If you’re in the market for new windows, you’ve probably come across two big names: Thermo-Tech and Marvin. Both companies make high-quality windows designed to improve energy efficiency and withstand the elements.
But which is the better choice for your home?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the pros and cons of Thermo-Tech and Marvin windows to help you make an informed decision. We’ll look at factors like materials, efficiency ratings, warranties, styles, customization options and more.
Read on to see how these two popular brands stack up.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Thermo-Tech | Marvin |
| Frame Materials | Primarily vinyl, some wood & clad wood | Wood, clad wood, fiberglass, aluminum |
| Energy Efficiency | Multi-chamber vinyl frames, low-E glass, argon gas, triple pane options. Meet or exceed ENERGY STAR. | Thick wood frames, low-E glass, argon or krypton gas, high performance triple pane options. Meet or exceed ENERGY STAR. |
| Styles | Double hung, sliding, casement, awning, fixed, patio doors | More variety – double hung, casement, awning, hopper, fixed, specialty shapes, patio doors |
| Glass Options | Double or triple pane, multiple low-E options, laminated, tempered, obscure | Extensive glass offerings including triple pane, noise reduction, security, decorative & specialty glass |
| Warranties | Lifetime limited on vinyl, 10-20 years on components | 10-20 years coverage on wood, glass, finishes, components |
| Cost | $350 – $850 for vinyl double hung | $1,200 – $3,500 for premium wood double hung |
| Reviews | Positive feedback on energy savings, quality, and value | Rave reviews for stunning aesthetics, customization, and flawless performance |
Overview of Thermo-Tech Windows
Founded in 1953, Thermo-Tech has over 60 years of experience making windows and doors. The company is based in Minnesota and sells their products through a network of authorized dealers in the United States and Canada.
Some key facts about Thermo-Tech:
- They offer vinyl, wood, and wood-clad windows and patio doors. Their vinyl lines are among their most popular.
- Thermo-Tech vinyl windows feature multi-chambered frame and sash components. This gives them excellent insulation properties.
- Their glass options include low-E coatings and argon gas fills for improved energy efficiency. Some lines also have triple pane glass.
- Most of their vinyl windows meet ENERGY STAR requirements.
- They have solid warranties on vinyl, wood, and clad-wood windows. Vinyl windows have a limited lifetime warranty.
- Thermo-Tech offers casement, double-hung, sliding, and fixed window operating styles. Their patio doors come in swing, slide, and lift-slide options.
Now let’s look at how Marvin windows compare.
Overview of Marvin Windows
Marvin is another established window and door brand, founded in 1912. They are also based in Minnesota and sell nationwide through their dealer network.
Here are some key facts about Marvin:
- Marvin makes windows from wood, wood-clad, fiberglass, and aluminum materials. Their Ultimate and Integrity wood lines are very popular.
- Their specialty is made-to-order windows. They have extensive size, color, interior and exterior finish, hardware, and other customization options.
- Marvin is known for superb craftsmanship and quality materials. Their wood windows feature fine details like mortise and tenon joinery.
- They offer several energy efficient glass packages, from double pane up to triple pane with krypton gas fill. Most meet ENERGY STAR requirements.
- Warranties range from 10 years on aluminum clad windows up to 20 years for wood windows. Their wood windows have optional extended warranties.
- Marvin window operating styles include casement, double-hung, awning, hopper, and fixed. They also have swinging, sliding, and lift-slide patio doors.
Key Differences Between Thermo-Tech And Marvin Windows
Now that we’ve compared the basics, let’s take a detailed look at how Thermo-Tech and Marvin stack up across several key factors.
Frame Materials
One of the biggest differences between Thermo-Tech and Marvin is the variety of frame materials they offer.
Thermo-Tech focuses mainly on vinyl window frames in various styles and grades. Their Visions 6000 series is their premium vinyl line with the most advanced engineering and thickest frame/sash components. Thermo-Tech does offer some wood and wood-clad windows, but vinyl makes up most of their sales.
Marvin specializes in wood and wood-clad windows made from pine, hemlock, and fir species. They also have fiberglass and aluminum-clad windows which are more affordable but mimic the aesthetics of wood. Overall, Marvin’s material selection is much wider than Thermo-Tech’s.
Vinyl, wood, and fiberglass all make excellent frame materials with minor differences:
- Vinyl is the most affordable and requires the least maintenance. It has good insulation properties thanks to multi-chambered designs. Thermo-Tech vinyl windows have an excellent balance of quality and price.
- Wood offers unparalleled beauty, craftsmanship, and customization versatility. It requires more maintenance but lasts for decades when properly cared for. Marvin takes wood windows to the highest level.
- Fiberglass provides the look and feel of wood but with lower maintenance needs. It does not contract or expand as much as real wood. Marvin uses a pultruded fiberglass for superior strength.
Overall, both companies use high-quality materials suited to their target buyer. Thermo-Tech offers exceptional vinyl windows while Marvin excels at wood windows.
Energy Efficiency
Windows play a major role in home energy efficiency. Loss of heat in winter and cooling in summer through low-quality windows leads to higher utility bills.
Both Thermo-Tech and Marvin understand this, so they design windows with multiple features to provide insulation. Here’s how the brands compare:
Thermo-Tech Vinyl Windows
- Multi-chambered vinyl profile with fusion-welded corners improves thermal performance.
- Thermal enhancement options like foam-filled frames and sashes cut down on conductive heat/cold transfer.
- Low-E glass coatings reflect heat back into the home and reduce UV rays entering. Different low-E options are available.
- Inert argon gas filled between glass panes insulates better than air.
- Some lines have triple pane glass for maximum efficiency.
- Meets or exceeds ENERGY STAR requirements in most climate zones.
Marvin Windows
- Wood frame and sashes boast natural insulating properties. Clad units add more barriers.
- Low-E glass coatings also standard. Multiple low-E options available for different climates.
- Argon gas-filled double or triple pane options on most product lines.
- Optional foam insulation injected into frame chambers for increased efficiency.
- Meets or exceeds ENERGY STAR requirements in all climate zones.
- More triple pane lines available for maximum efficiency.
Overall, both brands offer excellent energy efficient windows with similar features. Marvin may have a slight performance edge for some wood windows with standard triple pane glass and their thicker window panes. But Thermo-Tech vinyl windows still achieve excellent insulation and efficiency.
Styles and Operating Types
The style and operation of your windows significantly affects use and enjoyment. Here’s how Thermo-Tech and Marvin compare in styles offered:
Thermo-Tech
- Double-hung – Most affordable option with two sashes that slide up and down. Available in vinyl or clad-wood.
- Sliding – Side-to-side sliding sashes with large venting areas. Also in vinyl and clad-wood.
- Casement – Side-hinged sash that cranks open outward. Vinyl and clad-wood available.
- Awning – Top-hinged sash that swings outward. Primarily in vinyl.
- Fixed Picture – Non-opening window to let light in. Available with or without low-E glass.
- Specialty Shapes – Custom arches, curves, and other shapes available.
- Sliding Patio Doors – 2, 3, and 4 panel configurations that slide open.
Marvin
- Double-hung – Wide selection of wood, clad-wood, and fiberglass double-hungs. More style and size options than Thermo-Tech.
- Casement – Broadest casement selection. Available in all materials and unlimited custom sizes.
- Awning – Wood or clad-wood only. More style and size choices than Thermo-Tech.
- Hopper – Inward swinging sash at bottom. Primarily wood and clad-wood.
- Fixed Picture – Available in all materials with full customization. More specialty shape options.
- Specialty Shapes – Arches, curves, dramatic shapes. Fully customizable.
- Swinging and Sliding Patio Doors – Broad selection of premium wood doors. Custom sizes and finishes.
As you can see, Marvin offers greater style selection, especially in wood windows. Their customization abilities are unmatched. Thermo-Tech has a solid lineup of vinyl windows, but less variety compared to Marvin.
Both brands have excellent patio doors. For wood French doors with beautiful craftsmanship, Marvin is the winner. But Thermo-Tech vinyl sliding doors offer quality and value.
Glass and Glazing Options
The type of glass used in windows also affects efficiency, visibility, security, and sound insulation. Here are some key comparisons between Thermo-Tech and Marvin:
Thermo-Tech
- Double pane glass standard on most vinyl windows. Some lines have standard triple pane.
- Low-E coatings standard, with varying types based on climate needs.
- Argon gas fills standard on most vinyl windows. Provides better insulation than air.
- Optional laminated glass for security and sound dampening.
- Obscure and tempered glass available for bathrooms, entries, etc.
Marvin
- Double pane glass standard on many lines, triple pane standard on higher end wood windows.
- Multiple low-E coatings for different climates and goals like solar control.
- Argon gas-filled double and triple pane units standard. Optional krypton gas for maximum efficiency.
- Acoustic glass packages available to reduce outside noise.
- Broad selection of decorative glass, obscured, laminated, and tempered options.
- Unique glass types like directional controlled privacy glass.
Again, Marvin pulls ahead in the glass category thanks to their endless customization and ultra-efficient triple pane packages on high-end wood windows. But Thermo-Tech still provides excellent glass options for vinyl windows.
Warranties
The warranty coverage provides peace of mind should any defects occur in materials or workmanship. Let’s compare Thermo-Tech and Marvin’s warranties:
Thermo-Tech Vinyl Windows
- Lifetime limited warranty on vinyl windows and doors. Covers cracking, pitting, corroding, and warping.
- 10 years coverage for moving parts like balances, locks, and hardware.
- 20 years on sealed glass units against seal failure causing fogging.
- Optional extended glass coverage of 30 years available.
Marvin Windows
- 20 years on Ultrex fiberglass and 10 years on aluminum clad windows.
- 20 years on wood windows against manufacturing defects causing deterioration. 2 years on moving parts.
- 10 years on insulating glass against seal failure. Optional extended coverage available.
- 5 years on finishing against manufacturing defects like peeling, flaking, and fading.
The warranties are fairly comparable between the two brands. One advantage of Thermo-Tech is the lifetime coverage of their premium vinyl windows against material defects like warping.
But Marvin’s optional extended glass coverage is a plus, as seal failure tends to show up after 10-15 years. Overall both brands provide reassurance with good warranty protection.
Cost Comparison
Let’s estimate price ranges for typical double-hung windows from Thermo-Tech vs. Marvin:
Thermo-Tech Vinyl Double-Hung
- Price range: $350 – $850
- Factors affecting price: quality of vinyl, glass packages, optional upgrades
Marvin Ultimate Double-Hung Wood
- Price range: $1,200 – $3,500
- Factors affecting price: wood species, custom sizes, glass/finish upgrades
As expected, Marvin wood windows command a premium price due to the high-end materials and craftsmanship involved.
Thermo-Tech vinyl windows provide excellent quality and efficiency at a more affordable price point.
For high-end wood windows with incredible beauty and customization, Marvin is the clear choice if budget allows.
Thermo-Tech vinyl is ideal for those wanting quality on a tighter budget.
Customer Reviews
Seeing customer experiences with these two brands can further inform your purchase decision. Here are some reviews:
Thermo-Tech
- “We’ve been extremely happy with our Thermo-Tech windows. They’ve made a huge difference in making our home warmer in winter and saving energy costs.”
- “The dealer provided outstanding service during the whole process. The windows were delivered quickly and installed perfectly. Would recommend.”
- “Love the warranty that comes with these windows. Installation was fast and easy too. We can already feel the improvement in temperatures inside.”
Marvin
- “Stunning wood windows that make our home look amazing inside and out. The quality speaks for itself. Marvin was 100% worth the investment.”
- “From design to installation, the entire process went smoothly. The windows are visually gorgeous and perform flawlessly.”
- “Marvin has outstanding craftsmanship backed by great customer service. We customized every detail and absolutely love the results.”
Both brands receive positive reviews for quality, appearance, energy savings potential, and good service from dealers/installers. Overall, Marvin gets higher marks for stunning aesthetics and customization.
But Thermo-Tech also pleases homeowners with performance and value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Thermo-Tech is a very good window brand. They make quality vinyl windows featuring robust frames, excellent insulation, and durable components. Their windows achieve great energy efficiency and performance. Thermo-Tech may not offer the stunning wood windows like Marvin, but their vinyl is among the best on the market.
Some brands comparable to Marvin in quality include:
Pella – Known for exceptional wood and fiberglass windows with elegant designs.
Andersen – Another respected wood window maker with many custom options.
Milgard – Top vinyl brand with high-grade materials and strong performance.
Jeld-Wen – Makes wood, vinyl, and fiberglass windows with energy efficient technology.
Simonton – Offers good quality vinyl windows at a bit lower price point than Marvin.
Marvin windows are excellent. They are considered a top tier window brand due to their meticulous craftsmanship, high-end materials like pine and Douglas fir, and endless customization options. Marvin windows have incredible aesthetics and quality that shows through in their smooth operation and long-term durability. If you want the absolute best wood windows, Marvin is a great choice.
Marvin and Andersen are both amazing wood window brands. They have similar quality, materials, and options. But Marvin excels in these areas:
1. Broader operating styles like awnings and hoppers. More specialty shapes available as well.
2. Thicker, higher grade wood used across most product lines.
3. More glass customization like specialty glazing, triple pane configurations, etc.
4. Slightly longer warranties on wood windows.
5. More wood exterior finish options. Andersen leans toward cladding.
Overall, Marvin wood windows edge out Andersen in specialty offerings, glass upgrades, and thickness of materials. But you really can’t go wrong with either brand for stunning wood windows.
The Verdict
In the end, choosing between Thermo-Tech and Marvin comes down to your preferred material and budget:
If you want top-quality vinyl windows at a more affordable price, Thermo-Tech is a fantastic option. Their vinyl frames have excellent insulation properties and durability.
For luxurious wood windows with unmatched aesthetics and customization, Marvin is the cream of the crop. They offer the highest quality wood windows available.
With smart design, quality materials, and great performance, you’re sure to be happy with either brand. Think about which framing material fits your home style and price range best when deciding between these two impressive window manufacturers.
