for the right iob

A CCORDfNG to a recent study by ll,mi llwork manufacturer Jeld-Wen, 67Vo of homeowners said that they need to replace their existing windows. When it comes to windows, their choices appear endless-and it's often up to the dealer's sales personnel to steer homeowners to the products best suited to their project.

Because windows can make a significant impact on the overall style, comfort and efficiency of your customers' homes, Jeld-Wen suggests dealers provide consultation on:

1. Material type

The most common materials used for windows are vinyl, wood, cladwood and aluminum. For wood, nearly 9OVo of the market is pine, which can be stained to look like many species. Other species include fir, alder and mahogany.

To choose the material that will work best, consider the architectural style of the home along with energy efficiency needs, budget and maintenance requirements.

In general, custom wood windows offer the most design flexibility. Primed wood can be painted in any shade and cladding comes in many color choices. However, increasingly versatile vinyl can appear quite similar to many popular wood moulding styles and can blend with classic architectural styles. Aluminum is typically selected for contemporary homes in warmer regions.

2. Ett..gy efficiency

Window energy efficiency is achieved by a combination of factors. Wood and vinyl reduce heat transfer and help insulate. Look for Low-E glass, a special glass coating designed to reflect infared light, keeping heat inside in the winter and outside in the summer. Low-E also reflects UV light to protect interior furnishings. Dual glass panes insulate much better than single panes.

Look for the Energy Star label, which means the window will meet the efficiency requirements for your particular region.

3. styt"

Casement, awning, single-hung, double-hung, and slider windows are available in many shapes and sizes, including radius and geometric, and combination units.

4. Budget

In general, wood is more expensive than vinyl or aluminum. Many manufacturers also offer different pricing scales within their window linesfrom custom and premium. to more modest options.

When it comes to budget, it's important to factor in long-term value beyond the initial purchase price. Energy efficiency and a longer warranty can all help save maintenance and replacement costs over time. Resale value is also a key consideration-beautiful, more efficient windows are a big selling feature.

5. Muint"nance requirements

Traditionally, wood has required more maintenance than vinyl or aluminum. In fact, vinyl is virtually maintenance free. However, there are alternatives for those who want real wood with less maintenance. includins treating the wood or adding cladding.

6. Replacement solutions

Vinyl is today's dominant choice for updating old wood and aluminum windows, representing 65Vo of the replacement market. Experienced doit-yourselfers who replace existing windows with sash replacement kits or pocket windows that drop into existing window frames can save as much as 60Vo on material, time and labor costs compared to traditional replacements.

7. Guog""phic requirements

Wet, humid, hot, severely stormy, salty air-different climates have different window needs when it comes to material and glass choices. Location of the windows on the home may also be a consideration, such as in controlling sun exposure, privacy, security, outside noise, home safety, moisture and termites.

8. optiotrt

Different options can add maximum functionality and style-an important purchasing consideration. Higher-end windows may include integrated roll-up screens. premium wood species, designer hardware, and blinds installed between the glass and rollaway screens. Stress to consumers that ordering these options as part of a new window package will help avoid potentially costly add-ons later.

9. n"hunility

Warranties are important. Proper installation and following the manufacturer's maintenance requirements are a must to maintain warranties and keep windows looking and performing beautifullv for vears to come.

Green Windows & Doors

Green Initiatives, a free brochure detailing environmentally friendly windows and doors, is free from Kolbe, (800) 955-8177; www.kolbekolbe.com.

Excellence, 1325 G. St. NW, Ste. 1000, Washington, D.C.2OO5, (202) 872-0885 ; www.naw.org.

The Green Choice

Choosing Green: The Home Buyer's Guide to Good Green Homes, a 224-page trade paperback by green building consultant and author Jerry Yudelson, is 519.95 from Yudelson Associates, (520) 207 -91 59 ; www.sreenbuildconsult.com.

Designing Doors

Lift Goes Through 1r, a full-color catalog showcasing interior and exterior door designs, is free from Simpson Door, (800) 146-1766; www.simpsondoor.com.

Lean, Not Mean Lean Operations in Wholesale Distribution is a new guidebook from the Institute of Distribution