Latest Articles in Design & Performance

  • 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 2, 2011
    COLUMN : Code Arena | Codes & Standards, Energy Efficiency

    IgCC Means Change, Not Catastrophe
    “Will Your Business Survive when Green Becomes Code?” was the title of the webinar. The promotional e-mail for the event implied that green construction would soon become code mandated due to the completion of the 2012 International Green Construction Code and that mandated compliance could threaten the survival of many businesses due to liability concerns. Now, I am not a lawyer and... 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 »
  • October 18, 2011
    THE TALK... | Energy Efficiency

    What Do You Think of New Energy Star Criteria?
    We know a little more about what the Environmental Protection Agency is thinking about the next set of Energy Star criteria, tentatively set to take effect in fall 2013. It issued a document last week, indicating U-value and SHGC performance levels it was considering for windows, doors and skylights. What stood out for me is an apparent EPA decision not to go for an R-5 level of performance... more »
  • September 28, 2011
    THE TALK... | Energy Efficiency

    Tax Credit for 2012?
    This week, WDMA expressed its opinion on behalf of the window and door industry that tax credits for energy efficient products should be reinstated. In a letter to House officials, WDMA argued that the tax credits worked to spur purchases of energy efficient fenestration products, particularly among middle-class homeowners. Here in the industry, many of us believe that tax incentives created... more »
  • September 20, 2011
    THE TALK... | Aesthetics & Style

    Are You Still Selling White Vinyl Windows?
    I thought I would return to GlassBuild one more time for this week's Talk. This week, I'd like to note that looking at the booths of vinyl window extruders in Atlanta, you would almost think no one sold white windows anymore. Nearly everything had a coating or laminate on it. Of course, that's not true in the real world, or at least the U.S. market as a whole. White still counts for the large... more »
  • September 16, 2011
    Meetings & Events | Energy Efficiency, Materials & Components, Methods & Techniques

    GlassBuild America 2011 Video Gallery
    Demonstrations of some of the new equipment and products featured in Atlanta
    For a comprehensive look at window and door product offerings on display in the aisles of the Georgia World Congress Center, also see Snapshots from GlassBuild 2011.   Insulating Glass Production Equipment   Automated Tri-Lite Assembly System from GED Integrated Solutions www.gedusa.com   Flexible Spacer Assembly Line featuring a new automated gas-filling unit from Erdman... more »
  • September 15, 2011
    Meetings & Events | Materials & Components, Methods & Techniques

    GlassBuild America 2011 Snapshots
    A quick look at window and door industry offerings in Atlanta
    In additon to the following highlights, Window & Door's coverage also includes: A report overviewing the event A Video Gallery with demonstrations of some of the products and equipment in Atlanta In-depth continuing coverage of new introductions in components, equipment, systems and services targeted at the window and door industry All photos by Robb D. Cohen Photography   Vinyl... more »
  • September 13, 2011
    THE TALK... | Energy Efficiency

    Is Your Company Still Talking R-5?
    Walking the aisle of GlassBuild last year, one of the most common terms I heard and saw was "R-5." It hasn't disappeared completely at this year's show, but I am definitely hearing it much less. It's also not as evident in the displays of suppliers. Companies are still talking about energy performance, certainly. Gas-filling, triples, triple silver coatings. They're all... more »
  • September 8, 2011
    COLUMN : Code Arena | Codes & Standards

    ICC Refines Code Change Process
    The International Code Council is finalizing the last of its 2012 International Codes. Final action on their existing codes, which include the International Building Code, International Residential Code and International Energy Conservation Code was completed in November 2010. This November. the organizationis taking final action on its two newest codes–the International Green Construction... more »