Energy Tops Window Trends

In the face of economic downturn, energy efficiency is one topic that is hotter than ever with consumers. Green building has also become a prime focus of today’s environmentally conscious homeowner. Combine these issues with a consumer desire for suitable prices and unlimited options and you have a clear view of today’s window market.

As fuel prices continue to rise, energy efficiency weighs heavier than ever on the minds of consumers. But extreme temperatures aren’t the only weather-related concern. Consumers living in regions that face severe windstorms also seek protection from nature.

“When it comes to windows, it’s obvious that clear glass and single-pane glass are ‘out,’ replaced by insulated glass with Low-E coating that helps keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer by reflecting the sun’s UV rays,” says Kathy Krafka Harkema, Pella corporate public relations manager.

She explains, “Double-pane and triple-pane glass options are the preferred choice over single-pane windows today, as consumers desire greater energy efficiency to help cut their utility bills and add to the comfortable feeling that energy-efficient windows provide.”

The Visions 1500 from Visions Windows & Doors is an all-vinyl product line that features an integral brick mould and built-in J-channel. Visions 1500 features standard 5/8-in. insulated glass with a Real Warm Edge spacer system. Other glazing options include: Low- 2, EasyCare Low-E2, Sun140 Low-E2, argon in the airspace, high-altitude, bronze and gray tinted, and tempered or obscure glass. Available styles include single-hung, single-slider and direct-set windows in standard or custom sizes.

Denise Bergeland, marketing manager for Hy-Lite Products, says, “We see the top window trends as being an increase of decorative window designs, focus on energy efficiency, windows with a European-look for high-end homes and low-maintenance requests from homeowners.”

With recent hurricane damage still on the minds of consumers, Sid Spear, Simonton Windows vice president sales and marketing, has noticed an “elevated awareness of impact-resistant windows in coastal areas. We are even seeing an interest in areas of the Midwest that often experience intense weather events.”

Simonton has added Horizontal Roller windows to the StormBreaker Plus 300VL Series of impact-resistant products. The vinyl-framed windows have a standard DP50 rating and can be ordered with Solar E solar control glass as an upgrade for Energy Star qualification. Sizes range from a minimum of 25 in. wide by 19 in. high up to a maximum unit size of 73 in. wide by 62 in. high.

For maximum energy efficiency, all JELD-WEN vinyl windows are Energy Star qualified and feature Warm-Edge spacer and Low-E insulating glass. The company’s Primo Series replacement windows may be upgraded with the Energy Saver Plus performance package, which includes an insulating glass sealing system with thermoset structural foam to reduce energy loss and condensation.

“Energy efficiency tends to be a bit more of a focus in replacement whereas green is a bit more of a focus in new construction,” says Brian Hedlund, JELD-WEN Windows & Doors product marketing manager, windows.

Green building is beneficial to the environment and also to the pocketbook, so homeowners find it doubly appealing. In response, manufacturers are beefing up efforts to provide the widest range of green products.

“Green is so common in the market today in so many ways that it has to be the number one trend,” says Lance Premeau, Kolbe Windows & Doors product manager. “From certified lumber to recycled content, green is prevalent in virtually all aspects of the market. Performance has always been important, but with green and the future Energy Star guidelines, it is becoming critical.”

“Homeowners seem to be willing to pay a bit more for improvements that make their homes more energy-efficient, comfortable and environmentally friendly, and save them money on their utility bills in the long run,” says Chris Schield, brand manager for Weather Shield/Peachtree R&R products.