It takes energy efflclem@y to sell windows

IURING the last decade, the winl-f dow industry has exploded with new technology designed to increase energy efficiency.

Today, the new window systems are much more advanced than in the past, and it is easy for consumers to become confused. Faced with highly technical terms and a variety of choices, they often rely on dealers to help interpret the information.

"Many consumers don't realize that a window composed of a single pane of untreated glass can account for up to 25Vo of a home's heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer," says Dan Reinbold. district manager of window and door manufacturer Larmco Windows. "To open a sale and gain a customer's trust, it can be helpful to provide the consumer with the basics of new window technology and explain the value of the technology with regard to their heating and cooling bills."

He adds: "Whether offered in a brochure or through a one-onone discussion. background information can help the consumer make an educated decision based on what is best for his or her particular situation."

Among the most widely avail- able window features:

R-Values/U-Values

R-value is one way to measure a window's thermal efficiency. It represents a window's resistance to heat flow. In most cases, the higher the number, the better the insulating properties of the window. R-values are typically measured from the center of the window. They do not necessarily reflect the overall efficiency of a window unit.

The U-value is the reciprocal of the R-value and is used in evaluating a window's performance by measuring a window's heat gain or loss. A lower number is most desirable when referring to U-values. To obtain an accurate measurement of a window's overall performance, thermal measurements should be taken from both the center of the window and the window's edge, and then averaged.

Consumers appreciate an explanation of these numbers, particularly when coupled with estimated energy cost savings. They will also appreci-

"Background i nformation

can help the consumer make an educated decision based on what is best for his or her panicular situation."

ate it if you call to their attention that very few states have any control over what a window manufacturer or dealer claims their window R-value is, and that windows should not be judged on this one numerical indicator alone. Air infiltration, durability of frame and sash materials, and aesthetics are just some of the other factors to consider in sizing up a window's value. R-values greater than 5 should be regarded with caution.

lnsulating Glass

When it comes to energy savings, insulating glass is perhaps the most widely recognized way to increase a window's R-value. An insulating glass unit consists of two pieces of glassjoined together at the edges by a spacer/sealant system. Obviously, glass by itself is not an effective insulator; however, air trapped between panes ofglass can be.

To further increase their efficiencv.

manufacturers offer insulating glass units filled with argon gas instead of air. Unlike air, argon does not conduct heat and as a result is a better insulator. Argon is environmentally safe, relatively inexpensive, widely available, and reduces noise.

"One of the most common complaints from consumers about insulating glass windows is that the airtight seal on the edge of the glass has failed, allowing moisture to infiltrate and permanently fog the inside surfaces," Reinbold says. "This ruins the view and can cause water damage to window frames and floors below. With this in mind, it is especially important to point out to a potential customer that the material used to join the glass in an insulated window is instrumental in determining the wiridow's overall efficiency."

Spacer Systems

Another popular means of saving energy involves the use of an insulated spacer, or edge seal, to help minimize conduction of heat through the edge of a window. Insulated spacer systems first gained popularity in the North and soon became known as "warm-edge technology," referring to how they help windows stay warm on the inside of the home--even around the edges.

Although warm-edge technology is typically marketed more heavily in regions with cold winters, the same applied technology is just as beneficial to those in warmer climates who are concerned about high air conditioning costs. Just as an airtight spacer can prevent warm air from escaping through the edge of a window, it can also prevent air-conditioned air from escaping.

Reinbold predicts that the continuing focus on energy conservation will further increase the number of consumers who inquire about insulated spacer systems. There are several types of spacer systems available, such as Tremco's Swiggle Seal, a thin strip of comrgated metal (for structural rigidity) embedded in a butyl material. "Because butyl is non-conductive, (these) windows maintain a consistent temperature from the center to the edge, reducing unsightly and damaging condensation. In fact, because the butyl material is also an excellent insulator, it prevents the transfer of air and ensures that windows filled with argon gas maintain their integrity, further reducing energy costs," he explains.

Low-E Glass

Although low-E glass is not new technology, it is being used more and more by window manufacturers to address the public's demand for ener- gy efficiency. Low-E glass has an invisible coating that prevents longwave heat radiation from infiltrating the home. The coating on.the glass filters out the infrared rays which can heat up a room and inhibits the penetration of ultraviolet rays which can cause upholstery and draperies inside the home to fade and deteriorate.

Manufacturers are now offering a version of low-E glass specifically suited to wanner climates. Although regular low-E glass will turn back some of the radiant heat. these Sunbelt versions can do a more effective job of reducing heat gain in a home.

The Future

The new technology on the market today, and that which is sure to follow, shows that windows have come a long way from the once-standard single pane of glass. Windows need not be a source of energy loss in the home. Homeowners want all the benefits of natural light and energy efficiency. For the housing industry, this means new homes will be built with more windows than ever before. For the remodeling industry, owners of older homes eventually will need to replace outdated, inefficient windows with the new energy-savers to help maintain the value of their homes.

lmr:rs

P ay I e s S..C as hw ay s emerged from Chapter 1l bankruptcy after abrief 135 days (see p. 25)

Hales & Symons,Inc., Sonora, Ca., has been acquired by J.S. West from kving Symons, who is retiring at age 90 ...

Anderson Lumber Co., Ogden, Ut., has purchased 25-year-old Basin l*mber, Driggs, Id., as its 27th location ...

'Fisher Lumber Co., Santa Monica, Ca., has added a tool rental center...

Best Lumber, San Bernardino, Ca., is nearing completion of a maJor expansron

Ziegler Building Center is building a 45,000-sq. ft. replacement store in Lewiston Orchards, Id....

Home Depot opens new stores Jan. 8 in West Albuquerque, N.M.; Jan. 15 in Woodland Hills, Ca., and Jan. 22 in Pomona, Ca., Prescott and Gilbert, Az. the chain has acquired the assets of Deekay Enterprises,Inc., owner of l3-unit retail chain Habitat Wllpaper & Blin/,s and telephone mail order service Naional Blind &Wallpaper Factory

Home Depot has acquired 10.9 acres in Cypress, Ca., for a 130,000-sq. ft. store plus 24,000sq. ft. garden center; caved in to nine alterations including eliminating 12,000 sq. ft. of outdoor sales space for approval from the city council to build in Napa, Ca.; plans a 3rd Reno, Nv., area store near I-80 and W. McCarran Blvd., and will anchor a $30 million retaillrestaurant complex on the l?-acre former site of the Lawry's restaurant in Cypress Park (Los Angeles), Ca., approved by the planning commission on the condition that the landmark eatery's ds are preserved ...

Eagle Hardware & Garden'has opened in Coeur d'Alene, Id. Eagle director and major shareholder Harlan Douglass, a local developer, filed for an injunction to halt construction of a 130,000sq. ft. Home Depot in Spokane, V/a., alleging Depot started work before receiving a building permit and with the project under appeal on environmental grounds

Rosenberg Builders Supply, Tillamook, Or., was saluted by Ace Hardware as a Premier Hardlines Dealer

Ur or:rrr:m/ff rr! rrcrurrrs

DiMeco Trading, Irvine, Ca., forest products wholesaler, has been founded by Bob DiMeco

New River Lumber Inc., is a new Chino, C&., wholesaler of hardwood and hardwood plywood; Fred Brocklebank, pres.

NorthCoast Hardwoods, Inc., Arcata, Ca., filed to liquidate under Chapter 7 bankruptcy

Thunderbird Moulding has closed its Yreka, Ca., finishing plant, consolidating production at mills in Sacramento and Cottonwood, Ca.

EJ. l,amber has closed its Fort Jones, Ca., stud mill

Siskiyou Forest Products, Woodland, Ca., has added additional equipment at its Anderson, Ca., plant, including an edge gluer, sander and moulder

MacMillan Bloedel has closed its 32-year-old lumber recovery mill in Powell River, B.C. ...

Louis iana-P ac ffic Corp. has sold its Port Kawkesbury, Nova Scotia, Canada, gypsum fiber panel plant to USG Corp.

Pacific Lumber Co. and Barnum Timber Co. are being sued by a group of North Coast residents, who claim clear-cuts damaged their property and created a risk of mudslides and floods ...

Universal Forest Products h*s acquired roof/floor tnrss and wall panel manufacturet Structural Lumber Products, /nc., Austin, Tx., for $19 million ...

Pope & Talbot, Portland, Or., made an unsolicited bid to buy Canadian pulp maker Harmac Pacific Inc.for $76.2 million

Georgia-Pacific has agreed to bay SOVo in Resinl<crn fud,, South Africa's leading supplier of adhesives for manufactured boards

International Paper has acquired Malaysian doorfacing producer Merbok FormTec

Clarklift Tean Power opened a new facility in Sacramento, Ca.; Joel Meyers, general sales mgr.

Bevelite Panels, San Juan Capistrano, Ca.-based custom decorative window products manufacturer, has been acquired by Western Reserve Products, Inc,, Gallatin, Tn. ...

Weslock National, Los Angeles, Ca., has been purchased by TiBrand Industries, Inc. ftom Macklnnburg-Duncan for $19 million; Howard Brand, head of acquisition firm TiBrand, will run lockset manufacturer Wes lock Brand Co. as pres. and c.e.o. ...

Anniversari es: Ponland Wholesale Lumber Association, Portland, Or., 75th ... Georgia-Pacific Corp., Atlanta, Ga., 70th Herbert Lumber Co., Riddle, Or., 50th Colorado Pacific Industries, Loveland, Co., l5th

U.S. population is approaching 269 million, annually increasing 2.4 million (0.9Vo)

I

Timber ConseraAtion Through Wood Preseraation

'Western-Wood Preserving items such as bridge timbers and retaining walls.

In addition to manufacturing numerous items of pressure treated wood,'Western Vood Preserving Co. maintains an extensive inventory of ready to ship items in the quantities you desire. Our own trucks enable us to deliver to our customers throughout the Northwest when you need it.

Western 'Wood Preserving Co.'s state of the art treating plant is centrally located in Sumner,'WA. 'We look forward to working with you on your next project.

Listings are often submitted months in advance. Always verify dates and ktcations with sponsor befitre making plans to attend.

Fmumv

International Housewares ShowJan. ll-14, McCormick Place, Chicago, Il.; (847) 292-4200.

Hardware Wholesalers, Inc.Jan. 12-13, LBM market, Disney World Dolphin, Lake Buena Vista, Fl.; (219)748-53W.

Mountain States Lumber & Building Material Dealers AssociationJan. 12-16, estimating school, Radisson Hotel, Albuquerque, N.M.; Jan. 19-23, estimating seminar, Days Inn, Greenwood Village, Co.; (303) 793-0859.

Building Products International Showcase -Jan. 13-14, trade show, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, Wa.; (206) 224-4340.

Black Bart Hoo-Hoo ClubJan. 14, industry nite, Broiler Steakhouse, Redwood Valley, Ca; (707) 462-37W.

California Forestry AssociationJan. 14-16, annual meeting, Monterey Plaza Hotel, Monterey, Ca.; (916) 444-6592.

Ilumboldt Hoo-Hoo ClubJan. 15, crab feed, Eureka Inn, Eureka, Ca.; (707) 268-3082.

Simpson Timber Co.J"n. 15, mill and nursery tours, lunch, Korbel, Ca.; (707) 268-3082.

Wershow-Ash.LewisJan. 15, wood reman & door mfg. plant auction, Haley Bros., Chino, Ca.; (800) 356-6830.

Inland Empire Hoo-Hoo ClubJan. 16, initiation, Indian Hills Golf Club, Riverside, Ca.; (909) 783-0470.

Shasta Cascade Hoo-Hoo ClubJan. 16, initiation, Best Westem Hilltop, Redding Ca.; (916) 223-5062.

National Association of Home BuildersJan. 16-19, annual expo, Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, Tx.; (80O) 368-5242.

National Retail FederationJan. 18.21, annual convention, New York, N.Y.; (202) 783-7971.

American Hardware Manufacturers AssociationJan. 2527, manufacturing excellence conference, Marriott's Marco Island Resort, Marco Island, Fl.; (847) 605-1025.

Our Own HardwareJan. 27-29, expo, Monte Carlo Resort, Las Vegas, Nv.; (612) 882-4115.

Western Building Material AssociationJan. 29-Feb. l, Young Westerners' conference, Tacoma Sheraton, Tacoma, Wa.; (360) 943-3054.

Jnnumv

International Spring FairFeb. 1-5, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, England; (203) 454-0090.

American Institute of Timber ConstructionFeb. 2-4, technical meeting, Rio Hotel, Las Vegas, Nv.; (303) 792-9559.

National Association of Wholesaler-DistributorsFeb. 2-4, annual convention, Washington, D.C.; (202) 872-0885.

National Roofing Contractors AssociationFeb. 8-11, convention, Las Vegas, Nv.; (847) 299-9070.

Wood Moulding & Millwork Producers Assn.Feb. 11-15, annual meeting, Hyatt Regency, Kauai, Hi.; (916) 661-9591.

Los Angeles lfardwood Lumberman's ClubFeb. 12, pool party, Shark Club, Costa Mesa, Ca.; (909) 386-7040.

Oregon Logging ConferenceFeb. 18-21, Lane County Fairgrounds, Eugene, Or.; (541) 345-3092.

Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Inc.Feb. 19-22, annual convention, The Phoenician Resort, Scottsdale, Az.; (910) 885-83t5.

National Wood Window & Door AssociationFeb. 21-25. annual meeting, Four Seasons Hotel, Newport Beach, Ca.; (847\299-s2N.

California llardwareFeb. 28-March l, merchandise mart, Ontario Convention Center, Ontario, Ca.; (818) 369-9411.

Steve Block Lorry Rogers

Sandi Johnson Cop Strono

Rick Hovick

Steve Thurgood

Tim Conners

Fred Tuttle

Lonce Duke

Steve Kirg

Jim liurphy

Patrick Pehl

Kevin Letson Rondy Nelson