Marvin Windows News

Honor Recognizes Visionaries from Northwest Minnesota: “The Ingenuity Frontier” 

WARROAD, Minn., April 24, 2012 – The woods, lakes and fields of Northwest Minnesota have nurtured an impressive array of business visionaries. Among the giants was the late William S. “Bill” Marvin, who built Marvin Windows and Doors from a small lumberyard into one of the world’s premier window and door manufacturers.

Bill Marvin’s exemplary career will be recognized on April 25 with induction into the IDEA Hall of Fame. As the fifth inductee to the hall, Marvin joins previous honorees Andy Wells of Wells Technology; Edgar Hetteen of Polaris and Arctic Cat; and brothers George and Dennis Brazier of MATTRACKS and Central Boiler.

The IDEA Hall of Fame induction will take place at 5 p.m. in the Sanford Events Center in Bemidji, in conjunction with the fourth annual IDEA Competition. The IDEA Competition seeks to grow the economy of Northwest Minnesota by identifying the next generation of homegrown entrepreneurs and helping them develop their breakthrough ideas.

Bill Marvin joined his father’s Warroad-based lumber business as the eighth employee and led its entry into manufacturing. Today, Marvin employs more than 4,000 people in five states and is recognized worldwide for its innovative, high-quality products. Bill Marvin was named by BUILDER magazine as one of the U.S. building industry’s 100 most influential people of the 20th century. He died in 2009 at age 92.

“My father was a believer in the power of great ideas,” said John W. “Jake” Marvin, chairman and chief executive officer of the Marvin Companies. “He would take an idea from anyone, anytime — test it out and see if it made sense. And if it did, he wasn’t afraid to take a risk.

“My father had opportunities over the years to move his business away from Northwest Minnesota, but he valued the spirit, intelligence and frontier ingenuity of the people who make their home here,” Jake Marvin said. “He was proud of our region and a tireless promoter of it. We’re honored and humbled by this recognition.”

The IDEA Competition has already helped 10 startup businesses in Northwest Minnesota become commercially viable. This year’s winners will receive a $10,000 cash grant, along with services and direction from Northwest Minnesota’s leading business resources.

IDEA was made possible by a generous grant from the Blandin Foundation. IDEA sponsors include Bremer Bank (Crookston and Warren); Northwest Minnesota Foundation; 360 Degree Manufacturing and Applied Center of Excellence; Headwaters Regional Development Commission; Northwest Regional Development Commission; and the University of Minnesota, Crookston.

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. Marvin Windows and Doors is pleased to have a few items featured in this best-of edition of the magazine.

Marvin’s “Window Shopping” app was included in the issue’s round-up of the best mobile apps for builders and contractors. This app is a tool to help homeowners plan basic designs for windows and doors, inside and outside the house. After taking a photo of an interior or exterior space that could use an upgrade, the app user can choose from nearly 50 resizable photos of Marvin windows and doors, arrange them over the photo, and save or send the photo to share with friends, family or a local Marvin dealer.

Additionally, our sister brand Integrity Windows and Doors had two items featured in this issue of the magazine: Integrity Wood-Ultrex Special Size windows were listed near the top of the readers’ choice Favorite 50 products list, and its “Built to Perform” app was also included in the same editors’ choice round-up as our Window Shopping app.

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

Keep families safe with tips for National Window Safety Week – and a new window opening control device that limits openings to 4 inches

WARROAD, Minn., April 3, 2012 – The first week of April is National Window Safety Week. Marvin Windows and Doors hopes every family can be safer by following these simple tips.

Marvin is offering a new, factory-installed window opening control device on its popular Ultimate Casement line of crank-out windows, as well as a field-applied option on the Ultimate Double Hung. The window opening control device is intended to limit window openings to 4 inches, yet is easily opened by adults.

First, some common-sense window safety tips:

• Keep windows closed and locked when not in use.
• If you open windows for ventilation, choose windows not easily reached by children.
• Install a window opening control device to limit the window opening.
• Keep blinds, cords and drapes secured out of the reach of children.
• Don’t place furniture such as sofas, beds or bookcases under windows. Children can use the furniture to climb to the window opening.
• Never paint, nail or weatherstrip windows shut.
• Don’t rely on insect screens to prevent falls.
• Develop a family plan for escape during an emergency. In your plan, include two ways to escape from every room in case one way is blocked by fire or smoke.
• If windows are part of your escape plan, be sure to leave at least one window in every room unblocked by window insulating film, window air conditioners or other obstructions.
• Landscaping can provide a cushion to break falls should they occur. Consider landscaping beneath windows with wood chips, shrubs or other soft surfaces.

 
Marvin’s new casement Window Opening Control Device, which meets the ASTM F2090-10 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. Marvin already offers the device (field-applied) on its double hung products, but is now expanding that option to casements (factory-applied).

“We expect this intuitive device to be well received as a solution, whether legislation requires it or not,” said Christine Marvin, director of marketing for Marvin 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.”

Marvin dealers can offer complete information.

For more information on window safety, take advantage of two FREE printed resources from the National Safety Council:

• “Keeping the Promise of Safety” brochure provides helpful window safety tips. Individual brochures may be downloaded from the National Safety Council web site.
• For larger quantities (in quantities of 100), you may order from the National Safety Council by contacting NSC Customer Service at 800-621-7619. Ask for the “Keeping the Promise of Safety” brochure, product number 00006-6215.

• A free Window Safety Information Kit includes the “Keeping the Promise of Safety Brochure,” as well as Window Safety Tip Sheets, Window Safety Checklist, Window Safety Press Release, and Window Safety Activity and Coloring Book.

 
This kit is available free from the National Safety Council by contacting NSC Customer Service at 800-621-7619. Ask for the “Window Safety Information Kit,” product number 00006-6210. You may order these in any quantity.

A writer for The Healing Home, a blog from the folks at Nicholas Borrell Designs, recently shared his thoughts on the virtues of Marvin windows and doors. We could summarize, but let’s just have the original words speak for themselves:

I have used Marvin products for at least 25 years. By adjusting product details as issues arise and by heeding  market demands, this is an American company that gets everything right. The evolution of their product line has led to unsurpassed aesthetic quality and function. [...] No, this is not a shill for the Marvin Company. It’s the truth.

The writer mentions the quality of the products, the dependable production and delivery schedule, the variety of sizes and options, and more. We’re starting to blush, so we’ll just say “thanks” and ask you to head over and read the full post at The Healing Home.

Architects in U.S. and abroad offered the chance to showcase their very best work 

WARROAD, Minn., March 13, 2012 – Architects from around the world have a chance to inspire and be inspired by the myMarvin Architect’s Challenge, which is accepting entries for its fourth annual competition.

The Architect’s Challenge is fast becoming one of the premier showcases in the architectural world. Winning projects in previous years have displayed the remarkable inspiration of designers in styles both traditional and contemporary, in both the residential and commercial arenas.

A previous Architect’s Challenge winner

Among the projects that impressed the judging panel were a San Francisco townhouse, a Minnesota hunting lodge, a Mediterranean villa and a Catholic church in Wisconsin. There are no limits to the creations you can enter; all that’s required is that they use Marvin windows or doors.

“Marvin is the preferred window and door of architects because we provide tailored solutions to a project to help achieve design objectives,” said Christine Marvin, director of marketing for Marvin Windows and Doors. “In that spirit, we’re proud to showcase the work of architects who have been inspired by Marvin to create some of their best work.”

Entries will be judged on solution-driven design, classical beauty, innovative use of windows and sustainability. William J. Devereaux Jr., Mark Scheurer, AIA, and David Furman, FAIA, will judge this year’s challenge.

Winners will be promoted through traditional and social media and will be featured in our permanent Winners Gallery. We invite architects to submit their best designs featuring Marvin windows and doors by May 31, 2012. Find complete entry information and contest rules at: http://www.marvin.com/window-door-ideas/mymarvin-project/architects-challenge

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.”

Brett Boyum

Our newly promoted vice president of marketing, Brett Boyum, was featured in the Minneapolis Star Tribune as a “Mover & Shaker.” Brett has been with the Marvin family of companies for nearly 15 years, previously serving a term as director of marketing for both Marvin Windows and Doors, and Integrity Windows and Doors.

We’re proud that people of Brett’s caliber choose to build their careers with us, and that’s why we particularly liked one of the comments he made to the Star Tribune reporter:

“Staying at Marvin has been easy,” Brett said. “There’s a value system that aligns really strongly with my personal values, that’s about taking care of people, taking care of the customers and taking care of your community. We’re selling a product that’s part of a customer’s life, it’s part of their family, it’s their home.”

Well said. We look forward to great things under Brett’s leadership.

At the International Builders Show, company president Susan Marvin sat with Robbie Whelan of the Wall Street Journal to discuss the outlook for the housing industry and for Marvin Windows and Doors.

Though there are signs of a revival in housing, Marvin still maintains a cautious outlook. In an interview withWSJ reporter Robbie Whelan, Susan Marvin pointed out that the housing business still has a long way to get back to pre-recession levels.

Still, despite the boost in renovation work, and some signs of uptick from the dealer and distributor communities, Marvin is predicting little to no growth in revenues for 2012. Best case scenario, Ms. Marvin says, the company’s orders will rise 5%, but even that is unlikely.

“We’re not talking about a housing recovery,” she says. “We’re talking about a small pickup.”

Read the full article at wsj.com.

Clad Ultimate Insert Double Hungs Now Offer Three Choices of Frame Bevels

Warroad, Minn. – Marvin’s industry-leading Clad Ultimate Insert Double Hung products are now even more versatile with the addition of a new 14-degree frame bevel option.

The new frame bevel option gives builders and remodelers three choices for this popular product: 0 degrees, 8 degrees and 14 degrees. Now Clad Ultimate Insert Double Hung products can adapt even more tightly to the existing frames – providing a cleaner appearance and reduced jobsite labor.

The 14-degree bevel option is available on the following products:

• Clad Ultimate Insert Double Hung
• Clad Ultimate Insert Double Hung Transom
• Clad Ultimate Insert Double Hung Picture

Now This Outstanding Door Has Improved Aesthetics, Performs Even More Efficiently

Warroad, Minn. – The industry-leading Ultimate Outswing French Door from Marvin Windows and Doors has added a host of features for improved aesthetics and superior performance.

From panels and profiles to sills and shadow lines, Marvin’s engineers and designers have gone over every inch of this door, making a great product even better.

Product improvements include:

• A more robust sill design, raising the DP rating to 50 in many sizes and configurations (up from DP40)
• A solid performer against air and water infiltration
• New sill design stands up to the rigors of the jobsite
• Industry’s widest selection of standard sizes and operating configurations
• Wood exterior doors no longer incorporate a back rabbet casing
• Easier field mulling
• Easier application of field applied casings
• A new interior sill cover profile available in mahogany or oak
• Offers traditional wood sill appearance while maintaining the performance associated with Ultrex sills
• Available for all sizes and operating configurations
• A new raised panel design in .080-inch stamped aluminum — this popular option now offered at a more attractive value point
• Enhanced aesthetics incorporate cleaner, simpler sightlines
• New exterior frame profile on clad doors delivers a classic, flat look mimicking traditional wood profiles
• Interior jamb surfaces incorporate full-width stops, enhancing the clean detail of the new dooro A less obtrusive sweep delivers a clean sightline across the bottom of the door panels

“These improvements make the Ultimate Outswing French Door an even better choice for builders, remodelers, architects and homeowners,” said Christine Marvin, director of marketing for Marvin Windows and Doors.

Now Certified DP40 on All Sizes; New Profile Matches Other Popular Marvin Products

Warroad, Minn. – Now Marvin’s industry-leading Double Hung products are even more versatile with the addition of new sizes, better performance and improved aesthetics.

Marvin’s residential Ultimate Double Hung is available to fit rough openings up to 42⅜ x 96 ⅞ inches, allowing this great window to fill bigger openings without sacrificing performance. The larger sizes are available in both Clad and Wood models.

In addition, the Ultimate Double Hung in both Clad and Wood achieves a WDMA-certified DP40 rating across all sizes, providing superior protection against air and water infiltration.

And the exterior frame profile of the Ultimate Double Hung has been redesigned to create a clean appearance and matching sight lines with the Ultimate Casement and Ultimate Glider. That gives greater design flexibility in combining different window types.

Industry-Leading Impact Products Have New Look But Same Top Performance

Warroad, Minn. – There’s exciting news for residents of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico coastal regions. Marvin’s industry-leading IZ3 StormPlus Clad Ultimate Double Hung has been redesigned for a sleeker appearance – without sacrificing any of its high performance.

Both the standard and Round Top versions of this popular impact-zone window have been reengineered for strength and aesthetics. Features and improvements include:

• No visible reinforcement when window is closed and locked
• Elimination of pull-out clips
• Window meets rigorous IZ3 code requirements when closed and locked
• Improved check rails allow a strong interlock in center of window
• Tilt pins and tilt blades strengthened
• Stiles reinforced
• Sill brackets assist with bottom sash retention
• Elimination of exterior sash stays on bottom sash
• Design Pressure of LC +55/-65 on all sizes
• Annealed exterior pane standard, with tempered option
• Frame-to-frame mulling is certified on all sizes
• Offered in all 19 Marvin exterior clad colors, 7 wood species and 8 hardware finishes to complement other Marvin windows

“These are significant improvements to our IZ3 Ultimate Double Hung,” said Christine Marvin, director of marketing for Marvin Windows and Doors. “We’ve improved the aesthetics to closely match our non-impact zone products – while sacrificing none of the rigorously tested performance.”

Marvin’s Industry-Leading Door Offers More Flexibility Across a Wide Range of Applications

Warroad, Minn. – The industry-leading Ultimate Lift and Slide Door from Marvin Windows and Doors now offers a Performance Sill option that greatly expands the range of applications for this high-end door.

Unlike a traditional recessed sill, which must be embedded in concrete, the Performance Sill option can be installed using a wood subfloor. This new option makes the Ultimate Lift and Slide more adaptable to a range of applications, such as second-floor installations.

“We’re pleased to offer this new option to builders, remodelers, architects and homeowners,” said Christine Marvin, director of marketing for Marvin Windows and Doors. “It will make this outstanding door all even more versatile.”

Features and benefits of the Performance Sill option include:

Mostly constructed of extruded aluminum

• Delivers the structural stability required for large door systems
• Unlike other sills of this type, this sill incorporates thermal breaks — both transverse and longitudinal — to assure thermal performance in even cold climates

Offers greater flexibility of use in diverse applications

• Interior floor surfaces can come flush to the top of the sill: When used with more traditional sliding door applications, the finished floor surface can fall anywhere along the interior of the sill
• A superior sill for wood construction since concrete fill is not required
• Works great with second floor applications
• More friendly transition from interior spaces to exterior decks
• Sill finished in either clear anodized or bronze anodized with stainless steel roller
• tracks

Unlike recessed sills, the Performance Sill offers adjustability throughout the life of the door

Can achieve a DP rating of 30 in select clad configurations and sizes

Offers Device for Crank-Out Casement Windows, Limiting Opening to 4 Inches

Warroad, Minn. – Marvin Windows and Doors now offers a factory-installed Window Opening Control Device on its popular Ultimate Casement line of crank-out 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. Marvin already offers the device (field-applied) on its double hung products, but is now expanding that option to casements.

“We expect this intuitive device to be well received as a solution, whether legislation requires it or not,” said Christine Marvin, director of marketing for Marvin 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.”

Marvin dealers can offer complete information.

Marvin's Ultimate Glider is a great example of universal design.

We’ve long embraced the principles of universal design. And with America’s population aging and multi-generational families in a household becoming more common, those principles are getting a lot more attention within the building industry. That’s why we were pleased to be selected for inclusion in the Universal Design Tour at IBS 2012, planned and sponsored by the 50+ Housing Council’s Universal Design Committee.

Esther Greenhouse

“Universal design is inclusive,” said Esther Greenhouse, a committee member and one of America’s leading environmental gerontologists. “Universal products offer superior functionality, benefit a broad audience and have broad market appeal.”

In other words, the successful universal design product not only operates easily and performs well, it looks good and appeals to everyone. Many so-called “accessible design” products are narrowly tailored to appeal to the specific needs of a certain individual, Greenhouse pointed out — “and usually lack the advantage of being attractive.”

Marvin offers a wide range of universally designed products, including:

The Ultimate Glider: A complete re-engineering of a classic design, our Ultimate Glider features a low handle, one-hand operation and automatic locking.

The Low Profile, High Performance Sill: Made of durable Ultrex fiberglass, this sill has a low rise (less than 3/4″), making use with walkers and wheelchairs easier.

The Ultimate Casement: This revolutionary window swivels 140 degrees to let you wash the outside of the window from inside the house. No more ladders — which send 20,000 Americans to the emergency room every year!

Visit us at Booth W2339 and see our great products — which also happen to be great examples of universal design.

Greenhouse stopped by the Marvin booth for a quick chat about common misconceptions about universal design:

MARVIN ENERGY EFFICIENCY OPTIONS

Marvin allows homeowners to craft a customized solution for their project’s unique needs. Choose from thousands of dual-pane and triple-pane (Tripane) products — and couple them with the Low E coating and gas options that help achieve optimal energy efficiency.

ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR is a federal program that determines where a variety of products, including windows and doors, meet certain
energy-efficiency standards. Products that achieve specific benchmarks can display the ENERGY STAR label. Marvin offers an extensive roster of products and options that meet ENERGY STAR standards. With windows and doors, the ENERGY STAR standards vary by climate – and Marvin offers ENERGY STAR options in each one.

Dual-Pane and Tripane
Marvin offers thousands of window and door options with two or three panes of glass: versatile, beautiful and energy efficient.

Tripane With Krypton
Our most energy-efficient window ever. Three panes of glass with Krypton gas between the panes for truly superior performance in the most challenging climates.

Insulating Glass Coatings
Extremely thin coatings of special metallic material applied to glass panes used in windows and doors boosts their energy efficiency. The industry standard for energy-efficient glass coatings has become low-emissivity. Coating a glass surface adjacent to gaps between each pane with low-emissivity material can block a significant amount of heat transfer. Low-emissivity coatings are transparent to visible light, and different types of coatings have been designed to allow for high solar gain, moderate solar gain or low solar gain.

LoE-180™: A great insulator (low U-Factor) that allows the sun’s warming rays to pass through (high SHGC). LoE-180 features a single metallic coating and an insulator that blocks heat loss to the outside while reflecting heat back into a room. This type of coating is ideal for applications where high solar gain is desired, such as northern climates.

LoE2-272®: Features a double metallic coating on the inside glass surface to reflect heat into the room in winter and reject the sun’s warmth in summer, reducing damaging UV rays. This coating option provides better protection against heat loss than LoE-180. It has good solar gain control. Suitable for all climates except the Southern zone of ENERGY STAR.

LoE3-366®: Features three metallic layers of silver. This coating offers the lowest U factor and lowest solar heat gain. It is often specified in the Southern ENERGY STAR zone where cooling costs are high and intense exposure to the sun is an issue.

Insulating Gases
Inert gases pumped into the spaces between panes of glass slow the transfer of heat, increasing the insulating power of a window or door.

Argon: Our standard windows and doors come with argon gas between the panes to boost energy efficiency.

Krypton: Customers seeking to maximize energy savings can consider our blend of krypton, argon and air. This option increases the insulating power of our Tripane products with narrow airspaces.

FURTHER OPTIONS

Marvin offers these enhancements to further increase the energy efficiency of our windows:

• Energy Panel: Often confused with storm windows, an Energy Panel is a glazing option consisting of a removable exterior glass panel finished on the edges by a surround. Energy panels cover the exposed glass surface of each sash, and offer added energy efficiency for wood windows with single glazing.
• Storm and Screen Combos: A combination unit is composed of two movable glass panels and one movable screen panel. A combination that placed in front of a dual pane product has a U-factor comparable to that of a Tripane unit and it helps protect the primary unit from the elements. The individual panels can be configured multiple ways, and can be easily removed from the interior for cleaning. Customized commercial screens are also available.

OTHER PERFORMANCE NOTES

• Low Air Infiltration: All Marvin window and door products meet or exceed the WDMA requirements for maximum air infiltration.
• XL Edge™ Spacer: Marvin offers the warm-edge XL Edge™ spacer from Cardinal – the most durable spacer system on the market. The spacer helps prevent energy loss around the perimeter of the window glass.

Each year, around the time of the International Builders Show, Marvin Windows and Doors compiles a list of the top trends in home building and design. These compilations tend to be among the more popular posts we share throughout the year, so without further ado, here are our top 10 home trends for 2012.

1. Energy efficiency: Americans are looking for superior energy efficiency in every important feature of their home. ENERGYSTAR-rated windows, high-efficiency furnaces and air conditioners, quality attic insulation – they’ll all save money and make the home more comfortable year-round. Marvin offers more energy-efficient window options than any other manufacturer, including a new Tripane with Krypton gas option. It’s our most energy-efficient solution.
2. High quality, high function: Today’s homeowners want items that not only look good, but perform flawlessly. Fit, finish and smooth operation are essential – whether it’s a refrigerator, a sofa or
   a window. Consumers want both beauty and practicality. Marvin’s new Ultimate Glider is a complete re-engineering of a classic window style that combines elegant simplicity with tough performance.
3. Not-so-big living: Architect Sarah Susanka first proposed this idea more than a decade ago, and it’s been spreading ever since. The not-so-big house is carefully planned for the owner’s needs, not designed to impress others. Investing in high-quality components and finishes for the home offers more lasting value than paying for poorly used square footage.
4. Renovation nation: Americans are putting down roots; we’re moving less than at any time since World War II. Instead of moving, we’re staying in our homes longer and renovating the living spaces to fit our lifestyle. New kitchens, new windows, reconfigured living spaces – they’re all part of creating a home “built around you.”
5. Let the sunshine in: Screened porches, sun rooms and window walls – they’re all
   geared toward bringing the outdoors in. And with modern, energy-efficient windows and patio doors, there’s no penalty in comfort or energy efficiency.
6. Keeping it simple: Clean, simple lines are the order of the day.
   Furniture, tile, moldings, backsplashes, appliances – the less fussy, the better.
7. Make room for family: With multiple generations living under one roof more often these days, more Americans are making the house accommodate the extended family. In-law suites, bedroom additions and basement makeovers (including egress windows) are becoming more popular.
8. Aging in place and universal design: Older Americans not living with their children want to maintain their independence for as long as possible. That means universal design that allows them to age in place. Easy-opening windows, large showers with benches and grab bars, lower countertops – all help make homes more accessible and comfortable for older residents.
9. Indoor/outdoor living: Americans love the easygoing back-and-forth between
   their kitchen and a deck or patio. It makes entertaining easier and makes the house live larger. A quality patio
   door is a must for these high-traffic areas.
10. Lighter and brighter: Lighter colors and natural light make a home feel cheerful and energizing. “Daylighting” – using windows to bring in as much natural light as possible – also can help lower energy bills.

We’re happy to be reporting once again from the International Builders’ Show in Orlando. IBS is the largest annual gathering of the homebuilding industry.

In the coming days, we’ll be telling you about new Marvin products and also about other interesting items we spot at the show. We’ve also got a special report in store: we’ll be attending Friday’s speech by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and giving you an early account of his remarks. It’s sure to be a newsworthy event.

Visit us at Booth W2339. And check back here throughout the week for regular updates.

WARROAD, Minn., January 30, 2012 – Brett Boyum is the new vice president of marketing for Marvin Windows and Doors, the company announced today.

Boyum has been with Marvin for nearly 15 years, most recently as director of marketing for both Marvin and its sister brand, Integrity Windows and Doors. He succeeds Tom Angelis, who is retiring. Boyum has achieved a record of success during the most tumultuous time in history for the U.S. housing industry.

“As a key member of our marketing team, Brett has led the development and implementation of many of our most successful products and programs,” said Susan Marvin, president of Marvin Windows and Doors. “Marvin has increased market share in the most difficult environment any of us has experienced.

“Now that Brett has taken a senior management role, we’ll look to his proven knowledge and abilities to continue moving our business forward in the brighter days to come.”

A resident of Rosemount, Minn., Boyum graduated from the University of Minnesota and holds a master’s in business administration from Walden University. He currently serves as vice president of the Board of Directors of the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota and will serve as board chair in 2013-15.

Minnesota business newspaper Finance & Commerce carried a story Monday about the state’s window industry and its constant efforts to pursue greater energy efficiency. Reporter Dan Heilman writes:

“In the marketplace today, consumers have created a big demand for energy-efficient products,” said Christine Marvin, head of product planning for Marvin Windows. “Fortunately, we were there to meet that trend. Now it’s an issue of dealing with stronger and stricter criteria that are in place.”

In the 1970s, Marvin Windows was considered a pioneer in the development of high-performance low-thermal emissivity (or low-E) windows, whose surface radiates or emits lower levels of heat energy, helping keep warm air inside during cold weather and out during summer.

According to Marvin, the ongoing progress of sustainability in the window market is the result of consumer demand, federal regulatory decrees such as Energy Star and the company’s internal ingenuity. [...]

“It’s a matter of push and pull,” Marvin said. “Consumers are educated: They want performance in their windows, and they want to save money.”

Read the full piece from Finance & Commerce.