences, while their focus on energy efficiency aligns with modern homeowners' priorities.

Milgard windows and doors balance quality, customization, and energy efficiency, making them a solid choice for many homeowners. The brand's long-standing customer service reputation and commitment to product excellence make it a worthy contender in the competitive window market. As with any significant home improvement decision, potential buyers should weigh the pros and cons, consider their specific needs, and consult with experienced professionals before making a final choice.