As we prepare to give thanks for all the good fortune and blessings in our lives this Thursday, we wanted to take a moment to give special thanks to our active and veteran servicemen and servicewomen who have so bravely defended our country.

Over the past few years, Integrity has proudly been involved with the Total Action for Progress (TAP) Veterans’ Program, which helps provide employment opportunities and financial assistance so that those who’ve sacrificed so much for our country can once again become self-sufficient. (TAP was recently featured in a story on the Roanoke, Va. NBC affiliate, WSLS-TV.)

Providing employment opportunities through TAP is truly the least we can do to give thanks. If you also would like to help veterans get back on their feet, we encourage you to visit TAP’s website and make a donation.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

“With a long-term outlook and an unwavering commitment to community, the Marvin family has built much more than a century-old window and door company.” –Twin Cities Business magazine

Marvin Windows and Doors is honored to be among a select group of companies to win the 2012 Family Business Award from Twin Cities Business magazine. The Family Business Awards honor five outstanding family-owned businesses and the value they add to the Minnesota’s economy and overall quality of life. These businesses have strong records of success, family involvement, community service and philanthropy, multi-generational culture, and a positive family business structure.

In the magazine’s profile of the company, assistant editor Jake Anderson writes:

The family attributes its success to an unwavering commitment to the long term—for the company and the communities in which it operates. “We all have the same goal: The success of the business is more important than any of our individual needs or successes,” says Susan Marvin. “When it comes to making hard decisions, you step back, take yourself out of it, and ask, ‘What will make the business sustainable?’ ” [...]

Marvin slashed salaries by 5 percent, cut hours, and suspended some benefits—but two measures remained off-limits. “We reduced our expenditures in any way we could—except we did not lay people off or touch health care,” Susan Marvin says.

Marvin’s vow to avoid layoffs “speaks to a long-term vision and desire to maintain communities in which we live, work, and play,” Christine Marvin says. (The company’s commitment to its workforce was detailed in the New York Times, and President Barack Obama has lauded the company during televised speeches, including at the Democratic National Convention in August.)

Further, the editor’s note in the same issue of the magazine tells the story of Marvin’s history and how it shaped the company as it is today.

Durability, ease of installation and low maintenance make Integrity Exterior Trim Solutions the strongest choice in exterior trim

FARGO, N.D. – Sept. 6, 2012 – The unmatched strength and performance of Ultrex pultruded fiberglass from Integrity Windows and Doors is now available in a beautiful, durable, easy-to-install exterior trim solution from the most trusted names in the window and door industry.

Integrity Exterior Trim Solutions offer builders easy installation for both windows and doors, and homeowners can take advantage of the consistent low maintenance and premium Ultrex performance they get from all of Integrity’s products. The patented Ultrex finish is three times thicker than competitive finishes to resist scratching and marring. It also provides five times the UV resistance to protect against fading, chalking, streaking and cracking. Field-applied factory pre-cut kits or lineal lengths are available in all six of Integrity’s AAMA-certified finish colors with either Brick Mould, Flat or Sill Nose profiles.

“Ultrex is the one of the toughest, most durable building material on the market, and that makes a huge difference in the performance of this new exterior trim,” said Becky Felling, director of marketing at Integrity Windows and Doors. “Now the same great appearance and performance you get in your Integrity windows and doors can be applied to the finishing touches, as well. Homeowners will enjoy the peace of mind of knowing the trim’s corners and colors will stay true for decades to come.”

Now is the perfect time to try Ultrex exterior trim from Integrity, with a promotion running now until Nov. 30, 2012, that gives installing trade professionals a $50 Cabela’s gift card for an Exterior Trim order for five or more openings. See your local Integrity dealer for details.

Ultrex fiberglass, created by a patented pultrusion process, is eight times as rigid as vinyl and has the tensile strength of steel. It outperforms and outlasts vinyl, roll-form aluminum and wood-vinyl composites, meeting all of AAMA’s voluntary specifications for manufacturing performance-based products that endure all of the harshest elements without showing age or wear. So when you choose any Integrity product, you know it’s Built to Perform®.

Learn more about Integrity’s Exterior Trim Solutions, watch a brief installation overview or request a product brochure at http://www.integritywindows.com/Trim.

“The installation is a snap — literally — and this trim will require next to no maintenance,” Felling said. “It’s the strongest option there is for builders, remodelers and homeowners.”

Tripane with Argon glass option offers superior insulation and performance

FARGO, N.D. – Aug. 8, 2012 – Integrity Windows and Doors brings its energy efficiency commitment to the next level with the introduction of a tripane glazing option for Wood-Ultrex casements and awnings.

These windows combine Integrity’s exclusive Ultrex material with three panes of glass and argon gas to create the ultimate in performance, beauty and strength. With argon gas added, Integrity’s 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.

Wood-Ultrex casements and awnings with tripane glass live up to Integrity’s Built to Perform® promise with Design Pressure (DP) ratings of 50. These windows’ tough reputation is cemented by the WDMA’s DP rating, which measures how a window reacts to pressure or external force when closed and locked. The higher the rating, the more the window can withstand things like air and water infiltration, structural pressure and operational force.

Julie Frana, Senior Product Marketing Manager, says, “At Integrity, it’s important for us to be at the top of the industry when it comes to energy efficiency. That’s why our tripane glass with argon is going to be a hit with builders and homeowners alike. It’s a top-notch product option that offers even better energy efficiency and the same great fit and finish as our dual pane Wood-Ultrex casements and awnings.”

The tripane glass option is available on nearly all current casement and awning sizes, including new Special Sizes which are available in 1/64” increments. Wood-Ultrex casements and awnings using tripane glass have all of Integrity’s current design and hardware options, including divided lite options like Simulated Divided Lites (with or without spacer bars), Grilles Between the Glass and the new Simulated Divided Checkrail.  And like all Integrity products, Wood-Ultrex casements and awnings with the tripane glass option are delivered to the dealer in an industry-leading 10 days.

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

Fargo, N.D., July 30, 2012 – 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, Skiding 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.

All Ultrex® Sliding Patio Door more easily meets code or project requirements

Fargo, N.D., July 30, 2012 – Integrity Windows and Doors now offers greater accessibility for residential and commercial projects with its All Ultrex Sliding Patio Door featuring a new 32” Net Clear Opening Handle.

When installed in compliance with the full installation instructions, including removal of the factory panel stops, the handle allows for three-foot panel configurations to achieve a 32” (32 inch) net clear opening.

“This expanded opening provides improved accessibility characteristics for both residential and commercial applications,” said Garrett Wilson, product marketing manager for Integrity Windows and Doors. “Our All Ultrex Sliding Patio Door — already known for its durability, beauty and smooth operation – now is even more versatile.”

Standard features of the 32” Net Clear Opening Handle include:

• Exterior handle pull
• Keyed and non-keyed options
• Choice of colors: White, Almond Frost, Bronze
• Available for All Ultrex Sliding Patio Door

Integrity encourages you to confirm your project and local building code requirements to determine specific accessibility, egress and other compliance requirements. Get more information at www.IntegrityWindows.com/fiberglass-doors/sliding-patio-ultrex.

Integrity expands the range of design possibilities with unequal sash configurations

Fargo, N.D., July 26, 2012 – The classic look of a cottage window is now available across the entire range 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. Equal sash configurations are also available 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. The ability to vary the checkrail height also lends itself to universal design.”

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)

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

Architect extraordinaire Frank Gehry has designed just 22 homes in the United States, but his most recent project may be his most important.

Located in New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward, the area most affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Gehry’s design is part of actor and humanitarian Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation project, which builds safe, sustainable and affordable homes for working-class families.

In a release from Make It Right, Gehry said, “I really believe in what Brad is doing for the community and was honored to be included. I wanted to make a house that I would like to live in and one that responded to the history, vernacular and climate of New Orleans. I love the colors that the homeowner chose. I could not have done it better.”

The impressive two-level duplex is LEED Platinum-certified, which is required of all Make It Right’s homes. According to Archinect, “The front house has three bedrooms and two bathrooms; the rear home has one bedroom and one bathroom. Bathrooms on both levels are stacked, staircases are stacked and the great room concept for living, dining and kitchen were included in the design for construction efficiency.”

Integrity All Ultrex Low-E windows from Gulf Enterprises were used to secure a tight, energy efficient envelope.

To read more about Gehry’s Make It Right design, check out the coverage on Fast Company.

[Photo courtesy the Make It Right Foundation]

Award recognizes design, innovation and quality among nation’s premier builders

Fargo, N.D., July 11, 2012 – Integrity Windows and Doors is proud to recognize six businesses whose impressive construction projects have made them winners in the 2012 Integrity Red Diamond Achiever Program. The award recognizes outstanding design, innovation, sustainability and quality in projects by the nation’s premier builders using Integrity products. For each submission, winners are nominated by the Integrity dealers and distributors who supplied Integrity windows and doors for the project.

“Red Diamond Achievers are absolute models of excellence,” said Becky Felling, director of marketing for Integrity Windows and Doors. “We’re happy to shine the spotlight on builders who reflect our values, operate responsibly, innovate constantly and deliver superior quality no matter the project.”

Winners of the 2012 Integrity Red Diamond Achiever Program include:

• Bensonwood Homes of Walpole, N.H.
• Pinnacle Custom Builders of Cobb County, Ga.
• Sellars Lathrop Architects of Westport, Conn.
• Imbue Design & Benchmark Modern of Salt Lake City, Utah
• Blue Sky Building Company of Sunset Beach, N.C.

 
Bensonwood Homes is a residential design-and-build company that creates high-performing wood homes fabricated off-site. For The Elizabeth Islands Project, located on an island off Cape Cod, architect Randall S. Walter designed a family retreat that offers energy efficiency, storm protection and a popular destination for extended family. The project used Integrity’s Wood Ultrex Double Hung, Awning and Picture Windows, as well as Wood Ultrex French Doors. Bensonwood Homes was nominated by Windows and Doors by Brownell and A.W. Hastings.

Pinnacle Custom Builders focuses on green building, historic restoration and custom homebuilding. Robert Soens Jr., president of Pinnacle Custom Builders, oversaw the remodeling of The Rebel Valley Project, a contemporary home in Vinings, Ga., built in 1974. The project included the addition of a new building envelope with rain-screen siding, a completely remodeled kitchen, and window and door replacement throughout the home to improve energy efficiency. Integrity’s All-Ultrex Casement, Awning and Custom Polygon Windows and an All-Ultrex Sliding Patio Door were used for this project. Pinnacle Custom Builders was nominated by Architectural Visions, Inc. and Super Enterprise.

Sellars Lathrop Architects specializes in residential renovations, additions and retrofits to meet modern living standards. To accommodate a growing family, owner and architect Ann Sellars Lathrop led the renovation of Bailey Residence, a 1950s Cape Cod in Westport, Conn. The roof was raised to create larger bedrooms and bathrooms, the kitchen and dining room were flipped to increase functionality through adjacency, a garage bay was converted to a mudroom/powder room/laundry area and a new front entry was improved with the addition of a front porch. The project features Wood Ultrex Casement, Awning and Picture Windows, along with Wood Ultrex Inswing French Doors. Sellars Lathrop Architects was nominated by Woodbury Supply and A.W. Hastings.

Imbue Design and Benchmark Modern specialize in custom, modern residential projects with emphasis on deliberate living, site-specific design and responsive, functional spaces. Matt Swindel of Imbue Design and Mark Haslam of Benchmark Modern teamed up to oversee construction of The Pasture Product, a single-story home in Holladay, Utah, that features an open floor plan, concrete floors, radiant heat and floor-to-ceiling windows. The project features Integrity Wood Ultrex windows and doors, along with a 36’ x 11’ Marvin Lift and Slide Door. Imbue Design and Benchmark Modern were nominated by All Purpose Windows.

Blue Sky Building Company builds retirement, vacation and second homes in the South Brunswick Island area of North Carolina. Builder Luke Perisich led the construction of The 40th Street Project, a Sunset Beach, N.C., vacation home and private residence intended to last for generations to come. That meant construction of a home built to withstand the region’s most severe weather conditions. The project includes Integrity IMPACT Double Hung Windows and French Doors, which are rated to withstand hurricane-force winds. Blue Sky Building Company was nominated by Guy C. Lee Building Materials.

Integrity will provide each Red Diamond Achiever and a guest with an all-expense paid VIP trip to Warroad, Minn., for events including a roundtable discussion; a tour of the Marvin Windows and Doors factory; dinner with Susan Marvin, president of Marvin Windows and Doors; and several other activities.

Additionally, each winner will be featured on IntegrityWindows.com with photos and information from their award-winning project submission. Winners also will receive a beautiful glass award, 200 print copies of case study cards, direct mail postcards and electronic files, recognition through Integrity’s social media outlets, and a $200 cash donation in the winner’s name to a charity of the winner’s choice.

“Good, honest business can weather nearly any storm,” Felling said. “As a company with a rich tradition, we appreciate businesses like our Red Diamond Achievers who have selected Integrity products as part of their enduring commitment to quality and excellence. We couldn’t be prouder knowing Integrity products have earned their trust.”

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.