Delivering the Total Package

Consumers expect a lot these days. That’s not telling you anything new if you’re a window and door manufacturer. What matters is how you meet those expectations. Energy efficiency, aesthetic excellence, enhanced security and other features are just a few of the demands from a consumer looking to make an investment in their home with new windows. Indeed, if they’re going to buy replacement windows, they want the total package.

So, how to deliver? It’s worth taking a closer look at the tools and technologies you’re using to build value, performance and desirability into your finished products.

Select the optimal spacer system

Let’s begin with your insulating glass, which is where overall product quality and high levels of performance begin. It’s important to think critically about your IG spacer systems. A subpar spacer system can lead to seal failure, sight-line migration issues and the associated warranty claims. These issues can be attributed to poor application practices rather than the system itself, or perhaps improper installation and support of the IG unit.

Your IG spacer also plays a significant role in thermal efficiency. To boost U-factor performance, flexible warm-edge spacer systems, made from high-quality, nonconductive foam or butyl materials, can contribute to improved unit efficiency. When paired with automated equipment, warm-edge IG spacer systems enable you to produce more consistent products more efficiently, increasing throughput while maintaining the highest levels of quality.

The value of high-performance framing

Choosing high-performance vinyl profiles will elevate the quality, versatility and efficiency of your window and door systems. The right vinyl system, paired with quality IG units, can help you deliver even greater overall thermal efficiency. In fact, they’re virtually essential in achieving the levels of performance Energy Star 7.0 requires. Beyond thermal performance, your vinyl plays a major role in the long-term durability and attractiveness of your windows. Sub-par profiles can yellow, crack, deform or otherwise degrade prematurely, and can once again result in warranty claims and reputation damage for your business.

There are other ways the right vinyl solutions can help you meet shifting consumer interests. Consider that demand for alternative colors continues to rise in all markets, and your ability to deliver here can separate you from the competition. Co-extruded color technology is one option to consider, helping you satisfy demand while delivering high levels of color retention. Elsewhere, some vinyl technologies can offer acoustic performance benefits when paired with an engineered IG unit.

A difference you can feel

Windows and doors are something homeowners touch and feel every day. If your customers are looking to truly make an improvement, that experience should be comprehensive.

That brings us to hardware. From locks to handles to hinges and other items, high-quality materials and design innovations can truly elevate your product options and ease operation. Safety and security are important here, too—locks, seals and other mechanisms can help ensure your fenestration products contribute to a secure and stylish building envelope. Optimally, your supplier should maintain a wide variety of colors, finishes and styles to suit your finished window system.

Strategic outsourcing

Screens fabrication isn’t typically the window and door manufacturer’s favorite part of production, and there are a few reasons why. It’s a labor-intensive process that requires numerous dedicated technicians. Maintaining consistency here isn’t always easy, especially considering the ongoing labor challenge. 

With these things in mind, a manufacturer might consider outsourcing screens production.

A dedicated screens supplier can take care of your screens production from start to finish, deliver them on time, in sequence and to your specifications. Meanwhile, your labor force can focus on higher margin operations such as fabricating your windows and doors, to ensure on-time delivery.

Ultimately, your window and door systems, and your ability to satisfy your customers’ needs, shouldn’t be compromised by the quality of components that go into them.

Choosing high-quality component options will enhance your ability to differentiate and grow your business in today’s marketplace.