Which Marvin Window for Replacement

7 years ago

I need to replace 3 windows in my 125 year-old Dutch Colonial home. These are in the master bedroom, all right in a row, on the side of the house that doesn't get much sun. The reason is that the wood sashes are showing rot, these windows won't open any longer (not exactly sure why, but I think it was a poor judgement in handy-man work), and I would like something that functions.

I have replaced others in the house with the Marvin Tilt-Pack window, but I can't make this work at all! I am fairly small, 4'11", and I just don't seem to have the strength to get the window to tilt at all. So, I looked at an Marvin Ultimate Insert Double Hung Next Generation, and also just the Marvin Ultimate Double Hung Next Generation because I like how the screen is built inside the framing of this and you just pull it out when you want to open the window. Both of these other choices seem much easier functionally for me. But, here is the quandary:

I was quoted costs that have made me rethink whether or not it is worth the tilt function actually working for me! I was quoted:

tilt pack = $950.00

Next Generation insert = $1031.00

Next Generation (screen) = $1843.00

And, this is just for the windows, so the contractor for installing will be additional. I am not sure if the cost of being able to tilt these windows and wash them myself is worth it, when I need a window washer throughout the rest of the house anyway! I don't love the look of the tracks on the basic tilt pack, and I find these tracks very hard to keep clean, but I just don't know where the trade off is. And, because I am sure that in coming years I will need to replace other windows, I want to continue with whatever I choose this time around.

I am including a photo of the windows, in case a visual reference helps. I will retain the trim, which is very old and quite lovely, although hard to see in this photo. I will also retain the Hunter-Douglas window treatment.

I appreciate any advice and thoughts people who have faced these same decisions have to offer!

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Comments (5)

DavidR
7 years ago
A lot of folks on this board disagree with me, especially the window installers :), but as an old house person I have to point out that your wood windows have lasted 125 years. (OK, maybe 100.) No modern replacement window will ever come close to that kind of life, regardless of what it's made of. Whatever you choose, you'll be back here in 20-25 years, asking what to replace it with.

True, modern windows are more energy-efficient, but well maintained old wood windows with exterior storm windows can have quite good insulating qualities. And most of your heat loss is through the roof anyway.

IMO, unless you don't expect to live there another 20 years, you'd be well served to at least look into having your present windows restored.

But as I say, mine is a minority opinion.
jcrook100 thanked DavidR
suezbell
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
If you cannot match them for whatever reason, don't try, especially if you hate cleaning the track.

For this three window set, you could have the center window be a fixed window and have the left window open with a hinge on the left and have the right window open with a hinge on the right.

https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/windows-glossary/

You could even leave the current board trim around the windows and have slightly smaller windows installed inside these frames.
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eastbay10
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
I would recommend the Clad Ultimate DH- Next Generation Insert if you can use it,

Not sure why you are looking at both the insert (replacement only-BTW this has a screen also) and the "Next Generation (screen) (this is the tear out/finned window-completely different installation).

BTW- You can buy/make something to help you with the tilt feature of the tilt pac. A wood dowel cut slightly (3/16") wider than the opening between the left and right jamb liner. Place the dowel in the opening at a diagonal and lower the high side so that both sides are level. This compresses the jamb liner and if the sash is open and ready to tilt makes it much easier.

I looked for a You Tube video but there wasn't anything. A handyman could help you with this if needed.
jcrook100 thanked eastbay10
jcrook100
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks to all of you with these thoughts. Very helpful, especially the dowel idea; my contractor thought about something like a reverse clamp to give the same concept, but I think the dowel would be simpler for me to use.

On the insert, is the screen actually a retractable screen built into the insert? The salesman I have been talking to has been most UNhelpful and with questions he has just shut me down. I was going to contact Marvin directly, if possible. Their book says this is available in "most" next generation windows but doesn't clarify which are the "most." After the salesman provided the quotes it was apparent that the next generation with the finned installment was considered new construction only . . . because it actually says that on the specs I asked him for. I am not even sure why he showed me a window for replacement when it is actually for new, but my guess is that because it is so much more expensive I would be happy with the other choices. No clue, now, since he is ghosting me.

Thanks again for the suggestions and help.
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toddinmn
7 years ago
https://www.windowtools.com/jampspreader.html

I can typically tilt the Lower sash with with one quick motion with one hand the upper takes 2 hands but is fairly simple .

Double hungs do not have a retractable screen to my knowledge But are built into it.