A View of Window Trends

Today, Americans are staying home for both the short and long term. As the main residence doubles as a “staycation” home, fixing up the fixer-upper has become a bigger priority. Window replacement has taken on a new dimension in importance.

“Economic conditions are forcing many consumers toward maintenance and improvement of their current homes, and they’re now focusing on practical vs. extravagant changes with an interest in quality products that will last,” says Craig Blomker, replacement marketing manager for Andersen Windows.

“Consumers are reengaging in home improvement projects,” says Kathy Krafka Harkema, corporate public relations manager for Pella Corporation. “They are starting to dream again and are tackling to-do lists that may have been put on the back burner.

“We’re seeing renewed interest in stay-at-home entertainment features like home theaters. Replacement windows that include room-darkening shades are a favorite option for media rooms … or bedrooms,” says Harkema.
“When customers replace a window in either of those rooms, they tend to replace with a larger or composite window but they still want to maintain control of natural light and privacy,” she says. Pella Designer Series windows feature blinds that are fitted between the panes of glass, and room-darkening blinds are one of 25 color and style choices.

Guardian Industries offers ClimaGuard SatinDeco, an energy-efficient glass product with an acid-etched, translucent quality. SatinDeco glass is manufactured using a unique acid-etching process that is permanent and durable. Acid is applied to the glass surface, actually dissolving part of the glass, resulting in a smooth, flat surface that disperses light. Guardian SatinDeco is available in combination with any of the company’s ClimaGuard Low-E glass products. ClimaGuard residential glass includes five Low-E products designed to meet specific solar- and energy-control needs, as well as ClimaGuard SPF for UV protection and ClimaGuard LamiGlass for sound protection and safety.

The DreamGlas Gallery Collection from Thermal Industries is a series of insulated vinyl replacement windows featuring decorative glass patterns with the look and texture of traditional stained glass. Thermal Industries created DreamGlas to help preserve the structural integrity and historical value of original building designs.

To allow natural air to flow without the annoyance of insects, Marvin Windows and Doors offers a concealed retractable screen on its Ultimate Casement line. The screen glides into position when it is needed and folds into the jamb when it is not. The retractable screen is available on the crank-out Ultimate Casement and Ultimate Awning.

When the screen is not in use, it is virtually indistinguishable from the window frame. The Hi Transparency screen is made from a fiberglass material that is tear- and dent-resistant.

The extruded screen frame from Simonton Windows features a newly designed water management system and integrated lift handles. The frames can also be color matched for a customized look with a window. “This durable screen frame features strong, staked corner keys that significantly reduce the tendency for a typical screen to warp, bow or distort,” says Joshua Wagner, product manager at Simonton Windows. Lift handles are integrated into the product’s profile and nested springs help ensure easy operation. The extruded screen comes standard on several Simonton replacement, new construction and impact-resistant products.