Horrible Smell from Marvin Integrity Windows Installed 1 month ago
5 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (121)
- 3 years ago
- 3 years agolast modified: 3 years ago
Related Discussions
Marvin Integrity Window Review
Comments (238)Why I will not buy Marvin Window Products and neither should you. In 2004 we renovated our kitchen, replacing three windows and one door with Marvin Windows. At the time we purchased Marvin because I felt they were high quality. Marvin’s website says, “We are committed to design that is as functional and intuitive as it is beautiful. Crafted with exceptional skill, our products deliver quality you can see, touch, and feel, the beauty that brings joy, and performance that stands the test of time.“ My view of the ‘test of time’ for windows that I put in my home is a long time, decades. Apparently, Marvin’s test is dramatically shorter. Less than 20 years after installation I noticed that the window had rotted all the way through the frame. I am not sure how many years it took to decay, but clearly it did not happen overnight. Their test of time failed quickly. I called Marvin and was told that the warranty is only 10 years. I understand how warranties work and asked for Marvin’s help repairing the window. They said they would not offer any help since they no longer make the model. I called dozens of companies and was told these Marvin windows were not repairable. I am left with one window out of six that failed out of warranty but clearly started failing years ago before the warranty had expired. I now need to replace all of my kitchen windows in order to have a consistent look. I thought that maybe this is a one-time issue and not very widespread. It turns out Marvin lost a class action lawsuit on this very issue. https://www.yourlawyer.com/construction-defects/marvin-windows-lawsuit/. Apparently, their product team feels they can continue to turn out products that do not stand the test of time. Marvin’s marketing department may tell you they are committed to a lot of things but it is clearly a lot of marketing and they do not stand behind the actual quality of their windows. So when you look to purchase windows for your home my strong recommendation is to look at anyone other than Mavin....See MoreShocked by window quote. Marvin Integrity
Comments (25)It wasn't the OP, but another poster, who ASKED to have someone email him suggestions for Colorado, but he forgot to post his email address. I pointed out that he forgot that. You took that and ran with it, as if I'm here to solicit sales but just won't admit it. Purely an accusation to obscure precisely why you are here. Or else you are so anxious to discredit me that you couldn't pay attention to the sequence of posts. Yes we all know the numbers on the various products, HS. I was still doing vinyl 6 months ago, while the company I was working for couldn't manage to send decent crews to my customers that could install the kind of job I used to do. Customers who trusted me were calling and complaining and there was nothing I could do. I might still be running production if I hadn't had an injury where the tibia in my left leg was crushed. When I got into sales I was visiting some of the companies previous customers and finding out the patio doors had ice on the frames, the caulking was separating, the windows weren't square, there was dust on the window sills. Granted, I didn't see these problems EVER back east. But in the plains and mountain states, high destert states, the wind is frequent and can't be imagined without references to hurricanes, and the wind drives dust and dirt that pounds homes. I've seen aluminum siding with no paint left on it - pure silver aluminum. The UV out here in high altitude is intense, yet we have 8 or 9 months of possible winter. You can shovel snow with no shirt on at 20F and get a sunburn. I slept under brand new vinyl correctly installed windows and felt the cold coming off them. I've seen windows that were installed perfectly square be out of square 6 moths later. Or a window that operated perfectly be too tight in the summer. Yeah, all the numbers are really amazing and obviously very important - but I have my doubts as to what the numbers actually are over time, depending on installation, weather, the home, etc. While I'm impressed with some of the HiMark's features, Like the magnetic seal on the sill, other features like loose fitting foam isn't so impressive to me, and is nothing new. Expansion/contraction is not a minor issue, and in fact is one of the major issues facing the entire building industry. Yes, in a small window it is smaller and perhaps not enough to create problems. I find that most windows west of the mighty Miss average around 100 UI or better. Of course, the vinyl people minimize this issue. I did also. You can skew the facts however you choose. You really can't discredit me on my experience with vinyl, try as you may. After 35 years I can almost work for any company or product I choose. I was skeptical of fiberglass at first, but no longer. So I bring my experience and opinions here. I don't expect everyone to share them. However I don't expect back door insults, tring to discredit me. I'm not an engineer. But I've seen myriad situations where windows with fancy stickers from AAMA and Energy Star and U.2* numbers with ice on the glass and frames or dust on the window sills, etc. So I'm not impressed. Quality vinyl can be a sensible option, absolutely, with many variable factors to consider. But my saying that is not enough for you, but whatever. This argument is like digital vs analogue with the audiophiles. It's never ending. And both sides have their points. Once the music quality is great, the greater quality sound beyond that is not perceived in the real world. Window numbers are like that, also....See Morecost of marvin integrity vs infinity windows
Comments (12)Hi Selb, You made a mistake. We actually installed our windows in Sept. 2003, it has been three years. Nope, I am a software engineer in the Silicon Valley. I do not sell windows. I can carry on a long Object Oriented Design conversation longer than I can say much about Sash and frame, just read some of my very none-technical window responses. I registered here in 2003 to ask for help and advice just like other consumers. Unfortunately, no one here answered my questions then. So I decided to be as helpful and as truthful as I can once we have experience with the windows we looked at and purchased. So, just like others here, I am trying to help. I never posted any "response" or "advice" until this year. Even then, I do not dare call my responses "advice" because I am not professional windows person (except Microsoft Windows :-)). They are just personal experience and what we learnt from local windows retailers. I understand many here want to "out" windows salesmen, I applaud your effort. In my case, you are wrong. I challenge you to find a post from me dating to 2005, 2004, 2003. And I challenge anyone to find any of my current posts that "sells" Marvin. We like what we like, we dislike what we dislike, that is not selling, that is telling it like it is. I will continue to share experience good or bad as we have them. You can choose to read them or ignore them....See MoreRenewal by Andersen or Marvin Integrity or Starmark Windows
Comments (18)There is quite a bit of misinformation that you have been given Mr Jones, I'd definitely take some extra time to sort through it all and make sure that you have accurate facts. I'll go through some, all of which are easily verifiable: Manufacturer and material : All three are very reputable, with Andersen and Marvin having a longer history. That said, Okna has indeed been in business since the early 90's and is a top 100 manufacturer as well. The 3 materials have similar histories as well, as none have been used commonly in a residential window application for more than 20 yrs. All three have their merits, although all three do represent a small "niche" . Vinyl and wood are FAR more common. There is no clear winner here IMO. All are suitable with no decisive pros or cons, particularly considering that each individual product is designed and engineered to exploit the respective materials' inherent strengths, and mitigate its weaknesses. If there is one that I'd put slightly behind the others it would be the Renewal, as adding wood flour/sawdust to vinyl really doesn't add much. Appearance: This depends of course on what areas are examined, however the Marvin all ultrex integrity is by far the slimmest. The Renewal and Starmark are both somewhat bulky by comparison, although neither is very bulky compared to some other products. Despite the slim lines, the all ultrex Integrity is actually the least attractive based on the feedback that I hear. The wood/ultrex on the other hand is bulkier. This category is in the eye of the beholder. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Interior appearance: well stated. Some folks would prefer the rich, real wood interior (Integrity) with only a 10 year warranty, others would prefer the synthetic stainable with lifetime warranty and no maintenance (Starmark). Winner again depends on the individual and their needs/wants. Hardware: The Renewal and Starmark both have more attractive hardware options than the Integrity IMO. Both are all metal, both have multiple finishes available. Performance: Here's a big one. To accurately compare, it is necessary to look at apples to apples glass packages. At .25 for a standard double pane package, and .19 for triple pane argon, the Starmark runs away with the win here. With equivalent glass (surface 2 low e, argon fill), the the Renewal and Integrity are .29 or higher. You can switch to any other glass package across the board, and apples to apples the Starmark will be multiple points better. This can be verified via CPD number (certified products directory) at nfrc.org Air Infiltration: Another big one. The reps that you have spoken to are either flat out lying, or being highly manipulative. The only window of the 3 that sees that .05 AI number is the Starmark. The other two are in the teens at best, if not .2+. I would request a structural test data sheet for reference. If renewal or Marvin will provide it, make sure to compare the size of the window and configuration. It is highly likely that your rep(s) are using casement or picture window ratings to compare to the starmark double hung. The starmark is .01 as a casement. Patio doors: Since this was mentioned, the differences as stated for windows continue for patio doors. If the real wood interior is preferred at the expense of performance, then the Marvin or renewal options are better. The Starmark will be a much better performer, but without the real wood interior. Installation and durability: On durability, this is another area that would trend toward Starmark based on containing no organic parts that can rot, and also on the lifetime warranty. Renewal and Integrity are each 10 years (20 on glass). Installation itself will vary by dealer, and should be given proper weight. One cannot speculate on the quality of installation based only on material however. The only thing that could possibly be considered on that line of thinking would be availability to contractors I suppose. Integrity can be purchased by anyone, whereas Renewal and Starmark are exclusive products where dealers are regulated by the manufacturer. One important thing to note, is that comapanies that install Renewal windows are NOT owned by Andersen. They are a dealer that exclusively carries that line and meets Andersen requirements, however they are not actually part of Andersen. Price: This again will vary by dealer and area. Renewal has a reputation as having the highest price, using high pressure sales, and also of posting thinly veiled, inaccurate info where THEY talk poorly about competitors (not to say that is the case here, of course). That said, I'm sure that there are some great Renewal operations across the country, just as there great Starmark and Intergity dealers. Ultimately, these are three windows that are solid to excellent, and each have their own pros and cons. You are unlikely to go wrong with any of the three, it really depends on which options most closely aligns with your goals for the project. It sounds like that is the Renewal at this point, I'd only recommend getting the accurate performance information, and then perhaps that would (or not) impact your decision....See MoreRelated Professionals
Eagle River Window Contractors · Meadow Woods Window Contractors · Portage Window Contractors · Wichita Window Contractors · Artesia Window Contractors · Atlanta Window Contractors · Cicero Window Contractors · Coral Terrace Window Contractors · Enumclaw Window Contractors · Springfield Window Contractors · Alhambra General Contractors · De Luz General Contractors · Statesboro General Contractors · Waimalu General Contractors · Oak Grove Carpenters- 3 years ago
- 3 years ago
- 3 years ago
- 3 years ago
- 3 years ago
- 2 years ago
- 2 years agolast modified: 2 years ago
- 2 years ago
- 2 years ago
- 2 years ago
- 2 years ago
- 2 years ago
- 2 years ago
- 2 years ago
- 2 years ago
- 2 years ago
- last yearlast modified: last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last yearlast modified: last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- last year
- 11 months ago
- 11 months ago
- last month
Related Stories

BATHROOM DESIGNShould You Install a Urinal at Home?
Wall-mounted pit stops are handy in more than just man caves — and they can look better than you might think
Full Story
PETSHow to Install a Dog-Washing Station
Find out the options for pet showers and bathing tubs — plus whom to hire and what it might cost
Full Story
HOUZZ TOURS13 Character-Filled Homes Between 1,000 and 1,500 Square Feet
See how homeowners have channeled their creativity into homes that are bright, inviting and one of a kind
Full Story
MATERIALSThe Most Popular Roofing Material is Affordable and Easy to Install
Asphalt shingles, the most widely used roof material in the U.S. are reliable and efficient, and may be right for you
Full Story
MODERN ARCHITECTUREKeep Your Big Windows — and Save Birds Too
Reduce bird strikes on windows with everything from architectural solutions to a new high-tech glass from Germany
Full Story
FEEL-GOOD HOMEWhat Really Makes Us Happy at Home? Find Out From a New Houzz Survey
Great design has a powerful impact on our happiness in our homes. So do good cooking smells, family conversations and, yes, big-screen TVs
Full Story
REMODELING GUIDESWhich Window for Your World?
The view and fresh air from your windows make a huge impact on the experience of being in your house
Full Story
WINDOW TREATMENTS6 Ways to Deal With a Bad View Out the Window
You can come out from behind the closed curtains now. These strategies let in the light while blocking the ugly
Full Story
SMALL SPACESLife Lessons From 10 Years of Living in 84 Square Feet
Dee Williams was looking for a richer life. She found it by moving into a very tiny house
Full Story
HOUZZ TOURSDesign Lessons From a 10-Foot-Wide Row House
How to make a very narrow home open, bright and comfortable? Go vertical, focus on storage, work your materials and embrace modern design
Full Story
toddinmn