Latest Articles in FEATURE ARTICLE

  • February 1, 2012
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Products, Materials & Components, Markets & Trends

    Connecting with the Connected Home
    Consumers will soon demand doors, window and hardware that communicate with and be controlled by smart home systems
    A remarkable turning point in the fenestration industry was reached a few weeks ago. Rather than waiting for the upcoming International Builders’ Show, Pella Corp., Andersen Windows, Therma-Tru Doors, Lowe’s and Schlage introduced new Internet-enabled products a month earlier at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Many probably paid little notice to the importance of the... more »
  • January 1, 2012
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Operations, Sales & Marketing

    Changing Ways of Doing Business
    Survey result looks at adoption rates for new electronic tools and media
    Websites are the norm, social media has many fans and mobile technologies are gaining traction among manufacturers, distributors and dealers of windows and doors. Those findings come from a series of questions included as part of Window & Door's 2012 Industry Pulse study, asking about the electronic tools and media companies using to conduct business and/or communicate with customers and... more »
  • January 1, 2012
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Markets & Trends

    Embracing the Reality of 2012
    With more realistic expectations for the coming year, window and door companies focus on opportunities that exist
    If 2011 was the year for window and door companies to adjust to the new norm of the marketplace, 2012 will be the year of truly accepting market conditions—no more waiting for a recovery—and focusing on areas in which businesses can thrive, industry executives say. “We are hopeful that the recovery will come sooner than later,” says Todd Woods, director of marketing and... more »
  • January 1, 2012
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Operations, Methods & Techniques

    Improving Installation Methods in Replacement Window Applications
    A three-step system for water management in scenarios where the window is replaced but the wall cladding is not
    Replacement windows and doors represent a sizable majority of the fenestration products installed into buildings in recent years, particularly with the drop in new construction starts and incentives provided for the energy efficient replacement units. While there has been significant effort in codes and standards to improve installation practices in new construction installations, relatively... more »
  • December 1, 2011
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Products, Channels, Markets & Trends

    IBS 2012 Product Showcase
      Welcome to Window & Door's preview coverage of the 2012 International Builders' Show. This section of our site provides an advance look at windows, doors and skylights, as well as components and accessories to be showcased by industry exhibitors that are scheduled to be on hand at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., February 8-11, 2012 Click here to... more »
  • November 8, 2011
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Codes & Standards

    New Canadian Standards Could Impact Door Suppliers
    In 2012, pre-hung door manufacturers selling into the Canadian market will encounter a game changer that might leave some scrambling. A Canadian Supplement will be included with the update to the North American Fenestration Standard that will likely impact the future of the entire exterior door industry. The change means Canadian building codes will require fabricators selling into the Canadian... more »
  • August 9, 2011
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Design & Performance, Markets & Trends

    Gearing Up for GlassBuild America
    Industry to gather in Atlanta with companies looking to position themselves for recovery
    With their sights on better times ahead in 2012 and beyond, window and door manufacturers will be making their way to GlassBuild America: The Glass, Window & Door Expo in Atlanta this fall. More than 350 exhibitors are expected for this year’s show, scheduled for the Georgia World Congress Center, September 12-14.       Window and door industry exhibitors,... more »
  • August 1, 2011
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Segments, Markets & Trends

    'Bigger is Still Better' in Luxury Market
    Manufacturers see continued growth opportunities for high-end products, particularly wide-opening doors
    Spectacular homes often feature spectacular views. It’s no surprise that architects and owners want to maximize these views with walls of glass. Over the last few decades, door and window makers catering to this market have gone a step further, enabling owners to not only fully enjoy their views but bridge interior and exterior spaces with wide-opening door systems that can almost... more »
  • August 1, 2011
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Operations

    RRP Record Keeping—The Dealer’s Challenge
    Companies need to follow lead-safe work practices on the job site and in the office
    Your personnel have taken the RRP training, and your company has become an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Renovator. You give out the Renovate Right pamphlet to clients, occupants, and/or parents before every replacement or remodeling job on an old building. You train your employees, put up containment, use lead-safe work practices, and clean the job site within an inch of its life. You do... more »
  • August 1, 2011
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Channels, Markets & Trends

    Value and Flexibility Top Dealer Priorities
    Evaluating window lines at the retail level
    Window and door manufacturers are introducing an increasing array of decorative options and performance upgrades to meet consumers’ increasing demands and differentiate their product lines. In this competitive market, however, dealers are taking the time to look beyond the hype of a new product to evaluate its value on a number of fronts. With new lines promising increased U-values, new... more »