Qualified Remodeler Magazine

JAN 2017

Qualified Remodeler helps independent remodeling firms to survive, become more professional and more profitable by providing must-have business information, namely best business practices, new product information and timely design ideas.

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"ey can basically take a dual-pane or triple-pane unit and make it more energy-ef- ficient than anybody else," says Gates, who has his eye on meeting even higher performance standards. "On top of that, we're also going to take this new product family through hur- ricane-impact testing." Sierra Pacific Windows & Doors has em- barked on its own architectural wall system in response to the demand for more expan- sive glass areas. But the manufacturer remains focused on cutting down U-values and will introduce new glass options in 2017 that aim to satisfy requirements for Energy Star ratings in Northern climate zones, where minimum U-values can get as low as 0.27. "We've even accomplished some products that can get it to 0.22 or 0.23, depending on the glass options," says Dave Porter, director of sales for Sierra Pacific. e company has increased the sash thickness of its H3 clad- wood window to allow for both ¾-inch and 1-inch insulated glass. Meanwhile, Milgard Windows & Doors has concentrated on boosting energy effi- ciency as well as design pressure (DP) rating, which measures the load a window can with- stand. e company also noted the popularity of its exterior painted finishes, which present additional design choices to homeowners who previously had to settle for more conventional, new white model windows. "Our painted product, we can't build it fast enough at times. It's really quite popular, especially in the darker finishes," says Chad Martinez, product manager for Milgard. "ey [typically] go with something in a dark color on the exterior so it's not changing the exterior of their house as much, and it still has that look they had in the past." PERSONAL TOUCH Ply Gem Windows has supplemented its 1500 Vinyl Collection with two-tone dark exterior and neutral interior color options to enable architects and designers to create more dra- matic exteriors without sacrificing aesthetics. Dark-colored exteriors provide flexibility in replicating authentic architecture, and interior designers can work with a neutral color—or white—inside the house. "In certain situations this poses a chal- lenge, as dark-colored window exteriors absorb more solar heat, which can cause PELLA WINDOWS AND DOORS has been working on both expansions and enhancements to its current line of product offerings, including the 350 Series (pictured above), in order to achieve the right size and look for windows without sacrificing energy efficiency. Circle 8 on inquiry card QualifiedRemodeler.com QR January 2017 53

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