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May 10, 2012
Quanex Building Products has begun an initiative to better inform our customers of changes in programs and legislation in Washington that may impact the fenestration industry. We are investing in lobbying and dedicating resources to actively develop our influence with key members of Congress and departments, such as the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.
We have...
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May 9, 2012
Triple-glazing and R-5 products aren’t for everyone, but some manufacturers see opportunities with these products
New Energy Star criteria are likely to improve window energy efficiency numbers across the board, but numerous manufacturers offer triple-pane and R-5 type windows exceeding those expected levels already. Most see a growing market for such products too, with much of the demand is driven by dealers.
Manufacturers like Ply Gem report that more dealers are opting for higher-...
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May 1, 2012
Many companies will need to be more cautious in their energy savings claims
The Federal Trade Commission fired a warning shot in February, when five replacement window companies were cited for making unsubstantiated energy savings claims to homeowners about their products. Some executives welcomed the FTC actions, but it's clear many manufacturers and dealers are now re-examining of the parameters of acceptable marketing and making adjustments in their advertising...
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May 1, 2012
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...
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April 18, 2012
A growing number of new home builders have found a point of differentiation in the marketplace by offering Energy Star-qualified homes. Studies reveal that homebuyers feel good about being good stewards of the environment—but they feel even better about saving money on energy bills.
Consequently, with more people staying in their homes longer, energy-rated homes are becoming an easier sell...
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April 18, 2012
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...
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March 21, 2012
Greetings from Germany, where Fensterbau, the world's biggest window and door trade fair, kicks off a four-day run today. A leading topic of conversation here–judging by labels on windows and signs in booths–is the Passivhaus Institut. The organization has a whole-house standard, designed to bring energy consumption down to neglible levels, and apparently windows and...
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March 4, 2012
This week, the Window & Door Manufacturers Association is in Washington, D.C., with members making the industry's priorities known to legislators and regulators. The hot topics continue to be the Environmental Protection Agency's lead paint rules and tax credits for energy efficient products.
In contrast, the recent FTC action against five window companies has been greeted...
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December 2, 2011
“Will Your Business Survive when Green Becomes Code?” was the title of the webinar. The promotional e-mail for the event implied that green construction would soon become code mandated due to the completion of the 2012 International Green Construction Code and that mandated compliance could threaten the survival of many businesses due to liability concerns.
Now, I am not a lawyer and...
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October 18, 2011
We know a little more about what the Environmental Protection Agency is thinking about the next set of Energy Star criteria, tentatively set to take effect in fall 2013. It issued a document last week, indicating U-value and SHGC performance levels it was considering for windows, doors and skylights.
What stood out for me is an apparent EPA decision not to go for an R-5 level of performance...
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May 9, 2012Triple-glazing and R-5 products aren’t for everyone, but some manufacturers see opportunities with these productsNew Energy Star criteria are likely to improve window energy efficiency numbers across the board, but numerous manufacturers offer triple-pane and R-5 type windows exceeding those expected levels already. Most see a growing market for such products too, with much of the demand is driven by dealers. Manufacturers like Ply Gem report that more dealers are opting for higher-... more »
May 1, 2012VIG, dynamic glazing and BIPVs are comingGlass 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 »