Marvin Modern vs Essential windows + doors reviews/pricing?

3 years ago

Hello,

I have an upcoming remodel where I am replacing several windows and installing few new ones and am going for a modern/contemporary look.

The replaced windows will be bigger than the existing window/opening, so they will be roughed out, so essentially, all of these new windows would be 'new' construction from that perspective.

Am looking at Marvin Essentials vs Marvin Modern.

I love both these lines, they are both very modern looking, slim lines, sills etc, both are fiberglass inside and out, however I am trying to figure out why there is such a huge difference in price between the 2 for my setup. Every window is with tempered Low E3 with Argon glass.

Essentials 6w x 8h Picture Window (fixed) = $1700+

Modern 6w x 8h Picture Window (fixed) = $2800+ !

The only DIFFERENCE between the 2 lines is that Modern is high-density fiberglass vs regular fiberglass (Ultrex). That is a massive premium for just higher density fiberglass!

Even the Essentials pricing is up there @1700+. The smaller 3x6 Essentials Casements are $700+. These are just for the windows, install is NOT included.

1) Are these prices good/expected? I will be taking other quotes shortly, but this first quote was a bit higher than I expected even though I went in knowing Marvin's would come in on the higher side.

My only reference was this before I got the quote from Marvin:

https://www.replacementwindowsguide.org/cost/marvin-integrity-window-prices/

http://www.housewindowsprices.com/marvin-windows-prices.html

The one quote I have so far seems to be above the ranges mentioned on the above 2 sites.

2) The other question I have is for the Essentials, some on this site have said these are comparable to Vinyl windows, but most of these posts were for the older line referred to as Integrity.

Is this true for Essentials as well?

I didn't see any glaring issues with finish when I was in the showroom. Not sure if those comments were just a finish related comment or do the Essentials all-fiberglass line have not as good durability/quality (from a performance/maintenance perspective) as other manufacturer's all-fiberglass lines?

3) Also, has anybody installed/used/have Marvin Modern Multi-Slide sliding door? This is the one I am leaning towards, but it is a relatively new line and am looking for some reviews from installers and homeowners.

Thanks in advance,

Featured Answer

PRO

Windows on Washington Ltd

3 years ago

I always thought that Fiberglass was significant stronger than anything else so it seems odd that they would need to make the one series stronger than the other. According to them, its already 9X stronger than other building materials.

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Comments (11)

Anh Bui
3 years ago
Modern line is their new premium line and is priced much higher than other lines they offer. We were looking at Modern 4 panel slider and it is 10k more than Elevate slider
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K G
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks Anh and WoW.

Ya, it doesn't make sense to me, do they somehow pack more fiberglass into the modern version?

At that price premium, it's kind of moot for me anyway. The only question is durability of the Essential line.

Some on this forum have equated this to vinyl, which got me confused/concerned, some have said there is flex on the frame when you squeeze it with your fingers, both these comments can be found here:

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5857794/marvin-essential-or-elevate-windows

The other question I have is are these prices accurate? I am waiting on another quote as well, but this seemed high to me.

Ketan
Son
3 years ago
Stick to elevate. I have Ultimates and the Elevate line and you can't tell the difference.
millworkman
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
"I have Ultimates and the Elevate line and you can't tell the difference."

Really? How so?
Son
3 years ago
Let me clarify...

All my windows are black inside and out. That is the key. The ultimates come in bigger sizes and more options, so for my 10 ft glass I had to use them. I can barely tell the difference inside a room between the two. We literally have Elevates and Ultimates in a single room.

The ppl that have come over, cannot tell at all. Only if you touch the material to feel the difference, but it is nominal.
mseamm
3 years ago
The Modern line has fiberglass exterior and aluminum interior, an even cleaner / modern look so I'm guessing that's the reason for the price. The 1700 seems a little high though for the portrait Essentials. We got a quote in a size very close to that and it was under $800 (just materials also).
D B
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I sell that window with no extension jambs for about the same amount of money. It's not overpriced. (Essential). I haven't worked with the Modern lineup yet so I cannot comment from experience.

Essential windows are better than vinyl. The Fiberglass is stronger, doesn't expand/contract like vinyl, and will last longer than vinyl. Also Marvin has one of, if not the lowest seal failure rates amongst all windows. I sell more Marvin products than any other and I have almost zero seal failures. Many of the vinyl window I've sold have had seal failure issues.

The $800 quote is far less than my cost on a unit that size. Unlikely mseamm's unit is as big, or the same brand/series/options. Might be that their unit wasn't tempered.
David Frohnen
6 months ago
The Modern line is Protruded Fiberglass on the exterior and aluminum on the interior.
Madhava Cheethirala
13 days ago
And essential has size/scale limitations while with modern you can build bigger window systems.
Madhava Cheethirala
13 days ago
I wonder if exterior look is going to be the same for essential and modern windows?