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AUGUST 2018 | 31 Residential Windows explains. "Inline's products fit a wide spectrum of design options including a commercial/modern look, which is very attractive and popular." Especially for those for whom bigger is better, fibreglass is a popular alternative to aluminum, and reinforced technology is a must. For lift and slide designs that fit large entry ways – essentially a com- mercial look fit for the modern residential home – sturdy, low-maintenance fibreglass is increasingly the way to go. Customization continues to be important to the market, but ultimately the goal these days is often to achieve a stylish look without sacrific - ing performance. To get the look of metal windows without sacrific- ing energy efficiency, customers are drawn towards dark interior finishes, such as black and a slightly softer bronze, notes Hanson. "We've seen a very positive response to the recent introduction of dark interior finishes for Integrity All Ultrex windows, which won't fade or crack from the harsh elements of Mother Nature due to its strong fibreglass material," he says. Another option? Painted vinyl. "It provides the ability to hit specific looks, while still staying in a lower cost, high energy-efficient window," says Brent Wright, product manager for Milgard Windows & Doors. And for those looking for colours other than white, aluminum-clad vinyl comes in a variety of colours, and new painting technologies mean that pretty much any hue can be achieved in a snap. Starline's UV paint line, for example, is the result of an inno- vative curing process that instantly bakes the extrusions with colour so they're available for han- dling right away. A L L E N E R G Y Despite all these colour and style options, it's energy efficiency that is dominating the conversation in new construction these days. In addition to energy codes being adopted, there are significant changes in per- formance that are part of the 2030 targets set out by the federal government. "The 2030 performance requirements for windows will certainly force the industry to look at new technologies," explains Tracy Nadiger, director of marketing and customer expe- rience for All Weather Windows. "By 2030 the goal is to have every newly constructed home to be Net Zero ready and windows play a large part in reaching this goal." It's affecting the renovation market in a big way: now tri-pane windows are more popular than ever, thanks to the energy rebate available. The new BC Energy Step Code is one such stan- dard pushing the window industry to manufacture Tuscany Series premium vinyl windows from Milgard Windows & Doors. Fibreglass windows and doors from Inline Fibreglass Ltd. Cascadia Windows.indd 1 2018-07-09 11:09 AM

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