It’s always a struggle when renovating, and you can’t choose which windows to go with. When it comes to Marvin and Pella are well-known, so selecting one needs deliberation.

A general overview indicates that Marvin windows are better when considering the material, designs, and prices. The businesses offer several options, but Marvin provides more for less, giving it an edge over Pella.

What exactly gives Marvin windows an edge over its competitors? Even if the designs might be considered similar, the process affects the results.

Today, we’ve compared the rival companies based on their benefits, processes, and costs, so read on if you’re looking to make an informed choice.

See Also: Pella Windows: Lowe’s or Pella Stores


Marvin Windows and Doors

Started in 1912, the family-owned business is a top-notch window producer for homes. Based in Warroad, Minnesota, the company factory is a 2 million sq ft. building where every window is made according to order.

It’s a family-oriented business from a small town that takes extra care to ensure your windows help you feel comfortable and secure.

It offers a wide range of products suitable for every home and is known for being flexible. 

  • Three collections
  • Energy-efficient windows
  • Large range of customizations
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Pella Corporation

Another well-known window maker, the company was founded in 1926 and has established a reputation for high-quality products.

There’re several benefits, but it gives importance to the energy-saving and technological aspect, making their products worth the price.

  • Nine product lines
  • Energy-efficient and sound-resistant windows
  • Smart home technology is available
  • Luxury division

Now that you have a general idea of the two companies, we’ll look at what gives them an edge over other window producers.

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Marvin and Pella Product Lines

  1. Signature Collection: It caters to the widest range of people by focusing on needs according to homes. The collection has three product lines; the modern, ultimate, and coastline. Each uses materials keeping both the aesthetic and functionality in mind.
  2. Elevate Collection: Uses proprietary fiberglass with wood interiors so your home can have warmth and resilience.
  3. Essential Collection: It also uses fiberglass while focusing on streamlined, simplistic choices marketed as being low-maintenance.
  1. Reserve – Traditional: focuses on wooden windows with historical designs
  2. Reserve – Contemporary: presents simple and elegant wooden choices
  3. Architect Series – Traditional: classic wooden designs with additional security measures
  4. Lifestyle Series: focuses on providing comfort with energy efficiency and sound resistance
  5. Impervia: sleek and energy-efficient, made of fiberglass for extra durability
  6. 250 Series: low-maintenance vinyl windows that offer security and privacy
  7. Encompass Series: competitive pricing with easy-care products
  8. Hurricane Shield Series: designed to be hurricane-resistant, including specifications for HVHZ areas
  9. Defender Series: designed for storm resistance with noise reduction, blocks almost 100% of UV rays


Material Comparison

Marvin and Pella use water-repellant wood preservatives to ensure windows are safe from mold, moisture, stains, and decay. The companies also utilize vinyl in their lines, a PVC product known for being budget and maintenance-friendly.

Marvin does set itself apart by using finger joining, meaning small wood pieces are put together to create larger ones to allow easier warping and shaping.

Read Also: Overview of Marvin Integrity and Andersen 400

Both companies use fiberglass in several lines for more resistance and durability than vinyl. They use thermoset fiberglass to ensure it doesn’t change or melt in high temperatures, as opposed to the thermoplastic method.

The Marvin Ultrex fiberglass is used in the Essential and Elevate collections. The High-Density fiberglass utilized for the Modern collection focuses on being spreadable over large areas, a feature often seen in contemporary windows.

The Pella fiberglass is coated with a heavy-duty powder, making it extra resistant to scratches, cracks, or chipping.

Here, Marvin has the edge over its competitors owing to the process used to shape the exterior.

Marvin’s windows use extruded aluminum, while Pella uses roll-form aluminum. The difference is in the manufacturing process; extruded aluminum is when blocks are heated and hydraulically pressed into shapes, while roll-form aluminum is formed by sending thin sheets into roller machines.

Pella exteriors are much thinner, making them likely to be damaged during installation or over time. In comparison, the thick Marvin windows are extremely durable with a premium 70% PVDF finish to make it extra smooth.

For those going to choose between the same price range, Marvin is the better choice.


Security

It’s common for companies to offer security incentives to customers now, and both Marvin and Pella don’t disappoint.

Marvin developed the Marvin Lock Status Sensor, while the other also has an app that tells you which window is locked or unlocked at all times. There are also automated blinds and screens depending on your chosen range.

Pella has extra integrated security sensors with the Architect, Lifestyle, and Reserve series, giving them an advantage in terms of security.


Energy Efficiency

In this case, both provide windows that are top-tier.

They use Argon gas between two panes of glass to insulate and a Low-E (low emissivity) coating that traps heat in winter and keeps the inside cool in summer while reflecting infrared and UV rays.


Customization

Standard packages vary regarding design options, with Pella offering three and the other six. Marvin’s customizations are generally more flexible than its competitor’s, even if we put both at the same price level.

But both offer a wide range of colors, with Pella having dual-finish options for the vinyl windows. They’ve expanded their roster, but Marvin is known to have a high-standard paint finish.

Read Also: Pella Vinyl Windows Reviews


Durability

This is where Marvin gets a decided advantage over Pella because of the paint finish they’re known for and the aluminum cladding.

The extruded aluminum gives them higher durability for those looking for a long-term option, and the paint used is commercial-grade PVDF fluoropolymer, giving a smooth glean. The Elevate line uses acrylic, but Pella Impervia, in particular, provides a powder-based finish.

Marvin is also known to have better quality fiberglass, especially since they use high-density material for contemporary lines.


Marvin and Pella Prices

While both have average prices around the $1000 mark, there are cheaper and more expensive options. But Marvin takes the win for lower costs in general.

Some have observed that Pella’s costs are cheaper than what’s listed on the websites with the numerous ‘incentives’ they provide to give the image of cost-saving.

For example, Marvin Signature windows meet AAMA 2605 requirements, but it’s a price upgrade in Pella’s case.

Standard packages also vary regarding design options, with Pella offering three and the other 6. In general, Marvin’s customizations are more flexible than its competitor’s, even if we put both at the same price level.

If you can afford it, Pella’s luxury division offers lucrative deals to fit your architectural dreams perfectly. Remember that the prices don’t aim to be affordable for it, though.


Warranty Comparison

While Marvin and Pella’s products are backed with effective warranties, the former takes the edge for the more attractive deal.

The Marvin warranty gives you 20 years on the interior and exterior, with ten years on other parts except for hardware. On the other hand, Pella offers a 10-year warranty on the entire window.


Marvin vs. Pella: Summary

The companies also offer smart-home options with automated blinds and screens. Marvin has introduced a Marvin Lock Status Sensor, while Pella also has integrated security sensors with the Architect, Lifestyle, and Reserve series.

Finally, both competitors offer several options that have made them leaders in their industry. Still, if we choose one, it’d be Marvin because it has a lower cost while providing a larger variety. The competition comes down to who’s offering more value, but Pella is also impressive with their Hurricane and Defender lines.

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Editorial Contributors
avatar for Matt Greenfield

Matt Greenfield

Matt Greenfield is an experienced writer specializing in home improvement topics. He has a passion for educating and empowering homeowners to make informed decisions about their properties. Matt's writing focuses on a range of topics, including windows, flooring, HVAC, and construction materials. With a background in construction and home renovation, Matt is well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in the industry. His articles offer practical advice and expert insights that help readers tackle their home improvement projects with confidence. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, Matt's writing is sure to provide valuable guidance and inspiration.

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