Are you looking to replace the windows in your home?
If so, then Marvin Windows may be a great option! Marvin Windows has been in the industry for over a century now. They started back in 1912, just a family owned lumber business. Fast forward to today and they offer an enormous selection of custom windows and doors, all meeting Energy Star requirements.
Marvin has taken over Integrity windows, and the Integrity name and logo are now no longer in use. The good news is that their products are still alive and well, under the name of Marvin. They have three main collections of windows for you to choose from, depending on the needs of your home: the Signature Collection, the Essential Collection, and the Elevate Collection. The Integrity Wood-Ultrex is now the Marvin Elevate Collection, and the Integrity All Ultrex is now the Marvin Essentials Collection. The name may have changed, but the products haven’t. Each of their windows are made to order, customizable so that you can get just what you are looking for.
One of the best things about Marvin is their attention to detail. When you are looking for windows that are reliable, durable and energy efficient, Marvin is a great choice. They produce strong and durable windows that are made to last. Their materials are top of the line, and your windows come ready to install, designed to your customized specifications..
About Ultrex Fiberglass
Ultrex Fiberglass is the basis of the Marvin Windows product line. Having your windows made of the right materials is everything when it comes to energy efficiency and performance. Ultrex is made up of fiberglass, and is designed to withstand the test of time. It has been in the making, and being improved for over 20 years now. It was actually one of the first composite window types on the market.
Not all composite materials are the same though. Many companies use a sawdust, or a vinyl material to make their composite windows. The Ultrex is a higher density, and it is more weather resistant than a lot of other materials on the market. This really helps to set Marvin apart, and give them a name worth mentioning in the home construction industry. This is really one of the main reasons that they are so big in the industry.
The Ultrex fiberglass is not only weather resistant, but also impact resistant. Both strength and stability make this material great for both windows and doors.
The most popular collection that Marvin has to offer is the Signature collection. This is a collection of all wood windows. These windows can be ordered in various different wood types, and you can also select your own stain and paint options to really customize them. Choose from a variety of different styles, including casement windows, awning windows, double hung windows, and much more. While these windows are beautiful, and long lasting, they do require some maintenance to keep their appearance.
If you are looking for something a little more maintenance free, then consider the Essential collection. These windows are made from an Ultrex fiberglass, and are made to be not only maintenance free, but also durable. This is the toughest of the Marvin collections. This is also a more affordable collection, and may work better for a tighter budget. Customize the look of your windows by choosing from various different types of hardware finishes and exterior finishes. Choose from a variety of different types of window styles, including glider windows, single hung windows, polygon windows, and round top windows.
A step above the rest is the Elevate collection. This collection is their Cadillac of windows, and was formerly the Integrity Wood-Ultrex. This pairs the durability of the fiberglass on the exterior of the window, with the aesthetic appeal of the wood on the interior. This gives you the best of both worlds, but these do tend to be on the pricier side. This is a great idea for homes that have excessively hot summers, or harsh cold winters. The Ultrex used in the frame is designed to withstand these extreme temperature changes. Choose from bay & bow windows, casement & awning windows, double hung windows, glider windows, polygon windows, round top windows, French door windows and more.
Finishing Options
Once you choose the style, size and specifications of your window, you will also need to consider the finish. Marvin uses a patented finishing process that helps to ensure that the coating on your windows is three times as thick as that of some of the other windows on the market. The finish is resistant to scratching and peeling, and also is designed to resist UV rays and prevent it from fading out over time. This can keep your windows looking newer for longer. Choose from a variety of finishing colors and stains.
Marvin Windows and Energy Efficiency
This day and age, everyone is looking for ways that they can reduce their carbon footprint and live a more ‘green’ life. The energy efficiency of your home is a great place to start. Having energy efficient windows can help to cut down on the cost of heating and cooling your home. Aside from saving money, it is also better for the environment. There are also usually tax breaks offered for energy efficient homes. Marvin windows offers a variety of energy efficiency windows for you to choose from.
There are three factors to consider when it comes to energy efficient windows. First, consider the U-factor. This measures your home’s ability to retain heat. You want this number to be pretty low, especially if you live in an area that has harsh cold winters. The lower this number is, the more comfortable you will be inside during the winter months, because you will be able to retain the heat. This can prevent your heat from kicking on as often as well.
Next is the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, also known as the SHGC. This measures the amount of heat that is allowed to come into your home through the windows. This number should also be low. During the summer months, heat comes in along with sunlight, through windows that are not protected
Finally, you have the amount of light that a window allows inside. To allow in the light without the heat, consider a Low E coating for your window. It is simply a layer of transparent metallic oxides coating the glass. It is invisible to the naked eye, thus not hindering the flow of light. It helps to reflect the heat away from the window.
Insulating glass can be another great source of energy efficiency. Placing multiple panes of glass together, separated by either air or gas fills, can really help to keep your home efficient. Gas fills are especially popular. Krypton or argon gas mixes help to slow down the movement of air, thus making the windows more energy efficient.
When shopping for energy efficient Marvin windows, be sure to check the Energy Star rating. This is the official stamp of approval that you will want to look for to ensure that it is rated for energy efficiency in your area. All Marvin windows are Energy Star certified.
How Does Marvin Windows Measure Up?
Marvin Windows has a good track record for happy customers. The Better Business Bureau has rated them an A+. This is always a sign of a good company. Also their track record for being in the industry for over a century now speak volumes when it comes to the quality of their products and customer service.
Marvin also offers a limited warranty on all of their windows. This limited warranty covers the exterior and glass portions of the windows for up to 20 years. It also covers hardware for up to 10 years, and the interior portion of the window for up 5 years. This warranty is transferable, so if you sell the home you can transfer the warranty on to the next owner.
To ensure that you get the most out of your Marvin windows, and that your windows carry the warranty, you must have them installed by a professional team of window installers. If you try to take on a DIY home project, and don’t have them installed correctly, your warranty could be of no use to you. Leave this to the experts. Here at Hatch Homes, we can help you from start to finish. Let us help you choose the perfect Marvin windows for your home, and see it through until the final installation is complete.
When it comes to cost, Marvin windows vary greatly. This is because each window is made to order, and customized. Since there are different collections to choose from, and sizes vary from one window to the next, the pricing of your windows will be determined based on your specific needs. Marvin is not known to offer budget windows, however. You really do get what you pay for. They provide quality customized windows that are made to withstand the test of time.