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May 1, 2012
Many companies will need to be more cautious in their energy savings claims
The Federal Trade Commission fired a warning shot in February, when five replacement window companies were cited for making unsubstantiated energy savings claims to homeowners about their products. Some executives welcomed the FTC actions, but it's clear many manufacturers and dealers are now re-examining of the parameters of acceptable marketing and making adjustments in their advertising...
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May 1, 2012
VIG, dynamic glazing and BIPVs are coming
Glass or window and door pundits who have hoped for a Moore’s Law like effect to hit our industry and consistently drive technological advances in a timely manner may finally be in luck.
Oh, we may not realize the speed or intensity of change that occurs in the semiconductor or electronics industries. But we certainly are entering an era in which we can expect to see great leaps forward in...
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April 18, 2012
A growing number of new home builders have found a point of differentiation in the marketplace by offering Energy Star-qualified homes. Studies reveal that homebuyers feel good about being good stewards of the environment—but they feel even better about saving money on energy bills.
Consequently, with more people staying in their homes longer, energy-rated homes are becoming an easier sell...
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April 18, 2012
Biggest challenge for most manufacturers likely to be new U-factor requirements
The fenestration industry is facing significant changes that will likely increase thermal performance standards by 30 percent to 40 percent within the next few years. Higher performance levels are demanded by the International Energy Conservation Code and the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard, and soon the Energy Star Windows, Doors & Skylight program.
The Environmental Protection...
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March 27, 2012
Highlights from the trade fair floor in Germany
In additon to the following highlights, Window & Door's coverage of the Fensterbau/Frontale international trade fair also includes:
A report with an overview of the event
Ongoing coverage of new introductions in doors, windows, components, equipment and services targeted at the window and door industry
Passivhaus and Energy Efficiency Products
Windows and...
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February 1, 2012
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...
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February 1, 2012
Suppliers see new emphasis on enhanced functionality
In looking at hardware these days, window and door manufacturers’ top priority are features and benefits that can help differentiate their products, suppliers report. Other recent trends in the market include continued growth in demand for wide-opening patio door systems, the emergence of window opening control devices, and more electronic options.
“In a tight market, product...
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January 1, 2012
Survey 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. These findings come from a series of questions included as part of Window & Door's 2013 Industry Pulse study, asking about the electronic tools and media companies use to conduct business and/or communicate with customers and...
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January 1, 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...
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January 1, 2012
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 »
May 1, 2012VIG, dynamic glazing and BIPVs are comingGlass or window and door pundits who have hoped for a Moore’s Law like effect to hit our industry and consistently drive technological advances in a timely manner may finally be in luck. Oh, we may not realize the speed or intensity of change that occurs in the semiconductor or electronics industries. But we certainly are entering an era in which we can expect to see great leaps forward in... more »
March 27, 2012Highlights from the trade fair floor in GermanyIn additon to the following highlights, Window & Door's coverage of the Fensterbau/Frontale international trade fair also includes: A report with an overview of the event Ongoing coverage of new introductions in doors, windows, components, equipment and services targeted at the window and door industry Passivhaus and Energy Efficiency Products Windows and... more »
January 1, 2012A three-step system for water management in scenarios where the window is replaced but the wall cladding is notReplacement 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 »