We're looking to replace the windows in our NJ Tudor home (bronze exterior/white interior). We've had quotes for Marvin Ultimate and Andersen A series - both pretty expensive and more than we were wanting to pay. We're now considering two very different products; Marvin Integrity (Wood-Ultrex) and Okna Enviro-Star. Wood interior would be our first choice (aesthetics, resale appeal etc) however the price and energy efficiency of the Okna is outstanding. There's still a significant price difference between the Marvin Integrity and Okna but we're trying to determine if the Marvin Integrity is worth the extra $8k. Help!!! Opinions welcome....

I've never heard of Okna.

IMO, a vital aspect of window selection is gauging whether manufacturer will be around in 20 years to support warranty claims.

You might want to ck local mfg's.

We just finished installing 8 Integrity wood/Ultrex windows, a combination of large fixed units over small awnings. While they look great, we're not impressed with the fit and finish. I supervised the install, and was pleased with the air sealing. Unfortunately, there is a lot of cold north wind finding its way in, in spite of all the tape, foam, and caulk. I'm thinking that I'm going to have to caulk around the large fixed sashes.

Ha Ha. "okna" is Russian for "windows".

Marvin is a known top quality window. I think the real question is, is it worth the risk to spend less on relative unknowns?

Posted By Houseinthewoods on 03 Dec 2012 10:41 PM
We just finished installing 8 Integrity wood/Ultrex windows, a combination of large fixed units over small awnings. While they look great, we're not impressed with the fit and finish. I supervised the install, and was pleased with the air sealing. Unfortunately, there is a lot of cold north wind finding its way in, in spite of all the tape, foam, and caulk. I'm thinking that I'm going to have to caulk around the large fixed sashes.

We were just discussing Marvin windows in the other thread.

Where exactly is the large amounts of air infiltration coming from? Do you think it is the window or something with the install?

You mentioned that you were not impressed with the fit and finish. Can you expound?

Over the last 25 years, I've replaced all the windows in my house with wood Marvins, most double hung, and a couple of casements. The fit and finish and air sealing was excellent and still is to this day. Unfortunately, I had some rot issues with some of tthe windows I put in in the early 90"s. I've already replaced some brick mold, and a couple of sills on the casements. I will probably have to replace the casements in my kitchen again next year.

The last, and final, window I put in was a 4' picture window flanked by casements. I chose a Marviin Integrity for this one. Same Marvin quality fit and finish. It is also paintable, and seals just as well as the Marvins. Finally, rot issues solved with this one (I hope). The replacement casements will be Integrity as well, when I do them. I'm not real happy with the rot issues I had on the older windows, but wood isn't what it used to be, when it comes to window frames. I believe Marvin (as well as other manufaturers) had issues with this in the 90's, and the clad windows weren't much better. I am impressed with the Integrity line so far.

I think the air is coming in between the sash and the frame. There are wood moldings on the inside that cover the gap between the frame and the sash, and they don't fit tight against the sash. I don't have any hard evidence of this. The windows are on the north side of the house, and the first nasty cold front seemed to chill the kitchen pretty badly. I need to get my smoke sticks out and see where the air is coming from.

I agree with sesmith about Integrities - great windows. And I've had the same issues with early 90's marvins. Too bad the company walks away from the problem instead of admitting the finger jointed wood they were using turned out to be garbage. Anyway, Integrities, being fiberglass don't have that issue. We have yet to see, however, how good their new Integrity triple glazed line really is.

I installed Okna windows in my sister-in-laws' house 5 years ago in Livinston NJ. She still talks to me. Don't let the window snobs cloud your decision. The windows were about $225 each with exterior color. Now I see they have an r-5 window like most manufacturers. Most window manufacturers by their profile from Chelsea products so the difference from on vinyl window company to the other is slight. My window business has been installing windows since 1985 and I have yet to replace a window for the vinyl failure.

Speaking of rot and fiberglass, what do you window installers think about Milgard Ultra series of fiberglass windows? Any experience with the casements? I have heard both good and bad things about them.

I just looked at Okna as well and was very impressed with the window. It doesnt look like an ordinary cheap vinyl window, its actually nice looking. The performance numbers are much better than the marvin or andersens. The quality does seem top notch.
The guy above who posted okna for 225 cannot be serious, they are much more than that, although, they are definitely cheaper than andersen and marvin. He must be mistaking okna for another company. We really did our homework with regards to pricing.
Our okna quote was about $560 per window including installation. This was for the 800 series by okna.
My question is this: would spending the extra money for sdl ( simulated divided lites) be worth the extra money. Our home was built in 1938.

Hello Mayhew!
We specialize in constructing European Tilt & Turn Windows and European Doors. We have been in business for 9+ years. I feel like educating the consume is top priority so they can make an educated decision as to which product would best fit there needs. Purchasing windows/doors can be a costly investment and we typically only plan on doing this once in a lifetime. I would like to share with you some information about characteristics of wood.
Wood can last 100’s of years with proper maintenance, it structurally strong and durable: for example, radiata pine structural timber has a strength for weight ratio 20 percent higher than structural steel and four to five times better than non reinforced concrete in compression. Wood products have a significantly lower carbon footprint. Wood is environmentally responsible raw material, because it is renewable and stores carbon. Additionally, wood is a natural insulator:15x better than masonry,400x’s better than steel, 1,770x’s better than aluminum. Wood is also naturally beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. I do understand about cost but you have to weigh cost vs. longevity. How many windows are you looking to replace? Please feel free to look at our website for further education information. www.eurowoodworks.com We would be glad to answer any questions you may have. We are based out of Kansas, but can ship to any state. Our windows are easy to install and are made to fit your specifications. We have lots of finishes to choose from as well as several wood choices. Exterior paint can be done with a wood interior but there is an extra fee for this because the time involved.