For both windows and doors, savvy consumers demand higher thermal values along with improved impact and wind resistance. Using increased thermal values keeps indoor temperatures more stable, saving on heating and cooling costs, while windows and doors with higher wind resistance can stand up to severe storms.
In addition to performance and protection, homeowners want style in their windows and doors. This is a place where builders can provide a luxury feature for off-the-shelf prices as more manufacturers offer larger sizes, better thermal performance, and more finishes as standard. Below, BUILDER selected products that meet consumer demand for windows and doors.
Architectural Metal Supply
Metal-roofing manufacturer Architectural Metal Supply has developed a product to help roofers and builders flash a skylight in a metal roof. The patent-pending product, dubbed EZ Curb, aims to save workers time and ensure a watertight installation, according to the company. EZ Curbs are made with 12-gauge aluminum and an integrated diverter. They come in three standard sizes with custom sizing available upon request, as well as in an array of colors. archmetsupply.com
Kolbe Windows & Doors
Kolbe Windows & Doors recently launched a new door hardware addition to its VistaLuxe Collection of doors and windows. The two-toned matte black/brushed gold Dallas handleset is designed to add an elegant touch to the collection’s inswing entrance doors. The lever is brushed gold and the escutcheon, turn knob, and key cylinder are matte black. This new finish option also is available for Ultra Series and Heritage Series inswing and outswing doors. kolbewindows.com
Johnson Hardware
The company recently revealed an improved version of its Series 2000 All-Steel Split-Stud pocket door hardware frame. The heavy-duty pocket-door kit is designed for 2x4 walls and features heavy-gauge all-steel split studs that can support solid-core doors weighing up to 400 pounds, more than twice the weight capacity of typical pocket door kits, the firm says. The 18-gauge cold-rolled galvanized steel studs are strong and rigid enough to support wall-mounted fixtures such as shelves, framed mirrors, and towel bars. It comes in 16 different models for doors ranging in thickness from 1⅛ inch to 1¾ inch, and in sizes from 30 inches wide by 80 inches tall to 60 inches wide by 108 inches tall. johnsonhardware.com
Grandeur Hardware
Grandeur Hardware has produced a new collection of transitional entry sets forged from solid brass that are designed to blend in with any decor. They come in three configurations: one-piece handlesets, tall plate handlesets, and sectional handlesets. The collection comes in four different styles and all sets come with a plastic template that adheres to the door to help locate and drill mounting holes. Mounting hardware and a microfiber polishing cloth are included. grandeurhardware.com
Jeld-Wen
FiniShield is Jeld-Wen’s new paint-replacement, laminated-color finish for vinyl windows and patio doors. Designed to address customer needs for increased performance and durability in color-specified products, the technology delivers better energy control, improved durability, and an enhanced, more consistent appearance, the firm says. Performance testing shows improved abrasion resistance, less heat gain, and reduced surface oxidation. It is now available in black and bronze on all of the maker’s vinyl window and patio doors and will expand to include more choices. jeld-wen.com
Western Window Systems
Western Window Systems, part of the PGT Innovations family of brands, has made its
Series 7000 energy-smart aluminum moving glass walls and windows impact-resistant. Designed primarily for cold-weather regions along the East Coast, the improved walls and windows draw upon the company’s expertise in hurricane-prone environments. Besides durability they also offer exceptional energy-performance ratings. The products are available in several popular configurations including multi-slide doors, window walls, awning windows, casement windows, fixed windows, and hopper windows. westernwindowsystems.com
Deceuninck
The Revolution XL Tilt & Turn window was recently certified as a passive house component by the Passive House Institute. Besides its high thermal performance the unit also provides excellent acoustical performance and compression seal technology, which delivers exceptional resistance to air and water infiltration. The windows are ideal for the remodeling, replacement, and new construction markets and are available in a broad range of architectural colors, external metallic finishes, and internal woodgrain patterns. deceuninckna.com
Velux
The manufacturer has introduced two new skylights to meet the growing demand for skylights in house extensions with flat or low-pitch roofs. The firm’s Fixed Flat Roof Skylight features a curved edge-to-edge cover that allows rainwater to disperse off the glass while installed on a zero-degree pitch roof. It’s available with CurveTech glass or a polycarbonate dome. The Flat Roof Exit Skylight is available with a polycarbonate dome and opens to a 60-degree angle to allow for roof access. The new energy-efficient additions come with a PVC curb with polystyrene filling, double-glazed glass, and a protective cover that keeps the inner pane warmer. They can be installed on roofs with pitches between 0:12 and 3:12 (0 to 15 degree). veluxusa.com
United Window & Door
The United 3800 Series Flat Frame and 3900 Series Brickmould single-hung windows boast a DP/PG-50 out-of-the-box rating and are available in a multitude of coating and laminate options. They are configured as single hung, picture, slider, twin, triple, transom, and shape window styles. The 3800 and 3900 are replacing United’s 2900 series. unitedwindowmfg.com
Weather Shield
Weather Shield has introduced a new line of contemporary push-out casement and awning windows along with a new retractable casement screen—an expansion to its Contemporary Collection. The windows are offered with two hardware style choices—contemporary and transitional. Hardware is available in a variety of finishes, including matte black, rustic bronze, and satin nickel. The new windows also feature narrow profile frames and sashes for a modern appearance. Additionally, by offering window heights of up to 7 feet, they provide more exposed glass and expansive views. The newly redesigned hinged screen includes concealed hinges, a new screen frame, and rare earth magnets for improved operation. weathershield.com
