We're finally replacing our ancient windows (seriously, they're practically antiques at this point), and I'm stuck between Simonton and Milgard. Anyone have personal experiences—good, bad, or ugly—with either brand? Would love some honest stories before we dive in.
I've seen a lot of folks here leaning towards Simonton or Milgard, and they're both solid choices, but honestly, have you considered Andersen? I know they're sometimes pricier, but hear me out. We replaced our old windows about three years ago—went with Andersen's Fibrex line after a ton of research. Fibrex is basically a composite material that blends wood fibers and thermoplastic polymers. Sounds fancy, but the main thing is it's super durable, energy-efficient, and doesn't warp or fade like vinyl can over time.
My brother-in-law went with Milgard vinyl windows around the same time we did ours. They're decent enough, but he's already noticing some minor discoloration and slight warping on the south-facing side of his house. Nothing catastrophic, just something to keep in mind if your windows get a lot of direct sun exposure.
Not knocking Simonton or Milgard—they're popular for good reason—but if you're looking for longevity and performance, Andersen might be worth a glance before you pull the trigger.
"My brother-in-law went with Milgard vinyl windows around the same time we did ours. They're decent enough, but he's already noticing some minor discoloration and slight warping on the south-facing side of his house."
Interesting you mention that... I installed Simonton vinyl windows about five years ago, and they've held up pretty well overall. But like your brother-in-law, I've noticed some slight fading on the windows facing direct sunlight. Nothing major, but it does make me wonder if composite options like Andersen's Fibrex might've been a smarter long-term choice. Definitely something to think about if durability is high on your list.
"They're decent enough, but he's already noticing some minor discoloration and slight warping on the south-facing side of his house."
Funny you bring that up—I went with Milgard vinyl windows about seven years ago, and I've noticed something similar. The windows on the south and west sides of my place definitely get hammered by the sun, and there's some noticeable fading now. No warping yet, thankfully, but the color difference is pretty clear when you compare them to the shaded side of the house.
My neighbor across the street installed Andersen Fibrex windows around the same time, and honestly, they still look brand new. I was skeptical at first because of the higher price tag, but seeing how they've held up compared to mine... well, it makes me wonder if spending a bit more upfront would've been worth it. Not that I'm unhappy with Milgard—they've been solid overall—but if I had to do it again, I'd probably at least consider composite options more seriously.
Interesting to hear your experience with Milgard—I went with Simonton vinyl windows about five years ago and have noticed similar fading issues on the sunny side of my house. No warping yet, but the color definitely isn't as vibrant as it used to be. My brother-in-law chose Andersen Fibrex around the same time, and honestly, his still look pretty sharp. Makes me wonder if composite windows might've been worth the extra investment after all... hindsight, right?