Good for you for being detailed and critiquing the product and install. AT $50K you were alot more polite than I would have been. This Milgard window brand is a absoulute NO for consideration for us now. Really hope it gets or has been resolved.
I just bought windows and a french door for my house. I was thinking of Milgard but was pulled off of that brand by my installer. I ended up buying Anlin windows and the french door here in California. The windows and door come with a lifetime warranty that transferable to the next owner if I sell my home. That is a great selling point. I read the reviews on Milgard and you are not the only one with major problems with Milgard. Thanks for the video confirming my decision, Los Angeles
Sorry to see that your going throught that too! I bought a house with milgard windows. They're aluminum with cams. They were only installed in the house a few yrs before I bought the house. The windows just started to fall apart or rust and the cable snaps on the balancer, and only a few months after we moved in. They supposedly have a lifetime warranty (non-transferable) so basically we're screwed! When I do change them out, I am definitely NOT going with such overpriced garbage. Milgard windows are the worst I have ever dealt with period!!!
I feel you! :( That said, double-check their warranty for your specific windows. Some of their warranties are actually transferrable and/or you might be able to talk them into it if the windows are still reasonably new. You might need the help of the home seller but I was able to transfer mine to my new owner when I sold. www.milgard.com/frequently-asked-questions/warranty
The big problem with milgard windows is they leak because the glass are a inside set. That means the dlb back tape is out in the weather and if you live on the coast you will get leaks. They have a frame in a frame that is not sealed. THEY ARE JUNK! Unless you buy the home depot builder series and the glass sets from outside and you can only get the smaller windows in that series.
Document all of your efforts to work with the warranty department then just sue them in small claims court. Clearly the hardware falling apart is not an installation problem.
The "cuts and groove" complaints at 3:55 should be directed at the trim carpenter and the painter who should have touched them up. The one on the window stool wasn't Milgard's doing, it's an over-cut done when fabricating the stool. And the other small one on the window itself looks to have happened when the jamb extension was being worked on. ...and I would bet that the leaking is due to an installation problem. The hardware issues seem legit, I wouldn't mind hearing a follow up on that.
When you buy windows and have someone who isn't a Milgard installer do the work your at he mercy of some Manufacture warranty department. This is why you always use a local contractor who is a qualified installer that way you can apply the right pressure local business to deal with these issues.
We don't sell Milgard because they have quality issues. Sorry to hear about your window problems, i really feel for you and I hope they fix these for 50 grand you deserve quality. All the best.
Sorry that you went through this. I found your video very interesting because I had a similar experience with my Milgard Essence windows. I have two awning windows from them and the levers popped off on day one. It seems clear to me, after working with Milgard for months, that they are a very poorly run company. In their defense, they came back to my place multiple times to finally fix the issues I had with my windows, but I would definitely never buy any of their products again. For my next set of Windows I bought some Marvins and, oh man, the quality was so much higher with Marvin.
Yep. I agree with what you said 100%. The windows, at the end of the day, are just "ok", but a horribly run company makes the overall experience quite negative. My neighbors bought Marvin. More expensive but wished I splurged.
I have seen Marvin clad windows rot on the inside of the house because they leaked into the clad and got to the pine inside wood. Over priced and I have installed many for people but not anymore. It may not be as bad inland but on the coast STAY AWAY FROM THEM.
Well, I'm not as angry as when I made the video. Here's what I've learned from their window / tech person: 1) I asked the fixer guy if this was a standard level of defects. He said very few buy their essence line (high-end) windows, so the fixer guy said he only rarely works on them and so couldn't tell me what was normal. 2) He was actually able to fix some of them on-site. He thinks he can fix most or all....in October (10 months after my first delivery). 3) The problem is, would rather have bad press than provide healthy customer service (my words not his). He's the only person for a massive area. So basically, if you have troubles, while they don't have support, at least it looks like they will stand behind their windows and I'm hopeful we will ultimately get there. 4) They will replace all the broken latches for free (so they say). 5) They are going to replace the leaky window, although presumably, I will have to pay to paint and make it all look like it's not new. After talking with many people about this, the general consensus is, if you can afford Marvin, DO IT. If you can't, don't buy Milgard Essence and if you have problems, just be prepared for a long slog. Eventually they will get to you....I think. Ask me again end of October!! Good luck with your project. I'm hoping I save people some time and stress. All Milgard needed to do was send someone out for a 30-minute visit and at least could have saved me from a lot of sleepless nights.
There are now supposed to come next week -- 9 months since I bought the windows -- and I have no idea if they are coming. No follow up. No communication. These guys simply have no infrastructure to support problems.
True Essence line never seen one in person! Why in hell did you put those in? Styleline, alum, Tuscany would all have been a good choice. Fiberglass is better and you paid up for that
I liked the Tuscany line but they didn't some variations we needed and I wanted the same style throughout the house. I can't remember now exactly what it was. It's too bad though. Apparently (said the fixer) they don't sell a lot of the Essence line so that's probably why they were so messed up. Kind of ironic--their most expensive line and it's the one with the most defects because they don't make enough. I guess by the time people start doing the Essence line, it's expensive enough to think about the Marvins.
Milgard screens have a 1 year warranty and should be replaced no problem ...we do it all the time... and why don't you call service directly... and then call the manager- plus say that it is a locking/security issue.. that always works for us....
I'm sympathetic to your claims. I am a dealer. The operational issues, somewhat the responsibility of the installer/contractor. Locking issues are minor adjustments, the hardware falling apart is somewhat manufacturing and is fixable in the field. The screens were a joke, The fact Milgard can't, and I mean can't service you or "take your call" is true. Their online service request form is the 2nd best effort at getting your issues resolved. The selling dealer can expedite through their dealer portal. My thought process is this- if you can afford Essence? why are you not considering Marvin full line? Perhaps Integrity? 15-to 20 % cheaper? Lifetime warranties are fine, but there are drawback hope you get fixed up!
I could kick myself for not getting Marvin. My neighbor did and I look at them with envy every day. I bought from a pretty big dealer out here. He had one other bad experience with Milgard and has completely stopped recommending. They did eventually fix everything for me, but it was many months of stress. And to your point, I felt really dumb when the guy that came to fix them said that he believes the problem is that very few people buy the Essence line (because he's out there fixing their stuff and rarely even runs into them).
My guess he didn't use a milgard installer to put these in maybe a handyman, or some other contractor you can see the saw and construction material outside the windows. He trying to deal with the manufacture which gave me a clue that he never used a local window contractor. Milgard probably blaming the problems on the fact he didn't use an installer.
I have Milgards in Edgewood Washington.The double paines all have streaking like a seal is blown.The sliding glass door too.Milgard's manufacturing plants are about 10 miles away.I asked about them on FB and the best I got was "They're OK, and made locally."
Wow, was getting ready to order Milgard... BTW, I called their sales line and they couldn't get me off the phone quick enough. I was looking for a certain patio door and the young-sounding female kept telling me the product is on their website. When pressed, she put me on hold for a few minutes and came back to tell me she couldn't find the door on their website. She went on to offer some contradicting information, I was embarrassed for her. I agree with others, it does appear the installation could be a big part of the problems in your video. However, a company like Milgard should be all about determining the root cause of your problems.
please point out what part of this video shows poor install? The screen? NO, the lock mechanism? NO , The cuts in the wood? NO, The leak? SOunds like he has had anumber of people in and they say no...but who cares on that last one. Look at all the other issues.
my intuition about milgard,,,first,contractors who state interest in 50k$s of double hung & 50 baybowed windows ,after listening to the sales guy about ',,follow on quality ,workmanship and customer commitment,',,, visit the factory floor,ask directions to the employee suggestion box,if they have one,ask to see what the folks take time to write up & drop in it, making these windows,each sash of vinyl glass,springs latches & thingamabobbys,locks, made perhaps by outside suppliers,have to be correctly & within spec,checked by people cross trained,so as to know each operation among 30 or so machines,cutters,heat corner joiners, large soft covered tables for glass mounting,, cross training means each position is covered ,up & functioning when the regular may be out sick, gets a day or a vacation week off,,the goal ought to be a defect in ,001 out of a thousand windows shipped to be installed,,again,by people skilled at every step of installation. a cost saving in labor can be attained as well,
Just wait a few years, they will start fogging up as the thermal seals leak. Half the windows in my house need replacement because of that (at least 14 now) I am a second owner, so no warranty! Just don’t buy Milgard Windows or get a well written contract first.
I have been installing Milgard windows since 1981 and have never had a single problem. There are only a few others I will install. The difference is I never buy the upper lines of any window manufacturer. I have seen problems with all the clad windows and especially casement windows. Years ago I pulled out a lot of casement windows, because they have never worked all that good from the first day. Whenever someone wanted a home built and I saw casement windows specified I always recommended they be changed to a slider or double hing or single hung. Casement windows have always been a problem. If nothing else the operators go bad and so often they leak. Many are easy to open and difficult to close. When windows do not have many bells and whistles they do not have problems. Anyone who has worked on old homes knows those kind of windows always have problems. The screens for Milgard windows are made by someone else. Notice how many old homes have casement windows. Not one. The Keep It Simple Stupid advice always works best. Almost always a casement window has problems with the operators and it does not seal. I have seen casement windows out of the box from other manufacturers that are difficult to work. All the bells and windows that cost more are just more problems. It is like buying a basic Chevrolet versus a Cadillac. Mechanics know which is more reliable and proven over time.
I wasn't aware they had discontinued but it makes sense. It was probably the one and only time I will buy a house full of windows....but the Milguard person that finally came out (years ago now) even said at that time that he rarely services the essence line, leading him to believe that no one was buying it. My neighbor's Marvin's looked sooooo much better to. Just a rookie mistake on my part to go with them.
@@milgardwindowssuck556 Milgard was taken over by some other big window company from East coast, I think from Pennsylvania, VPI or something like that. They are doing their own reorganization and this may be reason why there is no Essence anymore. Milgard is knows and this is main reason they are in demand. I personally like Simonton better if comparing vinyl products but Milgard has really good warranty so am shocked that it took them so long to come to you, its usually 1-2 months which I thought is a lot. Milgard is competing on the mid price range and most likely doesnt want to compete with Marvin or Andersen. Marvin is probably best option buy you pay extra but am not sure what would be difference if comparing Marvin Elevate to Essence or at this point maybe better Marvin Essence to Milgard Ultra since the other model is not there anymore. What is your warranty for essence? probably 10 or 20 years right?
@@marekjaworski5965 Interesting - I hadn't heard about the takeover. I will say for a first timer, the ordering process seemed unnecessarily complicated and more designed for contractors who knew all the lingo. The software used by Miguard was extremely complicated and not friends with the buyer. I basically threw up my hands and made it the responsibility of the general contractor because I couldn't understand it. To your comment on the casements, the reason I wanted those is that we get some hot days in Oakland where there is still a very light breeze, so I did an airflow analysis using Windy (www.windy.com/?37.725,-122.098,10) and worked out a way to maximize airflow through the house based on the dominant prevailing winds. Casements were the best for grabbing that slight breeze and funneling it in and through the house, but I was also told to keep them locked when not in use because more than other windows, they fall out of "true" because of all the weight no the top hinge. Anyway, to your question, my warranty says "Full Lifetime Warranty For As Long As You Own Your Home". (I think California actually defines lifetime as being much shorter -- the lifetime of the product as long as it's greater than 3 years or something like that), but in this case, by adding "For As Long As You Own Your Home", I think that language would control. I actually sold my house last year and they let me transfer the warranty to the new owner as long as I did it within 10 years, so I was happy about that. In an odd small world event, the purchaser was the son of the window sales person, who I loved, as he was the only one who helped my navigate my problems and was super helpful. Anyway, I hope they do well under new management.
@@milgardwindowssuck556 Milgard Tuscany is lifetime warranty and I think Ultra and Essence because of its price as well. Other models are 10 years as I know. In construction 4 years warranty is required for all project that problem may be visible right away and 10 years if something that may be hidden. So windows legally need 10 years and companies can't do less even if they would like to. So if window is bad installed and is leaking you may not see the inside wall damage for years. I just am working on 2 windows where Pleasanton (I'm from Fremont) known company pulled frames and installed retrofit windows and its leaking after 17 years. So obviously they refused to help her in the problem. As for lifetime warranty its usually "limited lifetime warrant" which opens a lot of weird "but". Below you can find Simontons warranty, I really like their vinyl product but their warranty is not as clear.
I have seen this story repeated over and over again. Instead of supporting their warranty they just look for improper installs and they almost always find something to “excuse” them from honoring their warranty. Milgard are shit windows. I know. I have installed thousands of every type of window in my career.
After around 7 months they came and fixed the difficulty opening most of the windows. They wouldn't fix the screens (make them tighter) nor the bad wood cuts. Now it's 2.5 years later and I can't latch closed most of the windows because they are no longer true. So it looks like I'm going to have to bring them in again.....but it's a bad sign that I may have to do this every few years. Fine for me as the homeowner but the warranty isn't transferrable if I sell.
@@DakinFerris The latch not closing honestly sounds like the only part that I can see installer mess up. I cant see this too much being the product. But perhaps you can elaborate, and maybe have good reason to say its the window. But this is often intall. Regardless, I am now looking at Simonton or Pella as I just dont want a $30+K headache.
You seem to have a very bad installation. The locking mechanism should have some resistance but it should operate unless the installer did not align/square the windows properly. The cut on the wood was actually the jamb and case your installer made. He had to make a sil and an apron and let his saw cut too far into the sill material. He used vertical grain doug fir like the window... Also file a service request and call them.. they will talk to you.. I do service requests all the time.. yes some do take forever.. but eventually you will be good to go.. Try another brand and you would have paid double..
That's a thoughtful comment, thanks. Totally agree that another provider like my first choice (Marvin) would have been way more expensive. We had trouble finding the right type of windows (Casement) in Douglas Fir that were somewhat affordable and so that's part of why we ended up with Miguard's "top of the line" that apparently no-one buys (or so the installer said). We needed (wanted) mostly casement to catch the slight breeze we get here to improve summer cooling. Now they are mostly fine although some of the latches are now too tight to move again. I hear this happens with the bigger casement windows (the weight takes them out of true) and its apparently why they recommend to keep them latched when closed. Otherwise, I'm relatively content. I was a rookie too, so my inexperience didn't help. Where were you when I needed you! :)
It gets worse. I just realized my kids can't open their windows if they need to escape from a fire and such. I'm going to shoot more videos include my 5 month appointment with Milgard next week. Unfortunately, after doing some research, my complaints appear all too common.
Simontons on West are not the same as back East. Just looked at Simonton slider not sure what crack buyers are smoking but Milgard kicks its ass. Tuscany patio slider is the Cadillac! The Simonton felt like corolla
I'm so sorry to hear about your experience. We take all customer feedback very seriously and quality is very important to us. Please email me at social@milgard.com so I can get your contact info and assist you. Your windows are covered under our Full Lifetime Warranty. Thank you.
The windows are *finally* substantially fixed now (although a number are quickly back out of alignment) but at least most open and close and don't leak now. It took approximately 10-11 months for it all to resolve so I don't need support at this point but appreciate the inquiry. I'm leaving this video up because of the distress you caused me and my family. I bought your higher-end windows. It took approximately 3-4 months just to get someone there to look at the windows and tell me you would stand behind the windows. Your service people are backed up for at least 4-6 months, however, which is absurd--and they had to come back so it was many months later before they resolved. You don't even have a simple process for allowing needed return visits to happen quickly. The couldn't do it in one day so back in the queue (end of the line) I go. A 5-year old running a lemonade stand knows that if you have a customer problem and you have to solve something for them, you don't send them back to the end of the line simply because you couldn't solve the problem for them the first time around when you misjudged the effort needed. It's also absurd that for a ~$50k purchase you didn't even have someone that can stop in and take a quick look and say "yes, that's on us, we will take care of that". So I had to live with the anxiety for 6-8 months of not knowing if you were going to try and somehow blame me or my contractors and just tell me that most of these were an adjustment. There was no excuse for this. I contacted everyone I could, posted in Yelp and on here. People like you gave me lip service, but no one was interested in coming out and say "Gosh sir, we're terribly sorry about the leaks and the fact that the windows in your kids room effectively don't open (because the latch requires a strong adult) and are now a safety hazard, and we are sorry about all the other windows that require epic strength to open and close -- BUT WE STAND BEHIND OUR WINDOWS AND WE WILL SOLVE THIS". Nope. Nada. Nothing. So that's just epically poor customer service. Hire more support and change your policies like a normal customer-centric business so no one else has to go throught what I went through. Do that and I will take down this video.
Hi Dakinbear - If you can email me at social@milgard.com with your address so I can look up the service ticket on this, that would be very helpful. (I don't have a way to do that with just your UA-cam handle.) Your experience you've described sounds very poor and is not indicative of the core values we have been operating on for over 50 years. Quality and customer service have always been at the forefront and this time it sounds like we feel very short. I'd like to escalate it to our Director of Customer Service and to do that, I just need some personal contact info from you. Thank you for the opportunity to help.
An honest response would have been...."OK we really screwed this one up, and true our service is not doing too well, but I am hear to cover that up by making just you happy so you can take down this video as it is hurting our sales".
@@Dakinbear Since you were willing to spend $50,000, and you live in the SF Bay area, did you ever consider Sierra Pacific windows? Their aluminum-clad wood windows (and patio doors) are the bee's knees.
@@markspotter7398 We actually considered a number of brands but I don't recall if we looked at Sierra Pacific. We were trying to match windows with some cedar paneling, so we were limited to cedar windows that would match craftsman style. The only one we found that my manager (spouse) liked were from Milguard. We knew Miguard was a mid-tier brands so we weren't that worried about quality. Part of the problem here is the line we purchased were Milguard's high-end and the guy who came to fix them said nobody buys Milguard's high-end line! (Well, you know, almost nobody :( ) Anyway, having lived with them now for a couple years, while I'm not in love with them and wish we shopped around more, they aren't horrible. It was just the initial 6+ month experience was ridiculous.
@@Dakinbear Ah! Thanks for the reply. I learned quit a bit from this and your video. I've had good experience with Milgard's mid-level windows and patio doors. Had no idea what to expect from their upper-end stuff. I hope they have fixed that maddening hardware-issue.
Wait you said Milgard sucks? Actually they are a good brand FYI. I mean maybe the best in the West for money. Marvin I have been told are better but never actually seen one in person. Looks like bad install messed up screens? 50k holly shit you know unless this was retrofit you really got taken for ride. Milgard has one only real decent warranties I am aware of. It's all covered maybe the windows were order wrong sizes and jammed into a retrofit or something?
Ignorant = "Marvin I have been told are better but never actually seen one in person." - If the extent of your knowledge is that someone "told" you but you've never actually seen one "in person", then you are talking out of your ass. Anyone who knows anything about windows knows that Marvin windows are dramatically better. I have a friend who owns a large window installation company in the SF Bay Area. They won't even touch Milgard, both because they have a higher percentage of problems with the kicker being that their customer service sucks. "Looks like bad install messed up screens?" - Again, your ass seems to do all the talking. There are two options here. One is the manufacturer, one is the installer. The manufacturer told me that this is how they do their screens and this is normal, at least for them. Hmmmmm. So who do I believe? The manufacturer who said this was on them, or you, with your installer theory? "50k holly shit you know unless this was retrofit you really got taken for ride." - Well, one thing's clear. You didn't actually watch the video. That makes you a troll. So do you work for Milgard? Of course, it's a fucking retrofit. "Milgard has one only real decent warranties I am aware of." - Try doing your homework chachi. There are plenty of decent warranties out there and the idea that they have one of the only decent warranties is an absurd comment. (But sure, provide some evidence. I'm a lawyer who writes warranties. Happy to compare.....again.) More importantly, and the point of the whole video, is that a warranty is pretty pointless when it takes them 9 months to fix a window in a child's bedroom that means the child has no meaningful means of egress in a fire. Statistically speaking, I will probably live in this house for 8 years. The fact that 1/2 my windows didn't work properly for 1/10th of that time kind of makes me not give a shit about what they "say" they will do in a warranty. "It's all covered maybe the windows were order wrong sizes and jammed into a retrofit or something?" - OMG, you're a genius. I wish I had considered this. Gosh, what would the world do without super smart people like you, solving everyone's problems. In summary, literally, every incomplete and partial thought in your post was ignorant. But look, don't let me get in the way of you sharing your infinite knowledge about Milgard windows with the world.
LOL Milgards are the best! You should of got Tuscany line. I have Amscos and they suck. Looked at Pellas Lowes they sucked just as bad. Milgard stood out as being best in showroom. Speaking of incoherent thoughts let me change it up again lol. I am of the opinion retrofit casements are a bad idea.
Ya, I agree. The guy gave me a headache. And, he wonders why Milgard doesn't want to talk to him! Think about what you're going to say before you open your mouth. I'm looking to replace some old windows now and I can't find a single manufacturer that doesn't have a lot of complaints. Kind of makes me want to just replace the IGU units. Believe it or not, that actually costs more than replacing the window (due to more labor). But if you buy new windows, you have to replace all of them. Otherwise your house will have the Frankenstein window look.
I resent videos like this. It’s essentially social media extortion. I don’t even feel like you’re attacking the correct party. Looks to me like you purchased from from a bad installer. I believe you got hosed in your selection of contractor. Does not appear to be a manufacturing defect. Everything I see there as a result of abusive installation
Social media extortion?! Bwahahaha. Do you work for Milgard? You obviously don't know what you are talking about or didn't watch the entire video. I mean, there's slightly wrong and then there's just dumb-ass wrong, and you fall squarely into the dumb-ass category. Here's a question, Milo, if this was the contractor's fault, why did Milgard say it was 100% their problem, had nothing to do with the installer, and (eventually) fixed everything?
I bet he installed them himself or used a handyman Milgard is rejecting his claim he didn't use a qualified Milgard dealer. Why else would you even call a manufacture few days after installing them. Even saying that his video does show some issues with the product screens, and window locks fall apart.
Good for you for being detailed and critiquing the product and install. AT $50K you were alot more polite than I would have been. This Milgard window brand is a absoulute NO for consideration for us now. Really hope it gets or has been resolved.
I just bought windows and a french door for my house. I was thinking of Milgard but was pulled off of that brand by my installer. I ended up buying Anlin windows and the french door here in California. The windows and door come with a lifetime warranty that transferable to the next owner if I sell my home. That is a great selling point. I read the reviews on Milgard and you are not the only one with major problems with Milgard. Thanks for the video confirming my decision, Los Angeles
Sorry to see that your going throught that too! I bought a house with milgard windows. They're aluminum with cams. They were only installed in the house a few yrs before I bought the house. The windows just started to fall apart or rust and the cable snaps on the balancer, and only a few months after we moved in. They supposedly have a lifetime warranty (non-transferable) so basically we're screwed! When I do change them out, I am definitely NOT going with such overpriced garbage. Milgard windows are the worst I have ever dealt with period!!!
I feel you! :( That said, double-check their warranty for your specific windows. Some of their warranties are actually transferrable and/or you might be able to talk them into it if the windows are still reasonably new. You might need the help of the home seller but I was able to transfer mine to my new owner when I sold. www.milgard.com/frequently-asked-questions/warranty
The big problem with milgard windows is they leak because the glass are a inside set. That means the dlb back tape is out in the weather
and if you live on the coast you will get leaks. They have a frame in a frame that is not sealed. THEY ARE JUNK! Unless you buy the home depot
builder series and the glass sets from outside and you can only get the smaller windows in that series.
Document all of your efforts to work with the warranty department then just sue them in small claims court. Clearly the hardware falling apart is not an installation problem.
The "cuts and groove" complaints at 3:55 should be directed at the trim carpenter and the painter who should have touched them up. The one on the window stool wasn't Milgard's doing, it's an over-cut done when fabricating the stool. And the other small one on the window itself looks to have happened when the jamb extension was being worked on.
...and I would bet that the leaking is due to an installation problem.
The hardware issues seem legit, I wouldn't mind hearing a follow up on that.
When you buy windows and have someone who isn't a Milgard installer do the work your at he mercy of some Manufacture warranty department. This is why you always use a local contractor who is a qualified installer that way you can apply the right pressure local business to deal with these issues.
We don't sell Milgard because they have quality issues. Sorry to hear about your window problems, i really feel for you and I hope they fix these for 50 grand you deserve quality. All the best.
Sorry that you went through this. I found your video very interesting because I had a similar experience with my Milgard Essence windows. I have two awning windows from them and the levers popped off on day one. It seems clear to me, after working with Milgard for months, that they are a very poorly run company. In their defense, they came back to my place multiple times to finally fix the issues I had with my windows, but I would definitely never buy any of their products again. For my next set of Windows I bought some Marvins and, oh man, the quality was so much higher with Marvin.
Yep. I agree with what you said 100%. The windows, at the end of the day, are just "ok", but a horribly run company makes the overall experience quite negative. My neighbors bought Marvin. More expensive but wished I splurged.
Dakinbear same here. I'm not going to pull out the Milgard windows and replace them but if I could go back in time, I'd go with Marvin.
yes Marvin is one of the finest
I have seen Marvin clad windows rot on the inside of the house because they leaked into the clad and got to the pine inside wood.
Over priced and I have installed many for people but not anymore. It may not be as bad inland but on the coast STAY AWAY FROM THEM.
Awaiting the resolution or response. I was looking at using these in my new home but now have many concerns...
Well, I'm not as angry as when I made the video. Here's what I've learned from their window / tech person:
1) I asked the fixer guy if this was a standard level of defects. He said very few buy their essence line (high-end) windows, so the fixer guy said he only rarely works on them and so couldn't tell me what was normal.
2) He was actually able to fix some of them on-site. He thinks he can fix most or all....in October (10 months after my first delivery).
3) The problem is, would rather have bad press than provide healthy customer service (my words not his). He's the only person for a massive area. So basically, if you have troubles, while they don't have support, at least it looks like they will stand behind their windows and I'm hopeful we will ultimately get there.
4) They will replace all the broken latches for free (so they say).
5) They are going to replace the leaky window, although presumably, I will have to pay to paint and make it all look like it's not new.
After talking with many people about this, the general consensus is, if you can afford Marvin, DO IT. If you can't, don't buy Milgard Essence and if you have problems, just be prepared for a long slog. Eventually they will get to you....I think. Ask me again end of October!! Good luck with your project. I'm hoping I save people some time and stress. All Milgard needed to do was send someone out for a 30-minute visit and at least could have saved me from a lot of sleepless nights.
There are now supposed to come next week -- 9 months since I bought the windows -- and I have no idea if they are coming. No follow up. No communication. These guys simply have no infrastructure to support problems.
True Essence line never seen one in person! Why in hell did you put those in? Styleline, alum, Tuscany would all have been a good choice. Fiberglass is better and you paid up for that
they don't have the resource and personnel
I liked the Tuscany line but they didn't some variations we needed and I wanted the same style throughout the house. I can't remember now exactly what it was. It's too bad though. Apparently (said the fixer) they don't sell a lot of the Essence line so that's probably why they were so messed up. Kind of ironic--their most expensive line and it's the one with the most defects because they don't make enough. I guess by the time people start doing the Essence line, it's expensive enough to think about the Marvins.
Milgard screens have a 1 year warranty and should be replaced no problem ...we do it all the time... and why don't you call service directly... and then call the manager- plus say that it is a locking/security issue.. that always works for us....
I'm sympathetic to your claims. I am a dealer. The operational issues, somewhat the responsibility of the installer/contractor. Locking issues are minor adjustments, the hardware falling apart is somewhat manufacturing and is fixable in the field. The screens were a joke, The fact Milgard can't, and I mean can't service you or "take your call" is true. Their online service request form is the 2nd best effort at getting your issues resolved. The selling dealer can expedite through their dealer portal. My thought process is this- if you can afford Essence? why are you not considering Marvin full line? Perhaps Integrity? 15-to 20 % cheaper? Lifetime warranties are fine, but there are drawback
hope you get fixed up!
I could kick myself for not getting Marvin. My neighbor did and I look at them with envy every day. I bought from a pretty big dealer out here. He had one other bad experience with Milgard and has completely stopped recommending. They did eventually fix everything for me, but it was many months of stress. And to your point, I felt really dumb when the guy that came to fix them said that he believes the problem is that very few people buy the Essence line (because he's out there fixing their stuff and rarely even runs into them).
My guess he didn't use a milgard installer to put these in maybe a handyman, or some other contractor you can see the saw and construction material outside the windows. He trying to deal with the manufacture which gave me a clue that he never used a local window contractor. Milgard probably blaming the problems on the fact he didn't use an installer.
I agree! I have so many windows with cranks broken. Plus double hung won't say open.
I have Milgards in Edgewood Washington.The double paines all have streaking like a seal is blown.The sliding glass door too.Milgard's manufacturing plants are about 10 miles away.I asked about them on FB and the best I got was "They're OK, and made locally."
Sad. ... Thank you for the heads up
Wow, was getting ready to order Milgard... BTW, I called their sales line and they couldn't get me off the phone quick enough. I was looking for a certain patio door and the young-sounding female kept telling me the product is on their website. When pressed, she put me on hold for a few minutes and came back to tell me she couldn't find the door on their website. She went on to offer some contradicting information, I was embarrassed for her.
I agree with others, it does appear the installation could be a big part of the problems in your video. However, a company like Milgard should be all about determining the root cause of your problems.
please point out what part of this video shows poor install? The screen? NO, the lock mechanism? NO , The cuts in the wood? NO, The leak? SOunds like he has had anumber of people in and they say no...but who cares on that last one. Look at all the other issues.
my intuition about milgard,,,first,contractors who state interest in 50k$s of double hung & 50 baybowed windows ,after listening to the sales guy about ',,follow on quality ,workmanship and customer commitment,',,, visit the factory floor,ask directions to the employee suggestion box,if they have one,ask to see what the folks take time to write up & drop in it,
making these windows,each sash of vinyl glass,springs latches & thingamabobbys,locks, made perhaps by outside suppliers,have to be correctly & within spec,checked by people cross trained,so as to know each operation among 30 or so machines,cutters,heat corner joiners, large soft covered tables for glass mounting,, cross training means each position is covered ,up & functioning when the regular may be out sick, gets a day or a vacation week off,,the goal ought to be a defect in ,001 out of a thousand windows shipped to be installed,,again,by people skilled at every step of installation.
a cost saving in labor can be attained as well,
Just wait a few years, they will start fogging up as the thermal seals leak. Half the windows in my house need replacement because of that (at least 14 now) I am a second owner, so no warranty! Just don’t buy Milgard Windows or get a well written contract first.
Not defending Milgard but who installed these windows?
I’ve got 3 Millard windows with broken seals...STILL WAITING for Millard to respond to my request for WARRANTY!
I have been installing Milgard windows since 1981 and have never had a single problem. There are only a few others I will install. The difference is I never buy the upper lines of any window manufacturer. I have seen problems with all the clad windows and especially casement windows. Years ago I pulled out a lot of casement windows, because they have never worked all that good from the first day. Whenever someone wanted a home built and I saw casement windows specified I always recommended they be changed to a slider or double hing or single hung. Casement windows have always been a problem. If nothing else the operators go bad and so often they leak. Many are easy to open and difficult to close. When windows do not have many bells and whistles they do not have problems. Anyone who has worked on old homes knows those kind of windows always have problems. The screens for Milgard windows are made by someone else. Notice how many old homes have casement windows. Not one. The Keep It Simple Stupid advice always works best. Almost always a casement window has problems with the operators and it does not seal. I have seen casement windows out of the box from other manufacturers that are difficult to work. All the bells and windows that cost more are just more problems. It is like buying a basic Chevrolet versus a Cadillac. Mechanics know which is more reliable and proven over time.
50,000$? Da fuck
thats is maybe why they don't have essence model anymore. I'm not fan of milgard casement windows.
I wasn't aware they had discontinued but it makes sense. It was probably the one and only time I will buy a house full of windows....but the Milguard person that finally came out (years ago now) even said at that time that he rarely services the essence line, leading him to believe that no one was buying it. My neighbor's Marvin's looked sooooo much better to. Just a rookie mistake on my part to go with them.
@@milgardwindowssuck556 Milgard was taken over by some other big window company from East coast, I think from Pennsylvania, VPI or something like that. They are doing their own reorganization and this may be reason why there is no Essence anymore. Milgard is knows and this is main reason they are in demand. I personally like Simonton better if comparing vinyl products but Milgard has really good warranty so am shocked that it took them so long to come to you, its usually 1-2 months which I thought is a lot. Milgard is competing on the mid price range and most likely doesnt want to compete with Marvin or Andersen. Marvin is probably best option buy you pay extra but am not sure what would be difference if comparing Marvin Elevate to Essence or at this point maybe better Marvin Essence to Milgard Ultra since the other model is not there anymore. What is your warranty for essence? probably 10 or 20 years right?
@@marekjaworski5965 Interesting - I hadn't heard about the takeover. I will say for a first timer, the ordering process seemed unnecessarily complicated and more designed for contractors who knew all the lingo. The software used by Miguard was extremely complicated and not friends with the buyer. I basically threw up my hands and made it the responsibility of the general contractor because I couldn't understand it. To your comment on the casements, the reason I wanted those is that we get some hot days in Oakland where there is still a very light breeze, so I did an airflow analysis using Windy (www.windy.com/?37.725,-122.098,10) and worked out a way to maximize airflow through the house based on the dominant prevailing winds. Casements were the best for grabbing that slight breeze and funneling it in and through the house, but I was also told to keep them locked when not in use because more than other windows, they fall out of "true" because of all the weight no the top hinge. Anyway, to your question, my warranty says "Full Lifetime Warranty For As Long As You Own Your Home". (I think California actually defines lifetime as being much shorter -- the lifetime of the product as long as it's greater than 3 years or something like that), but in this case, by adding "For As Long As You Own Your Home", I think that language would control. I actually sold my house last year and they let me transfer the warranty to the new owner as long as I did it within 10 years, so I was happy about that. In an odd small world event, the purchaser was the son of the window sales person, who I loved, as he was the only one who helped my navigate my problems and was super helpful. Anyway, I hope they do well under new management.
@@milgardwindowssuck556 Milgard Tuscany is lifetime warranty and I think Ultra and Essence because of its price as well. Other models are 10 years as I know. In construction 4 years warranty is required for all project that problem may be visible right away and 10 years if something that may be hidden. So windows legally need 10 years and companies can't do less even if they would like to. So if window is bad installed and is leaking you may not see the inside wall damage for years. I just am working on 2 windows where Pleasanton (I'm from Fremont) known company pulled frames and installed retrofit windows and its leaking after 17 years. So obviously they refused to help her in the problem.
As for lifetime warranty its usually "limited lifetime warrant" which opens a lot of weird "but". Below you can find Simontons warranty, I really like their vinyl product but their warranty is not as clear.
was trying to attach link but YT is not letting me :(
Wow. Thanks for the warning on that!
I have seen this story repeated over and over again. Instead of supporting their warranty they just look for improper installs and they almost always find something to “excuse” them from honoring their warranty.
Milgard are shit windows. I know. I have installed thousands of every type of window in my career.
Worst place to buy windows bad customer service will not honor “Lifetime Warranty” buyer beware!
Thank you!
So did they finally correct these things?
After around 7 months they came and fixed the difficulty opening most of the windows. They wouldn't fix the screens (make them tighter) nor the bad wood cuts. Now it's 2.5 years later and I can't latch closed most of the windows because they are no longer true. So it looks like I'm going to have to bring them in again.....but it's a bad sign that I may have to do this every few years. Fine for me as the homeowner but the warranty isn't transferrable if I sell.
@@DakinFerris The latch not closing honestly sounds like the only part that I can see installer mess up. I cant see this too much being the product. But perhaps you can elaborate, and maybe have good reason to say its the window. But this is often intall.
Regardless, I am now looking at Simonton or Pella as I just dont want a $30+K headache.
You seem to have a very bad installation. The locking mechanism should have some resistance but it should operate unless the installer did not align/square the windows properly. The cut on the wood was actually the jamb and case your installer made. He had to make a sil and an apron and let his saw cut too far into the sill material. He used vertical grain doug fir like the window... Also file a service request and call them.. they will talk to you.. I do service requests all the time.. yes some do take forever.. but eventually you will be good to go.. Try another brand and you would have paid double..
That's a thoughtful comment, thanks. Totally agree that another provider like my first choice (Marvin) would have been way more expensive. We had trouble finding the right type of windows (Casement) in Douglas Fir that were somewhat affordable and so that's part of why we ended up with Miguard's "top of the line" that apparently no-one buys (or so the installer said). We needed (wanted) mostly casement to catch the slight breeze we get here to improve summer cooling. Now they are mostly fine although some of the latches are now too tight to move again. I hear this happens with the bigger casement windows (the weight takes them out of true) and its apparently why they recommend to keep them latched when closed. Otherwise, I'm relatively content. I
was a rookie too, so my inexperience didn't help. Where were you when I needed you! :)
Agreed. There are some major install issues here like the jamb being cut and poor adjustments. The handles should have better glue though.
I maybe able to help you if you're somewhat local.
That's ridiculous. Milgard should be ashamed that you had to resort to posting a video about the issues you're having.
It gets worse. I just realized my kids can't open their windows if they need to escape from a fire and such. I'm going to shoot more videos include my 5 month appointment with Milgard next week. Unfortunately, after doing some research, my complaints appear all too common.
Buy Simonton or Provia windows. Way better
Simontons on West are not the same as back East. Just looked at Simonton slider not sure what crack buyers are smoking but Milgard kicks its ass. Tuscany patio slider is the Cadillac! The Simonton felt like corolla
I'm so sorry to hear about your experience. We take all customer feedback very seriously and quality is very important to us. Please email me at social@milgard.com so I can get your contact info and assist you. Your windows are covered under our Full Lifetime Warranty. Thank you.
The windows are *finally* substantially fixed now (although a number are quickly back out of alignment) but at least most open and close and don't leak now. It took approximately 10-11 months for it all to resolve so I don't need support at this point but appreciate the inquiry. I'm leaving this video up because of the distress you caused me and my family. I bought your higher-end windows. It took approximately 3-4 months just to get someone there to look at the windows and tell me you would stand behind the windows. Your service people are backed up for at least 4-6 months, however, which is absurd--and they had to come back so it was many months later before they resolved. You don't even have a simple process for allowing needed return visits to happen quickly. The couldn't do it in one day so back in the queue (end of the line) I go. A 5-year old running a lemonade stand knows that if you have a customer problem and you have to solve something for them, you don't send them back to the end of the line simply because you couldn't solve the problem for them the first time around when you misjudged the effort needed. It's also absurd that for a ~$50k purchase you didn't even have someone that can stop in and take a quick look and say "yes, that's on us, we will take care of that". So I had to live with the anxiety for 6-8 months of not knowing if you were going to try and somehow blame me or my contractors and just tell me that most of these were an adjustment. There was no excuse for this. I contacted everyone I could, posted in Yelp and on here. People like you gave me lip service, but no one was interested in coming out and say "Gosh sir, we're terribly sorry about the leaks and the fact that the windows in your kids room effectively don't open (because the latch requires a strong adult) and are now a safety hazard, and we are sorry about all the other windows that require epic strength to open and close -- BUT WE STAND BEHIND OUR WINDOWS AND WE WILL SOLVE THIS". Nope. Nada. Nothing. So that's just epically poor customer service. Hire more support and change your policies like a normal customer-centric business so no one else has to go throught what I went through. Do that and I will take down this video.
Hi Dakinbear - If you can email me at social@milgard.com with your address so I can look up the service ticket on this, that would be very helpful. (I don't have a way to do that with just your UA-cam handle.) Your experience you've described sounds very poor and is not indicative of the core values we have been operating on for over 50 years. Quality and customer service have always been at the forefront and this time it sounds like we feel very short. I'd like to escalate it to our Director of Customer Service and to do that, I just need some personal contact info from you. Thank you for the opportunity to help.
An honest response would have been...."OK we really screwed this one up, and true our service is not doing too well, but I am hear to cover that up by making just you happy so you can take down this video as it is hurting our sales".
What city and state do u live in?
It took a long time, but they fixed most of it. (But I'm in the SF Bay Area.)
Would you mind letting me know which installer you used?
@@Dakinbear Since you were willing to spend $50,000, and you live in the SF Bay area, did you ever consider Sierra Pacific windows? Their aluminum-clad wood windows (and patio doors) are the bee's knees.
@@markspotter7398 We actually considered a number of brands but I don't recall if we looked at Sierra Pacific. We were trying to match windows with some cedar paneling, so we were limited to cedar windows that would match craftsman style. The only one we found that my manager (spouse) liked were from Milguard. We knew Miguard was a mid-tier brands so we weren't that worried about quality. Part of the problem here is the line we purchased were Milguard's high-end and the guy who came to fix them said nobody buys Milguard's high-end line! (Well, you know, almost nobody :( ) Anyway, having lived with them now for a couple years, while I'm not in love with them and wish we shopped around more, they aren't horrible. It was just the initial 6+ month experience was ridiculous.
@@Dakinbear Ah! Thanks for the reply. I learned quit a bit from this and your video. I've had good experience with Milgard's mid-level windows and patio doors. Had no idea what to expect from their upper-end stuff. I hope they have fixed that maddening hardware-issue.
Wait you said Milgard sucks? Actually they are a good brand FYI. I mean maybe the best in the West for money. Marvin I have been told are better but never actually seen one in person. Looks like bad install messed up screens? 50k holly shit you know unless this was retrofit you really got taken for ride. Milgard has one only real decent warranties I am aware of. It's all covered maybe the windows were order wrong sizes and jammed into a retrofit or something?
poker Nips you obviously don't know much about windows and you comment is too ignorant to respond to
So what was ignorant? Milgard has lifetime warranty once you get the rep they will fix the shitz
Ignorant =
"Marvin I have been told are better but never actually seen one in person." - If the extent of your knowledge is that someone "told" you but you've never actually seen one "in person", then you are talking out of your ass. Anyone who knows anything about windows knows that Marvin windows are dramatically better. I have a friend who owns a large window installation company in the SF Bay Area. They won't even touch Milgard, both because they have a higher percentage of problems with the kicker being that their customer service sucks.
"Looks like bad install messed up screens?" - Again, your ass seems to do all the talking. There are two options here. One is the manufacturer, one is the installer. The manufacturer told me that this is how they do their screens and this is normal, at least for them. Hmmmmm. So who do I believe? The manufacturer who said this was on them, or you, with your installer theory?
"50k holly shit you know unless this was retrofit you really got taken for ride." - Well, one thing's clear. You didn't actually watch the video. That makes you a troll. So do you work for Milgard? Of course, it's a fucking retrofit.
"Milgard has one only real decent warranties I am aware of." - Try doing your homework chachi. There are plenty of decent warranties out there and the idea that they have one of the only decent warranties is an absurd comment. (But sure, provide some evidence. I'm a lawyer who writes warranties. Happy to compare.....again.) More importantly, and the point of the whole video, is that a warranty is pretty pointless when it takes them 9 months to fix a window in a child's bedroom that means the child has no meaningful means of egress in a fire. Statistically speaking, I will probably live in this house for 8 years. The fact that 1/2 my windows didn't work properly for 1/10th of that time kind of makes me not give a shit about what they "say" they will do in a warranty.
"It's all covered maybe the windows were order wrong sizes and jammed into a retrofit or something?" - OMG, you're a genius. I wish I had considered this. Gosh, what would the world do without super smart people like you, solving everyone's problems.
In summary, literally, every incomplete and partial thought in your post was ignorant. But look, don't let me get in the way of you sharing your infinite knowledge about Milgard windows with the world.
LOL Milgards are the best! You should of got Tuscany line. I have Amscos and they suck. Looked at Pellas Lowes they sucked just as bad. Milgard stood out as being best in showroom. Speaking of incoherent thoughts let me change it up again lol. I am of the opinion retrofit casements are a bad idea.
I like the CHACHI lol BFF
I tried to watch the complete video but got too annoyed by all the "uhs"
I'll make sure you get a complete refund.
You're an idiot Alan.
Opps, clicked the wrong guy. MrGoodGrap1 makes a good point.
Ya, I agree. The guy gave me a headache. And, he wonders why Milgard doesn't want to talk to him! Think about what you're going to say before you open your mouth. I'm looking to replace some old windows now and I can't find a single manufacturer that doesn't have a lot of complaints. Kind of makes me want to just replace the IGU units. Believe it or not, that actually costs more than replacing the window (due to more labor). But if you buy new windows, you have to replace all of them. Otherwise your house will have the Frankenstein window look.
@@highster Now there's an insightful comment. Want to see an idiot? Go look in the mirror!
I resent videos like this. It’s essentially social media extortion. I don’t even feel like you’re attacking the correct party. Looks to me like you purchased from from a bad installer. I believe you got hosed in your selection of contractor. Does not appear to be a manufacturing defect. Everything I see there as a result of abusive installation
Social media extortion?! Bwahahaha. Do you work for Milgard? You obviously don't know what you are talking about or didn't watch the entire video. I mean, there's slightly wrong and then there's just dumb-ass wrong, and you fall squarely into the dumb-ass category. Here's a question, Milo, if this was the contractor's fault, why did Milgard say it was 100% their problem, had nothing to do with the installer, and (eventually) fixed everything?
Clearly Gr8 M9ds is a Milgard shill.
I bet he installed them himself or used a handyman Milgard is rejecting his claim he didn't use a qualified Milgard dealer. Why else would you even call a manufacture few days after installing them. Even saying that his video does show some issues with the product screens, and window locks fall apart.