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Milgard Windows is one of the most recognized windows manufacturers in the western U.S. With more than 60 years in business, the company is known for making high-quality windows at reasonable prices. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing windows or pick windows for your new home, Milgard has a variety of window treatments to complement your home’s style.
To help you determine if Milgard is the right fit for your next home project, our review provides details about the company’s windows offerings, customization options, costs, and customer reviews.
Fast Facts About Milgard
- Founded: 1962
- State Availability: 16 (available in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington)
- Warranty Options: Full Lifetime Warranty and Lifetime Limited Warranty
- Price Range: $175–$1,500
- Energy Efficient Products Available: Yes
Milgard Windows Reviews
We analyzed 100 customer reviews on BestCompany, Trustpilot, and Yelp to get a sense of Milgard’s reputation with homeowners.
In those reviews, customers praised the company’s excellent technicians and simple fulfillment of their warranty replacement requests. Homeowners said the technicians were friendly, quick, and knowledgeable. They were also pleased that Milgard’s windows had limited issues, lasting between 15 to 20 years.
However, some consumers faced issues with Milgard’s customer service. Several people shared their experiences with unfriendly customer service employees on multiple occasions. Homeowners also reported that their service appointments were repeatedly set and canceled. There were other complaints about the quality of the windows. Some customers received scratched or damaged windows that had to be replaced a second time, causing additional delays for their repair.
What Homeowners Say About Milgard
“We had our windows installed about 15 years ago. Noticed this winter that one had a bad seal, as there was a fog in between the glass. Called, talked to a very nice young lady who set up an appointment for it to be replaced. This morning right on schedule, a technician showed up and replaced the bad pane. He was very nice, very efficient, just an awesome experience. Thanks Milgard for standing by your products and making it so easy to take care of the problem. Your customer service is AWESOME!!!” —Marilyn S. via Best Company
“Our home is 21 years old, and we are the original owners. We had two windows for which the seals had failed. We found the order number codes, measured the two windows and filled out the claim form. Milgard set up the appointment, and the repair tech showed up and replaced the two panes within a half hour. He did a terrific job, and we are totally satisfied. I cannot imagine having a better experience.” —Peter B. via Best Company
“Absolutely do not buy Milgard. Save yourself the nightmare, read the reviews and run to another company. I ordered a $12k door, it was delayed for months, finally set for delivery in November, then delayed until December 12th, then again to December 23. It finally arrived damaged all over, paint scratched to the metal, bent in several areas, damaged hinge. We had to decline shipment and now have a gaping hole in my house for Christmas.” —Mark D. via Yelp
“Utterly disgusted with the poor communication, poor planning/scheduling, and lack of attention to detail throughout the year it has taken for us to get our door, and we still do not have the order completed correctly. The standards for this company are so low. I can’t believe the amount of money we have spent on a door with this type of service. Do not recommend.” —Erin S. via Yelp
Benefits and Drawbacks of Milgard
We identified the following positive and negative aspects of Milgard Windows in our review:
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
|
Offers aluminum, fiberglass, and vinyl window frame options |
Received negative reviews for service scheduling issues and poor customer service |
|
Provides full lifetime and limited lifetime warranties |
Services a limited number of western states |
|
Has over 90 years of experience in business |
Minimal pricing information available online |
Milgard Window Types Available
Although its catalog is smaller than big national brands, Milgard provides a good selection of window types for western U.S. homeowners.
- Horizontal Slider: These windows have a sash that moves to the left or right to open the window. They work well for walkways, patios, and porches and can be used in basement bedrooms as egress windows.
- Single Hung: A traditional window style with a bottom sash that moves up and down while the upper sash remains fixed.
- Double Hung: Similar to single hung windows, except both sashes are movable. Milgard sashes can tilt inward, making them easier to clean.
- Casement: These windows function similar to a door, swinging open on a side hinge. Casement windows usually include a hand crank for easy operation.
- Awning: Built with a hinge on the top, this style of window opens outward using a crank or handle.
- Picture: Picture windows are often used to showcase beautiful scenery. They are fixed in place with no means to open them. They can vary in size but are usually very large and may extend from floor to ceiling.
- Specialty: Milgard offers a collection of specialty windows that can be used as a visual accent in your home:
- Radius: A style of window that includes curved shapes in its design, including half-circles and/or arches.
- Bay and Bow: 3D windows that jut out from the exterior wall and include a sitting area or ledge. Bay windows have a more angular shape than bow windows with more curved edges.
- Garden Windows: These windows are built with a shelf for herbs and plants and serve as the perfect mini-greenhouse, with lots of light and side vents for ventilation.
Milgard Energy Efficiency
Milgard is a partner with the Energy Star program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The company’s windows meet the program’s requirements, certifying that they are energy-efficient for specific areas of the United States. Milgard’s windows also meet the standard for the Energy Star climate zones in the northern, north-central, south-central, and southern regions.
Milgard offers several energy-efficient add-ons for its windows that will help reduce your monthly energy bills over time. According to Energy Star, by upgrading to Energy Star-certified single-pane windows, you can save an average of $101 to $583 a year.
Milgard provides one or more of the following components to its energy-efficient windows:
- Dual and Triple glazing: You can upgrade windows to double-pane or triple-pane to increase their energy efficiency.
- SunCoat and SunCoatMax Low-E glass coatings: Low-E (or low-emissivity) coating helps to improve the window’s ability to reflect heat. The Milgard SunCoat is Low-E2 and SunCoatMAX is Low-E3, which provides the highest level of protection.
- 4th Surface coating: This is a coating added to double-pane windows to give them the protection of a more expensive triple-pane option. The TCO (Transparent Conductive Oxide) coating enhances the U-factor of the window, which is a measure that determines how well a window can withstand heat transfer. A low score means that the window provides ideal insulation.
- EdgeGardMAX Spacers: Spacers help keep multiple panes of windows at the optimal distance and maintain the right insulation. Milgard states that its patented spacers use advanced technology to reduce condensation and heat transfer.
- Argon and Krypton gas: These gas options are used to provide additional protection against extreme external temperatures. Both gasses, which are colorless and odorless, are added between double- and triple-pane windows to increase energy efficiency in the future.
Milgard Window Installation
Homeowners looking to install Milgard Windows will need to use one of the company’s authorized dealers. You can begin your search on the Milgard website, Milgard.com, and choose the Find A Dealer option. From there, you will be able to find authorized dealers in your area. The Milgard Certified Dealer will visit your home to assess your current windows and make recommendations based on your requirements, requests, and energy-efficiency needs (if requested). The company also has showrooms available for anyone interested in seeing and testing samples in person.
After selecting your window types, colors, and energy-efficient options, Milgard creates custom windows for your home. The installer will coordinate with you once the windows have been made and set a date for installation. The authorized dealer will complete the installation with minimum disturbance to your home. Afterward, they will inspect the finished job and remove your old windows from your property.
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Milgard Pricing and Costs
Unfortunately, Milgard does not provide any pricing information online. You can only obtain these details when you request an in-home consultation and receive a custom quote. Depending on availability in your area, you may be able to find a few Milgard products in home improvement stores, such as Lowe’s or The Home Depot. Costs are based on your area and climate since Milgard offers certain window products in selected regions.
An important factor in the cost of your home remodel will be the window frame material. The more expensive the material, the higher your starting price for the product. Milgard offers three window materials for its products: aluminum, fiberglass, and vinyl.
Aluminum Windows
Aluminum windows are becoming more popular due to their durability and sleek design. These windows use a slim framework, creating a less obstructed view outside. They’re an excellent low-maintenance option and are quite durable. However, they don’t have the all-region durability of vinyl windows. Aluminum is not recommended for seaside residences because the salt in the air and water can corrode the metal. Milgard offers one series of aluminum windows in its current catalog:
Thermally Improved Aluminum A250, Milgard’s aluminum series offers a mix of modern styles with strength. Even the window components, like the rollers, hardware, and locks, have minimalistic designs, so they don’t take away from the overall aesthetic of the windows. This window line uses polyurethane in the thermal barriers in the frames to make them more energy-efficient.
Fiberglass Windows
Made from resin and glass fibers, this window frame material is tough enough to resist rotting, warping, or swelling. When exposed to extreme temperatures, the material expands and contracts minimally, maintaining its shape in different climates. These windows also resemble wood windows, offering homeowners a great alternative for a classic style. Fiberglass has very low upkeep and does not need to be repainted. Milgard sells only one line of fiberglass windows in its current offerings:
Ultra Series C650 is an upscale fiberglass line with a selection of exterior frame colors to match your home’s aesthetics. Customers can choose their color preferences as well as their energy-saving preferences. Ultra series windows include either the Positive Action Lock or optional Cam Lock, which provide added security without taking away from the window’s style.
Vinyl Windows
Vinyl windows are the most cost-effective option. They’re very low maintenance and are the best windows for every climate. The polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material makes these windows very durable and a great energy-efficient choice. Though vinyl windows usually only come in white or neutral colors, Milgard offers additional painted exterior vinyl finishes that expand your ability to customize. Below are the Milgard vinyl windows lines available.
- Tuscany Series V400: This premium line of windows is crafted to resemble wood windows‘ classic look. Customers can customize their windows with exclusive exterior colors and energy-efficient options. Milgard Tuscany windows also feature SmartTouch Hardware, a locking mechanism that can be opened with just one hand but provides ample security.
- Trinsic Series V300: The contemporary styles of this window series include narrow frames, increasing the viewable window pane to provide more natural light into your home. This line also provides interior and exterior color matching and exterior finish options. Like the Tuscany series, they include the SmartTouch Hardware and energy-saving add-ons.
- Style Line Series V250: Homeowners looking for the most simplistic window replacement options should consider this series. Though they don’t have the energy efficiency and SmartTouch Hardware of the other lines, you can still customize your selections. This series uses the Positive Action Lock on its sliders and single-hung windows, making it easy to open and close the windows.
Selecting custom colors, hardware, energy-efficiency coatings, window styles, and size will increase the total cost of your project. Other factors that affect the price include the number of windows in your project and their location. Windows on a second floor require additional costs for equipment and labor that aren’t necessary for ground floor installations.
Your choice of installation will also affect your final price. It’s more cost-effective to install replacement windows that use your existing frames. New construction (or new installation) windows replace all components of your window. This will cost more since it gives you the freedom to select more window styles.
Our Recommendation
Milgard Windows offers quality windows that are low cost without sacrificing the product’s workmanship. Whether you need replacement windows for your current home or new windows for new construction, the company carries a good catalog of products to meet your needs. Since Milgard is limited to certain western states, you may have trouble finding its products in other parts of the country. Also keep in mind that some customers were displeased with failed appointment scheduling, though the service technicians themselves were praised for their work.
If you’re still hesitant to go with Milgard, we’d recommend requesting free quotes from at least three windows companies to ensure you’re making the right choice for your home. We suggest writing out your home improvement plans, including details about the styles, customizations, and energy-efficient options you want for your windows. Then, give these details to each company and let them build the best plan to meet your requests. Finally, check each company’s reputation and customer service reviews to see how homeowners are treated and decide on your best fit.
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Milgard Windows FAQ
Where are Milgard windows made?
Milgard windows are made in manufacturing facilities throughout the western United States. Though the company is headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, it also has facilities in Portland, Oregon; Sacramento, California; Simi Valley, California; and Temecula, California.
What types of doors does Milgard manufacture?
Along with its selection of windows, Milgard manufactures several different types of doors including sliding patio doors, French-style sliding glass doors, in-swing and out-swing French doors, and various stylings of glass walls.
Is Milgard going out of business?
No, Milgard is not going out of business. The company was acquired by MI Windows and Doors in 2019 but has kept its original, recognizable name. Though the company did close two production facilities in Colorado and Texas in 2020, it has continued to be successful in the windows business.
Does Milgard offer warranty coverage for its windows?
Yes, Milgard offers warranty coverage for its windows. The company has two warranties for its product lines: a limited lifetime warranty and a full lifetime warranty. Homeowners will receive a lifetime warranty for parts and service for their windows if they are the original buyer. However, if you purchased a home that already had Milgard windows installed, you’ll qualify for the limited lifetime warranty of 10 years. This begins at the original owner’s purchase date. If you purchased the home within the first 10 years of the original owner, your limited warranty will last for the time remaining in that decade. We encourage you to review the details of your Milgard warranty to ensure that you understand which products have each type of warranty and your options if you decide to sell your home.
How We Chose the Top Window Brands
We researched and analyzed dozens of windows manufacturers. We crafted a rating system based on each brand’s window and door offerings, as well as their warranty and energy-efficient options. Other factors weighed include the manufacturer’s years of experience and customer reputation.
We spoke directly to a representative at each company to learn how the installation process works and determine how each brand personalizes its windows for each home. We also closely analyzed each company’s warranty options to ensure their product and labor guarantees match or exceed industry standards.
In addition, we analyzed the 100 most recent Google Reviews for each provider across various locations and branches.