Bright future for windo

[rNenCV efficiencY. low mainteI)nance products and building code issues will continue to serve as the driving forces in the window industry through 2004.

"Manufacturers are accelerating the ways they can meet consumer window needs related to these key issues," said Chris Monroe, v.p. of marketing for Simonton Windows, Parkersburg, W.V. "As energy costs continue to rise, homeowners are aggressively informing themselves on the benefits of energy efficient windows. This knowledge has led to consumer demand for advanced product features with energy efficiency topping the list. Immediately after that we see the steady and sustained interest in low maintenance vinyl products as having a high impact on window sales."

"There is no doubt that homes are being built with more and larger windows," added Alan Bridges, v.p. and general manager of A&H Windows, North Wilkesboro, N.C. "Homeowners are driving this trend. I recall that the energy crisis of recent years drove builders to be more conservative with the amount of glass in exterior walls. There are still elevated costs for heating and cooling, but changes in building construction and higher performing windows have allowed homeowners to add larger and more windows to house plans."

Bridges explained, "Building codes continue to have an impact on new home construction. Georgia has a new energy code for 2004 that will require low-E glazing for all windows going in new construction homes. More energy-efficient products, as well as the homeowner's desire to see outside from many vantage points, have resulted in an increased use of more glass per home."

Monroe agreed: "The growing concerns with code issues, including the requirements related to impact resistant products in a large number of coastal areas. will stretch the limits of many manufacturers' production capabilities in coming years."

Simonton. among other manufac- turers, has expanded both its vinyl and aluminum product lines with additional window sizes, styles and options. "All it takes is one really ferocious storm a year-like Hurricane Isabelto prove that the investment in impact resistant products is extraordinarily valuable," Monroe said.

According to Simonton, builders and remodelers will also see increases in consumer requests for self-cleaning glass and advanced vinyl window construction in 2004. "As we move into

More products have resulted in an increased use of more glass per home.

2004, the next advancement the industry can expect to see is the growth of injection-molded fenestration products," Monroe said. "Gas and water assisted injection molding is the greatest step the industry will take in the next few years. Windows manufactured with this process will yield incredible strength with no need to clean the corners. These one-piece window frames are extremely attractive and very strong." ln addition to product advancements, Monroe strongly believes that window manufacturers need to support their customers in the selling and installation processes. "Manufacturers today must be business consultants to their customers," he said. "We need to get thoroughly involved in each customer's operations by helping them with business and marketing plans, lead generation programs and customer awareness.

He added: "It's no longer enough to just produce a top quality product. Now there's a need to support customers with showroom design and development, retail merchandising, and installation education. Window manufacturers who hope to excel in this industry must become the onestop resource to their customers for their every conceivable need."

According to Bridges, homeowners are the ones "demanding low-maintenance products. Vinyl and composite windows continue to gain popularity. Home-owners don't want the hassle of maintaining their home's exterior.

Component makers have responded by producing materials that require less time and cost to maintain. This has allowed window manufacturers to design products that have longevity and offer curb appeal. I expect this trend to continue to grow even in the most comDetitive markets."

Weslern Wood Preserving Compony prides itself in corrying the right inventory mix of pressurc treotred qnd fire retordont treoted lumber ond plywood for your "iusr in fiml" needs.

PRESERv

o Commercially used throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States for over ll vears

Osmose FirePRO - The most advanced fire protection system available for wood. W'e manttfacture and stock a complete line of common use items including dimension lumbeq plp,,ood and tirnbers. Treating selice only (TSO) is also available.

Ostnose pressure treated CCA - The best flrngal decay and tennite protection available for wood. Ve manufacture and stock an extensive inventory of lumber, timbers, and pl1'wood leaturing the Osmose zrnd Osmose Sunwood Br.ancl labels.

No quonlity is too big or |oo smoll! We can do multiple truckloads or iust o few pieces, who6ver your needs may le. Don'l corry more invenlory lhan you need! Rely on us to be your #l supplier for Nanrefrood@, CCA and fire relordont treoted wood!

Our people ore some of the most experienced in the industry. We ore prepord b respond quickly ond friendly with honesty ond integrity.

P.O. Box l25O 1313 Zehnder Street. Surnner, WA 98390-0250

(253) 863-819r ww.w,westernwoodpreserving.com.

.See the NatureWood warranty brochure for details.