What’s so great about Marvin Ultimate Casement windows anyway?

We recently completed a job for one of our repeat customers at a home they own with ocean frontage. A part of this project was to change out all of the windows with newer and nicer windows.

The ‘must have’ feature was the ability to open the windows as wide as possible to allow ocean air flow throughout the home.

Melanie and Allison on the Great Northern Builders team guided the homeowner through the selection process. Below is a list of items that we talked through, but in the end the client went with the Marvin Ultimate Casement windows.

5 Things To Think About When Deciding on Marvin Ultimate Casement Windows

Whenever we guide a client through the process of selecting the best window option, we think about: functionality, durability, and proximity to the ocean. Remember – salt spray is pervasive; it can easily travel up to 1 mile from the ocean and some studies have shown that salt water can affect metal finishes as far as 50 miles from the ocean.

Here are a five things to consider for your window project:

1. Material Durability: For coastal areas, you’ll want a window material that withstands salt, moisture, and high winds. Look for windows with corrosion-resistant materials such as fiberglass or vinyl, or aluminum-clad wood with a marine-grade finish. In this particular case, we went with a 5″ aluminum clad wood finish.
2. Opening Mechanism: Depending on your needs for ventilation and ease of use, you might consider the below options – but for our client, the ability to get an ocean breeze through the wide open casement window was the way to go.
   • Casement Windows: These open outward with a crank and can provide good ventilation while sealing tightly against the elements.
   • Sliding Windows: They’re easy to operate and can offer a wide opening range, though they may not seal as tightly as casement windows.
   • Awning Windows: These are hinged at the top and open outward, which allows for ventilation even during rainy weather.
3. Impact Resistance: Coastal areas often require windows to meet specific impact resistance standards. Look for windows rated for high winds and impact! This client had experienced driving wind and water off of the ocean, so they knew they needed a time-tested product like Marvin Ultimate casement windows.
4. Fit and Installation: To avoid reframing, we wanted windows that fit precisely into the existing openings. Marvin Ultimate Casement windows are customizable to match the existing openings we had, but even with a great fit, we still want to ensure the installation includes proper sealing and flashing techniques to prevent moisture infiltration!
5. Energy Efficiency: Given the coastal location, consider windows with low-E glass coatings that reduce UV rays and improve insulation, helping to keep your home energy-efficient.

Good on paper, but how are Marvin Ultimate Casement Windows in person?

This all sounds good on paper, but you can hear feedback straight from our Project Manager Jason on what he thought about the quality of these Marvin Ultimate casement windows. With nearly 30 years of experience and installing thousands of different windows, see how these Marvin Ultimate Casements stack up according to Jason.