Rather than move, more homeowners are now looking to transform the homes they’re already in. Here are some of today’s most wanted remodeling trends – the upgrades your customers are looking for, based on a survey of nearly one thousand homeowners. Like what you see? Read more here
Critical considerations for choosing windows and doors that meet performance and style requirements The goal of every remodel is to maximize the home’s long-term value while increasing comfort for the homeowner. Today let’s cover how to accomplish that by choosing the right windows and doors. Replacing the windows, for example, can improve energy efficiency with a tighter home envelope. And modern doors are more functional and secure than their older counterparts. Replacing these elements with updated materials and design helps increase curb appeal and the overall home value. How do you choose the right windows and doors for your remodeling project? Here are a few elements to keep in mind: 1) Consider the local climate If the home is in a location that’s prone to extreme weather and temperatures, you’ll want windows with higher performance ratings made for an airtight installation to prevent leaks, helping to maintain a more comfortable temperature all…
The forecast for windows in the coming year and beyond is big units with an unobstructed viewing field, set in minimal frames of a dark hue. The aesthetic is unabashedly modern, and shapes are square and rectilinear. “I actually think the move towards modern—I use the term to mean clean and unfussy—is here to stay,” says Greenwich, Conn.-based designer and builder Sabine Schoenberg, host of Sabine’s New House. To achieve the large window units that homebuyers want, architects are mulling windows together, sometimes mixing shapes. Corner windows are a trend, says JELD-WEN’s Jennifer Matson. “For larger windows, like in living areas, fixed windows are just fine. We can make an inoperable window larger than one that operates. It just comes down to the weight of the glass.” “Everybody wants more glass and less frame,” says Joe LeFlore, South Florida Millwork vice president. “Bigger is better. I got five plans today…
Windows are one of the most delicate areas of the building envelope, requiring precise installation to prevent moisture intrusion, air infiltration, and energy loss. Today’s trendy, large windows and wide expanses of glass may not require many more steps than traditional units—but the larger the product, the more sensitive the installation. Mike Westfall, senior field support manager for JELD-WEN, shares nine key areas to consider when installing large windows: Building envelope integration. The window must be an integral part of the envelope in order to eliminate or direct air and water from the wall cavity and avoid durability issues. Westfall suggests a complete pre-installation mockup of the window and wall section with input from the full design team.Continuity with the weather resistive barrier. Continuity between the windows and the barrier prevents air, water, and vapor from penetrating around the window. Along with ensuring proper installation, the mockup allows the WRB representative to…
Did you know that most wood windows have at least 70 parts? JELD-WEN’s modern wood windows certainly aren’t the same as those made 50 or even 25 years ago. Wood windows once held the largest market share in the U.S. window industry until vinyl became the preferred material. Wood windows were officially eclipsed by vinyl windows in the 1990s. This happened for several reasons. Vinyl came to be perceived as more durable. The cost effectiveness of the vinyl window also made it popular. However, the modern wood window is gaining market share. The market is expanding rather than deflating, mainly due to the new construction of wood windows. Most of this revolves around treated wood products. Treatments can help the wood resist rot and stand up better to the elements, even termites. The need to create a more durable wood became a critical goal for JELD-WEN, one that was accomplished with the…
It’s what you don’t see that often matters the most Did you know there are parts inside your vinyl windows that, although you’ll never see them, provide security, structure and functionality? When thinking about the anatomy of the vinyl window, you may have heard terms like frame, sill and casing. But there are so many more parts! There are misconceptions surrounding the manufacture of vinyl windows. Many think it’s just a bunch of machines putting the pieces together. Actually, dozens of hands touch every vinyl window, and it’s often the parts you don’t see that make all the difference. What you don’t see The exterior of a vinyl window is mostly standard depending on the type, such as casement or double-hung. There are many ways to customize the exterior of your vinyl window, but you’ll find that how it’s built to perform is one of its best features. The actual…
When discussing value engineering, it’s important to note that this process improves the value and usability of a product or material. This occurs through innovation and design. Value engineering takes great ideas and turns them into solutions. Not every budget can afford custom windows and doors. But every project deserves the best quality, value and performance available. Here are some ideas that builders, remodelers, architects and homeowners can use to capture Modern Craftsman style. Vinyl windows Vinyl is a performance material. Often thought of as cheap and insubstantial, vinyl windows are in reality long-lasting, great looking and versatile. When built well and installed in the correct environments, they bring both comfort, security and style to a home. Vinyl windows are actually a smart choice for a Modern Craftsman home. Modern Craftsman homes can be constructed in many materials of which stucco is a favorite in some climates. With vinyl, you can…