Homeowners who are seeking high-quality replacement windows from American companies often consider names like Marvin and Vinylmax. If you are trying to choose between these two respected replacement window makers, here are some considerations that may make your decision easier.
Company History and Values
Marvin is one of the country’s top window manufacturers, and their windows are commonly found in new construction as well as replacement windows. They offer a range of materials and sizes, in addition to custom orders. Sold through dealers and home centers, these windows come with a premium price tag.
One big selling point for many people is the fact that Marvin Windows has been around since 1912 and is a family owned and operated business. They are also committed to sustainability and have earned recognition from respected bodies such as the Urban Land Institute. Every product is made in America at their 2-million-square-foot factory situated in a small town in Minnesota just six miles from the Canadian border.
Vinylmax, meanwhile, has been in the business for more than four decades. This means that they have been operating long enough to gain the experience needed to excel in their field, but their history does not go as far back as that of Marvin Windows.
From its headquarters in Ohio, this family-owned company sources American-made components and employs local families. All of their products bear the Made in the USA label, and they source more than 90% of their materials, labor and components domestically.
Material
As the name implies, Vinylmax only makes vinyl replacement windows. This means that while they excel at this particular material and are an excellent choice for those who have decided they want to go with vinyl, it puts them out of the running for those who are seeking other materials.
Nevertheless, vinyl is a strong and reliable material that can work well with most window styles and is extremely popular among homeowners. Despite only working with vinyl, Vinylmax does offer every type of window and door that one could need for new construction or replacement, with everything from standard single and double-hung windows to more specialized options such as bay and bow windows.
Marvin’s window and door frames are available in wood, aluminum and fiberglass. Wood windows are chosen for their resilience and ability to resist warping in extreme temperature changes. They provide great insulation and can be stained or painted to suit the look of a home. Moreover, wood is a renewable resource that can stand the test of time when properly treated.
They also offer extruded aluminum windows, which are known for their outstanding strength and excellent structural performance. This is a low-maintenance option that supports a variety of design styles and is a great choice for areas that are prone to hurricanes. Their extruded aluminum is known for having a much smoother appearance than other aluminum windows on the market and meets the highest requirements of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association.
The other offering at Marvin is Ultrex fiberglass, a strong and durable type of fiberglass that is proprietary to the company and used in its Elevate products. They also use high-density fiberglass in their Modern product line. Fiberglass has the same strength, feel and look as aluminum and steel while providing superior insulating qualities. It can withstand even the harshest climates, requires practically no maintenance, and resists stress cracks, leaks and seal failures.
Energy Efficiency
One big selling point for Vinylmax is its IntelliGlass window panes, which feature a special low-emittance coating that increases their thermal efficiency. They offer a range of specialized glass packages to suit different homes and budgets, with dual and triple-pane glass choices that meet ENERGY STAR criteria.
However, Marvin also offers a variety of energy-efficient replacement window options that meet ENERGY STAR requirements and have favorable National Fenestration Rating Council performance ratings.
Price
Overall, Vinylmax is considered a second-tier window manufacturer when it comes to their prices overall, but they do offer several options within their range that are aimed at homeowners with different budgets. They have cheaper alternatives that will serve those on a tight budget well as well as more premium choices that have a higher-end feel.
Marvin windows are more expensive, and their prices vary depending on the material.
Appearance
One thing to note when choosing between these two brands is the fact that Vinylmax offers limited choices when it comes to the appearance of its windows. The color choices for their vinyl replacement windows are largely limited to white and tan. They offered painted exterior finishes in the past, but they have been unavailable for some time.
Marvin Windows, in contrast, offers materials that are more suited to customization, such as wood, which can be painted or stained, and aluminum, which comes in an extensive range of standard colors as well as the possibility of ordering a personal custom color.
Discuss Your Needs With the Northern Virginia Window Replacement Specialists
Windows play a central role in your home’s appearance and energy efficiency, so making the right choice is essential. Reach out to the window replacement specialists at Adelphia Exteriors for guidance on the best solutions to your home’s window needs.