Comparison of Andersen vs Marvin Hurricane Impact Windows

Each year, on average, America has around 12 major storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 instances of what are classed as ‘major hurricanes’. Both major storms and hurricanes cause a substantial amount of damage to numerous homes and businesses across America. 

In fact, in recent years some major storms have caused damage to properties running into the millions, and sometimes billions, of dollars. 

For example, in 2011, hurricane Irene which made landfall in North Carolina, is estimated to have caused in excess of 15 billion dollars worth of damage.

More recently, Hurricane Michael, a category 5 hurricane, caused about 25 billion dollars worth of damage when it hit the coast of Florida in 2018. 

As you can see, hurricanes and strong storms are a fact of life in America and cannot be fully avoidable. If you live in an area that is susceptible to strong winds and hurricanes (e.g coastal areas, South Florida etc), you should seriously consider investing in hurricane impact windows for your home. 

Some advantages of hurricane impact windows

Hurricane windows will save money in the event of a hurricane 

While you will incur an initial expense installing hurricane proof windows in your home, if you live in an area where hurricanes are quite common, it will inevitably save you a lot of money in the long run.

In addition to saving you money from potential damage from strong winds, a lot of hurricane impact windows are highly energy efficient.

This means that people who install hurricane impact windows in their homes will be likely to save money on their annual energy bills. 

Protect from UV light damage 

Many types of hurricane impact windows are made with glass that has powerful ultraviolet filters, which reduces harmful light from the sun shining into the interior of your home.

Installing hurricane proof windows with UV filters has the effect of reducing or even preventing the unsightly fading that is often caused by intense sunlight on your furniture. 

An added layer of security

If hurricane impact windows can help protect your home from hurricanes and other strong winds, then they can potentially protect your home from break-ins and burglaries.

Because of the strength of glass which is typically used in such windows, it is unlikely that thieves will be able to break the glass in your windows. 

Two of the most popular manufacturers of hurricane impact windows on the market are Marvin and Andersen windows.

Let’s have a look at some of the main features of both manufacturers and see how they compare to each other. 

Comparison of Andersen vs Marvin Coastal/Impact Windows  

Strength and Durability

Obviously when you’re looking for such window types, one of the most important considerations will be whether they will withstand the potentially hazardous weather conditions. 

The good news is that both Marvin and Andersen have great reputations for manufacturing good quality and durable windows that can withstand strong winds and rain.

Marvin

For example, Marvin’s Elevate range of coastal windows are fully compliant with the AAMA 624 standards. This means that they have passed numerous inspections and rigorous tests against weather damage such as fading over long periods of time. 

Additionally, Marvin’s windows are designed to withstand conditions in two of the main hurricane “impact zones”. 

Those are impact zones 3 and 4, which include the Atlantic and Gulf Coast states and areas in Florida which are particularly prone to hurricanes and strong winds. 

Marvin claims that their windows can withstand winds of up to 140 miles per hour. As well as this, their windows have also passed tests for resistance against wind-borne debris. 

Andersen

Andersen also provides excellent specifications when it comes to weathering the storm. 

They have a number of coastal window options which vary depending on their durability and level of weather resistance. 

A-Series are the most energy efficient windows available from Andersen. They feature Stormwatch protection and are made with composite exterior materials which are extremely durable in adverse weather, including high winds and rain. They are also designed to satisfy tests for high velocity hurricane zones.

As well as their A-Series windows, some of Andersen’s range of E-Series and 400-Series windows have also passed tests for use in high velocity hurricane zones. 

Most of Andersen’s coastal windows can be fitted with tinted glass which protects your home from the harmful effects of sunlight.

For example, their Low-E4 SmartSun™ Impact-Resistant Glass blocks 95 percent of UV radiation. It does this while still allowing the sunlight to flood into your living space, so you won’t have to compromise on having light filled rooms in your home. 

Design 

As with anything for your house, you’ll want to ensure that your hurricane impact windows are attractive and match the aesthetic of your home. Nobody wants cumbersome or ulgy looking windows. Thankfully, both Marvin and Andersen provide their windows in many different styles and colors. 

Colors

Marvin makes the claim that their windows are “as beautiful as they are durable”. Their aluminum clad coastal windows are available in a host of different colors. In fact, if you’re choosing Marvin windows you’ll be spoiled for choice with their range of 19 standard colors. 

Andersen, on the other hand, also provides a lot of choice with regard to their hurricane grade windows. Andersen’s most storm resistant windows, the A-Series, comes in a variety of 11 different exterior shades. 

Available styles and designs

Both Marvin and Andersen also provide many styles of window for potential customers to choose from. 

Marvin windows are available in the following styles:

• Awning 
• Casement
• Double hung and
• Picture

Andersen also offers an extensive range of attractive window styles. Even their most durable and effective window against storm damage, the A-Series, comes in an impressive range of styles which you can mix and match to create a beautiful aesthetic to suit any home. Andersen A-Series windows are available in the following styles:

• Casement
• Awning
• Double hung
• Picture and
• Transom

In addition to the above, Andersen also allows buyers to choose from a variety of different grille or window pane patterns.

Some of these patterns are particularly attractive and may suit more traditional style houses. For example, you can choose quite elaborate styles for your window panes including Queen Anne, colonial and diamond patterned grilles.

Conclusion

While hurricane impact windows are not particularly cheap, they are a sensible long term investment. Not only will they save you money in the long run, but they may also ultimately protect your home and ensure the safety of your family.

Both Andersen and Marvin are reliable choices when it comes to hurricane impact windows. Both have windows available which comply with TAS 201, 202 and 203, which means they have passed tests for durability when used in high velocity impact zones. 

In addition to their durability, both brands offer an impressive selection of colors and styles. If you’re looking for either classic or modern windows, which are beautifully designed, both Andersen and Marvin may have just what you’re looking for. 

However, overall Andersen appear to have a slight edge in terms of the extent of their range and also the window designs available for buyers. If you decide to go with Andersen windows you’ll have a broader selection of possible features and designs to choose from.