The April issue of Builder Magazine is the publication’s annual buyer’s guide, chock-full of information about the best products, tools and more from across the construction and remodeling industry. Integrity Windows and Doors is pleased to have not one but two items featured in this best-of edition of the magazine.

First is the readers’ choice, in which the editors of Builder compile the 50 favorite products from the prior year. Editor Nigel Maynard writes, “Our editors like to know which products from our pages made you stop, look, and seek out additional information. And we think you’d like to know as well, so we’re happy to offer you our annual top 50 products list. Based on reader service requests, the list gives us a glimpse into the psyche of the home building industry over the past year.”

Integrity’s Wood-Ultrex Special Size windows were #11 on that top 50 list, and the product wasn’t featured in the magazine until December 2011 — meaning the interest from readers came fast and furious at the end of the year!

Additionally, our “Built To Perform” iPad and iPhone app was included in the April issue’s round-up of the best mobile apps for builders and contractors. The app includes a host of reference materials, including product catalogs, brochures, presentations, case studies, videos and a feed of posts from Integrity’s Builder Blog, as well as an extensive photo gallery you can explore for inspiration.

Check your mailbox for the April issue, or read the digital edition online.

Countless builders, architect and homeowners share photos and stories from construction, renovation and remodeling projects. These are big undertakings and people are rightfully proud of the work and, more so, the finished product. It’s always exciting to watch these developments unfold, and it’s a thrill to see a finished home that’s beautiful, comfortable and well-built.

We were pleased to find this post in the discussion forums of the popular website GardenWeb.com, in which a homeowner discusses — in great detail — the windows and doors he chose for his new home (which looks outstanding, by the way). He chose Integrity Wood-Ultrex windows and doors — everything from outswing French doors to casement windows to round-tops.

The homeowner wrote:

We are doing new construction on a south-facing lake lot. Lots of windows and a very agonizing search for windows. After hours and hours, we decided on Marvin Integrity (wood/ultrex). We wanted low maintenance but did not want clad windows.

We purchased the windows from AVI in Atlanta. Our sales rep was Peter Diehl. Absolutely the best sales and service. We went through 20 to 25 iterations and he never lost patience. We had a minor problem once installed and Peter arranged for a Marvin rep to come by who fixed them, no questions asked. The Marvin rep was also first-class.

The original post at GardenWeb is full of nice photos and more details; be sure to check it out. We’re thrilled to hear your experience with Integrity Windows and Doors was a positive one, and thanks for sharing your story.

Honored for “significant and lasting contribution” to Minnesota building industry

WARROAD, Minn., March 1, 2012 – In an unprecedented honor, the Builders Association of Minnesota has named Marvin Windows and Doors to the Minnesota Building Industry Hall of Fame.

Marvin is the first company to be so honored, joining 37 individuals who had previously been inducted into the hall.

“It’s an honor and it is humbling to be the only company to have received this award,” said John W. “Jake” Marvin, chairman and chief executive officer of Marvin Lumber & Cedar Co., the parent organization of all the Marvin companies.

“More than four thousand people have ‘thrown in’ with the Marvin companies and have stayed with us throughout these very difficult years,” Marvin said. “Many of these great folks have given us their very best years. So it’s on their behalf that I thank you for this wonderful recognition.

“We’ve always supported builders in Minnesota and across the nation with high-quality, innovative and beautiful products that will help bring their customers’ vision to life,” Marvin said. “We also believe in working together to advance the building industry, which provides high-skill, high-wage jobs for thousands of Minnesotans and millions of Americans.”

Founded in 1994, the Minnesota Building Industry Hall of Fame honors those “who make a significant and lasting contribution to the housing industry in Minnesota and to the Builders Association of Minnesota.”

Marvin was selected as the first company to be inducted because it is a Minnesota company that has consistently supported Minnesota’s home building industry and builders associations, officials said. With well-respected representatives across the state such as Daryl Doehr, John Taylor and Tom Sinning, Marvin has volunteered countless hours in support of the association and the industry.

“The Builders Association of Minnesota is proud to have Marvin Windows and Doors as a member and to have inducted Marvin into the Minnesota Building Industry Hall of Fame,” said BAM President Keith Kylmala. “Members of the Hall of Fame are the pillars of the residential construction industry in Minnesota, and Marvin fits that description perfectly. They so willingly volunteer time, energy and resources to the association and the industry statewide. Marvin is a model citizen of the Minnesota residential construction industry and the communities in which they do business.”

Expanded Dual and Triple Sash Glider Sizing Offers New Refinement

FARGO, N.D.—The popular Wood-Ultrex line from Integrity Windows and Doors continues to expand with the introduction of new sizes in the Dual and Triple Sash Gliders. Integrity Gliders are now available in dual and triple sash configurations, in both standard and special sizes, from a CN3624 all the way up to a CN9660.

The line has added 15 new standard sizes to the Triple Sash Glider offering, expanding the overall Wood-Ultrex Glider offering by 60 percent. This expansion allows the Wood-Ultrex Glider to be used in numerous residential and commercial applications.

The Wood-Ultrex Glider family is available in new Special Sizes. Wood-Ultrex Special Sizes are available in 1/64” increments within the product’s standard sizing matrix. Specially sized Triple Sash Glider units all will be manufactured with the traditional 25:50:25 sash ratio for a clean, measured and classic aesthetic appearance.

Julie Frana, Product Marketing Manager, says, “We want to give our customers more flexibility to enjoy our Wood-Ultrex Gliders. These new sizes for the Dual and Triple Sash Gliders make them even better for builders and remodelers. The windows continue to be durable, tough and beautiful, with even more sizing options.”

Wood-Ultrex Dual and Triple Sash Gliders offer DP30 performance. All of the Wood-Ultrex Glider products will continue to offer Integrity’s wide selection of hardware and design options.

The unique use of Ultrex on the exterior of the product gives the Triple Sash Glider an advantage for professionals and homeowners alike. Ultrex is as strong as steel and four times stronger than wood-vinyl composites. That means Ultrex won’t bend, bow or warp — so it’s easy to install and will resist the sagging headers that plague other gliders. Ultrex is also virtually maintenance free and its AAMA-verified finish will maintain darker colors such as Bronze without fading — something vinyl can’t achieve.

Allows for Seamless Replacement of Existing Patio Doors

FARGO, N.D. – One of Integrity from Marvin’s most popular sliding patio doors is about to get even more popular.

Two new sizes are available on Integrity’s All Ultrex Sliding Patio Door—51068 and 9068.

The 51068 size is a dual panel configuration designed for seamless replacement of most existing aluminum and vinyl patio doors. Homeowners get the superior strength and energy efficiency of Ultrex® pultruded fiberglass, while builders and remodelers get a quicker, easier replacement job.

The 9068 door expands Integrity’s three panel patio door selection even further and like all Integrity All Ultrex products it combines beauty with durable performance and is delivered complete in an industry-leading lead time.

“These doors are a great option for those who want to replace an older aluminum or vinyl patio door with a higher performing fiberglass product,” said Garrett Wilson, Product Marketing Manager. “It’s not only an easy replacement—it has all the durability and toughness of Ultrex.”

Ultrex is as strong as steel and eight times stronger than vinyl. Applied through a patented finishing process, Ultrex’s durable, high-performance AAMA-verified finish is up to 3 times thicker than competitive finishes. Thanks to Ultrex, Integrity windows and doors resist spotting, scratching, streaking, fading, warping, corrosion, and denting, resulting in fewer callbacks for installers and requiring virtually no maintenance for homeowners.

Expanded Triple Sash Glider Sizing offers new refinement

FARGO, N.D.—Integrity’s popular All Ultrex line continues to expand with the introduction of new sizes in the Triple Sash Glider.

The line has added 16 new standard sizes to the Triple Sash Glider offering, expanding the overall All Ultrex Glider offering by 25 percent. This expansion allows the All Ultrex Glider to be used in numerous residential and commercial applications.

Like all Integrity windows, the All Ultrex Glider family is available in Special Sizes. Specially sized Triple Sash Glider units will all be manufactured with the traditional 25:50:25 sash ratio for a clean, measured and classic aesthetic appearance.

Garrett Wilson, Product Marketing Manager, says, “Our customers told us that they wanted improvements and advancements to Integrity’s All Ultrex Triple Sash Glider. We listened, and the addition of new sizes as well as consistent sash ratios on the special sized Triple Sash Gliders means that our builder customers will have even more options and flexibility.”

All Ultrex Triple Sash Gliders maintain a DP25 rating, while the majority of dual sash All Ultrex Gliders offer DP40 performance. All of the All Ultrex Glider products will continue to offer Integrity’s wide selection of hardware and design options.

The unique use of Ultrex throughout the product gives the Triple Sash Glider an advantage for professionals and homeowners alike. Ultrex is as strong as steel and eight times stronger than vinyl, which means Ultrex won’t bend, bow or warp, so it’s easy to install and will resist the sagging headers that plague other gliders. Ultrex is also virtually maintenance free and its AAMA-verified finish will maintain darker colors such as Ebony without fading—something vinyl can’t achieve.

Patented Finish is the First on Verified Components List for 623-10, 624-10, 625-10

Fargo, N.D. – The patented Ultrex® coating system of Integrity from Marvin Windows and Doors is the first and only window finish to be listed under the Verified Components List of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) for specifications 623-10, 624-10 and 625-10.

In addition, AAMA has verified that the Ultrex coating system meets all the requirements of specification 623-10 and has completed the performance requirements for specifications 624-10 and 625-10. (Long-term outdoor weathering performance tests for 624-10 and 625-10 are currently in progress.)

“We’re pleased to be the first and only window maker on the Verified Components List for these three key specifications,” said Becky Felling, Director of Marketing for Integrity Windows and Doors.

“What this means is that architects and builders can specify Integrity windows and doors, knowing that our Ultrex finish has been verified by the premier testing organization serving the professional architect,” Felling said.

Ultrex meets these performance requirements for specifications 623-10, 624-10 and 625-10:

• Dry Film Thickness of >3.0 mils (minimum is 1.2 mils)
• Dry Film Hardness of 2H (minimum is F)
• Dry, Wet and Boil Adhesion with no loss of adhesion
• Direct Impact with no film removal
• Abrasion Resistance
• Chemical Resistance test of muriatic acid, mortar and nitric acid without blistering
• Detergent Resistance test with no loss of film adhesion or blistering
• Window Cleaner Resistance with no loss of film adhesion or blistering
• Humidity Resistance
• Cold Crack Cycle
• Oven Aging

Ultrex fiberglass is made with a patented pultrusion process. It’s as strong as steel and eight times stronger than vinyl.

Our tough finish is up to three times thicker than competing products, and resists cracking, chalking and fading. We’re so confident in the performance of Ultrex that we offer it in six exterior colors, including Ebony.

And now both our All Ultrex and Wood-Ultrex series are available in special sizes to 1/64 of an inch.

“We’ve been telling architects and builders that Ultrex will stand up to the toughest conditions,” Felling said. “Now our confidence is backed by a rigorous, third-party testing process that’s designed specifically to meet the long-term needs of architects, builders and owners.”

Offers device for crank-out casement windows, limiting opening to 4 inches

FARGO, N.D. – Integrity from Marvin^® Windows and Doors now offers a factory installed

Window Opening Control Device on its popular Wood-Ultrex and All Ultrex Casement windows to meet the ASTM F2090-10 standard.

ASTM F2090-10 was developed in response to increasing media and legislative focus on child safety and fall prevention. Minnesota was the first state to pass this type of legislation with “Laela’s Law.” However, similar regulations, mandating compliance with ASTM F2090-10 or similar requirements, are being adopted around the country.

This Window Opening Control Device, which meets the 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.

“We expect this intuitive device to be well received as a solution, whether legislation requires it or not,” said Becky Felling, Director of Marketing for Integrity 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.”

Integrity dealers can offer complete information.

Pledges $1 for Every Literature Request on IntegrityWindows.com

 Fargo, N.D. – Boosting its efforts to aid Americans affected by disaster, Integrity from Marvin® Windows and Doors is pledging its assistance to a major community-building effort sponsored by the nation’s leading homebuilding industry association.

For every literature request throughout 2012 on IntegrityWindows.com, Integrity will donate $1* to the Home Builders Industry Disaster Relief Fund, a program created by the National Association of Home Builders to assist in the rebuilding of communities affected by disaster.

“We’re proud to support this worthy cause, which has helped rebuild homes after disasters including the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Hurricane Katrina and others,” said Becky Felling, Director of Marketing for Integrity. “Every time a builder, remodeler or homeowner requests literature on our tough fiberglass windows, they’ll be helping their fellow Americans rebuild.

“Our theme for 2012 is ‘Restoring Tough,’ and so it’s a great opportunity for us to help restore communities affected by disaster,” Felling said.

*Integrity will donate $1.00 per requester, per day, up to a maximum of $20,000.00, to the Home Builders Industry Disaster Relief Fund for Integrity literature requests made via this web page. The donation period starts 12/19/2011 and ends the earlier of 11/15/2012 or when the $20,000.00 maximum is reached.

 “Home Builders Industry Disaster Relief Fund” and the “HBIDRF” logos are wholly-owned trademarks of the Home Builders Industry Disaster Relief Fund. All rights reserved. The marks are used in this campaign by permission. Integrity’s use of the HBIDRF name and logo does not constitute nor should it be construed as an endorsement of Integrity Windows or any of Integrity’s products, services or affiliated entities.

New Sizes Allow Integrity to Offer Products to a Wide Range of Builders, Especially for Replacement Projects

FARGO, N.D. – Integrity^® from Marvin Windows and Doors continues its reputation of providing the toughest high-performance windows with special sizes for Wood-Ultrex^® windows.  Now builders have the option of specifying custom sizes for Wood-Ultrex windows, in 1/64” increments, within each product’s standard matrix.

Integrity’s Wood-Ultrex line of special sized windows includes bays, bows, casements, awnings, double hungs, gliders, transoms, and polygons.  The windows feature Ultrex, a pultruded fiberglass known for its strength and durability, on the exterior and the classic beauty of wood on the interior. Eight times stronger than vinyl and more than three times stronger than wood-vinyl composites, Ultrex stands up to the elements and will not ding, scratch, warp or corrode.  Wood-Ultrex windows in special sizes will be available in all five of Integrity’s exterior colors.

Every one of Integrity’s current Wood-Ultrex product options are available on special size units, including SDL with spacer bar, prefinished white interior, and a variety of extension jamb depths along with a new pre-drilled through-jamb installation option.  Integrity’s Built to Perform^® guarantee promises that special-sized windows’ DP rating will equal that of the next largest standard size.

And like all Integrity orders, Wood-Ultrex windows in special sizes will be delivered in Integrity’s industry-leading 10 calendar day lead time.

Julie Frana, Wood-Ultrex Product Manager, says, “Wood-Ultrex Special Sizes are an exciting chance to offer our product to an extended audience.  Contractors will find Wood-Ultrex windows in special sizes to be the perfect fit for their replacement projects, and their customers can feel great about owning a high-quality, low-maintenance window that brings superior value to their home.”