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April 1, 2008
National Window Safety Week, scheduled for April 23-29, focuses on family safety by educating caregivers about taking a balanced approach to window safety, considering both the danger of children falling from windows and the benefits of windows as emergency fire exits. This education event is organized by the National Safety Council's Window Safety Task Force, an industry coalition comprised of...
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March 15, 2008
The need for differentiation and higher profit opportunities for window manufacturers are driving demand
Every year, more and more window manufacturers incorporate automatic sash locks into their designs. In fact, what was once thought of as an upgrade exclusive to high-end windows is quickly becoming an industry standard on a large variety of North American windows. Today, innovative designs and progressive window manufacturers have transformed the one-time specialty product into an industry...
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March 15, 2008
The Department of Energy is scheduled to release new, more stringent criteria for windows, doors and skylights that carry the Energy Star label this month. As we went to press, DOE was talking about three sets of new requirements, and while I don’t know what the numbers are, I can ask, “Are you ready?”
And I’d like to focus that question on the longer term. The first set...
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March 15, 2008
Niche products are gaining mainstream appeal
We don’t have to get up off the couch to change channels anymore, very few of us actually slide a key in the lock to open a car door and maps rest neatly in the glove box thanks to the GPS on the dash. This push-of-a-button mentality is making its way into window and door hardware, too, as suppliers introduce high-tech products aimed to make life simpler.
These products aren’t just...
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February 15, 2008
We have often spoken of the “101” series of international window and door performance standards. The current version of this is AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S. 2/A440-08, which allows window and door products of different framing materials and operator types to be objectively and fairly assessed for structural performance in response to wind loading, air leakage and water penetration...
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January 15, 2008
The first priority in the wake of the devastating 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons along the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic Coasts has been to upgrade construction requirements to prevent damage from excessive winds and wind-borne debris. Stronger code requirements for impact-resistant windows have since been adopted in many jurisdictions, ranging from those that reference current International Code...
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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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October 15, 2007
If you have an ache in your belly, who do you go see—a family practitioner, a general practitioner or perhaps someone who specializes in gastroenterology or internal medicine. Medicine today has become so specialized that it is often difficult to know just who to call for help.
And it is not uncommon for the recommendations of one specialist to conflict with the recommendations of another...
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October 15, 2007
Recent survey finds high awareness level and eagerness to adopt technology
The architectural community is increasingly committed to the sustainable design goals of lower energy consumption and greater levels of building occupants’ well-being and productivity. With the emergence of the green building movement, the window, door and glass industries can expect to see increased demands for higher performing products, including, notably, smart glass. The U.S. Green...
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October 1, 2007
The green building movement is offering us a real opportunity
When it comes to business today...consumers today...selling today...everything is coming down to a single color: Green. Building greener homes is catching on at a spectacular pace. Homeowners are looking for more and more ways to make their surroundings and living space environmentally friendly by choosing green products. This green movement is the result of a combination of factors: global...
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March 15, 2008The need for differentiation and higher profit opportunities for window manufacturers are driving demandEvery year, more and more window manufacturers incorporate automatic sash locks into their designs. In fact, what was once thought of as an upgrade exclusive to high-end windows is quickly becoming an industry standard on a large variety of North American windows. Today, innovative designs and progressive window manufacturers have transformed the one-time specialty product into an industry... more »
March 15, 2008Niche products are gaining mainstream appealWe don’t have to get up off the couch to change channels anymore, very few of us actually slide a key in the lock to open a car door and maps rest neatly in the glove box thanks to the GPS on the dash. This push-of-a-button mentality is making its way into window and door hardware, too, as suppliers introduce high-tech products aimed to make life simpler. These products aren’t just... 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 »