house window question - Milgard

markem · 02-22-2010, 02:13 PM

Thank you, everyone for the feedback. Milgard, JenWeld and a few others are well regarded by all the contractor and homeowners who I've been able to talk to. The 2 contractors who came by in the last couple of days who work on siding, trim and windows have all said that the windows are good and that the real problem was that water got to the trim (but no apparent siding issues right now). The trim pieces are pine, which is being phased out in the PNW because of the heavy rain issues we have. The costs are moderate to replace all the pine with cedar, so that's what we are going to go with. The second story windows have small ledges (don't know the proper term) that seem to trap the water and may contribute to the problem that we have, so only the second story window trim facing into the weather really are affected by this.

We hope to have this problem completely fixed by the end of next week. Looks like the total contractor time will be no more than about 8-10 hours.

It made a world of difference getting in highly recommended general contractors who specialize in this as opposed to companies that specialize in selling replacement windows. I should have known that up front and definitely know it now

One more siding/trim/window specialist contractor coming today or tomorrow to evaluate and give a bid and then we'll make the decision and git 'er done!

RGD. · 02-22-2010, 08:37 PM

I've installed about a gazillion windows in my 30 plus years in the trades. I have never installed Milgard but have removed a lot of them. Not that they were bad really - just outdated metal windows. Milgard is an old company, been around forever. A lot of you probably grew up in homes with them - just didn't know it, nor cared really.

And while it is true that a lot of windows are regional - know that a lot of big name windows (vinyl) are made by local companies. CertainTeed is just one example. That's how they get them to you quickly.

Never been a big fan of Anderson - Pella I like though. Alside I do like and have their top of the line siding on my home. Alside is not a company most homeowners would know - but contractors would. Jen-Weld I consider a homeowner do it yourselfer Home Depot type window.

Also check out your local manufactures. They normal have excellent warranties, make your windows on site and a lot will even give you a tour of their facilities.

During my remodel two years ago I used a local company, Vinyl Lite, to custom make my windows, triple E glass glazing, UV coatings, cut bevels, etc - at a ton better price than the majors - with lifetime warranty, no prorated stuff either.

Anyway - just rambling now. So good luck with it all, check out local companies, check warranties, etc etc.

Ron

02-22-2010, 02:13 PM	#1
markem Bunion Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Mark Location: Second Star on the Right Posts: 22,653 Trading: (47)	Re: house window question - Milgard Thank you, everyone for the feedback. Milgard, JenWeld and a few others are well regarded by all the contractor and homeowners who I've been able to talk to. The 2 contractors who came by in the last couple of days who work on siding, trim and windows have all said that the windows are good and that the real problem was that water got to the trim (but no apparent siding issues right now). The trim pieces are pine, which is being phased out in the PNW because of the heavy rain issues we have. The costs are moderate to replace all the pine with cedar, so that's what we are going to go with. The second story windows have small ledges (don't know the proper term) that seem to trap the water and may contribute to the problem that we have, so only the second story window trim facing into the weather really are affected by this. We hope to have this problem completely fixed by the end of next week. Looks like the total contractor time will be no more than about 8-10 hours. It made a world of difference getting in highly recommended general contractors who specialize in this as opposed to companies that specialize in selling replacement windows. I should have known that up front and definitely know it now One more siding/trim/window specialist contractor coming today or tomorrow to evaluate and give a bid and then we'll make the decision and git 'er done! __________________ I refuse to belong to any organization that would have me as a member. ~ Groucho Marx

02-22-2010, 08:37 PM	#2
RGD. God Like Status Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Ron Location: Alexandria, Virginia Posts: 971 Trading: (1)	Re: house window question - Milgard I've installed about a gazillion windows in my 30 plus years in the trades. I have never installed Milgard but have removed a lot of them. Not that they were bad really - just outdated metal windows. Milgard is an old company, been around forever. A lot of you probably grew up in homes with them - just didn't know it, nor cared really. And while it is true that a lot of windows are regional - know that a lot of big name windows (vinyl) are made by local companies. CertainTeed is just one example. That's how they get them to you quickly. Never been a big fan of Anderson - Pella I like though. Alside I do like and have their top of the line siding on my home. Alside is not a company most homeowners would know - but contractors would. Jen-Weld I consider a homeowner do it yourselfer Home Depot type window. Also check out your local manufactures. They normal have excellent warranties, make your windows on site and a lot will even give you a tour of their facilities. During my remodel two years ago I used a local company, Vinyl Lite, to custom make my windows, triple E glass glazing, UV coatings, cut bevels, etc - at a ton better price than the majors - with lifetime warranty, no prorated stuff either. Anyway - just rambling now. So good luck with it all, check out local companies, check warranties, etc etc. Ron