The Good, Better, Best Approach for Manufacturers

In today’s ever-changing environment, energy codes are becoming increasingly stringent and focus on many different factors including thermal performance, comfort, durability and long-term value. Residential window and door manufacturers, particularly, are increasingly confronted with a wider range of performance requirements across climate zones. 

Most manufacturers still use the “one size fits all” model to fill market demands, which has worked for many years. With the changes to climate zone requirements and different states and municipalities pushing for disparate energy requirements, most manufacturers now will need to adopt a system design with a “good, better, best” mentality. 

Why “good, better, best” works 

Window and door manufacturers offering a catalog of tailored solutions provide themselves with the best opportunity to win business in an increasingly competitive market. Coupled with the fact that our industry is experiencing a high level of consolidation, product variety allows for flexibility to obtain a larger piece of shrinking pie. 

When designing with cold climates in mind (climate zones 6 and 7), manufacturers are focused on retaining heat within the building and minimizing energy loss. Designing for hot climates (climate zones 1 and 2), would push manufacturers to consider reducing the solar heat gain of a product while maintaining daylight requirements. This means that a one size fits all product line would not meet mass market adoption and would reduce a manufacturer’s ability to sell into different markets. 

Applying the “good, better, best” mentality can result in a system that can be upgraded to fill each demand tier. 

Good – Provides basic code compliance and acceptable performance for moderate climates 

• Double-pane glazing 

• Single low-e coating 

• Argon gas fill 

• Standard framing materials (e.g., conventional vinyl or aluminum without thermal breaks) 

Better – Enhanced thermal consistency and durability with increased climate zone versatility 

• Double- or triple-pane glazing 

• Multiple low-e coatings 

• Warm-edge spacers to reduce thermal bridging 

• Improved frame construction (e.g., thermally broken aluminum, multi-chamber vinyl, fiberglass composites) 

Best – Delivers maximum performance for extreme climates, net-zero construction and premium applications 

• Triple-pane glazing 

• Dual low-e coatings 

• Argon (or krypton) gas fills 

• Warm edge spacers 

• Thermally optimized frames (engineered composites, high-density fiberglass, advanced multi-chamber vinyl) 

• Optional integration of next-generation technologies, such as vacuum insulating glass (VIG) 

Ultimately, residential window and door manufacturers must continue to grow and adapt to evolving energy demands by designing systems that meet a wide spectrum of market requirements. A well-built, “good, better, best” offering – thoughtfully incorporating glazing options, framing materials, construction quality and emerging technologies such as VIG – provides a clear roadmap for achieving this.