Addressing Window Needs

Milgard Windows & Doors offers energy efficiency package upgrades on select vinyl and fiberglass lines — 3D and 3D MAX. The 3D name represents the three dimensions of a window — the overall design, the frame material and the glazing unit. The 3D package offers a window that promises to be at least 10 percent more energy efficient than Energy Star qualified models, while the 3D MAX package is up to 26 percent more energy efficienct, depending on the series chosen.

Environmental Reaction

Today, the general public is aware of and reacting to the green movement in one way or another. Fortunately, manufacturers had products cooking while the green movement was still at a mere simmer.

“Green building and remodeling is being driven by consumers’ increased concern for the environment and a desire to reduce utility bills as much as possible,” says Schield. “Convenient, time-saving features for installers are being driven by their need to do more work in less time in order to profit from their jobs in a tight market.”

Peachtree’s 700 Series replacement windows are available in easy-tilt double-hung, casement, awning, single slider and picture styles. This line of aluminum clad windows features three sill options: flat, intermediate (8-degree slope) and maximum (14-degree slope).

“Remodelers are talking with more confidence and practical features and benefits of the green movement, incorporating the sustainability message with sound, energy-saving building practices,” says Mark Gallant, vice president, marketing for Atrium. “They’re also looking for more ways to differentiate themselves by offering more options and design features such as the expanded exterior color choices.”

For a sustainable solution, Jeld-Wen offers windows made of AuraLast wood. Jeld-Wen’s proprietary manufacturing process promises protection against moisture saturation, wood decay and insect infestation through to the core of the wood. The company offers a 20-year warranty on pine wood windows manufactured with AuraLast wood.

“Consumers are starting to understand the need for sustainability and they’re no longer taking advertising at face value,” says Loewen’s Jon Sawatzky. “They don’t want to be green-washed. They want proof and independent documentation to assure themselves that ‘green’ is really green.”

Due to its intrinsically practical properties as well as strict building codes, impact-resistant glass has weathered the economic storm.

“Impact glass had been a steadily growing market until recently,” says Sawatzky. “We’ve noticed a consistent pace, but the large growth we were accustomed to seeing has leveled off due to the state of the economy. Once the economy increases we expect to see the growth continue — especially as the impact codes become more enforced.”

“Use of impact resistant vinyl and aluminum windows in hurricane high-wind zones along the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic coastal areas is a big product category for Atrium,” says Gallant. “More remodel and replacement projects are turning to impact-resistant windows to accomplish the protection demand they require, while satisfying their insurance carriers for lower premium rates.”

Atrium’s SafeHarbor vinyl impact-resistant windows and doors are available in single and double-hung models, and offering Certified Design Pressure (DP) ratings up to 55 for windows and 60 for doors. SafeHarbor products are approved for hurricane impact zones all along the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts.

“Unfortunately, hurricanes and major weather events occur in many coastal states which have led to the adoption and enforcement of coastal building codes outside of Florida,” says PGT’s Doug Cross. “This in turn has led to an increased demand for impact products. The ancillary benefits, sound reduction, increased security, reduced UV rays, are additional reasons homeowners upgrade to windows and doors with impact-resistant glass.”

“Impact-resistant glass has been growing in demand for a few reasons,” says Kolbe’s Lance Premeau. “The main reason is due to the codes that have been put into effect in coastal regions of the United States. Impact glass is a staple within these types of products. There is a secondary benefit in the use of impact-resistant glass and that is added security for the dwelling.”

Necessary Luxuries

“The aging of our population along with accessibility issues within the general population is driving the Universal Design trend in the building industry,” says Premeau.