Mass of Glass

By Ted McIntyre

Improved durability and energy efficiency highlight new windows

The simultaneous desire for more expansive windows but sleeker frames brings with it certain challenges for manufacturers. Frames need to be strong enough to handle the increased size. But transporting and installing larger products means greater risk for scuffs. Accompanying all that is the continued push for energy efficiency at an affordable price.

JELD-WEN of Canada is among the companies who have checked all the boxes, seemingly punching all those factors into its master computer to churn out its innovative JWC8500 series window. Featuring easy installation and maintenance thanks to patent-pending interior glazed window engineering, the new series promises up to a 22% improvement in energy efficiency, meeting the 2030 U-value target of 0.82 and reducing energy bills. Further, the low-profile design achieves a 26% slimmer frame, resulting in more glass area, while maintaining window strength by utilizing the same amount of vinyl. This innovative approach improves the view, lets in more natural light and enriches your clients’ homes with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic.

Glass options on the JWC8500 include dual-pane and triple-pane, with the latter offering enhanced energy efficiency and reduced sound transmission. Various upgrades include frame size, screen, hardware, extensions, colours, shapes and glass packages. And launching in Q3, a hybrid aluminum-clad vinyl window option offers a combination of durability and energy efficiency, with a corner key, silicone-injected frame cladding and a screwed-on sash for a perfect fit. 

Helping to customize the product for your clients’ needs, seven exterior FiniShield laminate colour options are available, providing greater uniformity, scratch resistance and heat reduction compared to paint. 

JELD-WEN’s increased capacity and reduced lead times add extra appeal, says Director of Marketing Jeff Pigeon.

“Standardizing production enables us to support customer growth, leading to a more reliable supply chain, increased shared manufacturing capacity and reduced lead times,” Pigeon notes. “With global buying power and achieving national economies of scale through a harmonized platform, we can improve customer value without a significant price increase, making it one of Canada’s best-value windows while offering exceptional performance.”

THE NEXT GOLDEN AGE

When it comes to value and reliable supply chains, Golden Windows has a built-in advantage over many.

“Our competitors purchase their IGU’s (insulated glass units) from elsewhere, whereas we build our own in-house based on the customer order—shape, type of glass, etc.,” explains Golden Windows Engineering and Quality Manager Tarek Elewa. “Apart from helping to avoid delays, it gives us this flexibility to offer our builder clients exactly the product they need without significantly increasing the price.”

The company’s hottest commodity is its new-look GoldenVinyl 1000 Series. “It’s high-quality, low-maintenance and highly customizable, with different glass packages and trim finishes, and four standard and 30 optional colours,” Elewa says. “This flexibility enables us to produce a product that is aesthetically pleasing, meets regulatory requirements and can be customized to different budgets.”

The contemporary new design of the 1000 Series features sleeker lines, a narrower frame and hidden steel reinforcements that allow for larger floor-to-ceiling windows, which are in high demand for designers and builders alike, Elewa notes.

What’s also helped is the move from a 3 ¼” jamb depth to 4 5/8”. That increased depth accommodates both dual- and triple-pane glass packages for all window styles, with the extra advantage of having a better air seal, improved water drainage and greater structural integrity.

As with JELD-WEN, there has also been an advancement on the durability front for Golden Windows. “The trend is to go bigger, and with a large portion of the windows we sell having at least a painted exterior, it was becoming more common to see scratches, especially with the increased popularity of black—both on the exterior and interior,” Elewa relates. “So we have incorporated an advanced UV tough-coat paint technology that enhances durability by offering scratch resistance and delivering an improved, superior finish. The results and feedback from our clients have been really positive.”

THE NEW BLACK 

It’s the finish on their finished products that also has Pollard Windows & Doors excited. The Burlington-based company has introduced its Diamond Finish, a new high-performance paint formula for its popular Midnight Black colour. Named in honour of Pollard’s 75th anniversary in 2023, the Diamond Finish provides superior scuff-resistance in a one-component coating, without pre-mixing and without the application difficulties associated with similar products.  

Apart from appealing to those looking for a more contemporary look, the innovation provides a solution for builders and contractors wanting to minimize possible marking issues during the construction process, explains Pollard Sales Manager Alexandra Josling. “With the popularity of dark windows and door colours in new construction, many of our builder clients have expressed concerns over the need for careful handling of products on the jobsite. And darker colours tend to show more when it comes to scuffing from handling. The performance of the new finish has been well received by our builder customers. It’s premium in that it’s a more costly finish for us, but we’ve made it part of our standard offering with no price change. 

 As far as the look goes, “the difference is best described as more of a fine texture than a matte finish,” Josling says. “The sheen can be compared to the difference between semi-gloss paint and eggshell.” 

Pollard will be introducing additional dark colours with the Diamond Finish later this year. 

ALUMINUM OFFERS THE BIG PICTURE 

Embracing the concept that size matters these days, Raven Windows is pushing the boundaries on the luxury side. “We are currently witnessing a compelling shift in architectural trends, notably marked by the growing integration of commercial aluminum window systems within residential domains,” says Raven Marketing Specialist Kimberly Bricker. “This modern trend underscores a departure from conventional design norms, focusing on incorporating curtain walls that seamlessly unite style with functionality. This design is known for its sleek, low-profile aesthetic. It only adds a touch of sophistication to homes but also signifies a clear departure from traditional styles, embracing a more modern and straightforward look.”

A key aspect of these commercial aluminum window systems is their ability to accommodate expansive panes of glass. “It redefines spatial dynamics within residential interiors,” Bricker says. “Homeowners can enjoy a visual experience that integrates the external surroundings into the living space. Moreover, the incorporation of oversized glass panes increases the amount of natural light, an essential element in contemporary design.”

Established in 2010, family-owned Raven specializes in European tilt-and-turn windows, curtain walls and lift-and-slide patio doors, with a diverse selection of premium window options including its signature aluminum window, Reynaers by Raven, with “the slimmest profile on the market.” 

The company’s substantial growth since its 2010 founding includes a new Toronto manufacturing facility, Raven Fabrication, where it has partnered with noted Reynaers Aluminum to produce precision-engineered, energy efficient products.

“Despite the common belief that aluminum is not very energy efficient, this is inaccurate,” Bricker says. “Through the utilization of thermal break technology, advanced coatings, high-end concealed hardware with multiple locking points, high-quality seals and a focus on durability, aluminum can achieve energy performance similar to or even better than other materials for modern construction projects. Additionally, some of our products are Passive House-certified, indicating their top-notch energy efficiency and environmental friendliness.”

There’s also the sustainability element to consider, Bricker notes. “Aluminum is 100% recyclable. In fact, an astounding 75% of all aluminum ever produced remains in use today, showcasing its longevity and resilience. That not only aligns with the principles of environmental responsibility but also positions it as an ideal choice for green building projects. Further, aluminum’s high durability ensures a longer lifespan for windows, reducing the frequency of replacements and minimizing the associated environmental impact.” 

BREATHE IN AND LOOK OUT

Lumon, meanwhile, is helping builders improve the view from heights with its new retractable balcony glazing. The unique system, which fits atop the glass railing, features a fully retractable glass balcony enclosure, allowing residents to open or close their balcony or terrace as much as they’d like. Completely frameless, it allows for unobstructed views from a building or home, as well as easy use and maintenance when considering the retractability of the system. The closed glazing provides excellent protection for the façade, extending future renovation intervals.

The high-quality, elegant design consists of two horizontal aluminum profiles located at the top of the ceiling and at the bottom on a parapet or on the floor, depending on which solution is most suitable for your project.
Profiles and glazing can be adapted to builder needs in terms of colour, lamination and pattern. The glass thickness will be determined according to the conditions and requirements of the project, such as wind loads and location.

The system can also be customized in multiple ways to create a balcony facade or a three-season sunroom for the patio.

INSULATING GLASS 

As a reminder that not all windows are created equal, Kolbe Windows & Doors has partnered with LuxWall to offer vacuum insulating glass (VIG) as a new, high-efficiency option for designers, builders and homeowners.

VIG is an innovative technology that features a nearly airless space between two panes of glass. The unique characteristics of the vacuum allow the glass to achieve insulating values similar to that of wall insulation. LuxWall’s VIG design—called Enthermal—dramatically reduces heat gain from the sun and heat loss from a warmed interior, decreasing energy consumption and costs. Another benefit is the potential for improved acoustic performance compared to standard glass products.

LuxWall’s development of Enthermal represents significant progress in glass innovation, as it is fully tempered and the first VIG product made in North America.

“We are honoured to be collaborating with LuxWall at this critical point in their growth, and we are enthusiastic about providing this innovative option for our energy-conscious customers in the residential market,” says Kolbe President Jeff DeLonay. 

Compared to similar high-efficiency glass technologies like triple-pane glass, Enthermal is significantly thinner and lighter. These characteristics inspire potential applications in not only new construction but also residential renovation and historical retrofit projects.

LuxWall’s Enthermal will be available as a glass option in select Kolbe products later this spring.