Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/147234
Wood-Ultrex Double Hung windows from Integrity Windows and Doors. Let The Light Shine Through European styles and a trend for larger windows are influencing the residential window market by Susan Pederson W indows as an art form? It isn't a faroff notion when you consider the visual impact that windows grant to a home, as well as the creative process by which architects and designers integrate windows into a home design. Choosing among the myriad of options to achieve just the right fenestration package can be overwhelming. Any designer, architect, project manager or salesperson who has mastered the art of simplifying this process for the homeowner is more than an artist – they are a genius! A growing trend in the residential market is European-style windows. Sherry Du, general manager of DYG Windows Ltd., says that North American-style windows have a thinner profile, while European windows look and feel chunkier. "When you touch the windows you can feel the heaviness," says Du. "Most of our clients are architects and designers and we are heavily involved in the design process with them. Many of them are designing based on the windows we have." With a product line that includes aluminum, wood, vinyl and wood/aluminum combination windows, DYG takes a global approach to manufacturing. That means sourcing all the wood from Canada, hardware from Germany and manufacturing in China. While the Vancouver-based company sees most of its clients in the Lower Mainland, it ships its products worldwide and is known for its European-style tilt and turn windows and doors. Tilt and turn windows have been popular in Europe Residential Windows p28-33Residential Windows.indd 29 for years and are exploding on the North American market, and for good reason. They have been called the pinnacle of fenestration technology, with their ability to tilt in at the top and swing in along one side. These features eliminate drafts while allowing for fresh air circulation, enhanced security, easy cleaning and emergency egress. Convenience aside, one drawback of tilt and turn windows has been that they had to be produced by hand, which can dramatically increase the cost and create significant waste. Durabuilt Windows & Doors Inc. has solved this and other issues with its Vivace tilt and turn line. "We have a state-of-the-art facility in Edmonton that allows us to produce a superior quality product at a competitive price," explains Jeff Fearon, account manager. "Vivace's superior thermal performance delivers innovation that reduces demand on HVAC equipment, while increasing tenant comfort." All Durabuilt windows are PVC-based, which according to Fearon, has the advantage of solid corners that won't leak water, air or heat. "PVC-based windows provide significant thermal comfort that people don't find in materials such as aluminum. If it is -18 degrees [Celsius] outside, you will feel the 10 degree warmer difference inside with a PVC window compared to an aluminum window." Fearon adds that in the fall it will become part of the building code that residential new construction windows must be triple-glazed. "With these increased demands, you'll see more windows like Vivace." Karen Meurer, senior marketer with Durabuilt Windows and Doors, says the company believes tilt and turn windows will become the norm, "just like they are in Europe. We are introducing them to Canadians and saying 'this is phenomenal.'" More Canadian homeowners are looking for that unique statement when they are building their homes, and Al Dueck, president of Duxton Windows & Doors, understands the demands that high-end homeowners can bring to the table. "They want what they want and are willing to pay for it," he says. Dueck adds that clients are now looking for a larger glass area with custom design details in finishes and hardware, and highperformance capability for personal comfort. "People are looking for greater freedom in finishes, as well as the structural stability in frames that don't expand and contract. We make only fibreglass windows because you get the best of both worlds with fibreglass frames," says Dueck. Fibreglass provides superior insulation, durability and the flexibility for clients wanting custom windows. "Our FiberWall trademark system provides a very robust framing material and has won awards for its design capabilities," he adds. Trending now are entire walls in glass with large swinging glass doors, from modern frame finishes with a low profile, to chunkier profiles replicating a wood-grained look on a fibreglass frame surface. "Pultruded fibreglass is the fastest-growing segment of the market. You need a very high-performance glass to meet code. We can provide a triple-glazed glass august 2013 /29 13-07-12 11:41 AM