WARROAD, Minn., April 3, 2012 – The first week of April is National Window Safety Week. Marvin Windows and Doors hopes every family can be safer by following these simple tips.

Marvin is offering a new, factory-installed window opening control device on its popular Ultimate Casement line of crank-out windows, as well as a field-applied option on the Ultimate Double Hung. The window opening control device is intended to limit window openings to 4 inches, yet is easily opened by adults.

First, some common-sense window safety tips:

• Keep windows closed and locked when not in use.
• If you open windows for ventilation, choose windows not easily reached by children.
• Install a window opening control device to limit the window opening.
• Keep blinds, cords and drapes secured out of the reach of children.
• Don’t place furniture such as sofas, beds or bookcases under windows. Children can use the furniture to climb to the window opening.
• Never paint, nail or weatherstrip windows shut.
• Don’t rely on insect screens to prevent falls.
• Develop a family plan for escape during an emergency. In your plan, include two ways to escape from every room in case one way is blocked by fire or smoke.
• If windows are part of your escape plan, be sure to leave at least one window in every room unblocked by window insulating film, window air conditioners or other obstructions.
• Landscaping can provide a cushion to break falls should they occur. Consider landscaping beneath windows with wood chips, shrubs or other soft surfaces.

 
Marvin’s new casement Window Opening Control Device, which meets the ASTM F2090-10 standard, limits the window opening to 4 inches unless overridden in a two-step process. The limiter re-sets automatically each time the window is closed. Marvin already offers the device (field-applied) on its double hung products, but is now expanding that option to casements (factory-applied).

“We expect this intuitive device to be well received as a solution, whether legislation requires it or not,” said Christine Marvin, director of marketing for Marvin Windows and Doors. “We’re certain that builders and owners across the entire housing spectrum will appreciate the value of a high-quality, factory-installed window control opening device for casement products.”

Marvin dealers can offer complete information.

For more information on window safety, take advantage of two FREE printed resources from the National Safety Council:

• “Keeping the Promise of Safety” brochure provides helpful window safety tips. Individual brochures may be downloaded from the National Safety Council web site.
• For larger quantities (in quantities of 100), you may order from the National Safety Council by contacting NSC Customer Service at 800-621-7619. Ask for the “Keeping the Promise of Safety” brochure, product number 00006-6215.

• A free Window Safety Information Kit includes the “Keeping the Promise of Safety Brochure,” as well as Window Safety Tip Sheets, Window Safety Checklist, Window Safety Press Release, and Window Safety Activity and Coloring Book.

 
This kit is available free from the National Safety Council by contacting NSC Customer Service at 800-621-7619. Ask for the “Window Safety Information Kit,” product number 00006-6210. You may order these in any quantity.

Warroad, Minn. – Now Marvin’s industry-leading Double Hung products are even more versatile with the addition of new sizes, better performance and improved aesthetics.

Marvin’s residential Ultimate Double Hung is available to fit rough openings up to 42⅜ x 96 ⅞ inches, allowing this great window to fill bigger openings without sacrificing performance. The larger sizes are available in both Clad and Wood models.

In addition, the Ultimate Double Hung in both Clad and Wood achieves a WDMA-certified DP40 rating across all sizes, providing superior protection against air and water infiltration.

And the exterior frame profile of the Ultimate Double Hung has been redesigned to create a clean appearance and matching sight lines with the Ultimate Casement and Ultimate Glider. That gives greater design flexibility in combining different window types.

Warroad, Minn. – There’s exciting news for residents of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico coastal regions. Marvin’s industry-leading IZ3 StormPlus Clad Ultimate Double Hung has been redesigned for a sleeker appearance – without sacrificing any of its high performance.

Both the standard and Round Top versions of this popular impact-zone window have been reengineered for strength and aesthetics. Features and improvements include:

• No visible reinforcement when window is closed and locked
• Elimination of pull-out clips
• Window meets rigorous IZ3 code requirements when closed and locked
• Improved check rails allow a strong interlock in center of window
• Tilt pins and tilt blades strengthened
• Stiles reinforced
• Sill brackets assist with bottom sash retention
• Elimination of exterior sash stays on bottom sash
• Design Pressure of LC +55/-65 on all sizes
• Annealed exterior pane standard, with tempered option
• Frame-to-frame mulling is certified on all sizes
• Offered in all 19 Marvin exterior clad colors, 7 wood species and 8 hardware finishes to complement other Marvin windows

“These are significant improvements to our IZ3 Ultimate Double Hung,” said Christine Marvin, director of marketing for Marvin Windows and Doors. “We’ve improved the aesthetics to closely match our non-impact zone products – while sacrificing none of the rigorously tested performance.”

The new Ultimate Glider from Marvin Windows and Doors, already hailed as one of 2011’s best new building products, is now available in an all-wood version.

Marvin has re-invented the glider window with modern features and performance that breathe new life into this classic window. Previously available only in a clad aluminum exterior finish, the Wood Ultimate Glider now offers homeowners the beauty, warmth and performance of natural wood inside and out.

Marvin designed this versatile unit for elegance, durability and smooth operation. With its clean lines and recessed hardware, the Wood Ultimate Glider is sure to become a favorite of homeowners and builders alike.

The Clad Ultimate Glider, introduced earlier this year, was recently named one of the 101 Best New Products of 2011 by the editors of Professional Builder and Professional Remodeler magazines.

“Marvin reintroduced round tops to the homebuilding industry. Now we’ve reinvented another favorite,” said David Hipke, product planner for Marvin Windows and Doors. “This window is packed with features that add value. But perhaps its best features are its clean, elegant design and absolute ease of operation.”

The Wood Ultimate Glider features:

• One hand operation
• Patent pending handle and lock system
• Auto locking
• Low handle placement for ease of use – no reaching up
• Exterior of sustainably harvested pine
• Interior available in seven wood species: Pine, Douglas Fir, Cedro Macho, Mahogany, White Oak, Cherry, Vertical Grain Douglas Fir
• Interior also available in Factory Painted White Finish or Primed Wood
• Integrated weep system for drainage
• Several operating configurations

The Wood Ultimate Glider is the perfect choice for a host of building applications, including:

• Kitchen sink areas
• Decks and walkways
• Close lot lines
• Knee walls and lower levels
• Condominiums
• Multi-family units
• Assisted living

The Wood Ultimate Glider features a patent pending sash removal system built for easy operation. Plus, it can be seamlessly mixed and matched with other Marvin windows, such as the Ultimate Casement.

The Wood Ultimate Glider will give homeowners and builders a new reason to take a fresh look at gliders.

Well, the episode of “Cool Tools” for which that segment was shot aired this weekend on the DIY Network, and they’ve posted the clip online, as well.

We’ve long been a fan of architect Sarah Susanka and her “Not So Big House” philosophy. And it seems we keep seeing more evidence that a significant number of American homeowners are more interested in craftsmanship, quality and fine design than they are in raw square footage.

Affluent, mature homeowners especially fit this profile. The more money older homeowners have, the less they demand maximum square footage. Among Americans age 45 and up planning to spend $400,000 or more on a home, only 28 percent say they want as much space as their money will buy. By contrast, 46 percent of those planning to spend less than $150,000 say they want maximum square footage for the money.

That information comes from Margaret A. Wylde’s useful and insightful book, “Right House, Right Place, Right Time,” which looks at trends in the over-45 housing market.

It’s just one more indication that many affluent, mature Americans are interested in quality design and features, not just raw space.

Marvin can help architects, builders and remodelers meet the needs of these premium customers with beautiful, innovative products like our Ultimate Casement, Ultimate Sliding French Door and Ultimate French Casement. We offer more than 150,000 product options that meet or exceed the federal government’s stringent ENERGY STAR standards.

Come visit us at Booth 1453 at the AIA Convention in New Orleans to see all the latest products that will help you give your clients the home of their dreams.

Marvin's innovative Ultimate Replacement Casement

Remodeling has been a bright spot in the homebuilding and design industry, and a recent report by the Harvard Center for Joint Housing Studies suggests that the long-term trend will continue to be favorable.

Several factors are converging to produce the positive outlook. First, as Baby Boomers age, the turnover of their homes will generate remodeling activity. About three-quarters of home sales by people over 55 are made to people under 55. The homes of older sellers are generally older and generate immediate and significant spending on renovation.

A younger person buying from an older seller can be expected to spend about $5,000 annually on renovation, the report concludes. In addition, the median age of the existing U.S. housing stock grew from 29 years in 1997 to 32 years in 2007 — also indicating that future renovation and remodeling are more likely. Energy efficiency is always a concern, and Marvin meets it with more than 150,000 product options that meet or exceed the federal government’s stringent ENERGY STAR standards.

These and other factors cited in the report suggest that the long-term prospects for the remodeling market are favorable for architects and others in the building industry.

Marvin is ready with innovative products like the Ultimate Replacement Casement, the Ultimate Glider and the Ultimate Lift and Slide. Come visit us at Booth 1453 at the AIA Convention in New Orleans to see all the latest products that will help you give your remodeling clients the home of their dreams.

Bring your window and door design challenges to Marvin for custom capabilities, one-on-one architectural consulting and unique solutions that meet your project specifications beautifully. We thrive on great ideas, unusual challenges, even projects that seem impossible to other manufacturers. Creating your exact vision is our specialty.

Come visit Marvin (along with Integrity Windows and Doors). Stop by booth 1453 to see great products like the Ultimate Glider with the new White Painted Interior Finish and the ever-amazing Ultimate Lift and Slide.

Modative Architecture

There’s a great item by Nancy Egan in the latest issue of Residential Architect magazine with some thoughts on where the residential housing market is going. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be a link to an online version. But it’s worth recapping briefly.

A key issue for architects to consider is the pig in our demographic python. No, not the Baby Boomers. They’ve gotten so much attention over the decades that most people don’t realize that Gen Y (currently aged 18 to 30) is an even larger group than the Boomers.

Those 80 million Gen Y’ers are economically challenged, with high debt loads, poor employment prospects and a general malaise about the economic circumstances of their young adulthood. But Gen Y hasn’t abandoned the dream of home ownership, according to research by the ULI.

What they do want is a different kind of home: smaller, affordable, energy-efficient. Modative Architecture in Los Angeles has shown one approach with its small-lot subdivision homes, calling them “starter homes for Gen Y.”

Marvin supports this kind of new thinking with innovative, efficient products like the Ultimate Casement Window, the Tripane with Krypton and the Ultimate Glider. We have more than 150,000 product options that meet or exceed stringent federal ENERGY STAR standards.