JELD-WEN Vs. Milgard: Which Windows Are Better?

Despite being such critical features to your home, windows are often overlooked by homeowners. Not only do windows impact your home’s overall curb appeal, but they can also ensure safety, security, and efficiency as well.

Two of the industry leaders, JELD-WEN vs. Milgard, are both excellent window manufacturers. But, when it comes time to decide for your home, which do you choose?

If you’re looking for long-lasting windows, high-quality windows for your home, Milgard is going to be the better option. JELD-WEN tends to produce mass quantities for large development projects and is not best recommended for homeowners.

Both brands also offer a wide color variety for both interior and exterior customization. JELD-WEN has 41 different exterior metal-clad color options and nine Anodized finish options, putting it in the lead with 50 color combinations available. Choose from colors ranging from White, Desert Sand, and Bronze.

Of the Milgard collections, the Fiberglass Essence Series has the most customization options, with 16 different colors to choose from, ranging from neutral Sand to light green Pea Pod.

While Milgard has an excellent assortment of color options, JELD-WEN wins this round. If you’re looking for a contemporary design style, check out 26 Modern Window Trim Ideas to determine what colors would go best.

Nothing can be more frustrating than waiting extensive lead times when working on projects around the home. That’s why it’s crucial to know what timelines you can expect from different manufacturers.

Both JELD-WEN and Milgard have a pretty standard lead time of four to 10 weeks, which can vary depending on the distributors’ locations. But, between the two, JELD-WEN has been known for more significant delays in delivery than Milgard.

Reading reviews on the Better Business Bureau shows that there have been a series of customer complaints regarding delays in terms of installation.

JELD-WEN has been an ENERGY STAR partner for over 20 years, offering window products that meet or exceed these standards. As much as possible, JELD-WEN also opts to build products as locally sourced as possible, reducing its carbon footprint.

Vinyl windows produced by JELD-WEN meet sustainability and durability requirements as set forth by the company while consisting of up to 15% recycled vinyl waste.

Additionally, JELD-WEN is a leader in minimizing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. Through effective manufacturing processes and the final products, JELD-WEN is committed to doing its part to conserve the environment.

Milgard offers a wide assortment of energy-efficient window options for your home, making it easy to abide by and exceed local energy codes. You even have options of energy packages that are best suited for your regional climate.

Milgard also either meets or exceeds U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) criteria in each area it serves. Of course, while adhering to ENERGY STAR v6 requirements.

Meeting your budget is always a top priority, which is why you should know the costs going into them. As you can imagine, with all of the different customization options both JELD-WEN and Milgard provide, the pricing of their window products can range drastically.

Generally speaking, both JELD-WEN and Milgard have similar pricing, ranging anywhere from $300 to $1,200 per window.

In comparing costs, Milgard can be on the pricier end. Custom windows can well exceed the $1,200 cap from Milgard. Additionally, labor costs are not included in the prices of the windows.

Customer satisfaction should always be a top priority, which is why brands like JELD-WEN and Milgard provide extended warranties on their products. JELD-WEN has standard limited warranty coverage for all products lasting 20 years. Details about warranty coverage are dependent on the specific product line you purchase from and can be found on the Window & Patio Door Limited Warranty.

Milgard offers not only Lifetime Limited Warranty but also a Full Lifetime Warranty on specific products. Warranties are laid out on the website, providing detailed information depending on which coverage you have. Although the 20-year warranty offered by JELD-WEN is still one of the better coverage options, Milgard’s lifetime warranties exceed any expectations out there.

Homeowners who have worked with JELD-WEN directly on individual projects have mentioned struggles trying to resolve any installation or product concerns that arise. Since the brand has become most popular for large quantity purchases, such as housing developments, much attention is focused on builders or window dealers.

Although JELD-WEN windows can be high-quality, it is not the most recommended for full-replacement window options for homeowners due to potential performance concerns. Common defect reports include decay, deterioration, drafts, mold, and water leaks.

Milgard is known for its attention to detail when it comes to window manufacturing. Each component of a window is carefully tested and thought out before being considered as a usable piece.

Since Milgard produces their fiberglass and vinyl window frames in-house, they can constantly monitor the manufacturing process, ensuring quality control and a more reliable end product for you.

Innovation is one of the aspects of Milgard that helps to maintain its status as an industry leader. Milgard engineers have been recognized for their remarkable patented technologies throughout the years, like their lower-maintenance exterior vinyl finish and SmartTouch locking mechanisms.

Milgard has also been awarded the Gold Label by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). This rating exhibits Milgard’s commitment to producing quality products that undergo rigorous third-party testing.

According to the Better Business Bureau, Milgard has been rated with an A+. Multiple reviews online show comments regarding warranty assistance far exceeding any customer expectations.

The high-end market of window offerings has seen minimal options from Milgard. Currently, the only two high-end lines Milgard offers are the wood-clad fiberglass Essence Series and the fiberglass Ultra Series.

Although you can rest assured the quality is there, the price of Milgard windows might not fit every homeowner’s budget. There are less expensive window options out there.

Milgard once offered the Essence Series, which had a wood exterior with a fiberglass interior. Unfortunately, this line has since been discontinued, meaning Milgard does not have any wood window options. Find out if Kolbe windows are better than Marvin.

Choosing who is the better window manufacturer between JELD-WEN vs. Milgard will narrow down to personal preference.

JELD-WEN is the better option in terms of customization and pricing, which is hard to beat. But, if you are looking for a window that will last, Milgard will likely be the superior option between the two.

Unfortunately, more energy efficiency and lifetime warranties come at a cost, as Milgard windows and installation can be slightly more expensive than JELD-WEN. But, when considering the cost savings over time from higher energy efficiency, the pricing difference might wash in the end.

Both JELD-WEN and Milgard manufacture high-quality windows with multiple customization features available. If you’re looking for a better budget option or large projects, JELD-WEN is the way to go.

But, if you’re looking for the best window, backed with a lifetime warranty, you’ll want to stick with Milgard. Only developers should consider JELD-WEN and not individual homeowners.

Are you interested in checking out some other window manufacturers? Take a look at Kolbe vs. Marvin to see if either of these are more along the lines of what you are looking for.