Addressing Window Needs

For universal design needs, Kolbe offers several window options. The company’s Ultra and Heritage Series products can be equipped with longer casement and awning handles with larger knobs, larger levers for multipoint casement locks and motorized operators for casements and awnings.

“Residents over the age of 50 are the fastest growing segment of the housing market,” says Maureen Faccia, Milgard Windows & Doors director of marketing. “They are also a wealthier, more active group than past generations. Only 5 percent of the population over age 65 live in nursing homes, preferring instead to age in place as well as live safely, independently and comfortably regardless of age or agility level.

Milgard Windows & Doors’ SmartTouch lock, available on the company’s Tuscany and Montecito Series vinyl window lines, is designed to engage when the window is closed, for one-touch operation to close and lock the window. Unlocking and opening the window also require just one touch to lift the latch and raise the sash.

“The most desirable window operation we have would be the Push Out Series,” says Jon Sawatzky. “Consumers are tired of having to crank a window open. They want something that operates easily and smoothly. It’s a much more luxurious type of operation.” The Push Out casement window eliminates the need for a crank and is available with a traditional or Mission sash; double or triple-glazing; standard rectangular or Camber Top shapes.

Pella’s Designer Series windows feature snap-in between-the-glass blinds, fabric shades, decorative panels and removable grilles. For easy cleaning of these casement and awning windows, the sashes move toward the center of the frames a full 4 in. for easy cleaning of the exterior glass from inside the home.

Hy-Lite offers both awning and casement style decorative glass windows that are easy to operate. The windows feature layers of triple-glazed, tempered glass arround the decorative leaded pane in the center of the 29 in. x 29 in. square windows. Hy-Lite’s awning and casement windows are available in American, Craftsman, Euro, Euro Blue, Spring Flower and Brilliance Wrought Iron styles.

“Trends haven’t changed as rapidly for hardware choices, as the Eastern United States is still very focused on traditional hardware applications, while the Western United States markets still trend to more contemporary hardware shapes and functions,” adds Sawatzky.

Loewen’s Cyprium Collection is a copper and bronze clad option on the company’s Douglas fir and mahogany windows and doors. The .040-in. thick metal cladding develops a patina over time, which varies based on application and environmental conditions.

“In my opinion, vinyl is the predominant material that remodelers utilize,” says Lance Premeau. “This is due to pricing, value and flexibility of sizing. However, wood and aluminum clad units are gaining in popularity due to manufacturers using those materials in pocket window configurations.”

The Anodize finish from Windsor Windows is a clear layer that molecularly bonds to the exterior cladding of the company’s Pinnacle Series of wood windows for a metallic appearance. Windsor offers eight anodized colors ranging from clear and champagne to dark bronze and copper.

The Visions 1500 from Visions Windows & Doors is an all-vinyl product line featuring an integral brick mold and built-in J-channel for simplified installation. The product’s 2 3/4-in. extruded frames are comprised of white or tan uPVC vinyl with high-impact acrylic modifiers and UV stabilizers. Styles available in the new product line include easy-tilt single hung, single slider and direct set windows in standard or custom sizes.

“More residential building and remodeling projects reflect green building trends and codes,” says Guardian’s Michael Mooney. “As the number of green residential projects increases, builders, remodelers, homeowners and architects will become more familiar with the range of low-E glazing options, allowing them to recommend or choose a window that delivers the best energy performance for their residential project.”

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