Marvin Windows
Marvin Windows manufactures high-quality wood, aluminum and fiberglass windows. Advanced technology, cutting-edge design and competitive pricing earn this provider a spot on our best list.
Our rating: 3.9 out of 5
Best for: Color options
Average cost: $350 to $1,500 per window (not including labor)
Marvin Windows at a glance
Marvin Windows manufactures standard and custom-sized windows, skylights and doors made from aluminum, wood and fiberglass sold across its three collections. This variety makes it one of our top-choice window replacement companies.
Fast facts
- Marvin Windows began in 1912 as a family-owned cedar and lumber business.
- The company sells standard-sized and custom-made windows and doors but does not offer vinyl windows.
- Marvin offers numerous color options for various products.
- Its windows integrate with your home’s smart technology.
- Marvin has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), but 50+ plus reviewers give it only 1.3 out of 5 stars.*
What we like
Marvin Windows has been in business for over 100 years, carving a reputation for creating high-quality custom windows and doors. The company offers many colors because it makes wood, aluminum and fiberglass windows. Some materials allow up to 19 colors in some styles.
Marvin offers 10 popular window types, three cost-ranging collections and a 20-year warranty on its insulated glass. Skylights and garden windows with seating are extra options, and Marvin products can connect to smart-home technology.
What we don’t like
pro tip
- If you’re looking for natural or recyclable products, Marvin Windows should fit your criteria. It doesn’t sell vinyl, which is not biodegradable.
Vinyl windows are some of the most popular and affordable styles on the market. However, Marvin doesn’t sell them. It sells fiberglass windows, which cost more but are more durable and energy-efficient. If you want to buy its windows, you must find an authorized dealer in your area.
Despite having an A+ rating from the BBB, Marvin has many customer complaints on both windows and doors.
*BBB ratings are accurate as of September 2024.
Marvin Windows pros and cons
Because it makes aluminum, wood and fiberglass products, Marvin Windows can sell them in a variety of colors. Its signature aluminum line offers 19 shades, and it also offers six finishes in wood and fiberglass.
When ordering windows, you can pick standard sizes or provide specifications for custom-made windows. However, Marvin Windows is not available nationwide.
If you enjoy technology, you can connect your new Marvin windows to your existing smart-home features or allow them to function intuitively after you program them digitally. For example, windows can respond to the amount of natural light in a room and open or close. You can also integrate with AI, such as Alexa, for voice control over your windows and doors.
Pros
- Made-to-order windows
- Smart-home technology integration
- Has an A+ rating from BBB
Cons
- Can be more expensive
- Some lower customer review ratings
- No vinyl window availability
What services does Marvin Windows offer?
Marvin Windows makes and sells high-quality windows, doors, skylights and specialty garden-style windows called a Skycove. You can request standard window sizes or customize every item within its lines.
Windows and doors
Most of Marvin’s window styles come in aluminum, wood or fiberglass, along with multiple colors and finishes. It has three window collections, with Signature further divided into three product lines:
- Signature Ultimate: Offers the most features and options of products of all collections
- Signature Modern: Focuses on the design aesthetic, available at select dealers
- Signature Coastline: Includes custom products for hurricane zones and areas in the coastal Southeast
- Elevate: Wood and fiberglass options, including custom sizing
- Essential: Standard and custom-designed fiberglass interior and exterior features
Marvin Collections?
|
Ultimate
|
Modern
|
Coastline
|
Elevate
|
Essential
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior colors & material | Wood in 6 species + custom options |
Extruded Aluminum in 5 colors |
Extruded Aluminum in 6 colors; 4 wood grain finishes |
Wood in bare pine, painted designer black or white, or clear coat |
Fiberglass in 4 colors |
| Exterior colors & material | Extruded aluminum in 19 colors + custom; Wood in 3 species + custom |
Fiberglass in 5 colors |
Extruded Aluminum in 6 solid colors; 4 wood grain finishes |
Fiberglass in 6 colors |
Fiberglass in 6 colors |
| Sizing | Standard + custom for replacement, remodeling or new construction |
Fully customizable for remodeling or new construction |
Custom for replacement, remodeling, or new construction |
Standard + custom for replacement, remodeling, or new construction |
Standard + custom for replacement, remodeling, or new construction |
| Hardware | Marvin Gallery Hardware |
Simplistic hardware with a modern flair |
Multiple styles, sizes, finishes |
6 finishes and 2 door handle styles |
6 finishes and 1 door handle style |
| Coastal & waterfront | Hurricane Impact Zones 3 & 4 +?PG 50 Products |
Corrosion-resistant, salt and water tolerant |
High velocity and Hurricane Zone 4 (IZ4) rated |
Hurricane Impact Zone 3 + PG 50 Products |
None |
*Download Marvin Windows Modern catalog for more details.
Warranty
If you have a problem or discover a defect with your window, your warranty may cover needed repairs. Marvin offers a 20-year warranty on insulated glass and mechanical spacers and a 10-year warranty covering stress cracks.
Non-glass components carry a 10-year warranty and products with PVD coatings in a coastal environment. Otherwise, Marvin doesn’t offer broken glass, window mechanism or screen repair based on normal wear and tear.
Marvin Windows services
|
Offered?
|
|
|---|---|
| Single-hung | ? |
| Double-hung | ? |
| Casement | ? |
| Awning | ? |
| Bay or bow | ? |
| Hopper | ? |
| Sliding, gliding or rolling | ? |
| Fixed or picture | ? |
| Folding | ? |
| Corner | ? |
| Garden | ? (Skycove windows) |
| Speciality shapes | ? |
| Double-pane window repair | ? |
| Broken window repair | |
| Window frame repair | ? |
| Window mechanism repair | ? |
| Window screen repair | ? |
| Emergency/same-day repair | ? |
| Glass warranty | ? (20-year warranty on insulated glass) |
| Non-glass warranty | ? (10-year limited warranty on certain components) |
| Installation warranty | ? (5-year installation warranty |
Marvin Windows customization and add-ons
All window options include energy-efficient glass coatings, and Marvin offers low-E1, low-E2, low-E3 and low-E3/ERS glass coatings. In addition, there are multiple screen choices and optional divided-lite patterns.
However, a few things that set Marvin apart are its innovative skycove windows with panoramic views, its ability to integrate its products with technology and historic building rehabilitation.
Skycove windows
Skycove windows are an extension of a space that can range up to 20 feet away from the home and provide a 3-D view.
Smart technology
Imagine windows that sense raindrops and automatically close, skylights that open to let in fresh air or lighting that adjusts on a schedule. Marvin Windows makes technology achievable.
It offers integration with your existing smart home or home automation systems, such as voice assistants like Alexa, the Marvin Home app and on-unit or wall controls.
The following products have smart technology capabilities:
- Modern Automated Awning Window
- Modern Automated Casement Window
- Modern Automated Multi-Slide Door
- Marvin Awaken Skylight
Historic design
If you own a historic home or building and want to preserve its designation, Marvin can help you apply National Park Service standards and guidelines while offering custom options for your project, including sash lugs, wood species and hardware.
What does Marvin Windows not cover?
Marvin Windows is a wonderful option for replacement windows but doesn’t offer vinyl window frames, preferring wood, aluminum and fiberglass. The company also doesn’t repair broken glass, cracked seals, mechanical issues or failures that can occur as windows age. However, you can replace these items if your warranty covers them.
How much does Marvin Windows cost?
Marvin windows range in cost from $350 to $1,500 each, not including labor. Prices depend on window types, sizes and number of panes.
pro tip
- If you file a warranty claim and your issue is covered, Marvin will pay for the replacement parts. Installation, removal and disposal costs may not be covered.
Homeowners will pay an average of $280 to $730 to install a new window and from $3,000 and $15,000 for whole-house window installations.
Whole-house pricing for Marvin Windows ranges from $13,000 to $20,000. Window location also affects labor and installations.
The best way to estimate the cost of new Marvin Windows products is to call the company directly or find a local dealer who can provide detailed information over the phone or during a consultation.
The total project costs depend on the number of windows you replace, the property’s historic status and whether you apply any sales or discounts.
Savings and discounts
Windows are usually cheaper to install in the cooler fall or winter months. Alternatively, replacing windows in bulk can prompt the manufacturer to give you a better price than a single window replacement.
You may find Marvin Windows’ seasonal discounts by visiting the company’s website or through an independent or local company you deal with. Often, dealers have sales around holidays (Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Black Friday) at other times of the year.
At the time of this article, Marvin offered 20% off any project of at least $12,000, plus no money down, 0% interest, no payments for 12 months with financing. According to the sale notice, this offer lasted for one month.
Marvin Windows customer experience
If you’re interested in new windows, repairs, or replacement parts, you can access the information through Marvin’s website. The website has several specific phone numbers for various support issues.
The Support Center tab opens to a hub where you can request service, get replacement parts, find a showroom, get a price quote or take other actions. It includes a product help section, email support and other ways to contact the company.
While the company is easy to contact, some customers feel dissatisfied with its service. Negative customer reviews highlighted incorrectly manufactured windows, screens, doors and a delay in resolving the problems.
Here are two recent reviews of Marvin Windows:
Marvin Windows’ installation process
When you select Marvin Windows as your window installer, you’ll be assigned a project manager to keep you on track:
- On installation day, your project manager does a walkthrough and introduces you to your Marvin-authorized installers.
- Installers remove your old windows and prepare openings for new windows.
- They install the new windows with flashing and caulk, which can take up to 72 hours to dry.
- Your project manager will perform a final walkthrough with you and demonstrate how your new window operates.
- The project manager will ensure your satisfaction and allow for any questions.
Marvin Windows vs. competitors
The main differences between Marvin Windows and its competitors are price and available options. Marvin offers a wide selection of aluminum, wood and fiberglass products. However, the fact that it doesn’t manufacture vinyl windows can make the cost out of reach for some homeowners.
When comparing top window companies like Andersen Windows, which we list at the top of our ratings, range in pricing is key. So are high-performance windows, which Andersen has. Many customers have lodged complaints about Marvin’s window manufacturing, which lessens the impact of its custom design options.
Harvey Windows rates just above Marvin. Harvey beats Marvin with better customer service reviews and a lower price point.
Competitor comparison
|
Our score (out of 5 stars)
|
Best for
|
Made in the USA?
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Marvin Windows | 3.9 |
Color options |
Yes |
| Andersen Windows | 4.5 |
Window replacement company |
Yes |
| Champion Windows | 4.3 |
Window variety |
Yes |
| Universal Windows | 4.1 |
Window and exterior home replacement |
Yes |
| Window Nation | 4.1 |
Customer support |
No |
| Castle Windows | 4.0 |
Window service repairs |
Yes |
| Window World, Inc | 4.0 |
Replacement options |
Yes |
| Harvey Windows | 3.9 |
East Coast homes |
Yes |
Methodology
Our methodology for the best window manufacturers looks at the following characteristics across 24 different companies:
- Window types available
- Framing materials
- Quality assurance
- Customer support
- Company reputation and reviews
- Editorial judgment
Data collected across these categories formed the basis of our main scores. Ratings were calculated based on overall scores and without bias or personal opinion for a specific company.
Bottom line
Marvin has been in business for over 100 years, and its name is synonymous with experience and craftsmanship. High-quality materials with up to 19 color options make it a good choice for homeowners with a particular style or a custom project and a large budget.
Marvin Window reviews written by customers highlight its good points and bad points. If you’re looking for a company with more balanced reviews, you may want to choose another window manufacturer with fewer complaints and an average number of color choices. While you may not get as many color options, you could have fewer quality issues and better customer service.
