Anlin and Milgard are both popular brands of replacement windows, each with their own unique features and benefits. Anlin Industries is a family-owned and operated business that was founded in 1990 by Tom Vidmar, a veteran of the window industry with over 30 years of experience. Tom started the company with the goal of creating high-quality, energy-efficient replacement windows that were specifically designed for the unique climate and environmental conditions of California.

At the time, Tom noticed that many of the replacement windows available in the market were designed for other parts of the country and didn’t offer the level of energy efficiency and performance that was needed in California. He decided to create his own line of windows that were specifically designed to meet the needs of California homeowners, with features like insulated glass, low-E coatings, and custom sizing.

The company started in a small manufacturing facility in Clovis, California, where Tom and his team began producing their first line of replacement windows. As the business grew, they expanded their product offerings to include sliding patio doors and French doors, and they eventually moved to a larger manufacturing facility in nearby Visalia, California.

Today, Anlin Industries is one of the leading manufacturers of replacement windows and doors in California, with a reputation for high-quality, energy-efficient products and exceptional customer service. They offer a wide range of window and door options, including their proprietary Infinit-e Plus vinyl material and advanced energy-saving features.

The company remains committed to Tom Vidmar’s original vision of creating custom-fit, energy-efficient replacement windows that are designed for the unique climate and environmental conditions of California.

Milgard Windows and Doors is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, energy-efficient windows and doors. The company was founded in 1958 by Maurice Milgard Jr. and his wife, as a small glass shop in Tacoma, Washington.

Maurice Milgard Jr. was a World War II veteran who returned home to Tacoma and started a glass business with his brother. The company began manufacturing aluminum windows and patio doors in the 1960s and quickly grew to become a leading supplier in the Pacific Northwest.

In the 1980s, Milgard Windows and Doors expanded their product line to include vinyl windows, which quickly became popular due to their energy-efficient properties and low-maintenance requirements. Milgard continued to innovate and expand their product offerings over the years, adding fiberglass and wood-clad windows and doors to their lineup.

In 2001, Milgard was acquired by Masco Corporation, a leading manufacturer of home improvement and building products. Under Masco’s ownership, Milgard continued to expand their product offerings and market presence, including the acquisition of several other window and door companies.

Today, Milgard Windows and Doors is based in Tacoma, Washington, with manufacturing facilities across the United States. The company offers a wide range of window and door products, including vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, and wood options, as well as custom sizing and design options. Milgard remains committed to providing homeowners with high-quality, energy-efficient windows and doors that are built to last.

Here are some of the key differences between Anlin and Milgard windows that some Southern California homeowners should take into consideration:

1. Materials: Anlin windows are made with a proprietary vinyl material called Infinit-e Plus, which is designed to be strong, durable, and energy-efficient. Milgard windows are made with a variety of materials, including vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, and wood, depending on the specific product line.
2. Energy Efficiency: Both Anlin and Milgard windows are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Anlin windows feature advanced features like insulated glass, low-E coatings, and argon gas fills to help reduce energy transfer and improve thermal performance. Milgard windows also have energy-saving features, including their SunCoat and SunCoatMAX low-E glass coatings, which help block UV rays and reduce solar heat gain.
3. Customization Options: Both Anlin and Milgard offer a wide range of customization options, including different styles, colors, and hardware options. Anlin windows are also available with decorative glass and grid options, while Milgard offers a variety of frame finishes and styles to choose from.
4. Warranty: Anlin offers a limited lifetime warranty on their windows, covering defects in materials and workmanship. Milgard offers a lifetime warranty on most of their products, including glass breakage, defects, and labor.
5. Price: Anlin windows are generally considered to be more affordable than Milgard windows, although prices can vary depending on the specific product line and customization options.

In summary, while both Anlin and Milgard offer high-quality replacement windows with energy-efficient features and customization options, they differ in the materials used, warranty, and pricing. Homeowners should consider their specific needs and budget when deciding between these two popular brands.