Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1521495
J U N E 2 0 2 4 | 45 Doors & Hardware FUTURE-PROOFED FUNCTIONALIT Y According to a recent U.S. News and World Report study, 93 percent of aging adults intend to age in place – and the door industry has taken note, with a renewed focus on ergonomic door handles and architectural hardware for ease of aging in place. "We know that homeowners prioritize convenience and future prepared- ness when considering remodelling choices," says Wandschneider. "Factors such as ease of use, peace of mind, adaptability, and integration of smart home tech- nology are gaining prominence, all while ensuring that design and aesthetics remain uncompromised." Lever-style designs in particular are gaining traction for their comfort and ease of use; these are styles that cater not only to aesthetic preferences but also to practical considerations such as accessibility. And speaking of the future: the new NABCO Swing Door is a state-of-the-art option for projects. The low-noise, smooth-operating door sets up easily, making it the ideal product for converting manual doors to automatic operation. (It can also handle up to 330 lbs of door weight with minimal energy.) "With a sleek, low-profile design, the NABCO Swing is non-handed, allowing it to be used on both left- and right-handed swing door applications," says Pete Woodfine, sales manager for NABCO Canada. But what really makes this product state-of-the- art is that it's able to be controlled remotely through the NABCO Connect IOS and Android App; users can switch between programmed daytime and night- time modes or open and close the door with their phones from afar. RUBBER SOUL Front doors aren't the only type of door engineers and architects need to con- sider when they're working on a project… particularly a commercial one or a multi-family tower. Consider the humble parking garage door, for instance. Parkade door panel replacements can accumulate expenses rapidly, impact- ing productivity and energy consumption for a business. Rubber doors mitigate these costs by minimizing the need for frequent replacements. "They also offer energy-saving benefits, particularly in heated parkades, due to their faster oper- ational speeds," explains Winterfield. Beyond the functional benefits, customers are increasingly recognizing the cost efficiency of investing in rubber doors for parkades. "While the ini- tial upfront cost may be higher compared to traditional sectional doors, the long-term ownership expenses are significantly lower," explains Winterfield. Another benefit of rubber doors? They've got quick reset times and operational readiness within minutes, reducing the necessity for specialized tools or exten- sive training. The door and hardware industry in 2024 is a remarkable blend of style, functionality, and sustainability, evolving to meet both aesthetic desires and practical needs. Doors embrace bold and nature-inspired hues; the integration of smart technology in both sectors is revolutionizing security and convenience; and the industry's commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency is a gift to our planet. Taken together, these trends paint a picture of an industry always looking to the future. We can't wait to see what's next. A The new NABCO Swing Door. P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y N A B CO C A N A DA I N C . Aluflam North America 562-926-9520 aluflam-usa.com Fire-Rated Aluminum Window And Door Systems Aluflam true aluminum framing combined with CONTRAFLAM® One glass, allows architects to incorporate much larger openings, representing an increase of up to 40%. Think bigger windows and brighter, more inviting interiors while maintaining fire-rated safety for up to 120 minutes. 1 VLT (NFRC 200) for CONTRAFLAM® One 60 low iron configuration. The clearest – up to 90 % visible light transmission 1 Fire-rated for 60 to 120 minutes Thinner for longer duration (90 & 120 min.) T he Lightest – up to 28 % weight savings With CONTRAFLAM ® One Photo Credit: ©Dana Sohm Without CONTRAFLAM ® One Photo Credit: ©Dana Sohm Expand your possibilities. Aluflam Fire-Rated Glass Gets a Sizeable Upgrade. September 2024 ANNUAL INDUSTRY FEATURE: Curtain Wall & Window Wall Book your ad space now: | Dan Chapman 604.473.0316