Latest Articles in Segments

  • March 13, 2013
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Segments, Channels, Markets & Trends

    The Top 100 Manufacturers of 2013
    Industry leaders are positioning themselves for growth ahead
    The industry is poised for growth. Last year, most of Window & Door’s 2013 Top 100 Manufacturers enjoyed the beginning stages of a recovery in the new construction and remodeling/replacement markets. Today, they are leaner and still cautious, but ready for more.     With markets recovering, Simonton Windows was one of several Top 100 Manufacturers that expanded its... more »
  • October 15, 2012
    THE TALK... | Energy Efficiency, Segments, Markets & Trends

    How the 25E Performance Tax Credit Can Help the Industry
    It’s no surprise government tax credits for residential energy efficiency upgrades are a boost to the home renovation industry. The recent federal tax credit for windows and doors, where homeowners could claim a portion of their purchase of energy-efficient windows, doors and skylights, coupled with the trend for homeowners to stay put and fix up their current residence due to a lagging... more »
  • October 1, 2012
    Meetings & Events | Products, Materials & Components, Segments

    Canadian Manufacturers to Gather at Win-Door
    More than 150 exhibitors expected at annual Toronto show
    Canadian window and door manufacturers will once gather for Win-Door North America, the annual trade show hosted by Fenestration Canada to be be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, November 6-8.  With more than 150 exhibitors signed up, the event will feature a mix of Canadian and U.S. industry suppliers.     Royal's multi-panel folding vinyl door attracted much... more »
  • July 18, 2012
    THE TALK... | Segments, Markets & Trends

    Momentum Among Builders?
    The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index for July, released just this week, saw a pretty significant jump—the largest jump in builder confidence in nearly a decade. Up six points, builder confidence for the newly-built, single-family housing market reached 35 points in July—the highest point since March of 2007. While this is a step in the right... more »
  • May 9, 2012
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Products, Energy Efficiency, Segments

    Is There a Market Beyond Energy Star?
    Triple-glazing and R-5 products aren’t for everyone, but some manufacturers see opportunities with these products
    New Energy Star criteria are likely to improve window energy efficiency numbers across the board, but numerous manufacturers offer triple-pane and R-5 type windows exceeding those expected levels already. Most see a growing market for such products too, with much of the demand is driven by dealers.     Manufacturers like Ply Gem report that more dealers are opting for higher-... more »
  • April 18, 2012
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Codes & Standards, Energy Efficiency, Segments

    Energy Star Homes Program Spurring Demand for High Performance Windows Too
    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... more »
  • January 1, 2012
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Segments, Channels, Markets & Trends

    The 2012 Industry Pulse
    Survey reveals dealers, distributors and manufacturers are extremely cautious about business outlook
    The window and door industry is looking at the coming year with extreme caution, according to the 2012 Industry Pulse, Window & Door’s exclusive annual survey of industry executives. North American window and door manufacturers and dealers remain guarded in their expectations for the economy as a whole and window and door demand in general.  This year's study indicates less... more »
  • November 3, 2011
    Meetings & Events | Segments, Markets & Trends

    Win-Door Returns to Toronto This Month
    Annual event once again provides focal point for Canadian industry
    Canadian window and door manufacturers are grappling with new codes and regulations, and the need to stay up-to-date on changes is expected to help drive attendance at this year's Win-Door North America. With more than 150 exhibitors signed up, the annual trade show returns once again to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, November 15-17.      Win-Door will once again... more »
  • August 10, 2011
    THE TALK... | Methods & Techniques, Segments, Markets & Trends

    Do You Restore or Repair?
    This week, we share with you news that a group of window restoration specialists is working to raise the profile of their unique niche within the window and door industry. They are developing standards for restoring and preserving historic fenestration products, older wood and steel windows in particular. These specialists, who enjoy the support historic preservation groups and others, also hope... more »
  • August 9, 2011
    COLUMN : Dealer Perspectives | Products, Segments, Markets & Trends

    Historic Opportunities
    Older buildings, especially those located in our historic cities, provide significant opportunities for dealers, especially for companies that have seen dramatic decreases in their residential business. Considering the scale of the opportunity and the slow pace of the housing recovery, many dealers may be considering entering this niche. If you do, be careful. Commercial sales can represent a big... more »