From what I know the PlyGem's Mira line of windows is the old MW Brand windows and in no way shape or form would I consider them to be anywhere near as good as Marvin Ultimate's or Integrity by Marvin. I would stick to your guns and go with the Marvin product that you feel you can afford. My personal opinion but I do not care for anything from the PlyGem's company.

Would you be able to share a little more about why you don't care for Plygem???

Casements are more likely to meet egress requirements than double hungs. He may have a point if you are mulling casements over awnings but other than that he's wrong, unless I'm not understanding correctly

Here's a summary the code:

Windows Below Ground Level:
Sill height of window above ï¬Âoor: Not to exceed 44"
Minimum opening area: 5.7 sq. ft.
Minimum opening height 24"
Minimum opening width: 20"
Window Wells/Area Wells:

Required where window opening sill height is below ground elevation.
Horizontal dimensions: 9 sq.ft. (width x projection)
Horizontal projection: 36"

Ladders:
Required on window wells deeper than 44" and must be permanently attached.
Ladder may encroach into well up to 6".
Step distance between rungs: 18"
Rungs:12" wide or greater and must project a minimum of 3" away from wall but maximum of 6".
Grates: Shall be removable without special tools.

So I really can't see how he figures that a double hung would meet the requirements when a casement wouldn't.

I have been in the building material industry for 25 plus. Ply Gems used to be a distributor of mediocre building products, some where along the way they purchased several manufacturers, not unlike Jeldwen. The companies they purchased were known throughout the industry as being mediocre products. They feel by relabeling the same product that it will miraculously get better. MW was and always will be no matter what label you put on it a middle of the road product and in no way shape or for anywhere near the quality and or performance value of a Marvin Ultimate or Integrity by Marvin window.

Thanks, Millworkman. I was so thrown when our architect came up with them. I had selected Marvin based on the inputs from this group, and so he confused me. Based on this I am sticking to my guns!!

Another question - is the Integrity line also a good window??

Integrity is a good window as well and if you want the wood look, order it with the wood interior.

I think millworkman is being kind when he says that MW is middle of the road. That is putting it mildly to say the least.

You could be correct on that windows as MW was never available in my area I could go by what had read and been told. So bases on that I would not completely disregard or slam a product. Being as your from the Washington area I know MW had a fairly strong presence in that region and further south. I have personally only seen MW installed in some track or spec housing on golf courses in SC and they really did not impress me with their quality.

I love MW windows. We replace them quite often due to issues with rotting, glass seal failures and high air infiltration rates. I cannot believe an Architect would recommend them over Marvin. I would really question this Architects integrity at this point.

Ha, Ha!!

In all honesty, MW is probably the most deteriorated window that we replace on a regular basis.