Milgard Vs. Value Windows: Which Is The Better Choice?

Milgard and Value are two popular brands of replacement windows known for their high-quality products.

If you’re trying to decide between these two brands for your next window replacement project, there are several factors to consider including performance, materials, warranties, cost and more.

This detailed guide examines the key differences between Milgard and Value windows to help you determine which is the better option for your home and budget.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Milgard Windows	Value Windows
Frame Materials	Premium vinyl or Fibrex composite	Standard vinyl
Energy Efficiency	Very high, ENERGY STAR certified options	Decent but not ENERGY STAR certified
Glass Options	Standard, SunCoat, SmartSun for glare reduction	Standard and triple pane
Warranty	Lifetime limited for frame, components, and 10 years glass coverage	Lifetime limited for frame and components only
Styles Available	Double hung, single hung, slider, casement, awning, radius, bay, bow, garden	Double hung, single hung, slider, casement, awning
Price Range	$$-$$$ ($350 to $1000+ installed)	$ ($150 to $600 installed)
Customer Reviews	Excellent, consistently positive feedback	Mixed reviews, some report issues
Overall Quality	Superior, high-end construction and performance	Decent basic builder-grade quality

Overview of Milgard Windows

Founded in 1958, Milgard is one of the largest and most recognized window and door manufacturers in the western United States. The company is known for its high-quality vinyl, fiberglass and aluminum windows and patio doors. Some of the key features and benefits of Milgard windows include:

• Durability – Milgard windows are engineered for strength and longevity. The vinyl and fiberglass frames won’t warp, split or crack over time.
• Energy efficiency – Many Milgard windows meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® requirements. Advanced glass packages and weather stripping help improve insulation.
• Noise reduction – Multi-pane glass construction reduces outside noise by up to 45%. Great for homes near busy roads.
• Variety of styles – Choose from traditional double hung and slider styles to casement, awning and picture windows. Radius, bay and bow windows also available.
• Warranty – Milgard offers a limited lifetime warranty covering the vinyl and fiberglass frame and component parts. Glass has 10-year coverage.

Milgard offers four window series ranging from builder-grade to premium: Tuscany®, UltraTM, EssenceTM and TrinsicTM. The higher-tier collections like Essence and Trinsic come with Fibrex® composite frames and impressive energy efficiency.

Overview of Value Windows

Value Windows is Value-Added Products’ brand of vinyl replacement windows. Value has been manufacturing windows since 1969 with a focus on durable and affordable vinyl products. Here are some notable features of Value Windows:

• Budget-friendly – Value Windows are very competitively priced, making them a great option if you’re sticking to a tight budget.
• Vinyl construction – Durable, low-maintenance vinyl frames and sashes resist warping, swelling and corrosion.
• Energy efficient – Thermally optimized frame and sash design with double pane glass helps reduce energy costs.
• Noise reduction – Weatherstripping and insulating glass lessens outside noise.
• Limited lifetime warranty – Frame and sash components are covered for as long as you own your home.

Some of the available options include single-hung, double-hung, sliding, casement, awning, bay and bow, and garden windows.

Value Windows has two product lines: Advantage Series is the builder-grade line while Premium Series is the top-tier line.

Comparing Performance: Energy Efficiency

One of the most important factors when shopping for replacement windows is energy efficiency. This determines how well the windows insulate your home, prevent air leaks, and reduce heating and cooling costs.

Milgard generally offers better energy efficiency in their window products compared to Value Windows. Here’s how they compare:

• Milgard Trinsic vinyl windows have an ENERGY STAR® rating with U-Factors as low as 0.20 and SHGC as low as 0.22. This meets or exceeds ENERGY STAR requirements in all climate zones.
• Milgard Essence and Tuscany series windows have slightly less efficient ratings around 0.27 to 0.30 U-Factor and 0.23 to 0.30 SHGC. Still eligible for ENERGY STAR in most zones.
• Value Windows are decently energy efficient but not quite as high-performing. Their standard double pane glass seems to be around 0.27 to 0.29 U-Factor. Not ENERGY STAR certified.

Clearly, Milgard offers greater energy efficiency, especially with their top-tier Trinsic series hitting some of the best U-Factors in the industry. This means your heating and cooling bills will be lower with Milgard.

Comparing Materials: Vinyl vs Fibrex

Windows made from quality materials can better withstand weathering, wear and tear over the years. Both brands use durable vinyl in their window construction. However, Milgard also offers a composite called Fibrex in some products. Here’s how the materials compare:

• Milgard Vinyl – Milgard Tuscany series is made using premium vinyl called DynaMaxTM. It’s highly impact resistant and tested for structural integrity and longevity. Great UV resistance.
• Milgard Fibrex – Exclusive to Essence and Trinsic series. This is an innovative composite blending vinyl polymers with fibers of glass. Even stronger and more stable than vinyl. Won’t warp in heat.
• Value Vinyl – Value Windows utilizes rigid, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) vinyl. It’s a durable material but not quite as robust as Milgard’s vinyl and Fibrex options.

Overall, Milgard seems to offer stronger frame materials, especially with the superb structural performance of Fibrex. This suggests Milgard windows may hold up better over time.

Style and Design Options

Milgard and Value both offer a wide selection of operating styles, custom sizes, grid patterns, glass types, and hardware finishes to match any home’s architecture and preferences.

Value Windows provides all the essential operating styles from single-hung and double-hung to sliding, casement, awning and picture models. Grid options include flat, contoured and sculptured patterns.

For enhanced energy efficiency, Value also offers triple pane glass and argon gas filled double pane glass. Hardware finishes include white, clay and brass.

Milgard also provides those same fundamental window styles and grid patterns. But they also offer more design flexibility with radius, bay, bow and garden windows. Milgard has advanced glazing options like SmartSunTM glass to filter UV and glare.

Hardware finishes include standard colors plus satin nickel, oil rubbed bronze and more. And Milgard allows complete customization of sizes including 1/8” increments.

Overall, Milgard appears to offer more style, design and size options to perfectly fit each home.

Window Frame Comparison

The quality of the frame is crucial for structural integrity, insulation, weatherproofing and overall durability. Let’s examine the frame construction of Milgard vs Value Windows:

• Milgard Frames – Frames feature multi-chambered vinyl or Fibrex construction. Internal walls reinforce stability while creating insulating air pockets. Corners use fusion-welding for a strong, weather-tight seal.
• Value Frames – Value Windows frames also utilize a multi-hollowed vinyl construction and fused corners. However, Milgard seems to use more advanced techniques resulting in stronger, more rigid frames.

When comparing the thickness and robustness of the frames, Milgard windows appear to have a leg up in terms of quality materials and engineering.

The Fibrex composite frames in particular are excellent. This suggests Milgard frames will likely hold up better over years of use.

Comparing Warranties

A strong product warranty provides peace of mind should any defects arise with your windows. Here are the warranties offered by each brand:

• Milgard – Offers a limited lifetime warranty covering vinyl and Fibrex frame and components. Glass is covered for 10 years.
• Value Windows – Provides a limited lifetime warranty on the vinyl frame and sash components only. No coverage listed for glass.

When it comes to warranties, Milgard provides more extensive coverage for a longer period, especially with the included glass coverage. This demonstrates the company’s confidence in their product quality from frame to glass.

Pricing Differences

As you might expect, Milgard windows come with a higher price tag compared to Value Windows. Here are some average price ranges:

• Value Windows – Value products are affordably priced between $150 to $600 per window installed. More basic models closer to $150. Triple pane with upgraded features around $600.
• Milgard – Roughly $350 to $1000+ per window installed depending on series. Builder-grade Tuscany series around $350. Flagship Trinsic series closest to $1000.

Milgard windows range from about 2x to 5x more expensive than Value. You’re paying for the superb craftsmanship, materials and performance from Milgard. Value is ideal if you’re on a tight budget, but Milgard is worth the investment for a luxury window that will last.

Customer Satisfaction Comparison

Looking at customer reviews and satisfaction ratings helps identify real-world pros and cons of each brand:

• Value Windows – Overall decent marks for quality and affordability, but some complaints of leaks, condensation issues, poor customer service and problems with getting warranty claims approved. Seem to be hit-or-miss.
• Milgard – Overwhelmingly positive reviews praising Milgard window quality, appearance, energy savings and helpful customer service. Cons very few and far between. Known for honoring lifetime warranty.

Based on reviews, Milgard clearly stands out with consistently outstanding feedback on all fronts from product quality to warranties to customer service. Value gets mixed responses with some happy while others report issues.

Which Brand Is Better Overall?

When comparing all of the above factors – performance, materials, styles, warranties, prices and reviews – Milgard windows come out as the better choice overall:

• Energy efficiency – Milgard offers superior insulation with lower U-Factors.
• Frame materials – Milgard has stronger vinyl and patented Fibrex composite options.
• Styles – More versatile design options with Milgard.
• Warranties – More coverage including glass with Milgard.
• Reviews – Milgard earns rave reviews while Value gets mixed feedback.

The only advantage for Value Windows is upfront cost. But Milgard still provides budget options in their lower tier, and the investment will pay off long-term in energy savings, durability, and performance.

For a replacement window you can rely on for decades, Milgard is worth the higher initial price.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Still have some questions about Milgard and Value windows? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

The Bottom Line

While Value Windows meet the basic requirements for vinyl replacement windows at very affordable prices, Milgard windows are ultimately the better long-term investment.

Exceptional construction quality, energy efficiency, low maintenance, and the comprehensive lifetime warranty ensure you’ll enjoy your Milgard windows for decades to come.

If you want an outstanding window that will stand the test of time, Milgard is the clear winner over Value.