*
Has anyone seen a “Consumer Reports”-like
investigation of vinyl windows? I’m about to
retrofit, and Viking (from HD) has a line of .35
UR that LOOKS about the same as Millgard with same
number, but is 60-70% cheaper. And/or, are there
other window-makers I should look at?
Jim
Replies
*
Jim,
I've used both and there is no comparison. I'm not sure about the warrantees but Milgard is by far the better product and their factory support here in the NW is very good. I think Viking is an appropriate choice for a shop or something like that which is where we used them. Yeah, I know you see Vikings going into $300,000 homes, what can I say. Where are you located?
JonC
*Jon,I'm in Chico, CA--upper central Sac valley. I believe both have lifetime warranties, though Milgard is I think transferable, whereas Viking is not.What do you mean by "no comparison"? Would I "feel" the difference if I had them side by side and torqued them around, etc? Or what? Frankly, I think they both look cheapo--like they could stand some extra trimming and polishing around all the joints. The rocker latch on the Milgard looks a little better.I've gotten two quotes on the Milgards, and there's a bit of a spread; maybe I should find yet a nother dealer, but I THINK they're going to be, like, 60-70% more than Viking.Jim
*Hi JimI checked window prices at HD in Seattle at lunch today. For a sample 36x60 (3 ft wide by 5 ft tall) single hung I found:Milgard clear glass $113 u.49Milgard Low-E $135 u.34Viking clear $128 dont know uViking low-e $159 dont know uAll of these windows were the lowest priced line for each manufacturer.Ive had good luck with MilgardHope this helpsJim
*Jim,I get my windows through a local Parr Lumber mainly because the guy who runs that department has forgotten more about windows than I'll ever know. It's been 2 yrs since I looked at Vikings and perhaps they've really upgraded their product in that time. Otherwise,yes, I think you'd see and feel a big difference between the two. Hopefully, someone who knows more about windows than me will wade in here.Both companies probably have more than one line so I'd make sure I was comparing apples to apples.JonC