Been looking into replacing some windows at home, and I'm kinda stuck between Marvin and Andersen. Marvin seems a bit pricier, but I've heard good things about their build quality and customization options. Andersen, on the other hand, seems solid too and maybe a better bang for your buck? Anyone here have experience with either of these brands...is Marvin really worth spending more on, or is Andersen just as good?
I've installed both Marvin and Andersen windows in different projects, and honestly, Marvin does have a slight edge in build quality—especially if you're looking at their wood or fiberglass lines. Their customization is pretty impressive too, like if you have odd-sized openings or specific style preferences. Andersen is solid though, especially their 400 series; they're durable, energy-efficient, and easier on the wallet. If your windows are fairly standard sizes and you're not after anything super custom, Andersen might be the smarter choice...but Marvin's definitely worth considering if details matter to you.
Have you noticed much difference in energy efficiency between the two? I went with Andersen 400s a couple years back (standard sizes, nothing fancy), and they've held up great through some pretty harsh winters. Wondering if Marvin's extra build quality translates noticeably into better insulation or comfort...
"Wondering if Marvin's extra build quality translates noticeably into better insulation or comfort..."
Funny you mention that—I had Andersen 400s in my old place and went with Marvin Ultimates when we moved about five years ago. Honestly, both are solid choices, but I did notice a subtle difference with the Marvins. Our living room used to have this one spot near the window where you'd feel a slight chill on really cold days (you know, the kind of spot the cat would avoid at all costs). With the Marvins, that chilly spot pretty much disappeared.
Now, was it a night-and-day difference? Nah, not really. But it was noticeable enough that even my wife—who usually rolls her eyes at my home improvement "upgrades"—admitted the room felt cozier. So yeah, Marvin might have a slight edge in insulation and comfort, but whether that's worth the extra cash probably depends on how sensitive you are to those little drafts...or how picky your cat is.
Interesting comparison. I've installed Andersen 400s in a couple of projects and recently helped a friend put in Marvin Ultimates. From a build perspective, Marvin does seem to have slightly tighter tolerances and smoother hardware operation. Andersen windows are still very reliable though, and the difference isn't huge. If budget allows, Marvin might offer a subtle improvement in comfort and aesthetics, but Andersen remains a solid choice overall.
Good points about the tolerances and hardware smoothness. I'm curious though, has anyone noticed a meaningful difference in thermal performance or noise reduction between Marvin and Andersen? Currently weighing these factors heavily for my own home renovation...
- Installed Marvin windows about two years ago, mostly for noise reduction (busy street out front).
- Definitely noticed a difference compared to my old Andersen setup, especially in winter—less drafty, quieter overall.
- Thermals seem solid too; heating bills dropped noticeably, though hard to say exactly how much was just the windows.
- That said, my neighbor swears by Andersen's newer models and says they're just as good thermally...so maybe it depends on specific lines?
- Either way, don't underestimate installation quality. Had a friend who splurged on premium windows but skimped on installers—ended up noisy and drafty anyway.
Good points about installation quality—seen that happen way too often. Marvin and Andersen both have solid lines, but honestly, the specific model and glass package you pick matters more than brand alone. I'd focus on specs like STC ratings and U-values before deciding.