Window trends 2012

Consumers are looking to get the most for their money. They want energy-efficient products that are designed, built and tested to provide years of performance. Pella window styles and options can fit nearly every style and budget. We offer wood, vinyl or fiberglass products and virtually unlimited exterior colors, sizes, shapes and grille patterns within those options. With people spending more time indoors and staying in their homes longer, they’re seeking ways to make their home more comfortable. For example, they’re adding more or larger windows as they remodel or update their home, to add natural light, without sacrificing energy efficiency.

PLY GEM

What’s happening in the window market?

We’re seeing lots of interest in exterior color options, especially darker colors that can coordinate well with the darker colors of siding and stone that have been popular recently. This also includes trim and finish options, grille-between-the-glass options, performance options and multiple product levels. With all of these options available, as a part of something we call The Designed Exterior by Ply Gem, we are encouraging remodeling customers to think of windows as a unique architectural statement that enhances the overall look of the exterior.

What window products do you offer?

We have several products launching at the 2012 International Builders’ Show, including the Ply Gem Windows Mira Premium Series Bi-Parting aluminum clad doors and Ply Gem Windows Pro Classic Series with flat casing option. This is a new four-panel option that expands the product line of our superior performing new construction series. It’s an ideal product for architectural and custom home designs. We introduced this option to help builders offer a functional aesthetic for homeowners by creating the look of a glass wall and opening the access between indoor and outdoor space. The new door style is designed with durable .080 extruded aluminum cladding and a clear wood or pre-finished white interior.

Where are window trends going? What’s next?

Homeowners are still interested in energy-saving features and look to manufacturers and dealers to provide realistic performance at realistic prices. As a result, we have added multiple new glass packages incorporating the latest improvements in glass-coating technology, and have also expanded the availability of triple-pane options. For 2012, new architectural designs are being added to The Designed Exterior by Ply Gem new construction tools to help builders visualize even more possibilities in exterior design. The Designed Exterior by Ply Gem is also expanding to the remodeling space in 2012, with tools specifically designed to show builders and homeowners how prevalent Americana styles such as split-level and single-story can be transformed with exteriors that have architectural character.

PROVIA

What’s happening in the window market?

Consumers today are more concerned than ever about energy efficiency, lasting low-maintenance and design features that reflect their personal style. We’ve become a nation of savers, and that’s a step in the right direction. Window manufacturers must rise to the challenge of delivering product innovations that bring the latest energy efficiency technologies into the home. At the same time, lasting good looks and the ability to customize are key. Consumers in the new construction market want value, with no compromises. ProVia offers many lines of windows that deliver on the promise of elegance and energy efficiency, all in one.

What window products do you offer?

ProVia’s newest line is the Aeris Collection, which provides many examples of how the value described above is delivered. Following are some of the highlights: All Aeris windows meet Energy Star requirements for all climate zones. Insulated glass options using ProVia’s ComforTech Warm Edge Glazing System are available in double- or triple-glazed units, providing R-values from 4 to 9. Super Spacer is a no-metal, reverse dual seal technology that provides thermal efficiency through no presence of conductive metals, utilizes a mylar 10-layer vapor barrier to keep out moisture, stands up to natural bending and bowing and provides sound dampening to reduce outside noise.

Where are window trends going? What’s next?

While there is much focus on the performance aspect of windows, we should never lose sight of the fact that windows are the home’s greatest design accessory. With unique, stylish window options, builders can deliver the emotional thrill that consumers want to feel with their homes. To succeed in new construction, architects, designers and builders must make sure they stand out from the competition with wow-factor accents such as ProVia’s Architectural Shapes. ProVia makes it easy to add dramatic window accents, with our custom sizes available to the nearest 1/8” increment.