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March 2021

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M A R C H 2 0 2 1 | 35 Residential Windows R EN D ER I N G CO U RT E SY M I LGA R D W I N D OWS & D O O R S EFFICIENCY The reason there's so much pressure on the window and door industries to produce high-performing products, is that they account for up to 35 percent of energy loss in a home – the right (or wrong) product could have a massive impact on a homeowners' heating bill. "Windows and doors have a big impact on the design, sustainability, and how well the overall structure handles the extreme Canadian weather elements," says Kareem Abdul, senior product manager at All Weather Windows. Justin Vroegop, branch manager for Westeck Windows and Doors, calls thermal efficiency "a big trend setter for 2021." With the wide-spread adoption of the Step Code, energy advisors are now required on projects and R-value and U-value are more critical than ever. But the window industry has done much more than just meet the new energy standards. It's created functional new products that also look great. Westeck's new Westcoast Contemporary Line, for example, offers a sleek triple glazed vinyl sliding window, a high-performing casement window, and an option for a wood- look interior window with its 4300-casement combo window. Another example: EuroLine Windows' new Thermoplus PHC tilt and turn windows are certified by the Passive House Institute. These sleek designs are ultra energy efficient and rated among the very highest products, according to the B.C. Energy Step Code Council. With six-chamber, vinyl-fibreglass hybrid frames, plus triple-pane insulating glazing and foam inserts, EuroLine's windows are extremely energy-efficient. They also feature some impressive technology: state-of-the-art protection against erosion, an innovative composite material with impressive stability and structural properties, and even the abil- ity to form a self-healing skin for small scratches. Things aren't much different in the commercial world. Jim Lebedovich, general manager of Phoenix Glass, points out that energy efficiency is just as important for office towers and retail stores as it is for a family home. "Triple glazing is becoming more prominent, while technology is making complex designs more achievable." Phoenix is currently in preconstruction for one of the largest Passive House projects in Canada: the University of Victoria Student Housing and Dining project. LET THE LIGHT SHINE IN Homeowners have been requesting more natural light in their homes through bigger window and door openings for years — a trend clearly continuing into 2021. People are increasing the natural light in their homes and creating a more direct connection with nature by adding doors where there were once windows, or adding larger windows for a greater sense of connection to outside," Christine Marvin, VP of design at Marvin Canada. "We've noticed homeowners embark- ing on remodelling work to replace more traditional patio doors with large scenic versions to create a connection between interior and exterior spaces for more seamless transitions and a sense of freedom." In both kitchen and bath areas, homeowners are shifting from curtains and drapery to embedded, automated shading solutions that are hidden in the ceil- ing and disappear when not in use. "A lot of homeowners are seeking to better connect with the view outside, but we still need privacy and light control, so these options offer as much natural light as possible throughout the day and also align with the sleek, minimal, and modern design style that's gained popularity over the past few years," says Marvin. FR AME JOB When it comes to frame finishes, black is back. All Weather Windows' new Ascent 6100 black casement windows are just one popular option to achieve the black frame look that continues to trend. "It used to be the norm that the interior of the window would be white and the exterior might be black or charcoal, but we are really starting to see design- ers use the paint options to their advantage and start to incorporate different colours on the inside of the windows and doors," notes Vroegop. The hottest frames on the market are ones that are sleek and subtle. Window and door manufacturer Marvin recently introduced its Modern collection, fea- turing a high-density fibreglass frame that offers leading thermal performance and optimum sightlines. Black spacer bars and black sealant create clean, crisp edges that are practically seamless – less than three inches thick on some units – to help the frame fade into the background and put the view centre stage. The industry continues to innovate with functionality, as well as style. Inline Fiberglass's cutting-edge technology is applied to its Tint and Turn windows, as well as Awning and Casement designs. Insulation is maximized when closed, but when ventilation is required, Inline's windows can tilt inwards for draft-free ventilation, swing outwards, or hinge open to 90 degrees. Whatever your win- dow dreams might be, there's a solution out there to make them come true. SIZE STILL MAT TERS Along with larger sizes and higher energy efficiency, Milgard Windows and Doors agrees that the demand is growing for black interior and exterior frames. Milgard is stepping up to meet the market's wishes, with the new Trinsic Series V300 design. The sleek, modern style features innovative SmartTouch locks (and a full lifetime warranty) and is now available with a matching black finish, inside and out. With larger custom sizes available across all series options – choose vinyl, fibreglass or aluminum – designers can get the look they want at the scale they want. "I think homeowners are looking for choices and customization, whether in material, colours, styles, security, sizes, or glazing options," says Milgard sales representative Don Anderson. Milgard's glazing options run the gamut across all its window lines, from Suncoat LowE, to Cardinal 180 LowE, to argon gas. "Energy efficiency is very important in sustainable housing and having these options available helps meet the goal of reducing energy consumption, while creating a comfortable living environment." WINDOW ON THE WORLD It would be impossible to do a trend report without acknowledging that COVID- 19 has fundamentally changed the way we live and work. It has both challenged and heightened our perception about livable space – for work and for leisure. It's no wonder the window industry has seen a shift towards building designs that facilitate a more comfortable, productive, and enjoyable indoor living. "COVID-19 has certainly allowed more Canadians the opportunity to think about renovating, as they spend more time at home," says Abdul. He also notes that the pandemic may also inspire a migration from multi-family housing to single-family housing, which would ultimately mean an increase in the number of windows per dwelling. "Being stuck at home due to restrictions caused some Canadians to desire backyard space to get outside while staying safe. The result could be a move back towards the single-family market," says Abdul. For those who can't hightail it from their high-rise, the demand for products that facilitate indoor-outdoor living is growing. "We hear about outdoor living everywhere now," says Adamson. It's been trending for the past five years or so, but with pandemic lockdown, the desire is even greater to make the most of your property. Adamson points to serving windows that offer large awning openings to the outdoors, and sliding window systems that part in the middle — no centre post blocking the view. "Large patio openings are very popular," he says. "Lots of glass, in large spans." "Large glazing walls with minimal sightlines are becoming the new normal," says Vroegop. The company's aluminum line consists of tilt and turn windows and beautiful large aluminum sliding doors that are designed to accommodate this oversized look. The numbers support this trend: In Avid Ratings Canada's recent 2020 Canadian Home Buyer Preference Report, large windows were the second highest requirement within the interior features section, for all age groups, but particularly important to Millennial and Gen Xers. We can't tell what the future holds, but with these energy efficient, beauti- fully functional products on the market, we know at least the world of windows is looking promising and bright. A Trinsic Series V300 design with black interior frames. 10:25 AM

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