Latest Articles in Materials & Components

  • May 1, 2012
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Energy Efficiency, Materials & Components

    New Glass Technologies Promise More Energy Savings
    VIG, dynamic glazing and BIPVs are coming
    Glass or window and door pundits who have hoped for a Moore’s Law like effect to hit our industry and consistently drive technological advances in a timely manner may finally be in luck. Oh, we may not realize the speed or intensity of change that occurs in the semiconductor or electronics industries. But we certainly are entering an era in which we can expect to see great leaps forward in... more »
  • April 18, 2012
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Codes & Standards, Energy Efficiency, Materials & Components

    Industry Prepares for New Energy Star Criteria
    Biggest challenge for most manufacturers likely to be new U-factor requirements
    The fenestration industry is facing significant changes that will likely increase thermal performance standards by 30 percent to 40 percent within the next few years. Higher performance levels are demanded by the International Energy Conservation Code and the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard, and soon the Energy Star Windows, Doors & Skylight program. The Environmental Protection... more »
  • March 7, 2012
    Meetings & Events | Operations, Materials & Components, Methods & Techniques, Aesthetics & Style

    Fensterbau/Frontale 2012 Product Showcase
      Welcome to Window & Door's ongoing coverage of the 2012 Fensterbau/Frontale trade fair. This page provides a look at some of the window and door components and equipment  showcased at the international event, held in Nuremberg, Germany at the end of march. Click here to read our overview report of the event.   Attention Fensterbau Exhibitors: If you’d... more »
  • February 1, 2012
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Products, Materials & Components, Markets & Trends

    Connecting with the Connected Home
    Consumers will soon demand doors, window and hardware that communicate with and be controlled by smart home systems
    A remarkable turning point in the fenestration industry was reached a few weeks ago. Rather than waiting for the upcoming International Builders’ Show, Pella Corp., Andersen Windows, Therma-Tru Doors, Lowe’s and Schlage introduced new Internet-enabled products a month earlier at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Many probably paid little notice to the importance of the... more »
  • February 1, 2012
    FEATURE ARTICLE | Materials & Components

    Turning to Hardware For Differentiation
    Suppliers see new emphasis on enhanced functionality
    In looking at hardware these days, window and door manufacturers’ top priority are features and benefits that can help differentiate their products, suppliers report. Other recent trends in the market include continued growth in demand for wide-opening patio door systems, the emergence of window opening control devices, and more electronic options. “In a tight market, product... more »
  • September 16, 2011
    Meetings & Events | Energy Efficiency, Materials & Components, Methods & Techniques

    GlassBuild America 2011 Video Gallery
    Demonstrations of some of the new equipment and products featured in Atlanta
    For a comprehensive look at window and door product offerings on display in the aisles of the Georgia World Congress Center, also see Snapshots from GlassBuild 2011.   Insulating Glass Production Equipment   Automated Tri-Lite Assembly System from GED Integrated Solutions www.gedusa.com   Flexible Spacer Assembly Line featuring a new automated gas-filling unit from Erdman... more »
  • September 15, 2011
    Meetings & Events | Materials & Components, Methods & Techniques

    GlassBuild America 2011 Snapshots
    A quick look at window and door industry offerings in Atlanta
    In additon to the following highlights, Window & Door's coverage also includes: A report overviewing the event A Video Gallery with demonstrations of some of the products and equipment in Atlanta In-depth continuing coverage of new introductions in components, equipment, systems and services targeted at the window and door industry All photos by Robb D. Cohen Photography   Vinyl... more »
  • September 1, 2011
    SPECIAL FEATURES | Design & Performance, Sales & Marketing, Materials & Components, Methods & Techniques, Aesthetics & Style

    Crystal Achievement Awards 2011
    Window & Door has announced its 2011 Crystal Achievement Award winners. Selected by a panel of judges representing all segments of the industry, the awards recognize significant innovations and achievements in window and door technology, manufacturing, and marketing. “This year's Crystal Achievement Award winners reflect the strength and resilience of our industry,” says John... more »
  • August 17, 2011
    COLUMN : Opening Remarks | Sales & Marketing, Materials & Components, Aesthetics & Style

    Much to Get Excited About
    The opportunity to honor many of our industry’s innovators with the Crystal Achievement Awards makes our September issue one of the most gratifying to work on each year. It’s not just about recognizing the winners, however. Looking through all the nominations always reveals something about the direction we’re heading as an industry. This year it was evident that window and... more »
  • March 7, 2011
    THE TALK... | Materials & Components

    Will You Sell Touchscreen Windows and Doors?
    "A Day Made of Glass..." is a very cool video from Corning Inc. that's enjoyed more than 7 million views since it was uploaded on YouTube about a month ago. It shows a world where iPad apps can be found on nearly any large glass surface—and much more. Granted the video doesn’t show that many window and door glass applications, but it’s still kind of exciting to... more »