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February 10, 2009
The past two weeks, I’ve been talking to hardware suppliers. One trend we’ve talked about is the apparent explosion in wide-opening sliding and folding door systems. More manufacturers are offering these products—I think I counted at least 30 at the recent Builders’ Show—so presumably demand is growing.
Wide-opening door systems will be:
Limited to...
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January 15, 2009
California replacement company finds success with new vinyl bi-fold system
Affluent homeowners, particularly those in coastal areas, are increasingly taking a pass on traditional French doors for flexible solutions that open their indoor living areas to outdoor spaces and make for a better view. While a variety of manufacturers have targeted this high-end segment of the market, it's not typically the realm of replacement window companies.
One that has entered this...
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January 10, 2009
Few people in the window and door industry are sorry to say goodbye to 2008. We reported more than enough stories this year on plant closings, lay-offs, restructurings, and even complete shutdowns of companies. I just wish I could say I was starting the new year brimming with optimism.
Current forecasts for the economy in general, and the new construction and home improvement markets, don’t...
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November 15, 2008
Suppliers say cellular PVC and urethane products are poised for more growth
Synthetic millwork and trim may cost more than traditional wood, but companies pushing the product see it continuing to gain market share. While the housing downturn may be slowing that trend, these suppliers see more builders and remodelers making the change in the long run.Cellular PVC millwork and trim products, which started out eight to 10 years ago as a “novelty,” have become...
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October 15, 2008
Most window and door manufacturers are interested in components that will give their products a higher end look, but most have to balance cost concerns as well. That's still true but hardware and extrusion suppliers at GlassBuild last week indicated more manufacturers are showing a real interest in adding components or developing complete new lines that offer an enhanced appearance...
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August 15, 2008
Read the main article, Patio Door Market Opening Up Wider
Big demand for big doors may be attracting a lot of attention, but Dan Gray, Roto Frank of America’s director of sales and marketing, says one of the biggest trends in the patio door market continues to be the shift to multipoint locking systems. “That’s where we see the trends going, two-, six- and eight-point...
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August 15, 2008
Popularity of bi-fold and lift-and-slide type systems in high-end homes may trickle down
Multi-million dollar homes increasingly feature multi-panel fold and sliding systems that create big wide openings. But what about million dollar homes, or even half million dollar homes? Is the popularity of these higher-end products—and willingness to spend more—going to impact demand for patio door products in general?
Those involved in the high-end market see plenty of growth for...
more »
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November 15, 2007
Manufacturers find success in strict, custom niche
There’s a spectrum of what constitutes a “historic” window. Depending on guidelines outlined by historical trusts and preservation societies and decision makers involved with the project, historic renovation solutions can range from refinishing and reglazing the original sash and frames to recreating a specific look with a brand new window made to incorporate historic features....
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March 1, 2007
Suppliers expect recent upgrades in casement hardware to spread to other product offerings as well
It seems the tide is turning a bit when it comes to product development in the casement hardware arena. The focus used to be on performance and durability, but today the trend is toward enhanced aesthetics and developing hardware with style. That’s not to say performance isn’t important—just that window manufacturers are looking for product that looks good while it’s...
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March 1, 2007
Annual event sees window and door manufacturers continuing to expand lines and provide more “classic” looks
Orlando, FL—Window and door manufacturers rolled out more options, filled out product lines and launched new branding initiatives at the 2007 International Builders’ Show held in February. With no “big” new products, the most noteworthy element of the show may have been the positive attitudes expressed by exhibitors and attendees alike.
Despite a down housing market...
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November 15, 2008Suppliers say cellular PVC and urethane products are poised for more growthSynthetic millwork and trim may cost more than traditional wood, but companies pushing the product see it continuing to gain market share. While the housing downturn may be slowing that trend, these suppliers see more builders and remodelers making the change in the long run.Cellular PVC millwork and trim products, which started out eight to 10 years ago as a “novelty,” have become... more »
August 15, 2008Popularity of bi-fold and lift-and-slide type systems in high-end homes may trickle downMulti-million dollar homes increasingly feature multi-panel fold and sliding systems that create big wide openings. But what about million dollar homes, or even half million dollar homes? Is the popularity of these higher-end products—and willingness to spend more—going to impact demand for patio door products in general? Those involved in the high-end market see plenty of growth for... more »
November 15, 2007Manufacturers find success in strict, custom nicheThere’s a spectrum of what constitutes a “historic” window. Depending on guidelines outlined by historical trusts and preservation societies and decision makers involved with the project, historic renovation solutions can range from refinishing and reglazing the original sash and frames to recreating a specific look with a brand new window made to incorporate historic features.... more »