Anlin Del Mar Windows vs Milgard Tuscany Replacement Windows - Blog

Purchasing replacement windows for you home is not as straightforward as it may seem on the surface. While most windows look and operate very similar to each other, the brand of windows you buy can make a big difference. Take, for example, Anlin vs. Milgard windows. While both manufacturers make replacement windows with vinyl frames, there are some substantial differences between their products that should be taken into account.

Here are some things to consider: 

Popularity Doesn’t Always Translate to High Quality

When it comes to products, just because something is well-known, doesn’t necessarily mean it is high quality. It might just mean that a company is good at marketing.

This is often the case with replacement windows. Manufacturers like Milgard have spent decades marketing their windows in order for their brand to become a household name—and they succeeded. Pretty much every homeowner has heard of Milgard windows. 

Anlin windows are not nearly as well known. For many years, the company was small and family-owned. They only sold windows in the Western United States. Only recently, when they were acquired by a larger company, did they start marketing their products more heavily. They are still largely unknown to the average homeowner.

However, most people in the window industry will tell you that Anlin windows are far superior to Milgard in every aspect. They are more durable, more energy efficient, and made using better methods and higher quality materials. 

Consider How Manufacturers Respond to Warranty Claims

While you never want to assume that you will have issues with your new windows, things happen. Not every window is going to be manufactured perfectly in the factory. While all reputable window manufacturers offer a warranty on their products, the process of making a warranty claim on a faulty window can vary dramatically from manufacturer to manufacturer. 

Milgard is notorious for taking forever to respond to warranty claims. It can be months before they even send someone out to inspect the issue, and even longer before they fix the problem—that is if they take care of it at all! Anlin, on the other hand, tends to be very responsive to customer complaints. They are quick to make any needed repairs and very rarely deny claims.

The Company from Which You Purchase Windows Also Matters

Not everyone realizes this, but it matters—quite a bit, actually—where you purchase your replacement windows. There are specialty window companies that do nothing but sell and install replacement windows. Then there are home improvement stores that will sell you windows and outsource the installation to an outside contractor. You can also hire a general contractor to purchase and install new windows on your behalf. No matter which option you choose, you will end up with a home full of new windows, but you may want to seriously consider purchasing from a specialty window company.

Window companies often have their own team of installers, who are window installation experts. They know the best installation methods and how to make windows as airtight as possible. 

In addition, window companies often have access to window brands that other people don’t. For example, most general contractors or home improvement stores aren’t able to sell you Anlin windows, because Anlin only allows their windows to be sold by authorized dealers. 

Finally, a window company may provide you with additional warranty coverage. For example, BM Windows in San Diego, California offers every customer an installation warranty on top of the warranty that comes from the window manufacturer. BM Windows owner Michal Bohm says, “Although window manufacturers like Anlin offer great product warranties, those warranties don’t cover everything. Specifically, they won’t cover any issues that were caused by an installation error. That’s why our company offers a supplemental installation warranty, so our customers’ windows are pretty much fully covered.”

To find an Anlin dealer near you, you can go to Anlin’s website and click on “Where to Buy.”

By Lela

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