This proprietary fiberglass material pioneered by Marvin Windows and Doors is far stronger and more temperature-resistant than other materials — and looks great for decades

WARROAD, Minn. – The United States witnessed 11 billion-dollar extreme weather and climate events in 2012, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Climatic Data Center. Seven of those were tornadoes or other spring/summer severe weather, which brought extreme wind, hail and other hazards to the safety of people and property across the country.

When it comes to protecting your home, choosing high-quality, durable building materials is important. Ultrex — a proprietary fiberglass material created by Marvin Windows and Doors — is one of the toughest, longest-lasting materials on the market. Ultrex fiberglass is available exclusively in products from Integrity Windows and Doors, Infinity Windows and Doors, and Apex Siding.

Vinyl and vinyl-wood composites, such as Fibrex®, are commonly used in windows and doors. Unfortunately for homeowners, vinyl and vinyl-wood composites are susceptible to deformation — becoming soft in heat and brittle in cold — expansion and contraction. Further, vinyl is particularly susceptible to UV degradation from exposure to sunlight, which can cause chalking, fading or cracking.

“Ultrex is eight times stronger than vinyl and three times stronger than vinyl-wood composites, so as a home ages and settles, Integrity windows hold strong and simply perform better,” said Becky Felling, director of marketing for Integrity Windows and Doors. “As homeowners continue to the trend toward smart, beautiful, high-performing products that last, they’re finding Ultrex from Integrity is quite possibly the perfect building material.”

Strength

Ultrex is eight times stronger than vinyl and three times stronger than vinyl-wood composites. Just one inch of Ultrex can hold up to 34,000 pounds. As a house settles over time — and is assaulted with hail, baseballs and other bits of everyday life — Ultrex stays true and resists sagging. And because it’s so much stronger than other materials, Ultrex windows can be built with thinner, stronger frames, allowing larger openings and more daylight.

Durability

Ultrex resists harsh corrosives and remains stable in extreme temperatures. It’s also the only product in the fiberglass, vinyl or composite category whose finish meets the American Architectural Manufacturers Association’s certification standards 624-10 and 625-10 for quality and durability.

Ultrex provides a consistent, low-maintenance finish that can be painted without voiding the warranty, and Ultrex finishes are even available in dark colors because the material provides superior resistance to chalking and fading.

Energy efficiency

Unlike vinyl and vinyl-wood composites, Ultrex expands at nearly the same rate as glass, resulting in windows and doors that keep their seal and don’t leak — all improving long-term performance and providing better energy efficiency.

Learn more about Ultrex fiberglass and request a free sample of the material at www.ultrexfiberglass.com.

ABOUT ULTREX
Strong, stable, durable and virtually indestructible, Ultrex fiberglass is possibly the perfect building material, creating windows and doors that leave other materials in the dust. Made from pultruded fiberglass, Ultrex outperforms vinyl on nearly every measure. Learn more at www.ultrexfiberglass.com.

A team of top architects and designers have been busy at work on the first-ever HGTV Smart Home, a high-tech luxury home built on Paradise Key South Beach in Florida (just south of St. Petersburg.) The location of the home is important because the constant threat of destructive hurricanes forced the design team to think about durability in a major way.

The “smart” in HGTV’s Smart Home is a particular point of pride to Florida builder Glenn Layton.

“Before smart was smart, (my business partner) and I were using this term to describe best building practices: What’s the smart thing to do?” Layton says. “Are we going to do something because it looks better, or are we going to do something because it’s the right way to do it? The house, it’s not going to be an easy build, but it’s going to be a great build.”

Needing windows that offer beauty and brawn, the team chose Integrity. In the video above, you will see a wide variety of Integrity windows used throughout the home to continue the clean, sophisticated look while offering breathtaking surrounding coastal views.

We’re certainly flattered Integrity meets the smart standard for Layton and his team.

Integrity recognized by ENERGY STAR as an elite Most Efficient window product for 2013

FARGO, N.D. – March 19, 2013 – Integrity^® from Marvin Windows and Doors continues to outperform any window in the fiberglass/composite category with products from their Wood-Ultrex line named as Most Efficient by the EPA. As part of the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program, Most Efficient products have gone through rigorous testing and independent certification above and beyond regular ENERGY STAR certification. Homeowners buying Most Efficient products such as Integrity’s certified offerings will be able to know that their purchases are among the most energy-efficient on the market.

Integrity Windows and Doors achieved the Most Efficient certification in several climate zones with its tripane Wood-Ultrex Series windows. Made with wood on the interior and Ultrex^® pultruded fiberglass on the exterior, these windows are energy efficient, tough and durable. Integrity’s pioneering Ultrex material offers a unique mix of performance characteristics that vastly outperforms roll-form aluminum, vinyl, and vinyl/wood composites.

Unlike many other tripane windows on the market, Integrity can achieve its Most Efficient certification without the use of any other filler gas besides argon — making it a cost-effective energy solution.  Three panes of glass and argon gas combine to create the ultimate in performance, beauty and strength. Integrity’s argon-filled tripane glass has U-factors of .18 to .20, which means that it has superior insulating properties, keeping heat inside the home to help lower heating bills.

Integrity is certified as Most Efficient in the Northern and North-Central Climate Zones. Available tripane window products from the Wood-Ultrex line include the Casement, Awning, Casement Picture and Casement Direct Glaze. These windows are available with all current product options such as grilles, hardware and exterior colors. As part of the Marvin family of companies, Integrity shares Most Efficient certification with its sister brand Marvin Windows and Doors.

“Today’s homeowners want windows that perform efficiently to make their homes as comfortable as possible,” said Becky Felling, Director of Marketing for Integrity Windows and Doors. “We are delighted that so many of Integrity’s products are recognized by ENERGY STAR as Most Efficient.  Our company has been committed to performance for decades.  We pioneered the fiberglass window category and continue to lead with a dedication to making our windows as energy efficient as possible.”

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Winning builders and remodelers, chosen by a judging panel that includes home improvement celebrity Bob Vila, gain from extensive Integrity marketing campaign to showcase the best and brightest

FARGO, N.D. — Feb. 7, 2013 — Windows and doors by Integrity from Marvin Windows and Doors are known for being tough, beautiful and Built to Perform. The Integrity Red Diamond Achiever Awards celebrate those same traits in the builders, remodelers and architects who use Integrity products, and now the window and door maker is accepting nominations for the 2013 award program.

Submit your nominations today: Integritywindows.com/RedDiamondAchievers

“The Integrity Red Diamond Achiever Awards recognize builders, remodelers and architects whose work exemplifies outstanding design, innovation and sustainability,” said Becky Felling, director of marketing for Integrity Windows and Doors. “This is our ninth annual award program, and we’re taking a new approach that better reflects the variety of ways Integrity windows and doors are used.”

New this year, builders, remodelers and architects can nominate themselves, and as always, Integrity’s nationwide network of independent dealers and distributors will be asked for their nominations. Winners will be chosen from among nominations for outstanding residential and commercial projects. Also new this year is the People’s Choice award, in which an open online vote will determine which of the judge’s winners will earn this special honor.

This year’s judges are Bob Vila, home improvement expert and TV star; Patrick O’Toole, editorial director for Professional Builder, Professional Remodeler and HousingZone.com; JoAnne Liebeler, producer and host of several home improvement TV shows; Shawn McCadden, an award-winning remodeler, consultant, speaker and columnist; and Christine Marvin, director of marketing for Marvin Windows and Doors.

Winning projects will be determined based on responses to the following questions, as well as the availability of compelling, high-quality project photography:

• Why did you choose Integrity products for this project?
• How did Integrity products help you overcome a TOUGH building challenge? (Consider potential obstacles such as schedules, difficult lots, climate challenges, expenses, severe weather zone problems, or new constructions crews)
• How did the project fit into its surroundings from a beauty and aesthetics standpoint?

Winners will receive a trip for two to Minneapolis, followed by a day-trip to the Marvin and Integrity headquarters in Warroad, Minn., for the award ceremony — with dinner and hotel included. All winners will also benefit from an extensive Integrity marketing program, including localized news releases and media outreach, printed case study sell-sheets, email marketing, online outreach to popular blogs and news sites, and social media visibility.

“It was truly an honor to be chosen as one of last year’s Red Diamond Achiever Award winners,” said Ann Lathrop of Sellars Lathrop Architects. “We constantly strive to create projects with style, creativity and efficiency, all while trying to meet our clients’ tight budgets. This award, and our continued use of Integrity products, has given us confidence to pursue our design and sustainability goals as well as elevate our firm’s reputation.”

See last year’s winners here: Integritywindows.com/RedDiamondAchievers

Builders, Remodelers, Architects Eligible to Win Ford Truck from Makers of Ultrex® Fiberglass

FARGO, N.D., Jan. 29, 2013 – One lucky building professional will be bidding his or her next job in a new Ford F-150 pickup from Integrity Windows and Doors.

The Ultrex Tough Truck Promotion is giving away the truck to highlight the strength and durability of the Ultrex pultruded fiberglass that makes up every Integrity window and door.

How tough is Ultrex pultruded fiberglass?

• Ultrex is as strong as steel: one square inch can support 34,000 pounds
• It’s seven times stronger than Fibrex® vinyl/wood composite
• It’s six times stronger than vinyl
• Ultrex has three times the impact resistance of Fibrex
• It expands and contracts eight times less than vinyl
• Ultrex withstands temperatures up to 350 degrees F – twice the heat resistance of vinyl and Fibrex

 
“Many building pros already know the toughness of Ultrex. But we want everyone to know it,” said Becky Felling, director of marketing for Integrity Windows and Doors. “What better way of delivering our message than with America’s toughest truck?”

The Ultrex Tough Truck Promotion runs through June 30, 2013. No purchase is necessary, but the eligible winner must qualify as a professional builder, remodeler or architect.

Building trade professionals can register for a chance to win at www.integritywindows.com/Promo. Trade professionals can also register in the Integrity Windows booth at major industry trade shows.

“Durability is baked into every Integrity window and door,” Felling said. “Ultrex resists harsh corrosives and remains stable in extreme temperatures, resulting in windows that keep their seal and don’t leak. Now we’re putting Integrity Tough and Ford Tough together.”

The third and final day of the 2013 International Builders’ Show finished up with exhibitors, sponsors and attendees being treated to a closing concert from Cheap Trick. Fresh off of their most recent tour with Aerosmith, the rock band tore down the house with a 90-minute concert featuring many of their greatest hits.

But before the rock ’n’ roll started, Marvin hosted an Enabling Design seminar, presented by a leading environmental gerontologist, Esther Greenhouse, and Christine Marvin. Greenhouse and Marvin provided attendees of the seminar with insights into different design considerations that will address specific aspects of living, such as universal design and accessible design.

Elsewhere at IBS, there were more announcements, revelations and ground-breaking products that helped make the final day as exciting as the previous two. BUILDER Magazine has featured many different products throughout the week, showing off their favorites from IBS 2013, including Integrity’s tripane windows.

Sherwin Williams had several new products on display for consumers and builders to see, including its reformulated Harmony Interior Paint for preventing growth of mold and mildew. The paint also has a new odor-reducing technology that lessens the smell during application and drying. Sherwin Williams had another fantastic paint product on display, as well — the Dry Erase 2K Waterborne Clear Gloss. This new coating allows homeowners the ability to transform almost any wall into a fully functional dry-erase board.

Another highlight from the final day was Heat & Glo’s new Twilight Modern fireplace. This indoor/outdoor design can heat up the inside of your house, while providing a focal point for an outdoor patio. The innovative design and installation of the fireplace means that there is no chimney or ventilation necessary.

In 1994, when Marvin launched Integrity®, a new-construction line of fiberglass windows and doors, we knew w had a tough, durable and stable product worthy to be a part of the Marvin family of brands.

We have put Ultrex, the pultruded fiberglass material used to make Integrity’s products, through a series of rigorous tests. The results are in, proving that Integrity products are not only tough enough for the roughest jobsite conditions, but also Mother Nature. This means happy homeowners and fewer call-backs.

Test Results Summary: Integrity Windows and Doors’ superior strength and long-lasting durability comes from Ultrex, a fiberglass composite with a patented finishing process that creates a high-tech acrylic coating that no other brand of fiberglass windows can offer and no vinyl window can tough. Integrity’s finish is AAMA 623-10 verified and the only fiberglass on the Verified Components List for AAMA 624-10 and 625-10.

Ultrex gives builders products that are…

• Unyieldingly Tough - Ultrex is 8x stronger than vinyl, 3.5x stronger than wood/vinyl composites and as strong as steel.
• Uncompromisingly Strong – Ultrex is the ultimate in strength wen it comes to window frame materials – one square inch can hold the wight of 20 cars.
• Incredibly Stable – Ultrex’s expansion and contraction rate is the same as glass, which is 833 percent less than vinyl (per 50 degree Fahrenheit temperature change) and allows the overall unit to remain tightly adhered. No cracks in the material or leakage around the glass mean no call-backs.
• Covered with a Patented Finished Process – Applied through a patented coating  process, Ultrex’s durable, high-performance finish is up to 3x thicker than vinyl and other composite finishes. Thanks to Ultrex, Integrity windows and doors are virtually indestructible from warping, dents, dings and scratches, as well as UV rays that can cause fading. The finish is also AAMA 623-10 verified and the only fiberglass on the Verified Components List for AAMA 624-10 and 625-10.
• Precisely Constructed – Corner keys and Ultrex construction keep it square while keeping air and water out. A sloped sill design sheds water better than weep holes that can plug and back up.
• Time Tested – Jobsites and Mother Nature have tested Ultrex’s strength and durability each and every day for more than a decade. Whether it’s enduring shipping and installation or brutal temps, wind and rain, the result is flawless performance and lasting beauty.
• Heat-Resistant – Ultrex provides outstanding resistance to distortion even at temperatures up to 350°F.

Ultrex gives homeowners windows and doors that are…

• Low Maintenance – Ultrex performs beautifully for years to come, with a finish that requires virtually no maintenance.
• Energy Efficient – Ultrex’s minimal thermal conductivity serves as a built-in insulated barrier against the elements – reducing heating and cooling costs.
• ENERGY STAR® Qualified – The Energy Department estimates that by installing ENERGY STAR-qualified products  the average U.S. household can reduce its annual energy bill by 15 percent. All Integrity from Marvin products meet or exceed current ENERGY STAR requirements.
• Environmentally Friendly – Ultrex takes less energy to create – about 80 percent less than aluminum and about 40 percent less than vinyl. Also, it’s made mostly of glass, which is made from sand and gravel – a plentiful resource.
• Beautifully Designed – Integrity features traditional profiles and details that are more attractive than the “flat” appearance of other materials. Ultrex ensures it will stay beautiful for years to come.

About Integrity Windows and Doors
Integrity Windows and Doors is the world’s largest and most experienced manufacturer of windows and doors made with Ultrex – a state-of-the-art pultruded fiberglass material. Based in Fargo, N.D., Integrity offers a comprehensive line of window and door products that are Built to Perform® and backed by first-class customer service. Integrity is a member of The Marvin Companies, a family-owned and operated manufacturer of premium windows and doors based in Warroad, Minn.

Integrity Windows and Doors are Built to Perform®
For more infomration, visit www.IntegrityWindows.com

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Download a PDF of this news release: Ultrex Fact Sheet

Energy remained high throughout the convention center for Day 2 of the 2013 International Builders’ Show. Following the big announcement on day one that IBS and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show will be held simultaneously in the future came the news that the shows will remain in Las Vegas for the next four years. This is the first time these shows have been held in one location for four consecutive years and is expected to generate around $250 million for Las Vegas over this time period.

There was also a lot of buzz at the Marvin and Integrity Windows and Doors’ booth, adding to the excitement of day two. Home-improvement celebrity Ty Pennington stopped by to talk with our team about using Marvin windows and doors in his next home makeover project.

Here are some of the other big show highlights from the second day of IBS:

Kohler has made big news in the past with its Sensate Faucet. It’s hands-free, using a sensor on the neck to turn the water on and off, helping prevent the spread of germs and bacteria — or simply preventing the spread of messiness. New this year are Kohler’s digital showers. These showers digitally control the water temperature and play music. One of the biggest hits from Kohler was the Moxie shower head and wireless speaker. This shower head connects to any device, via Bluetooth, and allows you to shower while listening to your favorite music, news or even television show.

General Electric introduced its Café-French door refrigerator. The ability for a refrigerator to dispense ice cubes and cold water from the door is nothing new, but this new appliance takes that one step further by also dispensing hot water. You can choose from several different preset temperatures of hot water: Soup (185 degrees), Tea (170 degrees), Hot Cocoa (150 degrees) and Warm (90 degrees). The advanced refrigerator also has an enhanced filtration system, making your water cleaner and safer.

There will be more news to come throughout the final day of IBS, stay up-to-date by following Integrity Windows on Twitter.

Provides greater indoor environmental quality across a wide range of Integrity products

Fargo, N.D. – The latest population figures show that Americans are re-discovering city living. The move toward urbanization and greater density requires an upgrade in construction products to provide a better experience for owners, renters and businesses.

Integrity Windows and Doors is meeting that demand with expanded options in Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) products. Available across a wide range of Integrity products, these sound abatement options will meet the needs of both residential and commercial buildings.

“Today’s urban environment is fast-paced, exciting – and often noisy,” said Becky Felling, director of marketing for Integrity Windows and Doors. “Residents and business owners have high expectations for indoor environmental quality. We offer a variety of products that will meet those expectations.”

Standard sound abatement features include:

• New 3.1 mm/4.7 mm variable thickness STC/OITC glass upgrade
• Available on both Wood-Ultrex and All Ultrex products
• Published third party STC/OITC ASTM test values and reports
• Available on Casement, Awning, Double Hung, Single Hung, Glider, Picture, Polygon, Sliding Patio Door, Sliding French Door, Inswing French Door and Outswing French Door
• Available with all standard Integrity glass and divided lite options

For more information, visit www.IntegrityWindows.com/technical-manuals.

About Integrity Windows and Doors
Integrity Windows and Doors is the world’s largest and most experienced manufacturer of windows and doors made with Ultrex — a state-of-the art pultruded fiberglass material. We didn’t just join the fiberglass revolution — we pioneered it. Our heritage as part of the Marvin family of companies is built on more than a century of excellence and expertise. Based in Fargo, N.D., Integrity offers a comprehensive line of window and door products that are Built to Perform® and backed by first-class customer service.

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Download a PDF of this news release: Integrity Sound Transmission Class

Integrity expands design possibilities with unequal sash configurations, Prairie 9 Lite Cut

Fargo, N.D. – The classic look of a cottage window is now available across the majority of Integrity’s All Ultrex Single Hung and Double Hung windows.

Integrity now offers a 40/60 cottage sash split and a 60/40 reverse cottage sash split in addition to standard equal sash configurations for the widest range of design options.

“The cottage style options offer greater aesthetic and accessibility capabilities for both residential and commercial projects,” said Garrett Wilson, product marketing manager for Integrity Windows and Doors. “Matching an existing architectural style – or creating a new one – is easier, and accessibility is improved thanks to the ability to vary the checkrail height for universal design concerns.”

Standard features include:

• Cottage, Reverse Cottage and Equal sash configurations
• 40/60 sash split on Cottage units, 60/40 split on Reverse Cottage units
• Available on All Ultrex Double Hung and Single Hung units
• Available on standard call number and special-sized units (some height restrictions apply)

There’s news from Integrity’s Wood-Ultrex line, as well. Integrity is now offering the popular Prairie 9 Lite Cut Pattern SDL on its Wood-Ultrex Series Double Hung Windows, either with or without spacer bars. The classic Prairie 9 lite cut is also available on Integrity’s IMPACT double hung products (without spacer bars).

For more information, visit www.IntegrityWindows.com/technical-manuals.

About Integrity Windows and Doors
Integrity Windows and Doors is the world’s largest and most experienced manufacturer of windows and doors made with Ultrex — a state-of-the-art pultruded fiberglass material. We didn’t just join the fiberglass revolution — we pioneered it. Our heritage as part of the Marvin family of companies is built on more than a century of excellence and expertise. Based in Fargo,
N.D., Integrity offers a comprehensive line of window and door products that are Built to Perform® and backed by first-class customer service.

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Download a PDF of this news release: Integrity Cottage and Reverse Cottage Sash & Prairie 9 Lite Cut