May 9 2013
Marvin Windows and Doors now offers a wide range of American-made wood windows that will meet both the strict European and U.S. standards for Passive Building certification. And for homeowners and building professionals looking for highly efficient windows, Marvin offers more products that have earned ENERGY STAR's "Most Efficient" designation than any other wood-window manufacturer.
No longer will builders and owners have to wait for more than two months for passive windows to ship from Europe. Marvin's R&D and manufacturing teams have achieved what had been considered impossible by many in the industry: delivering American-made windows that meet Passive Building standards while maintaining the highest levels of beauty, style and customization. Passive Building certification from both U.S. and European bodies is pending.
"With our long history of custom manufacturing and our skilled, experienced work force, we're able to craft windows that will meet the highest standards of energy efficiency while allowing design freedom," said Mike Laufman, senior manager of Marvin Signature Services, which offers one-on-one design and manufacturing support for the most challenging custom projects. "There's a perception that passive buildings need to be blank-walled fortresses with tiny slits for windows. But with Marvin products, architects and homeowners will be able to specify any design feature -- even large expanses of glass -- using windows that look like our regular product lines yet meet the strictest standards of Passive Building."
Passive Building construction and design principles focus on insulation and energy conservation in both warm and cold climates. Passive Buildings are designed to maintain a comfortable temperature using only minimal heating and cooling systems. A super-insulated, virtually air-tight building envelope is heated primarily by passive solar gain and warmth from occupants and appliances inside. Cooling loads are reduced during warm weather by strategic shading.
Marvin works with glazing partners on its Passive Building windows. Using quad-glazing Heat Mirror® products, Marvin can meet Passive Building standards on its Ultimate Casement and Direct Glaze products. Marvin's Passive Building products are created by Marvin Signature Services.
"There is no silver bullet to achieve Passive Building criteria, but windows are a key consideration in Passive Building design," said Christine Marvin, director of marketing for Marvin Windows and Doors. "Because our products are made in the USA, Marvin can offer builders a shorter lead time than international manufacturers. And our extensive independent dealer network means we can support the project from the time it's drawn up until after installation. This is another great example of Marvin working one on one with its customers to deliver the perfect windows for each project."
The Most with the "Most": Marvin leads industry in ENERGY STAR "Most Efficient" products
In addition to its Passive Building offerings, Marvin offers more products that have earned ENERGY STAR's "Most Efficient" designation than any other wood-window manufacturer. Marvin offers more than 35 windows and 7,000 glazing options that meet this new, higher standard set by ENERGY STAR. Products with this designation have gone through rigorous testing and independent certification above and beyond regular ENERGY STAR certification.
Marvin's Ultimate Casement, Ultimate Awning, Ultimate Double Hung and Direct Glazed Polygons in both wood and clad-wood varieties meet ENERGY STAR'S Most Efficient criteria. The majority of Marvin's window product line is recognized as Most Efficient in all four of the program's climate zones. A full list is available on ENERGY STAR'S website.
"For decades we have been committed to offering the best possible performance," Marvin said. "In the mid 1990s, we were the first to introduce LoÇ glass as a standard feature. Marvin windows can transform the look of any space, and our lineup of ENERGY STAR Most Efficient certified products shows that high performance and beautiful windows aren't mutually exclusive."