Looking for feedback on the Marvin Integrity Wood Ultrex window. How does this compare with the Andersen 200 window, and which would you choose for a new construction build. Mostly looking at double hung windows for this project.
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Compare in what manner?
Depends on what factors you wish to consider (i.e. cost, size options, exterior and interior finish options, hardware options, lead time, etc, etc.). MOst of those considerations are project specific and you've given none to base a comparison on. So which ones concern you the most for your project?
My guess is that your window supplier would be the best one to address any (and probably all) of your considerations. Your question has been presented on this forum many times in the past. While the names may change, the basic inquiry is the same. You'll get anecdotal advice which, while many times interesting, doesn't amount to a hill of beans. Probably the most helpful thing to remember is that with reputable door and window manufacturers, you get what you pay for. Marvin and Andersen are both in that catagory. IMO you're safe spending as much as your budget will allow with either manufacturer.
The cost of the Andersen 200 series is about $5,000 less than the Marvin Integrity Wood-Ultrex for 30 windows. The windows would be finished white exterior and white interior. Standard white hardware. Glass would be the LoE-272 on both as well.
IMO you'd have to compare Andersen's 400 series (Fibrex) DH cost with Marvin's Integrity Wood-Ultrex (pultruded fiberglass) for an apples-to-apples value comparison in terms of cost. I think right now your putting a bantamweight against a middleweight and expecting a fair fight.
Thanks Deadnuts. The price for the Andersen 400 was almost the same as the Integrity quote. As we plan to be in this house for the rest of our lives, I think with not having to worry about any potential wood frame rot we are probably going with the Marvin windows, even though it's more than the Andersen 200.
You might want to google 'Marvin class action'.
I read lots of bad things about Pella, and some bad things about Marvin. The only bad thing I ever read about Andersen is cost.
Good luck.
dupe post.
Pretty much every manufacturer has had "aw-shit" scenarios like this. The better companies correct them right away and do right by their customers.
As to rot, our 39-year-old all-wood Andersens have weathered significantly in spots, but nothing I'd consider "rot". This in southern Minnesota where we get 12 months of real weather. Builder-supplied trim, on the other hand, has rotted in several places. (And I'm currently engaged in repairing signifiant rot damage to our 25-year-old redwood deck.)
Came across this information on current BBB ratings of some window companies.
Andersen Corporation (A-)
Jeld-Wen (Not Rated)
Marvin (A+)
Okna (A-)
Pella (Not Rated)
Simonton (C-)
Soft-Lite (A+)
Sunrise (A+)
BBB ratings don't tell you much.