Addressing Window Needs

Currently, consumers are strongly focused on preserving their money, their environment and their well-being, and these individual concerns are directly tied to today’s trends in windows. With these issues in mind, window manufacturers have developed products that specifically target each need without sacrificing visual appeal.

“In our luxury market segment, we’ve noticed that most remodelers are concerned with the same items as new construction,” says Jon Sawatzky, Loewen marketing manager. “They want energy-efficient, low-maintenance products that will last a long time — and they don’t want to sacrifice aesthetics and performance to meet this.”

“As energy costs rise, people are becoming more aware of how much energy they use in their lives, whether that is getting around town or heating and cooling their homes,” says Doug Cross, vice president, vinyl product stream for PGT Industries. “Plus, given the information available about global warming, consumers are feeling a social responsibility to conserve energy as part of protecting the planet. Using windows that improve the energy performance of one’s home is one way to do this.”

The PGT Series 2300 is a complete line of vinyl replacement windows with wood-like trim detail, Low-E glass, simulated divided lites and Super Spacer technology. This line consists of double-hung, horizontal roller, picture windows, architectural shapes and combinations.

Simonton Windows now offers LoE³-366 glass as a product upgrade option on a number of the company’s product lines. The windows feature a triple layer of silver applied through sputter coating technology. The visible light transmittance is 66 percent and the glass has a .27 SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient).

“Energy efficiency continues to be a primary driver for consumers as they choose to replace windows during a remodel,” says Michael Mooney, senior market segment director for Guardian Industries. “Higher energy costs and the new U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Star criteria that are expected to become effective in late 2009 are driving new innovations in the residential glass industry.”

The ClimaGuard 75/68 Low-E glass from Guardian Industries has a U-value of .28 and promises to let in 75 percent of the sun’s natural light while also allowing in 68 percent of the sun’s heat. ClimaGuard 75/68 is part of Guardian’s larger line of Low-E residential glass products.

As consumers focus on energy efficiency in an effort to save on fuel costs, remodel jobs may tend to be cut from the budget. The resulting competition for existing jobs has lead to innovative strategies for differentiation and simplification.

“Consumers and remodelers have several window options available to them as they shop for replacement windows, sometimes looking at up to four different dealers or brands,” says Mooney. “During this challenging economy, window dealers are looking for ways to differentiate themselves from the competition. We are seeing dealers and remodelers who are offering sound, storm or fade protection as additional, value-added features to their windows.”

“Because of the tight market, remodelers and installers are having to make the most of their time to limit overhead,” says Chris Schield, brand manager for Weather Shield/Peachtree R&R products and Visions Windows & Doors.

“To help speed installation and cut jobsite labor, more contractors will order pocket-style replacement windows and windows with convenient features and options.”

Weather Shield’s premium fiberglass-clad wood windows have U-factors as low as 0.23, wood interiors and no-maintenance exteriors. For enhanced energy efficiency, the window is available in a range of glazing options including Zo-e-shield 5, 6 and 7.