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Marvin Contemporary Casement

5 years ago

We are figuring the big structural parts of our new house build and wondered what experience/comments/feedback folks had with Marvin Contemporary casement windows. We are looking for a slim profile and are located in southern New England and are not on the coast.

The look and utility we are going for is

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiTB-h3HNWe/?hl=en&taken-by=ohfarmhouse

but don't want to use Jeld-Wen that this beautiful home has used.

Comments (8)

PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
5 years ago
Installed properly and of a size that won't over tax the mechanisms, it should provided you with a lifetime of trouble free use. Marvin tends to engineer some quality products.
jh2175
5 years ago
Did you make a final decision yet?
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I was afraid to hear that. But as I mentioned, we have casements now and they are not that easy to clean without leaning out the window, even the egress windows that slide to the side are a chore with lots of leaning out. Seems dangerous when we are so high up. And the ones behind my tub will be higher and not easy to maneuver around because of the tub. So if the price for the in swings is too high I may just go with double hung. Not contemporary looking but they will at least tilt in to clean. Or maybe fixed windows and I'll use the savings to hire someone once a year!
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+1 to roof35's comments. Sounds like a botched install. Plumb and level are of little consequence (within reason of course), the main concern is that its square. Your installer should have put his level away and adjusted the window based on the sash to frame reveals which would have alleviated this. Regarding the hardware, Marvin uses the same (or similar) hardware as any other window company. I can see why you might think that is looks insufficient, however it is all engineered with maximum capacities based on size, weight, etc. Reputable manufacturers like Marvin are very conservative in staying well within those parameters for long term performance. It sounds like you are now stuck in the unfortunate situation where you sourced the windows and hired a guy to install them. This situation results in failure at a very high rate and inevitably ends in finger pointing. Your best bet at this point is to get the installer and a manufacturer or supplier rep there at the same time to hash things out and come up with a gameplan to address.
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sunrise can
Original Author
5 years ago
We are actually leaning towards the Kolby Vistalux. It seems to have the slimmest profile. Any reviews would be appreciated on this brand and line.
jh2175
5 years ago
We have been going back and forth between the vistaluxe and Marvin. It looks like we are going with the Marvin contemporary which is narrower like the vistaluxe.
sunrise can
Original Author
5 years ago
Sounds like we are in the same decision making time frame. On further thinking and researching we are likely going with the Marvin. What tipped your choice towards the Marvin vs the Kolbe?
jh2175
5 years ago
Marvin was able to do a custom sized lift and slide whereas Kolbe couldn't make it work. We also wanted all the windows and doors from one local dealer so we can get service if needed. The Marvin Contemporary also came in lower priced than the Vistaluxe. The Marvin Contemporary also came in lower than the Marvin Ultimate since it has a thinner profile and uses less wood, but provides the same performance. Good luck - not an easy decision!
Pat
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I looked into these a year ago (also looking for a slim profile window) and from what I saw the Marvin Contemporary and Marvin Ultimate casements were essentially the same window (identical sash widths at least). The Kolby Vistalux had much narrower sashes, which gave it a more modern look. Did Marvin change the design on their Contemporary series? I guess I need to go check, but was surprised to see the comment about them being narrower like Vistalux. I hope they are as I have a Marvin dealer near by!
sunrise can
Original Author
5 years ago
We ended up picking the Marvin for multiple reasons, good dealer, cost, reviews. We love our windows, though the house is not yet done but happy with the look. If memory serves me right the sash is narrower, though not as much as Kolbe.

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