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nepool

Framer doesn't like Integrity. What now?

nepool
10 years ago

Mostly based on the glowing reviews of Integrity Vs Andersen 200 & Pella Pro-Line (which are the windows in my budget) I priced out Marvin Integrity Wood Ultrex. I was pleasantly surprised that they came in only $2K more than the 200s (a few of my windows were large specialty windows that would have been 400s anyway, which explains the small difference).

ANYHOW, mentioned it to my framer (who is really good, highly recommended, meticulous), and he said "Marvin- OK, those are good, but then I said "Marvin Integrity" and he said that he didn't like them ("junk"), had a bad experience a few years ago, customer service was awful- he was on the phone for hours, they are not made by the 'same Marvin' company- its another company etc.. plus they are more work to install. I was SURPRISED based on this site and other outside recommendations. I explained how I was surprised and how I've heard from almost everyone that Integrity was better than the 200s or Pella, etc.. and he listened, but was still suspicious. He didn't say he wouldn't install them. I said I'd go up to the lumberyard and speak to them (who sell both).

So what gives? Is customer service bad? Is Integrity a separately managed subsidiary of Marvin? Are they harder to install? I really value my framers opinion and I know he is good, so please no bashing. Is there any truth to what he says?

Thanks.

Comments (13)

  • millworkman
    10 years ago

    In one word, no. He is wrong.

    This post was edited by millworkman on Wed, Mar 26, 14 at 21:41

  • nepool
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    Well he obviously had a bad experience with the customer service in our area, at some point. No window is perfect. He didn't say Andersen or pella were flawless, only that if there is an issue, its taken care of quickly/easily by Andersen and Pella.

    It puts me in a jam (no pun intended) because everyone agrees that installation is the most important thing and this guy obviously hasn't installed them in ages (and doesn't like them). I'm not changing framers- he's good.

  • pnbrown
    10 years ago

    Every window/door brand has problems, IME. Pella, for the huge price, has more issues than one would expect. The service is excellent, that is true.

    Andersen is frankly very hard to beat in value-per-dollar, at least for windows. I don't care for their patio door engineering at all.

  • PRO
    Windows on Washington Ltd
    10 years ago

    +1

    I would ask him to re-look at them but old dogs don't like new tricks usually.

  • nepool
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    It is hard to teach an old dog new tricks. I'm the same way- if I get burned by a company, I generally don't use their products ever again. Netfix, for example- Verizon, another!

    Does anyone see where he's coming from the perspective "Integrity is harder to install than Andersen or Pella"?

  • PRO
    Windows on Washington Ltd
    10 years ago

    I have no idea where he gets that idea.

    New construction would be nailing flange type install anyway.

    Similar install, shimming, foaming, etc.

  • PRO
    Out of the Woods Inc.- Window & Door Specialists
    10 years ago

    I don't see any reason why they'd be hard to install. they have a nail fin like every other brand. Customer service would be who the dealer is so that could vary, doesn't have to do with Integrity directly.

  • millworkman
    10 years ago

    plus 1 to wow and fenestration........

  • nepool
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    So how do these warranty calls go? Say I have a window that is foggy- seal is broken. I call my framer, and he calls the dealer (Lumber yard, in my case). What do they do? The dealer has a guy that fixes my seal or does the dealer call Marvin who has a guy that fixes my seal? And how is this different than a bad seal warranty call for Andersen?

    thanks.

  • PRO
    Windows on Washington Ltd
    10 years ago

    You would deal with Marvin directly on issues of seal failure.

  • PRO
    Out of the Woods Inc.- Window & Door Specialists
    10 years ago

    I've been dealing with the Integrity product since it first came on the market. In our area we have had 0 glass failures with them (I'm sure others have had their issues, this is just my experience, I'm also in a mild climate).

    But if it comes time to deal with any sort of warranty work, contact who you bought it from, most likely them or the distributor will be doing the work. If for some reason you don't get anywhere with them, contact Integrity directly.

  • toddinmn
    10 years ago

    I'd have to disagree as well. Verizon has outstanding coverage for years and just as crappy customer service as the other major providers. Netflix is the slickest thing since plastic windows hit the market.

  • TheWindowDog.com
    10 years ago

    I firmly agree with toddinmn. Netflix is a bargain and a half.

    And, Marvin windows aren't any easier or harder to install than anything else. If you make the framer use a product that he doesn't want to use he'll likely see problems that wouldn't have been issues if he was using the product he wanted.

    At the end of the day it's your house, get whatever you want. There's no reason I'm aware of to stay away from Marvin Integrity.