Marvin Windows vs. Andersen Windows:Why Marvin Windows are the Great Windows for New England
When it comes to the fickle New England weather, Marvin Windows has definite competitive advantages. The finish on Marvin windows have a specially designed finish that is scratch and dent resistant, and paint colors that resist fading, even with significant sun exposure. But what about Andersen Windows?
Andersen Windows Overview
Andersen Windows are known for several features including the fact that they are considered a trusted legacy brand. In addition, they have wider retail availability, and their Andersen 400 Series offers midrange pricing options.
Andersen Windows are made of durable Fibrex composite material which is 60% thermoplastic polymer and 40% wood fiber. Their Fibrex performs well, but it cannot match the rigidity of fiberglass.
Why Marvin Windows Perform Better in New England?
When comparing Marvin Windows vs Andersen Windows in New England, Golden Group finds that Massachusetts homeowners experience better results with Marvin.
- Marvin windows are made of fiberglass that resist the expansion/contraction behavior that occurs in freeze-thaw cycles that frequently occur in New England.
- Marvin windows have a finish that resists salt damage and sun fading for homes in Massachusetts, especially in coastal areas.
- Marvin windows are designed to enhance natural light.
- Marvin windows are premium grade and highly energy efficient.
Wide temperature swings in New England between the cold winters and hot summers make heating and cooling costs a major issue for homeowners. Marvin Windows offers several ENERGY STAR ® options that are ideal for northern homes.
Energy Efficiency: Marvin vs Andersen
Both Marvin and Andersen offer ENERGY STAR ® rated glass packages. However, Marvin’s Ultrex fiberglass has lower thermal expansion and stronger insulation. This maintains tight seals that resist New England’s extreme cold snaps and summer’s heat and humidity.
Marvin Windows offers over 150,000 options that meet the ENERGY STAR standard. Because Marvin windows are custom made to order, homeowners can select specific ENERGY STAR certified options matched to the New England climate zone, while still getting their desired style and features.
Marvin windows include features like multiple panes of glass, insulating gases, Low-E glass coatings, and advanced frame materials that reduce heat transfer and air leakage. Marvin also has a low U-factor which indicates how much heat inside the home escapes outside. The lower the U-factor, less heat escapes. Products, such as the Infinity from Marvin line, are independently tested and certified by ENERGY STAR.
Marvin Windows Are Designed To Enhance Natural Light
Marvin’s approach to style and design creates a seamless approach, inviting the outdoor beauty into our homes. Whether you’re nestled in the woods, are along the water, have a beautiful yard, or simply enjoy your cozy community, Marvin windows beautifully blend the indoors with the outdoors with their unique design.
Golden Group embraces the trend of incorporating New England’s natural beauty into home living and design.
Because fiberglass is stronger than vinyl, the frames can be thinner while still providing excellent durability. This lets in more natural light for happier and healthier living.
Marvin also offers stunning wood frames, adding warmth to your home and complementing the blended indoor-outdoor look. Or homeowners can choose a fiberglass window with a stunning wood-like finish.
Marvin Offers a Window for Any Style Home
Marvin windows has a wide array of styles and size in their three major window lines.
Double hung and single hung
Casement windows
Roundtop
Sliders
Awnings
Bay
Bow
Single Hung Round Top
Special Shapes
Marvin also offers awnings to complement the windows and style of your New England home.
This means that a homeowner can use Marvin windows consistently throughout their home, no matter what the design or architectural style.
Craftsmanship and Custom Design
Golden Group chose to install the Marvin lines due to its reputation for excellent craftsmanship.
Marvin Windows has a stellar reputation for excellent craftsmanship and custom design options. Their windows are not available for homeowners to purchase at big box stores for do-it-yourself installation. These premium windows must be purchased through specialty dealers.
Golden Group has invested in training its installers and has earned certification from Marvin Windows. We also have the expertise and local experience necessary to provide the expert professional installation required.
The windows and doors are custom crafted at Marvin. They take pride in the highest quality manufacturing and work exclusively with certified installers, such as Golden Group.
Marvin vs Andersen Windows Cost
In Massachusetts, Andersen replacement windows generally range from $700 to $1,200 per window installed. Marvin windows cost more, ranging from $1,000 to $1,800, depending on the style, material, and customization.
While the price for Marvin windows is higher than for Andersen windows, Golden Group considers the investment to be justified.
The return on investment (ROI) for Marvin windows includes increased home value, significant energy savings of 13% or more, enhanced comfort from less noise, drafts, and UV rays. The long-term value from premium materials makes them a solid investment for homeowners focused on quality, performance, and lasting resale value. Homeowners can recoup 70% to 80% of the cost.
Warranty, Manufacturing, and Legacy
Marvin stands behind the quality of its products with a limited lifetime warranty and a five-year installation warranty.
At Golden Group, we believe in the high-quality windows that Marvin provides. Their windows and doors are custom crafted at Marvin Windows in the USA, where they take utmost pride in the highest quality manufacturing processes.
Marvin has been a longstanding business since they started in 1912. Over one hundred years later, the company is led by Paul Marvin (as of 2024). These are qualities that Golden Group values in their vendors and insists on in their own business.
Get New Marvin Windows From Golden Group Today
If you’re looking for your next window replacement, contact Golden Group Roofing. We’re happy to show you how Marvin windows can add long lasting beauty to your home. We service the Greater Boston and Worcester, MA area. Call us at (508) 873-1884.
To learn more about why Marvin windows are the best choice for your home in New England, check out our video below. We dive into the features that set Marvin apart from other brands like Andersen, especially when it comes to handling the fickle weather of our region. Watch now to see how Marvin windows can transform your home with style, energy efficiency, and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marvin and Andersen Windows
Are Marvin windows better than Andersen for cold climates?
For cold and variable climates like New England, Marvin windows generally perform better. Marvin uses fiberglass, which has very low thermal expansion. This helps the windows maintain tight seals during freeze–thaw cycles, extreme cold snaps, and humid summers. Andersen windows perform well, but their Fibrex composite expands and contracts more than fiberglass, which can affect long-term seal integrity in harsh climates.
Do Marvin windows cost more than Andersen?
Yes, Marvin windows typically cost more than Andersen windows. In Massachusetts, Andersen replacement windows often range from $700 to $1,200 installed, while Marvin windows usually range from $1,000 to $1,800 depending on style, material, and customization. The higher cost reflects Marvin’s custom manufacturing, fiberglass construction, and broader performance options for cold climates.
What’s the difference between Marvin fiberglass and Andersen Fibrex?
Marvin windows are made from fiberglass, while Andersen uses a composite material called Fibrex, which is about 60% thermoplastic polymer and 40% wood fiber. Fiberglass is stronger, more rigid, and expands less with temperature changes. This allows Marvin windows to have thinner frames, more glass area, and better long-term performance in extreme climates compared to Fibrex.
Which windows last longer?
Marvin windows typically have a longer service life, especially in regions with harsh weather. Fiberglass resists warping, cracking, and deterioration better than composite materials over time. When properly installed, Marvin fiberglass windows often outperform Andersen windows in durability, particularly in cold, coastal, or high sun-exposure environments.
Who makes Marvin windows?
Marvin Windows are manufactured by Marvin, a family-owned American company founded in 1912. Marvin designs and builds its windows and doors in the United States and distributes them through specialty dealers and certified installers rather than big box stores.