Windows 101
Click here to view the Window Selection Guide
DEFINE YOUR PROJECT
Building a new home or replacing existing windows and patio doors? With more than 50 years of experience, you can trust Milgard for a beautiful selection of styles, frames, and materials that can brighten any home.
REPLACEMENT
Window replacement is one of the best ways to improve your home's value, add comfort, and even save on heating and cooling costs. Learn more about replacement windows and patio doors, and what to expect from start to finish.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
Do you have a dream home in mind? As you build your new house or expand on your current home, choosing the right windows and patio doors is important. We'll walk you through everything you need to know about windows and patio doors for new construction projects.
SELECT YOUR PRODUCTS
Selecting the right windows and patio doors can make all the difference in how your home looks and functions. At Milgard, we strive for excellence in everything we do down to the little details that ensure windows and doors are reliable and secure year after year.
WINDOWS
Selecting the right windows for your project doesn't need to be complicated. With more than 50 years of experience, trust Milgard for a beautiful selection of styles, frames and materials that can brighten any home.
PATIO DOORS
Let your patio door reflect your personal style. Explore the colors, styles and options Milgard has available for any new home or replacement patio door project.
UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS
Learn more about the features and options to consider when selecting your new windows and patio doors.
WINDOWS 101
Selecting the right windows for your project doesn't need to be complicated. From operating styles down to the decorative details, we'll walk you through the considerations.
PATIO DOORS 101
Explore the colors, styles, and options that Milgard has available and prepare to be inspired as you create a beautiful home with patio doors.
FIND THE RIGHT PROFESSIONAL
The process of buying and installing windows and patio doors goes more smoothly when you work with professionals. They will help ensure you order the right products, properly sized to fit and operate flawlessly. Professionals will help you avoid common mistakes that will ultimately save you money and frustration.
AFTER YOUR PROJECT
Congratulations on your new windows and doors! You have accomplished a significant project that adds value and enjoyment to your home. Take the time to complete a thorough inspection of your new windows and doors. If you installed energy efficient windows or doors, you may also be eligible for a rebate.
Milgard offers beautiful, worry-free windows and patio doors to frame each of life’s little moments. Our exacting manufacturing process and the innovations we develop mean you get reliable, secure windows and doors that perform year after year. With Milgard, you’ll receive a level of service, and quality others simply can’t match. All backed with an industry-leading warranty.
Experience is Everything
Our experts match you with reliable windows and patio doors that best fit your home, performance needs, and price point.
Confidence to Create
We deliver the highest quality windows and doors through our passion for quality craftsmanship and a relentless pursuit of 100%.
Every Detail, Every Day
From precision manufacturing processes to the innovations we develop for your comfort, every detail matters.
Rigorous Performance Testing
We believe in quality craftsmanship from start to finish. That’s why we strive to meet or exceed industry standards.
In fact, each design goes through a series of comprehensive tests to determine structural integrity, water infiltration, air infiltration, forced entry resistance, deglazing resistance, and corner weld strength. Each test takes place on one of the industry’s largest and most extensive testing walls.
This ensures you get Milgard products that provide years of worry-free performance that withstands the elements.
The process of buying and installing windows and patio doors goes more smoothly when you work with professionals. They will help ensure you order the right products for your projects, avoiding common mistakes along the way.
Certified Dealers
Milgard Certified Dealers are generally local business owners invested in their communities and dedicated to providing excellent customer service. They can help walk you through your project to select the best windows and doors for your home’s architecture as well as your climate and lifestyle. Many offer installation services or can recommend a professional with whom they worked before.
Contractors
For many homeowners, a contractor is the primary professional handling the window and door project. General Contractors typically oversee and manage a job from start to finish including design, selection, and installation. They may do the work themselves or hire subcontractors for different elements of the job.
Architects
For new home construction and larger additions and remodels, you may be using an architect. Architects stay current with the latest trends and codes, and can offer solutions to a variety of issues that come up with regard to a particular site, building limitations, and budget restrictions. They are a great source of information on how windows and patio doors can effectively take advantage of natural light, enhance views, improve design, and increase energy efficienc
Other Professionals
Depending on the scope of your project, you may need to hire additional subcontractors to help complete your project. These could include carpenters for trim work around the new windows and patio doors, painters for areas that need touching up, designers to offer treatment ideas and electricians to modify or add lighting to your home. Sometimes electricians are needed to move wires in a replacement project.
New construction windows are used when a brand new home or a new addition to a home is being built. Since the studs of the home are exposed the window can be installed directly on to the frame by use of a nail fin frame, which means it is nailed into the framing of the home. Milgard custom designs each window to your homes exact specifications, which means your architect or contractor can be very creative in the sizing and shape of your windows.
New construction windows can also be used for a home remodel project, this requires your contractor to remove the exterior materials around the window in order to expose the studs of the home to install the window. As you can see using a new construction window for a remodel project is possible but is a more involved process for your contractor to ensure the exact match of exterior materials. New construction windows are a good option if you think the studs and frame of the window should be replaced because of damage, or if you are planning on replacing the exterior of your home such as new siding or stucco.
Alternatively, replacement windows are an excellent option for a quick home improvement project when there are budget or time constraints. Replacement windows (also referred to as retrofit windows) have been developed so a contractor does not have to remove the exterior materials of the home in order to install the window; they are measured to fit in an existing window opening and will only replace the actual window itself. This saves time and labor costs with all the benefits of new windows.
New windows and patio doors are an investment in your home. Here are some important things to consider when planning your project.
Return on Investment
Research indicates replacing old windows and doors is one of the highest return-on-investment projects for the home. In addition to the enjoyment of comfort and curb appeal, as much as 102% of the costs are recouped in the home resale.[1]
Windows and patio doors are costly though and most homeowners will only replace them once, maybe twice in a lifetime. Taking the time to establish your budget will help you avoid spending more than you have to without compromising on quality.
Budgeting Considerations
Go with the season. Contractors and dealers tend to be busier from Spring to Fall, meaning deliveries and installation services may be slower. Start planning early to avoid feeling rushed to make a decision.
Check for rebates. Your local utilities company may offer rebates on energy efficient windows resulting in significant savings.
Allow for a “cushion”. Even with carefully calculated budgets, it is a good idea to have additional budget set aside for surprises and protect against insufficient funds.
Research payment options. If you need new windows and doors in a hurry, but don’t have the cash up front, there may be financing options available. Home equity lines of credit can be a good resource for financing this type of project.
Write down what you want so everyone involved in the project is clear. Try to avoid revisions or add-ons in the middle of your project. It will delay the work and may put you over budget.
Get a consultation first. Most dealers will offer a free consultation to help you budget, and they can even recommend ways to save money by introducing different window materials and placement options.
Donate your old windows and doors. Habitat for Humanity is always looking for reusable materials and fixtures. Instead of throwing out your old windows and doors, donate them for future use. You might even get a tax deduction.
ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Its mission is to help individuals reduce energy costs and to protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices. EPA and DOE set strict energy-efficiency guidelines for ENERGY STAR qualified products. For more information on ENERGY STAR qualified products, visit www.energystar.gov.
To become ENERGY STAR qualified, windows and patio doors must be independently tested and certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council and labeled according to ENERGY STAR climate zones. Milgard is proud to be an ENERGY STAR partner and offer products that meet ENERGY STAR requirements in all regions.
2012 - 2032 Tax Credits
By installing ENERGY STAR-certified windows and doors from Milgard Windows and Doors, you might not only save money on heating and cooling costs but may also be eligible for an ENERGY STAR tax credit. For important information, visit www.energystar.gov and Section 25C of the Internal Revenue Code at www.irs.gov. You can download our Manufacturer Certification Statements here.
For Tax Years 2012-2022:
Tax Credit Certification Statement (2012-2022)
For Tax Years 2023-2032:
Tax Credit Certification Statement (2023-2032)
FULL LIFETIME WARRANTY
Effective 10/4/21
Applies to:
V400 Tuscany® Series with Glass Breakage Coverage
V300 Trinsic™ Series with optional upgrade to Glass Breakage*
LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY
Effective 10/4/21
Applies to:
V250 Style Line® Series**
C650 Ultra™ Series
V450 HomeMaker Series**
A250 Thermally Improved Aluminum
V150 vinyl windows
V350 Sliding Glass Door
*Optional Glass Breakage Coverage upgrade available for V300 Trinsic Series must be selected at time of purchase.
**Optional Full Lifetime Warranty upgrade available for V250 Style Line Series and V450 HomeMaker Series must be selected at time of purchase.
With just a little routine care and cleaning, you can ensure your windows and doors will continue to perform their best while looking great. Here are some helpful resources to get you started.