More wood window, door demand

By Robert A. Carlson President National Wood Window & Door Association

THE 1990 demand for wood winI dows and doors is expected to rise due to significant technological advancements coupled with declinlng mortgagerates and increases in home remodeling and repalrs.

The NWWDA predicts an increase of 8o/o for interior doors, an increase of 60/o for exterior doors and windows, and a 5% rise in patio door demand.

But what kinds of changes can consumers expect to see in the extraordinary amount of wood windows and doors to be had? We're looking at major technological changes in energy and efficiency. Windows will increase in glass "intelligence," as technology is developed to produce windows with R-values of 6 to 8. Scientists are also creating the means by which a window's surface will change from clear to reflective to curb solar heat gain. The ability of a window to accomplish these tasks will increase its efficiency considerably.

Wood doors will also undergo some alterations. For example, advancements in weatherstripping will play a major role in the energy efficiency of a door.

We've seen a 200/o increase in total wood window and door sales. Next year will prove to be even more successful, especially in the South Atlantic region, where wood windows and doors will account for more than two-thirds of the total unit increase.

Story at a Glance

Technological advancements, de clining mongage rates, remodeling & repair will bring more than 2(P/o increase in door and window demand.