Increasing Popularity of Vinyl Windows
One Legacy of the past decade is the increasing popularity of the vinyl window, as opposed to the more traditional wood window. According to Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) statistics, the market share of wood and vinyl windows amounted to 48 percent and 25 percent, respectively, in 1991. Seven years later, however, vinyl pulled ahead, taking over 43 percent of the market by the end of 1998, an increase of 18 percent.
There are many reasons for this growing consumer preference. In the mid-1980s, vinyl windows underwent significant refinement. Refinements have been most notable in the areas of performance and appearance enhancements due to new processing techniques and the use of different vinyl compounds.
Vinyl is attractive as a window material because it can withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions. It resists warping, swelling, peeling, and cracking, doesn’t corrode or rust; and never requires painting. This combination of durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency makes vinyl very appealing to both the budget-minded and environmentally sensitive homeowner looking to replace existing windows.
Design: Layer and More Detailed
Other consumer trends affecting the window market relate to style and design. For example, the average window in a typical house has been getting larger over time. The multitude of new shapes and sizes available stimulates the demand to update. As housing prices climb, consumers realize the value of a window retrofit as a way of imparting a more contemporary look to an existing home. New or larger windows can make an ordinary house look more upscale and expensive from the outside as well as within.
In addition, today’s homeowners have displayed a distinct preference for increasingly large and lavishly appointed bathrooms and kitchens. If their current dwelling is lacking in these areas, homeowners often develop a refurbishing plan. Remodeling will most likely include installation of replacement windows.
In all likelihood, the replacements will be more aesthetically detailed than the originals. Among the latest “must-have” features in the window market are decorative grids and the proliferation of geometric shapes like half-rounds, asymmetricals, hexagons, and the incorporation of upscale hardware.
Homeowners seeking to display their design know-how often take the window remodeling project a step further, enlarging existing openings to give the house a face-lift. Higher-end products like bays, bows, and patio doors-whether sliding or hinged-are becoming increasingly popular as a way to enhance the appearance of an older home.
Sound Barrier
Today's multiple-pane windows also afford a degree of sound dampening previously unavailable from their single-pane counterparts. This is an especially desirable attribute not only in congested urban areas and multi-unit environments, but also in suburban neighborhoods, where power tools and sophisticated home and auto sound systems are in abundance. With the recognition that environmental noise can be a significant source of stress, at Least one window manufacturer has introduced a product intended to mitigate the disruptive sound Levels for residents of areas adjacent to airports and freeways. |
