Marvin Windows Being Installed This Week

last year

last modified: last year

I have ordered Marvin Ultimate windows, and they are coming in this week. It's a fixed picture window with two narrower casement windows flanking either side of it. This is replacing existing old windows. I thought I'd ask this page about a couple concerns.

First one is that when the contractor was here measuring, he asked me to hold one side of the measuring tape so he could measure the width of the window. While doing that I noticed that the tape got bowed or dipped as he stretched it to the other side of the window. I mentioned that, and he said "I've been doing this 30 years, it's fine". OK, but let's say it is the wrong width. Do the installers measure the new delivered window against the opening before ripping out the old one?

Second one is that I told the contractor I wanted Low E2 coating. I am near Madison WI and this wall is shaded with trees. In a follow-up email I also mentioned the Low E2. When I got the initial quote it specified Low E3. He sent me a revised quote, and it still had Low E3 on it. He sent me a 3rd quote and it had the correct Low E2. I feel like I need to check the windows when they arrive to see if they have Low E2 - what do I look for to check that?

Featured Answer

PRO

Windows on Washington Ltd

last year

With regards to measuring the window, if he didn't have a nail or something to anchor the end of the tape measure to the trim, not uncommon to ask for a free hand on a larger opening. If the tape is bowed in the might not not "exactly taught" its very likely fine as they would be measuring the RO and then deducting about a 1/2" on the RO width and height to allow for the installation of the window. Most walls are rarely perfectly level, plumb, or square and as such, we need to deduct from the minimum measurement of the opening to allow for setting that window properly.

If you vetted your contractor, you are very likely fine and per the other poster, wouldn't get too worked up.

The glass specifications should be indicated on the sticker on the window when it is delivered. You can verify that you got the appropriatedly specified Low-e range right off the window. Ask to keep the stickers before they are removed and thrown the trash. Have a couple of sheets of paper that you can just stick them to for your records.

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Comments (8)

Jennifer Lester Mulridge
last year
Your concerns are based on things your contractor has done to compromise your trust, so you’re within reason to be anxious about this. However, be careful that you aren’t “catastrophizing”.

When he comes to install the windows, he’ll have shims to ensure the windows are level and square, their frames are sealed and finished indoors and out, and that the windows open/close properly. It’s his job to figure out how to execute that. Let him do it. Inspect his work and ask your unanswered questions before you sign on his work order that the job is complete.

If you later discover he or his company messed up your windows or the installation, you can hold them accountable by clearly stating and illustrating how and ensuring that they fix the problem they created. Most probably, everything will be just fine.

As for the E-rating, I’m keen to hear an answer from someone else, too. I regret not getting my window salesman to return to my house with his sales kit to demonstrate how the windows I bought match the windows I was sold - because I’m not sure they do, and don’t know how else to be sure.
dan1888
last year
Marvin has a lot of information on their site to get familiar with. Window Rough Opening Prep and Flashing 19913776.fm

Ultimate Picture Window | Technical Specifications | Marvin

Read and understand Marvin's info.
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millworkman
last year
This info above ^^^^ is 100% spot on.
oberon476
last year
Could not agree more
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
9 months ago
@BlueBlob Gaming

Haven't see you post in a hot second. How are things. Did you ever get anywhere when your inquiries with Marvin.

I suspect everything went fine for this poster or they'd likely have posted back by this point.
Zande Willson
9 months ago
That’s usually how it goes. When there’s an issue, homeowners circle back fast. No update is generally a good sign.
chispa
9 months ago
We had Milgard in our previous house and many of the glass seals started failing in year 10. We lived in the house years 10 to 20 and replaced lots of the sealed glass units. Many of the crank systems also broke.

In the new build house we are 4 years into our Marvin windows (Ultimate & Elevate) and we've had no issues with them so far. We have gone though several hurricanes in 2023 and 2024 and the windows performed well, for both the actual windows and the way they were installed.

We wanted better windows than those in our previous house and we definitely feel that we got that

There is no perfect product as errors can and do occur. The window distributor and installer you select are just as important and can make a big difference in the overall experience and resulting quality. Doesn't matter how great the windows are if they are ordered and/or installed incorrectly.