Yinyl windows still see openings for growth

hESPITE a time of national uncerLf tainty, vinyl windows should continue to increase in acceptance and demand throughout 2002. Changes in building and insurance codes, coupled with more usage of windows in new home construction, and the development of new products, will all combine to drive growth in the industry.

energy efficiency features," says Brunett. "Advances in quality window systems mean superior products for home and commercial projects."

The next step in this evolution is preparing the marketplace for products that will meet changing building and insurance codes in different geographic areas. Windows manufacturers such as Simonton are currently developing products to handle wind loads and meet coastal area conditions for specific regions.

cially popular. In addition, color, coating and laminate usage with vinyl windows should increase along with mixtures of composite materials that replicate natural, organic products.

"Certainly our country is facing a difficult time economically as a result of terrorist acts, but we feel replacement vinyl windows will continue to see growth in the coming year," says John Brunett, president of Simonton Windows. "We don't expect that increase to be as rapid as previous years. but we are anticipating some growth."

Brunett believes that new construction vinyl windows will also do well in 2002, despite a predicted flat market and steady, but decreased housing starts. "Several factors bode well for window manufacturers in 2002," he says. "First, there's an ongoing trend toward having larger windows and more mulled units in new home construction. Second, the average home has grown in size and now typically has l8 windows. That figure helps push more products into homes and will help escalate sales."

According to Brunett, the rise in vinyl sales is largely due to increased acceptance of engineered plastic products. "It's taken time, but people now understand that vinyl products offer outstandins low maintenance and

Manufacturers also have high hopes for acoustical windows, which help keep the interior of structures quieter. As more homes are built near airports and flight paths, next to busy highways and in downtown areas, there is more need for products that protect homeowner privacy. "One aspect of privacy is visual...and for that we offer acrylic blocks with obscured viewing capability in our Simonton frames," Brunett says. "Another aspect is sound.

I believe you will see large advances in the coming years in acoustical products that also offer energy efficiency benefits."

In 2002, Brunett believes that geometric styles of windows will follow the theory that "bigger is more beautiful." He envisions Gothic styles becoming espe-

He says, "2002 wiII definitely be an exciting year for our industry. Vinyl will continue to take market share away from aluminum and wood windows, especially in pocket areas of the southern U.S., in Texas and in California. And we're finding that all audiences-homeowners, architects, builders and remodelers-are more accepting of vinyl products and gaining more knowledge about their benefits.

"Combined, this means that even in a difficult economic year for our country, we still believe vinyl windows will experience continued growth in both the new construction and replacement arenas."