Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/354800
T Window Shopping CONSUMERS DEMAND ENERGY-EFFICIENT WINDOWS THAT MA XIMIZE LIGHT EXPOSURE by Stacey McLachlan Though they've long pushed the technical and esthetic boundaries of their product, a particularly difficult challenge now faces the engineers and pro- ducers of the window industry. Homeowners, build- ers and architects are requesting bigger windows as building codes are changing. Luckily, the industry is filled with innovators ready to adapt to changing times and tastes. Minimal sightlines and maximum views are what homeowners are looking for right now, explains Jeff Ward, director of sales and marketing for Durabuilt Windows & Doors. The ever-popular Vivace Euro- System windows accommodate this preference and features a tilt-and-turn venting function to offer gen- erous ventilation. "Architects are always pushing the boundaries and asking for large glass areas and over- sized venting units," notes Ward. These windows are available in a wide variety of colours and faux wood finish laminates to provide plentiful esthetic options. Energy efficiency, though, is just as high on the list of desires. "Energy efficiency is a priority now, and homeowners are seeing value in spending a little more to invest in an immediate return in comfort and long-term energy savings," says Ward. "The opening between the main living space and outdoor living space has put a demand on large door and window systems and innovative solutions that open up and enlarge for entertaining." Incoming building regulations have put an additional focus on window performance, both structurally and thermally. "This is good for the end- user, as builders will be held to a higher standard and homeowners will benefit with a more comfortable home and reduced energy costs," Ward says. A1 Windows' new Ultra Series vinyl window is capable of accepting true triple glazing with half an inch of air space. "There's a trend to increasing energy performance in our market, especially with pending changes to our local building bylaws," explains Craig Lovell, manager at A1 Windows. For architects, large openings and contemporary looks make aluminum windows, such as A1's 350 Series, a smart choice; build- ers, on the other hand, are often more concerned with price than style, though Lovell notes he's starting to see a shift. Earth tones dominate in terms of colour, though grey is a popular choice too. "Grey lends itself to a more contemporary look," Lovell explains. "In the past, moving glass walls were only a custom option in high-end homes," says Karen Bills, location marketing specialist at Milgard. Times have changed. "Now, they bring affordable luxury to nearly any home. Even in tract homes, moving glass walls can add a touch of elegance and enlarge the amount of perceived space." As the trend for smaller, more efficient homes grows, moving glass walls can expand the square foot- age in smaller homes by creating new indoor-outdoor living spaces. A bi-fold and pocket style moving glass wall gives homeowners the freedom to let the outdoors in. "Indoor-outdoor living is an increasingly popular trend amongst homeowners," says Bills. "Particu- larly in harsh climates, moving glass walls make the integration of indoor living space and nature pos- sible. Designed with large movable panels, moving glass walls open interiors up to warm daylight, gentle breezes and beautiful views." Aluminum is the most popular choice for the wall construction – it offers both durability and style, with narrow sightlines and low-profile frames that are the choice of architects. "The clean lines of aluminum, combined with the design of moving glass walls, create the illusion of a larger space, bringing together divided areas and expanding the peripheral view," explains Bills. Aluminum also appeals to homeowners because it doesn't require painting. Multi-stacking glass wall panels are another option that offer amazing outdoor views and plenty of sunlight, neatly stacking on top of one fixed panel to open between nine and 20 feet. These glass wall systems integrate seamlessly with other Milgard window and patio doors to offer a uni- fied look. "Trends are shifting to a contemporary profile with thin modern sight lines," says Kurt Farnsworth, sales representative for Marvin Windows & Doors of Can- ada. "It's very similar to today's door trends." Marvin's Direct Glaze Windows fit the bill for this look – here, a piece of glass is glazed directly into the frame instead of an operating sash sitting in the frame. "Less frame allows for more glass," says Farnsworth. Paired with Marvin's interior shades, which fit seam- lessly into the windows and can open from the top or the bottom via fully concealed cords, the look is purely modern. Jerome Madden, national corporate training and architectural support services manager for Marvin Windows, adds that pultruded fibreglass products are growing in popularity too. "Although these are not 'new' – in fact Marvin is celebrating the 20th anniver- sary of the introduction of our pultruded fibreglass windows – the affinity towards that product has never been higher," he points out. "The strength character- istics of Ultrex, our patented process for manufactur- ing pultruded fibreglass, makes for a finished product that has the clean and contemporary lines that today's clients are seeking." These clean lines, coupled with the sustainable nature of pultruded fibreglass as a building material, make ideal products for today's eco- minded consumer. Right now, Aynsley Dueck, marketing representa- tive for Duxton Windows and Doors, is noticing a drive towards windows that are bigger, better and more var- ied in style. "Sizes are definitely increasing for both picture and operable windows. Customers want the most glass and the biggest viewing area with the slim- mest, highest performing frame," says Dueck. "Many prefer a darker or metallic colour on the interior and exterior, such as espresso, slate and silver." A trend towards transparency means that conven- tional walls are being replaced with walls of glass that offer venting, swinging and sliding functionality with minimized mullions. Customers are looking for glass with excellent insulation values and superior air tight- ness. "They don't want a broad view at the expense of comfort in the winter or summer time, so we work closely with our customers to evaluate the different insulating glass options in combination with an insu- lated fibreglass frame," explains Dueck. Duxton's high- Moving glass walls from Milgard Windows & Doors shown in bi-fold (above) and pocket (left). AUGUST 2014 /37