Bright future for windo

ETNERCY elficiency. lorv mainte

I "nance products ancl bLrilding codc issues rvill continue to scrve as the dri vinc forccs in the rvinclorv inclustry through 2(X)4.

"Manr-rfircturers arc accelerating the rvays thcy can mect consumer u,inclclrv needs related to thesc key issues." said Chris Monroe, v.p. of marketing fbr Simonton Winclorvs, Parkersburg. W.V. "As enef!.) e()sts cor)lir)uc to risc. homco\\'ncrs are aggrcssively infbrrning themsclvcs on thc bcnefits of cncrgy efficicnt windows. This knorvled-ee has led to consumer clenrand fbr advanced product f-eatures rvith energy efTiciency toppin-e the list. In.rrnediately after that rve see the stcady and sustained interest in Iolv rnaintenance vin1,'l products as having a high impact on rvindorv sales."

"There is no doubt that homes are being built uith more and lar-uer rvindor.vs." added Alan Brid_ees. v.p. and gencral manager of A&H Windorvs. North Wilkesbolo. N.C. "Horneolvncrs are drir,ing this trend. I rccall that thc cnergy crisis of recent years drove buildcrs to bc rnore conscrvative rvitl"r thc amount of glass in exterior lvalls. Thcle are still elevated costs fbr heating and cooling. but chan.sles in builcling construction and highcr performing windolvs have allorvcd homeorvners to add larger and rnorc rvindorvs to house plans."

Bridges explained. "Building codes continue to have an impact on new home construction. Georgia has a nerv energ) code fbr 2004 that rvill require lor.v-E -slazing for all rvindo"vs going in ner.v construction homes. More energy-cfficient products. as n'ell as the homeorvner's desire to see outside trunr many vantage points. havc resulted in an increased usc of morc glass per horne."

Monroe agreed: "Thc -uron,ing concerns lvith code issues, including thc requircmcnts related to impact rcsistant proclucts in a large number of coastal areas, rvill stretch the linrits of rlany manufacturers' production capabilities in corning years."

Simonton. among othcr manufac- turers, has expanded both its vinyl and aluminum product lines with additional window sizes, styles and options. "All it takes is one really ferocious storm a year-like Hurricane Isabelto prove that the inveslment in impact resistant products is extraordinarily valuable," Monroe said.

According to Simonton, builders and remodelers will also see increases in consumer requests for self-cleaning glass and advanced vinyl window construclion in 2004. "As rve move into

More energy-efficient products have resulted in an increased use of more glass per home.

2004. the next advancement the industry can expect to see is the growth of injection-molded fenestration products." Monroe said. "Gas and water assisted injection molding is the greatest step the industry rvill take in the next f-ew years. Windows manufactured with this process will yield incredible strength with no need to clean the corners. These one-piece window liames are extremely attractive and very strong."

In addition to product advancements, Monroe strongly believes that window manufacturers need to support their customers in the selling and installation processes. "Manufacturers today must be business consultants to their customers." he said. "We need to get thoroughly involved in each customer's operations by helping them with business and marketing plans, lead generation programs and customer awareness.

He added: "It's no longer enough to just produce a top quality product. Now there's a need to support customers with showroom design and development, retail merchandising, and installation education. Window manufacturers who hope to excel in this industry must become the onestop resource to their customers for their every conceivable need."

According to Bridges, homeowners are the ones "demanding low-maintenance products. Vinyl and composite windows continue to gain popularity. Home-owners don't want the hassle of maintainins their home's exterior.

Component makers have responded by producing materials that require less time and cost to maintain. This has allowed window manufacturers to design products that have longevity and offer curb appeal. I expect this trend to continue to grow even in the most competitive markets."

. Makers of ACQ and CA treated lumber recommend a minimum of hot-dipped galvanized and/or stainless steel fasteners!

Maze has true double hot-dipped galvanized and stainless steel fasteners!

Warning: None of the other types of coatings on the market has the 85 year Maze track record of the dependable corrosion-resistant STORMCUARD" Line.

"Hot-galv" lS NOT the same as true hot-dipped galvanized.

Look for the nails in the bright yellow and red boxesl

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