Shaping up

Prosales, Nov, 2003

Historically, vinyl windows have been primarily replacement or remodel products, but while the replacement/remodel market remains strong, many manufacturers are reporting increased use for new-home construction as well. In particular, builders are installing more and more specialty-shaped vinyl windows to help differentiate their homes, and they're branching out from half- and full-rounds to more interesting shapes.

"There's more use of ellipses, partial rounds, and straight-sided geometric shapes," such as trapezoids and octagons, says Doug Barnett, plant sales manager for Jeld-Wen. "The builders want to trademark their homes with a specific look or design and they like to use [vinyl] windows to do this."

The growth of vinyl windows includes not only new homes in the low- to mid-range, but even some in the luxury/high-end market. "Vinyl windows have been growing in terms of their total market share for a number of years," says Alan Campbell, president of the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA). According to a recent WDMA/American Architectural Manufacturers Association study, in 2002 vinyl windows accounted for 10.4 million of the 27.7 million units sold in new construction, up from 9.6 million in 2001.

"Vinyl is growing because the market is growing, but "also because we're taking share away" from wood and aluminum," says Brian Guyer, department manager for Rehau's windows and door group (circle 111). However, manufacturers point out that there will always be markets for both wood and aluminum windows.

In the higher-end home range, builders are using larger vinyl windows and more specialty shapes per home. "It used to be there was one or two to every home, but now there's nine or 10 per home," says Bill Lazor, senior brand manager for Simonton Windows.

Over the years, builder and homeowner confidence and acceptance of vinyl windows has increased as products have improved in appearance and performance.

Many vinyl window manufacturers--including Jeld-Wen (circle 112), Simonton (circle 113), Gorell (circle 114), Weather Shield (circle 115), Republic Windows & Doors, American Weather-Seal (circle 116), Milgard Windows (circle 117), and Crestline Windows & Doors (circle 118)--are designing some of their vinyl lines with features that provide a resemblance to wood windows, including brick molds, jamb extensions, and wood-grain interiors. "Homeowners still want the appearance of wood," says Mike Hall, sales manager for replacement products for American Weather-Seal.

"Vinyl windows can now have many of the traditional features of wood windows. For example, a beveled exterior edge that creates the look of handcrafted windows," says Maria Macdonagh-Forde, marketing communications manager for CertainTeed's window products group.--S.L.M.