Frequently Asked Questions
Our FAQ section contains quick answers to some of the most common questions about care and service for Milgard windows and doors.
The Sales Order number is the unique identification number for your product. This number is needed when filling out the service request form in order to identify your window in our system and expedite service.
The number is located in the upper right or left-hand corner between the panes of glass. The SO # is a 5 to 8 digit number, followed by the Line Number (a decimal and three digits.) For example, a number you might see is 1144124. 002. The SO# is 1144124 and the Line Number is 002.
Please note that some windows might not have the SO# or Line Number if made before 1995. In this case please contact customer service at 1.800.MILGARD with help in identifying your product.
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Yes, many of the adjustments on all of our products can be performed within a matter of seconds. Milgard has a series of Do It Yourself Videos that will walk you through the process safely. If additional materials are needed, they can be ordered from your local dealer. If you are still having trouble with your product, you can call 1.800.MILGARD to schedule an appointment with a certified technician.
Stress cracks or cracked glass is caused by improper installation, storage, or handling, which cannot be controlled by Milgard. Milgard ensures that the glass units manufactured in our facilities are of the highest quality upon delivery to our dealers.
If you do have a glass crack in your Milgard product, please contact one of our Certified Dealers or 1.800.MILGARD to schedule service.
We do not suggest adding a tint to your window glass as this will void your warranty on the insulated glass unit. Applying tint can cause excessive heat to the insulated glass causing the unit to prematurely fail.
Milgard does not sell directly to the customer. You can purchase products through Milgard Certified Dealers. They will ensure you order products that are sized to fit weather-tight, operate seamlessly, and are installed correctly.
You can find a list of dealers in your area by simply entering your zip code on our website or by calling 1.800.MILGARD.
Painting your vinyl windows is considered an alteration to the vinyl finish and will result in the warranty being voided.
We do not recommend that you attach these types of items to the frames even though they don't interfere with the operation. Depending on the situation, it is possible to void part or all of the product warranty by making modifications, such as drilling into the frame, or blocking the weeping system.
As a guideline, if the scratch is deep enough to catch the edge of a fingernail, it's too deep to remove. On the other hand, lighter scratches and scuffs can be removed with polishing compounds found at most home repair stores. To prevent future scratches be diligent about cleaning dirt and debris off the glass before it etches the surface.
For paint finish scratches on vinyl or fiberglass please consult a painting professional. They can help with professional touch up’s or re-application of the finish.
Registering your warranty is not a requirement to be covered by your Milgard warranty. However, we recommend registering your warranty to simplify your service experience, should you ever require it.
Milgard’s window and door hardware is protected by special coatings and lubricants. However, these coatings and lubricants can be damaged by common household products and harsh environmental conditions, such as coastal and industrial areas. These conditions can cause the windows and doors to become more difficult to operate and cause the hardware to wear or corrode faster.
In order to maintain the appearance and function of your hardware for years to come, we recommend that hardware be inspected once a year (more if necessary) and cleared of dirt and grime build up. Loss of functionality of hardware due to corrosion is covered by the Milgard warranty for one year for Stainless Steel Hardware.
Please reference the FAQ questions: How do I clean my hardware? How do I lubricate my hardware?
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We recommend cleaning your hardware with mild soap and water using a soft damp cloth. When done, rinse with clean water, wipe dry with a soft cloth, and then allow the hardware to air dry completely before lubricating.
Never use abrasive or acidic cleaners. These types of cleaners will remove the lubricants and corrosion resistant coatings from the hardware.
DO NOT USE THESE CLEANERS ON HARDWARE
Vinegar Based Cleaners
Citrus Based Cleaners (Lemon, etc.)
Chlorine Based Cleaners
Industrial Strength Cleaners
Acetone
Lacquer Thinner
Ammonia
Isopropyl Alcohol
Goof Off
ZEP
Silicone Sprays/Lubricants
Glass Cleaners with any of the above ingredients
Whether you need a product, service, or question answered, start with your local Milgard® Dealer. They're trained in every aspect of our windows and patio doors, from repairing glass to purchasing the right product for your home.
If you prefer to speak with us directly, please call 1.800.MILGARD (1.800.645.4273). If you need to request service, please submit an online service request form that goes directly to our customer care team.
Interior Condensation
Interior condensation occurs because of high humidity and low air exchange inside the home. The high-performance energy efficient windows of today are designed to be air tight to reduce heat loss, which also reduces air flow and can cause condensation to form.
Three ways to fight interior condensation:
1. Reduce moisture sources (humidifiers, plants, aquariums, etc.)
2. Increase ventilation (open windows for a few minutes each day, especially during steam-producing activities such as showering, laundry and cooking)
3. Leave closed interior shades up a couple inches above the window sill to allow for air movement between the shades and the window.
Exterior Condensation
Exterior condensation results from the same environmental conditions that cause dew to appear on grass. It forms when moist air comes into contact with cool surfaces, such as glass. Exterior condensation is actually a normal indication that the insulating glass in your windows is performing as it should, reducing heat loss and lowering utility costs.
For more information, please view our Care and Maintenance Brochure
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Milgard manufactures windows with an optional factory-installed window opening control device (WOCD). Our window opening control device limits the window sash opening to less than 4”, helping to prevent dangerous falls in children under 5 years old.
If you would like more information about the WOCD device and which products can be installed with a WOCD, please visit our WOCD information page. To learn more, please contact your local dealer or call 1.800.MILGARD
After the hardware is clean and dry it must be lubricated to restore the smooth operation and corrosion resistance. There are a number of commercially available products which can be used. Be careful not to apply excessive amounts of grease. Wipe up any drips or spills when applying grease since it will stain wood.
If you would like a recommendation on which lubricants are best for certain hardware parts, please call a Milgard Sales Representative at 1.800.MILGARD.
At Milgard, we offer energy-efficient windows and patio doors that meet and exceed ENERGY STAR® V7.0 requirements. All Milgard products are designed to meet tough thermal and solar requirements of state and local jurisdictions.
To learn more about how Milgard adheres to ENERGY STAR® requirements you can contact your local dealer to discuss which products best suit your climate and energy needs. Alternatively you can call 1.800.MILGARD to talk with a Milgard Sales Representative.
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To determine whether your warranty is transferable as a subsequent homeowner, please view the Warranty Information page where you can find complete warranty information by year and location.
It is not possible to extend the warranty if it has expired or was not transferable. However, if you need service and no longer have a warranty please contact one of our Certified Dealers who can help you with repairing your windows.
Proper storage of Milgard products is essential in ensuring they remain damage-free as they await final installation. Below are some helpful considerations for storing units in high temperatures in addition to guidance on product labels.
Vinyl windows and doors of any color should not be stored directly in the sun as it can cause temperatures >150º in less than 1 hour.
Units should be stored in a shaded area and on a flat base, as stated on the product label.
If you must stack units, offset the product to allow adequate ventilation, and do not stack more than five units deep. Suppose you store five or more 4040 picture windows in a row with no ventilation space. In that case, the Low-E glass will trap heat between units and act as an oven, accelerating temperature damage.
The most significant concern of high heat and direct sunlight exposure is the concentrated solar heat build-up on the vinyl frame. Temperatures of >150ºF can cause distortion, bubbling, and shrinkage. 150ºF+ surface temperatures are common in units not stored vertically and in direct sunlight. In these conditions, damaging surface temperatures can be reached in under 1 hour.
Often times the top sash is not pushed completely in place to allow the retaining lip to engage the weather-stripping and hold it in place. Make sure the sash is completely raised to eliminate potential drifting
Though this may be alarming at first, water on the inside of your window may be present during rainstorms. However, our windows and patio doors have a specially designed "weep" drainage system on the exterior bottom rails of the frames that allows water to drain to the outside while still protecting the inside of your home.
As water slowly drains it will build up on the sill or outside track. This is why it is important to annually inspect and clean the sill and track of dirt and debris to prevent clogging and assure proper drainage. A good time to clean weep holes is when excessive rain is anticipated. To clean, use a soft bottlebrush, pipe cleaner, or paper clip to gently clear the weep hole openings.
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You can wash your vinyl window and door frames with mild, nonabrasive soap and water. First, remove any large particles (sand, bird droppings, etc.) with a soft bristle brush. Then, wash the surface using warm water, a mild soap, and a soft absorbent cloth. Wipe dry when finished. Periodic or seasonal cleaning using these steps will maintain your premium finish for years to come.
Recommended Cleaners for Vinyl Windows
- Mild Soap and Water
- Simple Green
- Windex
- Aqua Clean
- CLR
- Endust
- Fantastik Orange Action
- Hydro Force Glass Cleaner
- Lysol All-purpose Cleaner
- Murphy Oil Soap
- Nu Vinyl
- Pine-Sol
* Always test cleaners in an inconspicuous area first.
DO NOT USE THESE PRODUCTS ON VINYL
- ABRASIVE/ ACIDIC CLEANERS
- ACETONE
- LACQUER THINNER
- AMMONIA
- ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL
- WD-40
- GOOF OFF
- ZEP
To ensure clarity and exceptional performance an occasional cleaning is necessary for all glass types. The best practice is to clean glass with a mixture of mild dish soap and water. When finished, rinse completely with clean water and wipe dry with a soft cloth.
NEVER use any of the following products on any part of your window or patio door as they may damage the glass surface or insulating seal.
NEVER USE THESE PRODUCTS TO CLEAN GLASS
Petroleum-based Cleaners
Abrasive/Acidic Chemicals
Razor Blades, Putty Knifes or Abrasive Pads
High-Pressure Water Hoses
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The California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly known as “Proposition 65,” requires manufacturers to provide a warning label on products that may contain chemicals on the State of California’s Prop 65 list. In August 2016, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) adopted new Prop 65 regulations that become effective August 30, 2018. The new Prop 65 regulations include changes to the requirements for warning label language and use. These changes address not only the labeling of product packaging, but also the requirements for warnings on website landing pages and catalog pages used to sell products to consumers in California. Milgard has updated the labeling of our products in accordance with the new regulations. You can read more about Prop 65 at www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. (The California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, commonly known as “Proposition 65,” requires manufacturers to provide a warning label on products that may contain chemicals on the State of California’s Prop 65 list. In August 2016, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) adopted new Prop 65 regulations that become effective August 30, 2018. The new Prop 65 regulations include changes to the requirements for warning label language and use. These changes address not only the labeling of product packaging, but also the requirements for warnings on website landing pages and catalog pages used to sell products to consumers in California. Milgard has updated the labeling of our products in accordance with the new regulations. You can read more about Prop 65 at www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.)