At Wrightway Home Improvements, our flagship window offering is Infinity from Marvin Windows. We often get questions about the difference between Marvin’s Infinity Window line and their Integrity Window line. Hopefully, this blog post will help clear up the confusion. The reality is that these windows are more similar than dissimilar, but there are important differences. Before we get into the nitty gritty, if you’re confusing Integrity and Infinity, know that you aren’t the only one. Let’s get to clearing up the confusion.
WINDOW COMPARISON – All-wood vs. All-fiberglass
Note: The Marvin Integrity line is offered in an all-fiberglass option, but because of limited size availability, we won’t be including it this post.
The two lines of windows we are comparing are the Infinity all-fiberglass window and the Integrity wood-fiberglass window. The Integrity and Infinity Windows have one main thing in common and that is the 100% Fiberglass Exterior made of Marvin’s patented ULTREX fiberglass. The biggest difference is that the Integrity line comes with a wood interior versus an all-fiberglass exterior for the Infinity line. The Integrity wood window can come in unfinished pine or pre-painted white pine whereas the Infinity window can come in EVERWOOD or pre-finished white fiberglass. The Everwood product by Infinity is not actually wood…it is a fiberglass veneer made to look like wood and is actually paintable and stainable.
REPLACEMENT VERSUS NEW CONSTRUCTION
The Infinity window line was designed by Marvin as a replacement-only window product. The installation methods and accessories and options are all built to support installation into an existing opening. Marvin Integrity, on the other hand, was designed as a new construction window for residential, multi-family or light commercial applications. A lot of people refer to Integrity as a “builder grade” window and Infinity as a custom replacement window.
In recent years, Marvin has developed additional installation tools and window configuration options to make both products more versatile, but for the most part, they continue to be utilized in their original capacities.
DESIGN AND HARDWARE
Another significant difference is the sight line design and hardware options. Both windows look almost identical from the exterior, but the interior of the double-hung window is visibly different. For one, the Infinity line comes with a one-piece center hardware that can both lock and operate (unlatch so you can tilt the window for cleaning) the double hung window. The Integrity double-hung has a 3 piece exposed hardware set with a center lock and two side latches used to engage the window tilt mechanism. Without fear of stating the obvious, the Infinty window hardware is much superior in both design and function. It gives the window a more historic, colonial appearance whereas the Integrity hardware is similar to that of a high end vinyl window.
COLORS AND SIZING
Although Integrity windows come in stock sizes, they can also be made to any size (measured down to the 1/8 inch) the same as the Infinity line. However, when it comes to sizing, the Infinity window line offers larger overall sizes and an array of polygon and arched picture windows.
For color options, both windows Integrity and Infinity offer similar options for exterior colors including Stone White, Cashmere, Pebble Gray, Bahama Brown, Bronze, and Ebony. Infinity offers an additional option for an off-white color called Sierra. The most recent offering for both windows is Ebony black, a great look for contemporary homes or homes looking for a dramatic exterior.
FRENCH DOORS AND PATIO DOORS
Both Infinity and Integrity offer sliding patio doors. The exteriors are virtually identical and the interiors can be very similar, so many homeowners typically stay with a consistent project approach with either Infinity or Integrity as a whole-home option.
WARRANTY
The final difference between the two window lines is the warranty. And what is important to note is the fact that MARVIN is one of the rare companies (unlike many vinyl manufacturers) that actually stands behind their warranty. With that said, the Infinity line is offered through an exclusive dealer-direct model – of which Wrightway is a dealer. We offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty on the window frame as well as any operating parts such as cranks or lift mechanisms. The Integrity line only offers a 10-year warranty on frame and moving parts. However, both offer a 20-year glass warranty. The reason for the warranty difference is the Ultrex Fiberglass Interior. Fiberglass will never rot, warp and saturate with water like real wood. That is why they call it the Infinity window – it is made to last forever!
ABOUT US
Wrightway Home Improvements is the best window installer in the Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, and Appleton areas. We have an expansive service area and we are experts in replacing siding, windows, and gutters and installing gutter guards. If you think your windows might need a update, we can help you each step of the way and free up some of your time for more important things. Find out more about our Marvin Windows at www.WrightwayBuilt.com.
