If you’ve done any research at all on replacement windows for your San Diego home, the name Milgard has probably come up. You may have even heard of Milgard windows before you started thinking about replacing your windows. In fact, since the company has been around since 1958, the windows currently in your house that you are thinking of replacing may be Milgard windows.
Milgard got its start making aluminum framed windows. They still make them to this day, although they are mostly used in commercial buildings. Today, they specialize in windows and doors with vinyl frames, and they also manufacture products with fiberglass frames, as well as wood clad frames. They have multiple product lines and an excellent variety of products to choose from.
Milgard is one of the most popular brands of replacement windows on the West Coast. A quick search for Milgard Certified Dealers in the San Diego area shows that there are no fewer than 20 replacement window dealers selling Milgard windows. In fact, you may be hard-pressed to find a replacement window company in San Diego that isn’t selling Milgard windows.
For all of the company’s popularity, however, customer reviews of Milgard’s products are inconsistent at best. There are many claims of windows that fog up or that become difficult to open and close over time. There are also numerous consumer complaints about Milgard’s warranty department, which say the company is difficult to deal with on faulty product issues and that the wait time for repairs is unreasonably long.
Milgard is a very interesting company—they manage to keep a positive brand image, despite the fact that their products perform inconsistently. They also don’t have the best reputation with customers who actually have their windows in their homes, or among those in the replacement window industry.
At our San Diego replacement window company, we frequently get calls asking specifically about Milgard windows, which we don’t actually sell. We find ourselves constantly having to educate prospective customers about other products on the market that are better made, use more high-quality materials, and come with a more comprehensive warranty than Milgard windows. As someone who has experience with all types of replacement window products, I would consider Milgard windows more of an “entry-level” product. If you’re looking for high-quality windows that are very energy efficient, there are definitely better options at pricepoints similar to, or sometimes even less than, what you would pay for Milgard windows.
Our conclusion? If budget is your main concern when it comes to replacement windows and doors for your San Diego home, Milgard is a brand to consider. If you have older, single pane windows, any vinyl framed, dual pane windows on the market, including Milgard’s, will be an upgrade. However, if quality is a higher priority for you, then you should keep shopping.
Just because a company is a household name, doesn’t mean they are among the “best.” Don’t discount smaller replacement window companies that you may not be as familiar with (like Anlin Window Systems, for example) that specialize in windows for climates like San Diego’s and have a great reputation for quality and customer service.
