Milgard is a well-known window manufacturer known for durable, energy-efficient windows, particularly its vinyl options. The company offers a solid product warranty, ensuring homeowners get the most out of their purchases. Strong warranty coverage is essential given the steep cost of new windows for a home.
But what does Milgard’s warranty cover? What does “lifetime” mean? This guide explores the specifics of Milgard’s warranty windows to give you the information you need to decide whether these windows are right for your home.
4.1
Exclusive Fibrex framing
A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
Team of certified installers
4.3
Impressive customer ratings
Lifetime window warranties
Large catalog of additional remodeling services
4.3
Offers wood and vinyl framing
Outstanding customizability
Seven glass options
Are you looking for replacement windows for your home? In this video, Danny Lipford and Joe Truini discuss the best window brands on the market, including Milgard.
What Does Milgard’s Lifetime Limited Warranty Cover?
Milgard offers two warranties on its windows: full lifetime and lifetime limited. The former applies to certain Tuscany and Trinsic Series windows, while the latter applies to Style Line, Ultra, HomeMaker, and similar window Series.
Under the lifetime limited warranty, Milgard’s customers receive coverage for a handful of components. The frame gets a lifetime warranty, while the insulated glass unit (IGU) and window components have 20 years of warranty coverage. Nonconformities in these components are eligible for replacement parts at no charge.
It’s important to note that some window series receive additional coverage beyond the basics, such as glass breakage coverage. So, as you browse your options, pay attention to warranty terms on the windows you like.
What Does “Lifetime” Mean in Milgard’s Warranty?
Milgard’s warranty states it extends a “lifetime” for vinyl windows, fiberglass windows, patio doors, and more. However, since there’s ample room for interpretation here, this can spur confusion. According to Milgard’s warranties, the “lifetime” timeline extends for as long as the original purchaser owns their home.
It’s important to note that the lifetime warranty isn’t transferable. So, if you sell your home, the new homeowner doesn’t receive the same lifetime coverage since they weren’t the ones to purchase the windows and aren’t the original purchaser. Instead, the warranty for subsequent owners shortens to 10 years and covers nonconformities.
Additionally, it’s important to note that the lifetime warranty applies solely to residential customers. Commercial customers receive a shortened warranty extending 10 years past the manufacture date.
Are There Any Limitations to Milgard’s Warranty?
Like many warranties, Milgard outlines a few specific limitations to its coverage scope. For example, it offers modified coverages for certain components and items, including the following:
- Capstock frames receive 10 years of coverage for non-uniform or non-gradual change or pitting, warping, chipping, cracking, peeling, blistering, or corrosion.
- Painted and fiberglass frames receive a shortened 10-year warranty for excessive peeling, chalking, cracking, checking, fading, or color change.
- Windows featuring integrated blinds or shades come with 10 years of coverage for obstruction of vision or significant impairment in usage.
- Options with laminated and impact IGUs get five years for nonconformity and one year each for stress cracks, weatherstripping, and insect screens.
What is Not Covered by Milgard’s Warranty?
While Milgard’s warranty offers solid coverage for its high-quality windows, it isn’t all-inclusive. These exclusions are essential to consider as you shop for windows for your home, as they outline instances wherein you won’t receive warranty coverage.
Under Milgard’s warranty, homeowners don’t receive warranty coverage for the following conditions for Milgard products:
- Installation: Any mishaps associated with installation and workmanship, such as in an application exceeding the capacity of the product design or failure to install the window properly, don’t qualify for warranty coverage.
- Wear and tear: Milgard excludes all normal wear and tear, including aging, weathering, and corrosion, unless otherwise specified.
- Abuse or misuse: Any damages resulting from a lack of maintenance, abuse, and misuse are outside the warranty umbrella.
- Glass damage: The warranty doesn’t cover any breakage, scratches, blemishes, or other glass damage unless explicitly specified.
- Changes or alterations: The warranty excludes any modifications or alterations to the product or its components, such as by applying tints or adding paint finishes.
- Force or harsh materials: Damage from force, like power washing, or use of harsh cleaners, like abrasives or solvents, falls out of warranty coverage.
- Acts of nature: Milgard doesn’t cover any acts of nature that may damage your windows, such as battering winds, hail, or similar situations.
How Do I Make a Warranty Claim on My Milgard Windows?
When you notice a nonconformity or issue with your Milgard windows, you have 30 days to report the problem to the company. Filing a claim for your Milgard windows is easy. You have a couple of options for submitting a claim:
- Online: Via Milgard’s contact form
- By phone: 1-800-milgard (645-4273)
When you submit a warranty claim, you must provide your contact information, order number, and problem description. Additionally, you’ll need to supply photos of the problem unless you can’t obtain them.
Once you send the necessary information, Milgard will review the information, investigate the problem, and respond. If Milgard confirms the issue falls under warranty coverage, it will supply replacements as spelled out by its warranty.
Replacement parts may not be an exact match to the original, as Milgard may discontinue product lines. When this happens, Milgard substitutes parts or products of equal value to remedy the problem. In some cases, Milgard may choose to refund the original purchase to satisfy its obligations.
It all comes down to the specifics surrounding the damage.
Keep your original Milgard purchase paperwork and warranty information. Documentation showing proof of purchase and installation date will make the warranty claim process faster and easier.
What Benefits Does the Milgard Warranty Offer Homeowners?
Milgard’s window warranty offers notable benefits for its buyers. Firstly, the coverage ensures homeowners get the most out of their investment. Overhauling your home with a full set of new windows isn’t cheap, so having protection on that investment is handy.
The lifetime frame and long-lasting glass coverage offer excellent protection for your new investment. While restrictions apply, the scope of coverage is solid. Such broad coverage prevents you from using cash to cover the cost of replacement windows and repairs (assuming your issues are covered).
On top of its exceptional warranties, Milgard offers remarkable customer service to ensure its customers always have help when needed. Customers can contact their local Milgard dealer or speak with the company’s customer care team directly by calling its customer service line. Alternatively, customers can request service through the company’s online contact form.
Key Takeaways on Milgard’s Window Warranty
Between its strong warranties, reliable customer service team, and respectable reputation in the industry, Milgard’s window warranty terms are among the best on the market. Its warranties offer excellent coverage that extends a lifetime, and while there are a few restrictions, the coverage is better than some of the alternatives available. However, solid warranties aren’t all that matters. Milgard also has fair prices, high-quality windows, and responsive customer service, making it one of the best window brands around.
Considering Milgard windows for your new construction or home improvement project? In that case, read our complete Milgard review for more details.
4.1
Exclusive Fibrex framing
A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
Team of certified installers
4.3
Impressive customer ratings
Lifetime window warranties
Large catalog of additional remodeling services
4.3
Offers wood and vinyl framing
Outstanding customizability
Seven glass options
FAQs About Milgard Windows Warranty
How Long Is the Milgard Warranty?
Milgard’s limited lifetime warranty lasts a lifetime on certain components (the frame) but shortens to 20 years for others (IGU and associated components).
What Is Covered Under the Milgard Lifetime Warranty?
Milgard’s lifetime warranty covers the primary components of its products, including window frames and insulated glass units (IGUs). The length of coverage varies based on the component.
Does Milgard Warranty Transfer to New Homeowners?
Yes, the warranty is transferable to subsequent homeowners, but it drops from a lifetime to a 10-year warranty.
Does Milgard Replace Broken Window Glass?
No, Milgard doesn’t replace broken window glass unless explicitly specified. For the most part, Milgard excludes glass replacement costs from warranty coverage.
Can Milgard's Warranty Be Extended?
Milgard’s window warranty is usually non-extendable because its products come with a lifetime warranty and already have an industry-leading warranty. Coverage depends on the windows you choose. Some receive a full lifetime warranty, while others have lifetime limited coverage.
