“Wood, vinyl and aluminum are the most popular materials with homeowners. Vinyl dominates the market, comprising more than 50 percent of windows sold in 44 states. Vinyl is gaining the most momentum in all segments of replacement windows and now represents 65 percent of the market. Metal-clad wood windows are now more popular than primed and painted wood. Metal cladding offers very durable, low maintenance protection.”

To ease installation of Jeld-Wen vinyl windows, the company launched its TegraTite installation system. The system includes a one-piece sill drain mat that installs under the window on the rough opening, directing any incidental water away from the wall. The drain mat is made from flexible, non-woven material with a sloped, closed-cell foam back dam to block water, and it is backed with butyl-based adhesive. The system is designed to eliminate the need for flashing at the sill, the continuous shim and the drain screen. The drain mat is adjustable for all jamb depths so that one size fits all the company’s vinyl windows.

“Consumers are also becoming more educated with their purchases,” explains Chris Schield. “Most are learning aluminum-clad wood windows are virtually maintenance-free and perform comparably or sometimes better than vinyl windows.”

He adds, “Baby boomers are making upgrades to their homes with higher quality, more desirable products because it’s unlikely they will move again in their lifetime and they want products that are aesthetically appealing and energy-efficient.”

Marvin has expanded its Ultimate Casement and Awning Collection to include the Ultimate Push Out Casement and Awning. This collection features handles that open the window in a simple turn. The products are equipped with commercial-grade hardware allowing for large sizes and numerous configurations. The hardware is also an integral part of the product’s wash mode, which allows the homeowner to wash the exterior glass of the casement from the inside. The Ultimate Push Out Casement and Awning has a swinging screen with a standard wood surround designed to blend with the interior of the window.

Upgrading without relocating

According to Schield, “Homeowners are ‘waiting out’ the economy and the return of home values and therefore want products that are beautiful and enhance their living environment. They appreciate the authenticity and character of wood, and options such as exterior color choices, interior wood species, a variety of grille styles, decorative glass and hardware finishes.”

Due to its inherent energy efficiency, stability and durability, fiberglass is also gaining in popularity. Both Weather Shield and Peachtree offer fiberglass-clad windows that are available in many options for customizing a look through grilles, interior wood species and hardware. Zo-e-shield glazing systems on the fiberglass products deliver better energy efficiency ratings (U-factor and solar heat gain coefficients).

Kathy Krafka Harkema notes that homeowners “want to set their home apart from others in the neighborhood, so they’re accenting their replacement windows with accessories like grilles, blinds, shades or decorative panels between glass and decorative hardware to coordinate with faucets, fixtures and other items in the home.”

The PureView screen from Milgard Windows & Doors is standard for builders and contractors on all of the company’s fiberglass windows, as well as the Tuscany and Montecito Series vinyl windows. PureView is made of a flame-retardant fiberglass mesh screen so it is suitable for window and door applications. The fiberglass construction is designed to withstand high winds, making it a recommended product for coastal regions. The uniformity in the look of the new screen also promises enhanced curb appeal.

The Silver Line Series 2060 geometric window offers aesthetic appeal, energy efficiency and low maintenance. The product is designed to be an attractive low cost replacement window solution. Silver Line’s series 4000 replacement windows are available with maintenance-free grilles that are sealed inside the glass unit. Flat or contoured grilles are available in patterns including Colonial, Diamond and Prairie.

Eagle Window & Door, an Andersen Window & Door company, has added Vertical Grain (VG) fir to its line of wood windows. VG fir is available on all Eagle products and accessories including windows, doors and interior screens. Eagle also offers pine and mixed grain fir along with upgrade options of oak, maple, walnut, alder, hickory, cherry and African mahogany.

The 1600 Series solid vinyl double hung windows from MI Windows features beveled exterior edges and a five degree true-sloped sill. The 1600 Series can meet or exceed Energy Star standards and many are energy tax credit certified.

“Fabricators are offering more options on their product lines, such as painting or laminating profile in different colored vinyl, trying to follow the wood window industry trend,” says David Barnes, president of Viwinco Inc. “We are looking at all available options in the marketplace for future product offerings.”

“We are experiencing success at the beaches due to the requirements along the coast. Impact-resistant windows will continue to sell, although the economy has slowed new construction starts,” says Barnes.

OceanView windows from Viwinco are certified impact-resistant and are available in single-hung and double-hung styles — the fixed upper sash on the single-hung is the only difference between the two. The windows feature 3/4-in. stainless steel with a constant force balance system for smooth sash travel. Reinforcement insert in the lower sash meeting rail ties the sash, cam lock and tilt latches together for added strength. OceanView has a 15/16-in. double-pane insulated glass unit with tempered Solarban 60 glass, laminated clear glass with a polyvinylbutyral film layer. Viwinco’s Intercept ultra low-conductance spacer and argon gas fill are standard. The product’s 1 3/8-in. high weatherstripped sill dam fights drafts and water infiltration, and a sill bulb provides a tighter seal against drafts and weather.

Barnes expects sales of impact-resistant windows to “remain strong throughout 2010; however, more stringent codes in the future that increase the cost of the windows may affect future sales if homeowners cannot afford to buy windows.”

“In a tough economy, homeowners on a tight budget are focusing on home renovation projects that are both affordable and offer long-term value,” says Les Stephens. Thanks to manufacturers’ offerings of superior energy performance, myriad style options and wide range of price points, replacing windows is the ideal remodeling project for return on investment in both the long and short term.

Use the E-Inquiry Form for more information on the following window suppliers:

• Andersen Corp. Type #4 in E-Inquiry Form
  
• Eagle Window & Door Type #5 in E-Inquiry Form
  
• Jeld-Wen Windows and Doors Type #6 in E-Inquiry Form
  
• Marvin Windows and Doors Type #7 in E-Inquiry Form
  
• MI Windows & Doors Type #8 in E-Inquiry Form
  
• Milgard Windows and Doors Type #9 in E-Inquiry Form
  
• Peachtree Windows and Doors Type #10 in E-Inquiry Form
  
• Pella Type #11 in E-Inquiry Form
  
• PGT Industries Type #12 in E-Inquiry Form
  
• Ply Gem Windows Type #13 in E-Inquiry Form
  
• Silver Line Type #14 in E-Inquiry Form
  
• Visions Windows & Doors Type #15 in E-Inquiry Form
  
• Viwinco Inc. Type #16 in E-Inquiry Form
  
• Weather Shield Windows & Doors Type #17 in E-Inquiry Form