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What is the Marvin pocket/insert window with the narrowest frame?

last year

I plan to replace my windows, but don't want to do full replacement. A critical criterion is to minimize glass loss. What is the pocket window with the narrowest frame, as to avoid glass loss? In particular, what Marvin model (interior should be wood, exterior could be another material) would minimize glass loss? Thanks.

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Comments (5)

V On The Lake
last year
I'm not a pro, but I don't think Marvin does a ton of pocket windows (or insert windows as I think they're more commonly called in my area). I did check their website and see they do a double hung insert, around 18" minimum width (see attached photo) . I think you're asking though which window type has the minimum frame size that maximizes glass view and has a wood interior. That would be Ultimate Narrow Frame, I believe. Maybe that would work if you order without a nailing flange depending on what you're planning for your replacement.
maestrope
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
Thanks, @Victoria Hagberg . This is very useful. I should have mentioned in my original post that I am looking for double hung windows. I will check this out.
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The biggest down side to the inserts is that you will lose a little daylight. Something around 1-1/2 inches in width. As for the appearance, if installed properly, you won't notice the frame in frame look. All of the units you mention have lots of options, including grille options, so you should have no problem getting what you want. Installation costs can vary, depending on the work that will need to be done. Be sure to inspect all of the existing frames throughly for water damage, or rot. If you have rot, the problem should be addressed before changing the windows. Pricing is tough to estimate, without knowing the options you want, where in the country you are, etc. I would get at least 3 quotes from local remodelers for installation. Their price should include insulating the weight pockets. The Andersen unit comes with a complete install kit, which is a nice plus. It also offers 3 different sill angles for the same price, while the others charge for optional sill angles. I would look at all 3, and get pricing from all of them. That way, you can make the best choice for your home.
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The insert "pocket" is 3 1/4" but the frame measures 4+" front to back. Use standard 4" wide butyl tape and run it 4-6" up each side to give coverage to the corner seam between the sill and jamb. I applaud your extra work as it is cheap insurance, especially on the weather side of your home. This advice is given from "real" world experience. My company sold a job in San Francisco to an installing dealer who told his customer (the homeowner) that new windows would fix the (water) leaking with the old 1925 wood double hung. We were called in when the new windows didn't fix the leaks. The product used was an insert. The 4" tape installed as described above did the trick. I learned something as well on this one.
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PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
last year
Infinity is their narrowest, last I checked.
maestrope
Original Author
last year
Thanks, @Windows on Washington Ltd . I prefer wood inside. Would the Elevate model be narrow enough? How much narrower would be the Infinity/Essential model?
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
last year
Survey of the NFRC and comparison of the highest VT ratings on the three windows you mentioned (Infinity, Essentials, and Elevate), all indicate a VT of 0.65 at their highest. This would be for a clear glass window without grids, but it does give you a comparison on the windows. This would indicate that they all have a similar amount of glass.

Just to add to the discussion, because you mentioned the significant loss of glass in the case of a vinyl window, the highest VT on an Okna vinyl window is 0.62. So, the difference is negligible and the vinyl window has far better performance on every other measurable front.

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