Windows - Sierra Pacific Aspen or Marvin Elevate?

4 years ago

Building a new home and could use some advice.

24 windows, mostly casement, white interior and white exterior, standard sizes.

1 block from ocean

Located in Southern California so mild weather.

We’ve narrowed it down to SP Aspen and Marvin Elevate. I’ve read every thread I could regarding Marvin and SP. The members of this community lean towards Marvin, which I can understand when describing its top line. Elevate is not Signature/Ultimate.

I’m really hoping to get some feedback from homeowners who have used either window (even better if you e selected the same brand on more than one home). I want to compare Marvin Elevate and Sierra Pacific Aspen.

Pros SP Aspen

Aluminum Clad (the trusted materials of top performing windows)
Superior pricing. And it gets better if we purchase the stacking doors from SP, although we are leaning towards Fleetwood.

Pros Marvin Elevate

Marvin reputation
Factory interior painting included

Builder likes both.

Warranties are the same.

My hesitation with Marvin is fiberglass. It feels as if it’s a second tier material and sold at a premium because of the brand. I guess I’m hinting at overpriced. Sure, I could pay more and purchase the Signature but that’s not in the budget.

While I’m leaning towards SP it is difficult to good feedback in the Aspen line, either positive or negative.

Bottom line is that I want the best value. Perhaps your feedback can help lead me to a better decision. Or, make me over-think it some more. 😂

Featured Answer

millworkman

4 years ago

There would not even be a second thought in my head to say anything Marvin over the best S/P, any day, all day.

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Comments (10)

Run or Walk
Original Author
4 years ago
Can you provide any reasons? Specific experiences? Or point me to some reading that explains the difference.
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millworkman
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Product quality, fit and finish, history of poor longevity/durability, mediocre customer service. I have been in the construction supply, residential and commercial glass, glazing, windows and door business for 35 plus years.
Run or Walk
Original Author
4 years ago
Thank @millworkman. Do you happen to know if the same hardware is used in Ultimate and Essential? Would you recommend paying for the coastal hardware upgrade?
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millworkman
4 years ago
I do not think the hardware is the same, no. Only reason honestly for the coastal package is if you are near salt water. Otherwise no benefit to you really only a few more dollars out of your pocket.
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PRO
HomeSealed Exteriors, LLC
4 years ago
+1, the Elevate is a good window. There's nothing "second rate" IMO about fiberglass as a material. Its not always the right fit, but I personally think that the Elevate is superior design to most clad wood windows. The outer half of the window frame is fiberglass which isolates the wood from exterior conditions better than most clad products. I'm sure that this is not likely the case in SoCal where you are located, but around here in WI, the only thing "trusted" about most wood clad windows is that they will be mushy in less than 20 years. Inorganic materials (fiberglass, vinyl, composite) are very appealing for that reason, but again, with a very mild climate these issues may barely register for you.
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kmk10629
4 years ago
We have SP windows in our new build and they are beautiful. Black factory finish inside and out. They are not the Aspen however. They are the H3 which are aluminum on the exterior, wood on the interior, with a vinyl layer in between. My builder is a third generation custom home builder whom I trust. He suggested these windows.
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hapahaole
4 years ago
Run or Walk - What did you end up going with? I'm looking at Kolbe but just met with a Marvin dealer yesterday and I could do some kind of Signature/Elevate package... I'm in Los Angeles near the beach, so I think my finish is covered for just 10 years either way. I'm looking at dark exterior, white interior.
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Peter Barnard
4 years ago
Marvin has been my favorite window company for fit/finish and quality of construction. Unfortunately, I haven’t had a chance to use them - previous owner installed Harris (very similar to Pella’s clad line) and out other home has all original windows.
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rcclads
2 years ago
What window did you end up installing?!
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