Technology changes products

S llOMlrOWNl:R:i dcmand higher perlbrmancc lionr doors and windows. cnrerging high tcchnology nlatcriitls will cnable nlanulircturcrs to rcspond.

"Wood conrpositcs. cxtrudcd thcrnroplastics, glazing and othcr ntltcrials will all play a part in translbrming wood doors in the '90s and beyond." says nlanager of technical services. "The wcight and cost of wood doors will decrease while performancc increases. " lmproved weatherstripping and seals, especially extruded thermoplastics, will improve wood door performance in terms of energy efficiency, sound attenuation and firel smoke protection. Increased energy costs have made homeowners more sensitive to how doors and windows can help reduce heating and cooling costs. With estimates that the anrount ol energy lost through windows nationwide equals the output of the Alaska pipeline. homeowners have become anxious for replacement products that offer better thermal protection. They are demanding windows and doors that have higher R values and lower [.j values. Manufacturers are responding with products listing R values as high as 6.67 and U values as low as 0. I 5.

Two types of slructural wood fibers, which can be engineered to meet specific strength requirements, will gain prominence as coring materials: oriented strand board and parallel strand lumber, according to llenney. These composite wood products, which easily accept decor face material, can replace conventional solid wood stiles and rails and will allow more complete utilization of each tree felled.

New patio. l;rench and entry doors as well as windows will offer an oplion of privacy protecting electrically charged glass that switches from clear to cloudy with the touch of a button. Hardware will include computerized locks that recognize voices or fingerprints.

One of the biggest developments in windows during the last decade, [-ow [: glazing is a transparent metallic oxide coating placed on the glass. This reflects energy back into a heated room and in warmer climates keeps heat out of a cooler room. \d'ith soltcoat Low [: windows. the rellective coating is placed directly on one layer of glass and then sealed inside an insulated window. lJecause homeowners have less time, they are insisting upon products that require lower maintenitnce. n factory applied polymer coating to keep windows clean longer and aluminum and vinyl clad windows and doors help to answer this need.

Argon gas fills provide super insulation when used to fill the airspace between layers of glass. An inert, nontoxic gas that has less thermal conductivity than ordinary air, it is predicted to be used increasingly to enhance Low l: glass.

In addition to energy efficiency, consumers are demanding protection against damaging ultraviolet rays. Some products, such as Supersmart windows and doors from Weather Shield. claim to block out nearly 95{lr of these rays which discolor and lade home furnishings.

In addition to demanding energy efficiency and easy maintenance, buyers show great interest in high quality appearance. Materials such as real oak and bright genuine brass are in demand. Flalf circle windows, roundtops, divided lights and custom windows also are favored.

Story at a Glane

Technology ansu,ers customers' demands for better thermal pro tec'tion, higher R and lower U values, ultraviolet prctection, less maintenanoe, higher quaF lty.. new products aim to sdisfy expec:tations.