|,P tbams with Ardersen to lmprove Composite Railing

WeatherBest Crystal White deck railing system from Louisiana Pacific has been redesigned and will be manufactured using Andersen Corp's patented Fibrex material technology.

"Our alliance is a unique combination of two industry leaders who each bring considerable expertise to the table," said Linda Kerechek, brand manager of LP's outdoor living division. "We've received tremendous support from distributors and dealers who are eager to carry Crystal White Railing and who are familiar with the proven Fibrex material technology."

A blend of 40Vo wood and 60Vo vinyl, Fibrex has enhanced Andersen windows and patio doors since 1993. The company's line of replacement windows, Renewal, uses Fibrex exclusively, as does the System 2 commercial window line.

LP said that customer input was critical to the redesign process. "We conducted two series of focus groups with contractors, dealers and consumers to solicit feedback prior to the redesign," said Kerechek. "We incorporated these changes during the engineering process and went back to focus group participants with the new product to validate the changes."

Updated features include stronger stainless steel hardware, hinged corner brackets, countersunk holes for easy drilling and better alignment, and simpler installation instructions.

Another innovation is a new rail profile. "We are excited about the new flat top design, a feature that can