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Marvin Integrity All Ultrex Fiberglass Windows experiences

KWOLSEN's picture

Marvin Integrity All Ultrex Fiberglass Windows experiences (post #192816)

KWOLSEN on Wed, 08/25/2010 - 20:13
in

I'm doing a remodel to my '56 ranch in So. Cal.  Considering using Marvin Integrity All Ultrex fiberglass windows for new construction part of the remodel.   Hard to get excited about fiberglass, but guess their  better than vinyl and dont want paint maintenance hassle or cost of wood windows.  Anyone have good or  bad experience with them ? What happens in X years when the crank mechansim for the casement window fails?  Looking at some casements and gliders.

thanks,

Kirk

‹ Change in chimney draw after converting oil to gas verifying plumber's costs ›
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I've used them.  You are (post #192816, reply #1 of 6)

by Marson in reply to KWOLSEN [original] on Thu, 08/26/2010 - 05:08

I've used them.  You are right, they are between a vinyl window and an aluminum clad wood window.  I don't believe I recall any problems with them.  Personally I prefer a clad wood window--not sure what maintenance you are concerned about since the only wood that shows is on the inside and you should get many years out of a paint job. (or stain/poly).  

 

As for the hardware, it's Truth hardware, same as  on many brands of windows.  The hardware is replaceable.

I don't understand the (post #192816, reply #2 of 6)

by DanH in reply to Marson [original] on Thu, 08/26/2010 - 05:41

I don't understand the concern about wood on the outside.  Our Andersen windows are 34 years old, have been repainted three times, look as good as the day they were installed.


This country will not be a permanently good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a reasonably good place for all of us to live in.  --Theodore Roosevelt

People don't like painting them (post #192816, reply #5 of 6)

by davidmeiland in reply to DanH [original] on Tue, 09/07/2010 - 21:01

but there is a definite appeal to wooden windows. I'm working on a very, very nice house right now, all of the windows are painted VG fir, fixed and casement units. The sash are 1-3/4 thick and beautifully made--look at the tops or bottoms and see the mortise-and-tenon slipjoints. They have been really well maintained. As much as I like aluminum clad/wood windows, these are a lot nicer.

I've got nothing but good (post #192816, reply #3 of 6)

by Pelipeth in reply to KWOLSEN [original] on Thu, 08/26/2010 - 16:43

I've got nothing but good results. Nice millwork on the inside.

i'm in the middle of a (post #192816, reply #4 of 6)

by dcdollar in reply to KWOLSEN [original] on Tue, 09/07/2010 - 20:00

i'm in the middle of a remodel. Just replaced 40-year old casements with the All Ultrex windows from Marvin. I spent a fair amount of time researching replacements and settled on the All Ultrex Integrity. Unfortunately, it's been one problem after another. Of the first 12 windows, one had a sash manufactured from 2 different colors and one had a cracked sash (whether it was cracked in shipping or at the factor I've no idea - and neither does Marvin). One of the casements was shipped without a screen. A replacement was shipped, but did not fit and had to be ordered again (I'm still waiting). Take caution if you order a sliding door - they are flimsy - not good quality. I paid $1700 for a sliding door. And, the $900 Pell Pro-Line at Lowe's feels like 10 times the quality. The sliding windows do not have rollers -- it's fiberglass on fiberglass friction. Once of the regional sales VPs for Marvin came out to discuss my problems with the GM from the local supplier. He generously offered me a "courtesy discount." But, would not even come close to acknowledging Marvin has serious quality issues. A letter to the CEO (Susan Marvin) was answered by her admin and didn't really offer any explanation at all. I won't ever buy Marvin products again.  

Marvin Integrity All Ultrex Fiberglass Windows experiences (post #192816, reply #6 of 6)

by aalexander in reply to KWOLSEN [original] on Mon, 01/03/2011 - 07:00

I currently have these windows in my house. Research is key, dont use the Marvin website.   It claims all kinds of things that aren't true.  

First: these windows look really nice, but, if given the option of a built in J channel dont do it.  The channels simply click in place and move dependant ofthe weather. On a cold day they shrink and leave large gaps in the corners.  On a hot day they expand and push the corners out making them look twisted.

 Second:  The craftsman ship of building these windows is poor at best.  If you ever get a change to see a window in person I would highly recommend looking at all the joints.  The way they are put together is awful.  We have gaps in out joints that are roughly 1/8 inch wide.   Because of this, every time it rains we have to go window to window and clean up the water that leaks in.  Marvin has sent a representative to the house 5 times and hasn't fixed a thing.  They have even recaulked the joints with no avail.  

Third:  These windows leak more outside air than any window I have ever installed.  (many different windows, including cheap ones)  The reason for the leaking air is the bottom sash and gasket.  Between the two there is a 1/16 inch gap that allow a lot of air to enter the house.  Again, Marvin has been back 5 times, yet still doesn't have a good solution.   We live in Maine, and it gets cold.  Most recently on a December day my wife woke me up to tell me we have ice on the lift handle of the window.   Which in awful strange because the house was 72 degree's.  Marvin advertises these windows as being really efficient, part of a green building plan ( which is why we chose them).    They couldn't be more wrong. 

In my opinion I would look elsewhere.  Marvin wood windows are among the bes,t but thier All Ultrex Series are in not up to par. Pella and Anderson make great vinyl clad windows in many colors if you want a good quality window that is in a permanent color.