WARROAD, Minn. – Staining windows during a remodel or replacement project is a tedious and messy chore. Now Marvin Windows and Doors offers a range of stunning factory-applied stain finishes on its clad wood windows and doors. These new stains join Marvin’s clear coat and painted interior to round out the company’s full range of beautiful, high-quality interior finish options.

Marvin’s meticulous factory stain finish involves a multi-step process that takes place before the window or door is assembled. Each individual piece of wood is sanded, conditioned, stained and oven-cured. Then the process is repeated to provide an ideal finish.

“We’re doing more than just saving builders or homeowners the time and hassle of staining windows or doors on their own,” said Christine Marvin, director of marketing for Marvin Windows and Doors. “These factory-applied stains give the products an unmatched richness and depth that enhance the beauty of the warm wood interiors.”

Marvin offers six stain options — Honey, Wheat, Hazelnut, Cabernet, Espresso and Leather — that can be applied to any of Marvin’s six wood species: Pine, White Oak, Cherry, Douglas Fir, Mahogany and Vertical Grain Douglas Fir. All of these options are included in Marvin’s newest iPad and iPhone app, Marvin Finishes. This app lets builders and homeowners “build” and preview Marvin products with any of these wood species and finish options applied.

Marvin Windows and Doors is fully committed to protecting our environment and implementing green practices. That includes reusing waste water, destroying 95 percent of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and making products that contain no volatile hazardous air pollution (VHAP). We use a water-borne acrylic enamel that is more environmentally friendly than solvent-borne materials. Marvin’s stain finishes — as well as its clear-coat finish — meet the WDMA’s TM-14-09 standard for the performance and appearance of factory-applied finishes. WDMA TM-14-09 tests for film adhesion, impact, freeze-thaw cycling, chemical resistance and exposures testing.

“Our proprietary finishing process is the best way to create a consistent and durable finish that brings out the natural beauty, texture and grain of the wood,” Marvin said. “Factory-finished windows and doors from Marvin arrive ready to install, saving time and trouble on the job site and ensuring a consistent, quality look and feel.”

ABOUT MARVIN WINDOWS AND DOORS

Marvin Windows and Doors brings its Built around you® philosophy to life with every customer and every solution.  A premier manufacturer of made-to-order wood and clad wood windows and doors, Marvin offers the industry’s most extensive selection of shapes, styles, sizes and options to fit the diverse needs of builders and match the personalities of homeowners.

Marvin’s tradition of delivering the finest craftsmanship in windows and doors began in Warroad, Minn., a small town just six miles from the Canadian border, where the privately-held, family-owned and operated company is still headquartered today. Learn more at www.marvin.com.

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[Chicago, IL] – The Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) and the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) have jointly released the December 2012 update to the 2011/2012 U.S. Industry Statistical Review and Forecast. This report delivers timely information on window, door and skylight market trends and product relationships. Historic data for 2006 through 2011 and forecast data for 2012 through 2015 are also included in the report. Forecasts are based on projections of construction activity as of December 2012.

New residential construction activity for 2012 is expected to close at 818,000 units, a 23.9% improvement as compared to 2011 and slightly better than forecasted last August. Most of this improvement over earlier forecast is attributed to multi-family starts. The study forecasts similar improvement for 2013, and continues to predict an even stronger 31% new residential construction improvement for 2014 over 2013. Existing home sales are expected to end at 4.7 million units in 2012, slightly better than originally forecast.

In 2012, nonresidential construction activity is experiencing slow growth in categories favorable to nonresidential door volumes (hospitality, education, healthcare, office). Total volume is expected to close at 2.4 million units (entry) and 6.5 million units (interior), reflecting growth vs. 2011 of 4.5% (entry) and 5.2% (interior).

Residential skylights are expected to close the year at 905 thousand units, a growth rate of 6.5% over 2011 volume. New construction skylight activity has proven to be greater than expected at 23.3% growth, while remodeling and replacement skylight activity has fallen behind initial expectations at 2.9% growth. The latter value is actually benefiting somewhat from weather-related replacement throughout the year.

Additional and more detailed information on the residential and commercial fenestration markets is contained in the 2011/2012 WDMA/AAMA Study of the U.S. Market for Windows, Doors and Skylights (published in May 2012), which includes all of the items listed below.

• WDMA/AAMA U.S. Industry Statistical Review and Forecast – December 2012 Update summarizes residential, non-residential and remodeling trends from government and industry sources.
• WDMA/AAMA U.S. Industry Channel Distribution Report profiles the residential and non-residential market for windows and doors as it flows through the identified distribution channels.
• WDMA/AAMA U.S. Industry Market Size Report quantifies residential and non-residential market volumes, both historic and projected.
• WDMA/AAMA U.S. Industry Regional Statistical Review and Forecasts detail information for 11 individual regions.

The updated 2011/2012 U.S. Industry Statistical Review and Forecast, as well as the other reports listed above, are available for purchase online from WDMA.

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COLUMBUS, OHIO – Thanks to the new SafePoint^™ impact-resistant laminated glass package from Simonton Windows, constructing a secure, quiet and energy-efficient home just got easier. Engineered to withstand high winds and flying debris, deter intruders and reduce unwanted outside noise in the home, the SafePoint glass package is now available nationwide as an option on Simonton ProFinish^® Brickmould 600 windows and doors.

“This glass package is designed to make a home a safe haven,” says Ken Kubus, coastal market manager for Simonton Windows. “The unique laminated SafePoint glass package helps reduce unwanted sound in the home, increases protection against high winds and offers proven protection against forced entry.^*”

Similar in design to impact-resistant glass packages found in code-driven coastal area homes, SafePoint glass offers no-effort protection for the home, 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Houses constructed with ProFinish Brickmould 600 windows and doors with the SafePoint glass package do not need to be boarded up before storms or impending severe weather. Products with SafePoint glass have passed ASTM E1886-05/1996-09 at the Missile “C” level and can withstand repeated blows by a heavy object.

“No matter where you are located in America, if you’re building a new home, SafePoint glass should be a specified product,” says Kubus. “With this glass package homeowners gain instant peace-of-mind for protection against severe weather and potential intruders. And, this amazing glass also helps prevent unwanted outside noise from entering the home, which is especially needed if a house is located in a high traffic area, near an airport, railway or urban center.

“The investment in SafePoint glass pays off in so many ways. In addition to helping protect the home, this laminated glass package provides excellent energy efficiency and serves as an effective barrier against heat transfer. This glass can actually play a significant role in helping lower heating and cooling costs for the home throughout the year while keeping the interior comfortable. And, SafePoint glass screens out much of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays that can damage carpets, furnishings and artwork.”

The Strength and Beauty of the ProFinish Brickmould 600 Series

Simonton ProFinish Brickmould 600 windows and doors feature a brickmould/J-channel design with an attractive multi-tiered profile that meets architectural specifications and aids installation. With standard ProSolar^® Low E Glass with an Argon glass fill, Brickmould 600 products meet, or can be ordered to meet, ENERGY STAR^® guidelines for all areas of the country. The SafePoint glass package is an optional upgrade for this product line.

These low-maintenance windows and patio doors come with optional Decorum^® by Simonton laminated woodgrain interiors and a variety of aesthetically-pleasing exterior colors, distinctive hardware, simulated divided lites and exterior flat casing trim that simulates the look of traditional wood windows and doors.

Additional Features of the ProFinish Brickmould 600 Series:

– Full screens standard with every window

– Wide selection of styles, such as Geometrics, Picture, Awning, Casement, 3-lite Slider, 2-lite Slider and Double Hung

– A lifetime Limited Warranty that covers vinyl, hardware, screens, insulating glass units for homeowner peace-of-mind. The SafePoint laminated glass is covered by a limited warranty for 20 years against material defects. A copy of the limited warranty is available from any Simonton Windows products dealer, or go to www.simonton.com.

About Simonton Windows

Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR^® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. Simonton has been ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Windows and Doors, Three Years in a Row” by J.D. Power and Associates.

Simonton was also ranked #1 in quality in the 2009, 2007, 2002 and 1998 Brand Use Studies sponsored by Builder magazine and has won three Best In Class Awards administered by LBM Journal Research Institute.

Founded in 1946, Simonton’s hallmark has been to deliver the industry’s shortest, most dependable lead-times. Part of Fortune Brands Home & Security (NYSE: FBHS), Simonton delivers award-recognized products nationwide to key markets throughout the 48 continental United States. Simonton is a Founding Sponsor of The Weather Museum, a Lifetime Founding Sponsor of the Lead Safe America Foundation, and a supporter of Homes for Our Troops. For information, call (800) SIMONTON (1-800-746-6686) or visit www.simonton.com.

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Coalition for Home Energy Efficiency Fights Proposed Rule Changes Harmful to Consumers

[Washington DC] – Fenestration industry leaders have partnered with The Coalition for Home Energy Efficiency to launch a broad consumer education campaign this week, starting with a Change.org petition to the President and Congress opposing proposed changes to the ENERGY STAR program that would price ENERGY STAR rated windows and skylights out of reach for average consumers and make affordable energy-efficient options harder to identify. The petition calls on the President to Save ENERGY STAR.

“The ENERGY STAR program enjoys the support of consumers, retailers, and manufacturers,” said Michael O’Brien, CEO of the Window & Door Manufacturers Association. “We think it’s worth saving and that’s why our association is supporting the Coalition’s efforts.”

WDMA members are united in their concern about an apparent change in direction for the ENERGY STAR Program away from identifying cost-effective energy efficient products for a broad consumer market. WDMA counts many past and current winners of ENERGY STAR Partner Awards among its members, proof of the industry’s long-standing commitment to the program.

For more than twenty years ENERGY STAR has offered consumers an easy choice: Buy ENERGY STAR and know that you will protect the environment and save money through lower utility bills. Families and businesses have saved nearly $230 billion on utility bills and prevented more than 1.7 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions over the past two decades by choosing the ENERGY STAR label, according the Environmental Protection Agency. More than 80% of Americans recognize the label and its meaning.

Now there’s a proposal in Washington that would break this promise by setting the requirements for ENERGY STAR windows and skylights at a point where the products would become so expensive, the average consumer would not be able to recoup the additional cost in a reasonable amount of time. The proposed version 6 criteria would change required energy performance ratings for windows and skylights in large parts of the country, making triple-paned products or the use of expensive technologies the most viable ways for manufacturers to qualify for the ENERGY STAR label.

Most ENERGY STAR windows sold now are more affordable double-paned products. Energy efficient double-paned windows still would be widely available to consumers, but shoppers would need to decipher U-factors, solar heat gain coefficients, and other such data on their own to decide which windows are a good value. The proposed new rules would effectively strip average consumers of the “easy choice” upon which they’ve learned to rely. If these proposed changes move forward, who knows which products will be next?

The Coalition is a group of citizens, manufacturers, and retailers who want to preserve and protect the ENERGY STAR program and its promise of an easy choice for consumers. Sign the Save ENERGY STAR petition at Change.org. Learn more about the Coalition and the Save ENERGY STAR campaign at www.CoalitionforEnergyEfficiency.org.

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About WDMA: Founded in 1927, the Window & Door Manufacturers Association is the premier trade association representing the leading manufacturers of residential and commercial window, door and skylight products for the domestic and export markets. WDMA members are focused on Total Product Performance™ products that are designed and built to performance-based standards. The association is focused on key member needs in the areas of advocacy, product performance, education and information and facilitating business interactions and relationships in the fenestration eco-system. For more information, please visit www.wdma.com.

Simonton, ranked #1 in quality in the 2009, 2007, 2002 and 1998 Brand Use Studies sponsored by Builder magazine, and winner of three Best In Class Awards administered by LBM Journal Research Institute, has introduced SafePoint™ Impact-Resistant Glass.

Secure, quiet and energy-efficient, the new SafePoint™ impact-resistant laminated glass package from Simonton Windows is now available nationwide as an option on Simonton ProFinish® Brickmould 600 windows and doors.

Simonton’s new impact-resistant glass packages are great for code-driven coastal area homes, reducing the need to be boarded up before severe weather, since SafePoint glass has passed ASTM E1886-05/1996-09 at the Missile “C” level and can withstand repeated blows by a heavy object.

The protection goes beyond severe weather. According to Ken Kubus, coastal market manager for Simonton Windows, “The unique laminated SafePoint glass package helps reduce unwanted sound in the home… which is especially needed if a house is located in a high traffic area, near an airport, railway or urban center.”

In addition to these advantages, the laminated glass package also provides excellent energy efficiency, serving as an effective barrier against heat transfer, and may offer some protection against forced entry.

Simonton ProFinish Brickmould 600 windows and doors feature a brickmould/J-channel design with an attractive multi-tiered profile that meets architectural specifications and aids installation. With standard ProSolar® Low E Glass with an Argon glass fill, Brickmould 600 products meet, or can be ordered to meet, ENERGY STAR® guidelines for all areas of the country. The SafePoint glass package is an optional upgrade for this product line.

These low-maintenance windows and patio doors come with optional Decorum® by Simonton laminated woodgrain interiors and a variety of aesthetically-pleasing exterior colors, distinctive hardware, simulated divided lites and exterior flat casing trim that simulates the look of traditional wood windows and doors.

Additional Features of the ProFinish Brickmould 600 Series include full screens standard with every window, a wide selection of styles, (Geometrics, Picture, Awning, Casement, 3-lite Slider, 2-lite Slider and Double Hung) and a lifetime Limited Warranty* that covers vinyl, hardware, screens, insulating glass units for homeowner peace-of-mind.

* The SafePoint laminated glass is covered by a limited warranty for 20 years against material defects. A copy of the limited warranty is available from any Simonton Windows products dealer, or go to www.simonton.com.

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FARGO, N.D. – Sept. 6, 2012 – The unmatched strength and performance of Ultrex pultruded fiberglass from Integrity Windows and Doors is now available in a beautiful, durable, easy-to-install exterior trim solution from the most trusted names in the window and door industry.

Integrity Exterior Trim Solutions offer builders easy installation for both windows and doors, and homeowners can take advantage of the consistent low maintenance and premium Ultrex performance they get from all of Integrity’s products. The patented Ultrex finish is three times thicker than competitive finishes to resist scratching and marring. It also provides five times the UV resistance to protect against fading, chalking, streaking and cracking. Field-applied factory pre-cut kits or lineal lengths are available in all six of Integrity’s AAMA-certified finish colors with either Brick Mould, Flat or Sill Nose profiles.

“Ultrex is the one of the toughest, most durable building materials on the market, and that makes a huge difference in the performance of this new exterior trim,” said Becky Felling, director of marketing at Integrity Windows and Doors. “Now the same great appearance and performance you get in your Integrity windows and doors can be applied to the finishing touches, as well. Homeowners will enjoy the peace of mind of knowing the trim’s corners and colors will stay true for decades to come.”

Now is the perfect time to try Ultrex exterior window trim from Integrity, with a promotion running now until Nov. 30, 2012, that gives installing trade professionals a $50 Cabela’s gift card for an Exterior Trim order for five or more openings. See your local Integrity dealer for details.

Ultrex fiberglass, created by a patented pultrusion process, is eight times as rigid as vinyl and has the tensile strength of steel. It outperforms and outlasts vinyl, roll-form aluminum and wood-vinyl composites, meeting all of AAMA’s voluntary specifications for manufacturing performance-based products that endure all of the harshest elements without showing age or wear. So when you choose any Integrity product, you know it’s Built to Perform®.

Learn more about Integrity’s Exterior Window Trim Solutions, watch a brief installation overview or request a product brochure at http://www.integritywindows.com/Trim.

“The installation is a snap — literally — and this trim will require next to no maintenance,” Felling said. “It’s the strongest option there is for builders, remodelers and homeowners.”

About Integrity Windows and Doors

Integrity Windows and Doors is the world’s largest and most experienced manufacturer of windows and doors made with Ultrex — a state-of-the-art pultruded fiberglass material. We didn’t just join the fiberglass revolution — we pioneered it. Our heritage as part of the Marvin family of companies is built on more than a century of excellence and expertise. Based in Fargo, N.D., Integrity offers a comprehensive line of window and door products that are Built to Perform® and backed by first-class customer service.

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Bay Windows by Simonton

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Simonton Windows has earned two “Seals of Approval” from the Handyman Club of America: one for “Contractor Tested and Recommended” and another for “Member Tested and Recommended.” Both rankings were received as a result of 100 percent approval ratings provide by Handyman Club of America members when installing Simonton Impressions® bay windows.

“The perfect scores across the board from our testers are an indication of the great care Simonton takes in creating custom windows and producing top-quality products,” says Ross Tanner, product test editor for HANDY magazine. “The member testers who installed the bay windows gave the highest rankings possible to the Simonton bay window in every category, including quality, design, ease of installation, ease of cable support kit, zero-slip clamp operation, condition of product on arrival and finished appearance. They also gave the bay window perfect top-score rankings on product durability, hardware quality, product packaging, and appearance versus the previous window they had in place. These are truly outstanding scores.

“We selected the Simonton bay window for testing because we had heard about the unique cable support system available and wanted our members to have the opportunity to test the zero-slip clamp installation. Our testers agreed that the cable support system made installation of the bay window especially fast and easy.”

The bay/bow window cable support system uses a hook that attaches to the 5/16-inch all-thread at the top of the window unit. This eliminates the need for two different cable lengths and the need to use knee braces or corbels to support the bay unit. A zero-slip clamp with both coarse and fine adjustments is used at the front of the unit during installation. The design provides more flexibility to the installation of the units in various situations including those with limited clearance.

Results of the testing will be covered in the August/September 2012 issue of HANDY magazine, which reaches more than 1.9 million readers including home improvement experts and professional building trades contractors.

The Handyman Club of America “Contractor Tested and Recommended” and “Member Tested and Recommended” Seals of Approval can now be associated with bay windows in all Simonton replacement product lines. For information on HANDY magazine and its member tested programs, visit http://myaccount.handymanclub.com/membership_faq.asp.

About Simonton Windows

Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. Simonton has been ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Windows and Doors, Three Years in a Row” by J.D. Power and Associates. Simonton was also ranked #1 in quality in the 2009, 2007, 2002 and 1998 Brand Use Studies sponsored by Builder magazine and has won three Best In Class Awards administered by LBM Journal Research Institute.

Founded in 1946, Simonton’s hallmark has been to deliver the industry’s shortest, most dependable lead-times. Part of Fortune Brands Home & Security (NYSE: FBHS), Simonton delivers award-recognized products nationwide to key markets throughout the 48 continental United States. Simonton is a Founding Sponsor of The Weather Museum, a Lifetime Founding Sponsor of the Lead Safe America Foundation, and a supporter of Homes for Our Troops. For information, call (800) SIMONTON (1-800-746-6686) or visit www.simonton.com.

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Fargo, N.D. – The latest population figures show that Americans are re-discovering city living. The move toward urbanization and greater density requires an upgrade in construction products to provide a better experience for owners, renters and businesses.

Integrity Windows and Doors is meeting that demand with expanded options in Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) products. Available across a wide range of Integrity products, these sound abatement options will meet the needs of both residential and commercial buildings.

“Today’s urban environment is fast-paced, exciting – and often noisy,” said Becky Felling, director of marketing for Integrity Windows and Doors. “Residents and business owners have high expectations for indoor environmental quality. We offer a variety of products that will meet those expectations.”

Standard sound abatement features include:

• New 3.1 mm/4.7 mm variable thickness STC/OITC glass upgrade
• Available on both Wood-Ultrex and All Ultrex products
• Published third party STC/OITC ASTM test values and reports
• Available on Casement, Awning, Double Hung, Single Hung, Glider, Picture, Polygon, Skiding Patio Door, Sliding French Door, Inswing French Door and Outswing French Door
• Available with all standard Integrity glass and divided lite options

For more information, visit www.IntegrityWindows.com/technical-manuals.

ABOUT INTEGRITY
Integrity Windows and Doors is the world’s largest and most experienced manufacturer of windows and doors made with Ultrex – a state-of-the-art pultruded fiberglass material. Based in Fargo, N.D., Integrity offers a comprehensive line of window and door products that are Built to Perform® and backed by first-class customer service. Integrity is a member of The Marvin Companies, a family-owned and operated manufacturer of premium windows and doors based in Warroad, Minn.

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Check out Marvin Windows and Doors New iPad App

Fargo, N.D. – Integrity Windows and Doors is proud to recognize six businesses whose impressive construction projects have made them winners in the 2012 Integrity Red Diamond Achiever Program. The award recognizes outstanding design, innovation, sustainability and quality in projects by the nation’s premier builders using Integrity products. For each submission, winners are nominated by the Integrity dealers and distributors who supplied Integrity windows and doors for the project.

“Red Diamond Achievers are absolute models of excellence,” said Becky Felling, director of marketing for Integrity Windows and Doors. “We’re happy to shine the spotlight on builders who reflect our values, operate responsibly, innovate constantly and deliver superior quality no matter the project.”

Winners of the 2012 Integrity Red Diamond Achiever Program include:

• Bensonwood Homes of Walpole, N.H.
• Pinnacle Custom Builders of Cobb County, Ga.
• Sellars Lathrop Architects of Westport, Conn.
• Imbue Design & Benchmark Modern of Salt Lake City, Utah
• Blue Sky Building Company of Sunset Beach, N.C.

Bensonwood Homes is a residential design-and-build company that creates high-performing wood homes fabricated off-site. For The Elizabeth Islands Project, located on an island off Cape Cod, architect Randall S. Walter designed a family retreat that offers energy efficiency, storm protection and a popular destination for extended family. The project used Integrity’s Wood Ultrex Double Hung, Awning and Picture Windows, as well as Wood Ultrex French Doors. Bensonwood Homes was nominated by Windows and Doors by Brownell and A.W. Hastings.

Pinnacle Custom Builders focuses on green building, historic restoration and custom homebuilding. Robert Soens Jr., president of Pinnacle Custom Builders, oversaw the remodeling of The Rebel Valley Project, a contemporary home in Vinings, Ga., built in 1974. The project included the addition of a new building envelope with rain-screen siding, a completely remodeled kitchen, and window and door replacement throughout the home to improve energy efficiency. Integrity’s All-Ultrex Casement, Awning and Custom Polygon Windows and an All-Ultrex Sliding Patio Door were used for this project. Pinnacle Custom Builders was nominated by Architectural Visions, Inc. and Super Enterprise.

Sellars Lathrop Architects specializes in residential renovations, additions and retrofits to meet modern living standards. To accommodate a growing family, owner and architect Ann Sellars Lathrop led the renovation of Bailey Residence, a 1950s Cape Cod in Westport, Conn. The roof was raised to create larger bedrooms and bathrooms, the kitchen and dining room were flipped to increase functionality through adjacency, a garage bay was converted to a mudroom/powder room/laundry area and a new front entry was improved with the addition of a front porch. The project features Wood Ultrex Casement, Awning and Picture Windows, along with Wood Ultrex Inswing French Doors. Sellars Lathrop Architects was nominated by Woodbury Supply and A.W. Hastings.

Imbue Design and Benchmark Modern specialize in custom, modern residential projects with emphasis on deliberate living, site-specific design and responsive, functional spaces. Matt Swindel of Imbue Design and Mark Haslam of Benchmark Modern teamed up to oversee construction of The Pasture Product, a single-story home in Holladay, Utah, that features an open floor plan, concrete floors, radiant heat and floor-to-ceiling windows. The project features Integrity Wood Ultrex windows and doors, along with a 36’ x 11’ Marvin Lift and Slide Door. Imbue Design and Benchmark Modern were nominated by All Purpose Windows.

Blue Sky Building Company builds retirement, vacation and second homes in the South Brunswick Island area of North Carolina. Builder Luke Perisich led the construction of The 40th Street Project, a Sunset Beach, N.C., vacation home and private residence intended to last for generations to come. That meant construction of a home built to withstand the region’s most severe weather conditions. The project includes Integrity IMPACT Double Hung Windows and French Doors, which are rated to withstand hurricane-force winds. Blue Sky Building Company was nominated by Guy C. Lee Building Materials.

Integrity will provide each Red Diamond Achiever and a guest with an all-expense paid VIP trip to Warroad, Minn., for events including a roundtable discussion; a tour of the Marvin Windows and Doors factory; dinner with Susan Marvin, president of Marvin Windows and Doors; and several other activities.

Additionally, each winner will be featured on IntegrityWindows.com with photos and information from their award-winning project submission. Winners also will receive a beautiful glass award, 200 print copies of case study cards, direct mail postcards and electronic files, recognition through Integrity’s social media outlets, and a $200 cash donation in the winner’s name to a charity of the winner’s choice.

“Good, honest business can weather nearly any storm,” Felling said. “As a company with a rich tradition, we appreciate businesses like our Red Diamond Achievers who have selected Integrity products as part of their enduring commitment to quality and excellence. We couldn’t be prouder knowing Integrity products have earned their trust.”

ABOUT INTEGRITY
Integrity Windows and Doors is the world’s largest and most experienced manufacturer of windows and doors made with Ultrex – a state-of-the-art pultruded fiberglass material. Based in Fargo, N.D., Integrity offers a comprehensive line of window and door products that are Built to Perform® and backed by first-class customer service. Integrity is a member of The Marvin Companies, a family-owned and operated manufacturer of premium windows and doors based in Warroad, Minn.

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COLUMBUS, OHIO – For a third consecutive year, consumers nationwide have rated Simonton Windows highest in customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction Study℠.

“We’re especially pleased that we have increased our overall satisfaction ranking among consumers by such a significant margin in 2012,” says Mark Savan, president of Simonton Windows. “This unbiased performance indicator demonstrates our commitment to excel in meeting the needs of consumers and our customers.

“Receiving this ranking for the third consecutive year is a milestone for us. Most importantly, it showcases the dedication and loyalty of our associates, our distribution partners and their customers. Remodelers and builders across the country are continuing to deliver Simonton’s strong value proposition, enabling us to lead the industry in homeowner satisfaction. We are honored and thankful to be recognized by this premier standard.”

Simonton also received the highest ratings in most categories of the study, including operational performance and durability, appearance and design features, warranty, price and ordering and delivery.

During the past three years, Simonton has continually increased its ratings in the study. On a 1,000-point scale, Simonton achieved a score of 810 points in the 2010 study; 818 points in 2011; and 831 in the 2012 study. Furthermore the gap between Simonton and the second ranked company increased more than three-fold this year, from 11 index points in 2011 to 36 points in 2012.

The prestigious J.D. Power and Associates customer study for windows and patio doors was created in 2007. Since that time, the research has identified key areas of interest to homeowners related to their window and patio door purchasing decisions.

In 2006 J.D. Power and Associates began conducting studies for ranking Builder and Remodeler Satisfaction among Residential Window and Patio Door Manufacturers. This study was discontinued in 2012. Simonton ranked highest for four consecutive years, 2008-2011.

Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. Simonton was also ranked #1 in quality in the 2009, 2007, 2002 and 1998 Brand Use Studies sponsored by Builder magazine and has won three Best In Class Awards administered by LBM Journal Research Institute.

Founded in 1946, Simonton’s hallmark has been to deliver the industry’s shortest, most dependable lead-times. Part of Fortune Brands Home & Security (NYSE: FBHS), Simonton delivers award-recognized products nationwide to key markets throughout the 48 continental United States. Simonton is a Founding Sponsor of The Weather Museum, a Lifetime Founding Sponsor of the Lead Safe America Foundation, and a supporter of Homes for Our Troops. For information, call (800) SIMONTON (1-800-746-6686) or visit www.simonton.com.

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COLUMBUS, OHIO – For many people, Daylight Savings Time can’t come fast enough on the calendar each year. The addition of an hour of natural light each day energizes and motivates them to accomplish more in a day.

Homeowners have the same desire for bringing added daylight into their homes. As a result, when it comes time to replace their windows, they’re making conscious decisions to seek out products that maximize the amount of natural daylight that enters the house. To help homeowners achieve that goal, Simonton Windows has launched the new line of Asure™ replacement windows and patio doors.

“Input from both consumers and remodelers helped us design this new product line that includes a larger viewing area and sightline,” says Gary Pember, vice president of marketing for Simonton Windows. “The newly-designed frame and modified sash on these units permit more light into the home. This allows homeowners to connect more with nature and ‘bring the outdoors inside’ their homes.”

What Daylight Does for Us

The desire for adding more daylight in our lives has several powerful results. A 2003 study of commercial settings by Capturing the Daylight Dividend Program entitled “The Benefits of Daylight through Windows”* reports that “windows that provide a view out as well as daylight, can reduce stress and hence reduce the demand for health services. Daylight reduces the incidence of health problems caused by the rapid fluctuations in light output typical of electric lighting.”

The National Institute of Building Sciences (WBDG)** reports that a variety of elements should be incorporated into a daylighting system to be effective, including:

· Daylight-optimized building footprint

· Climate-responsive window-to-wall area ratio

· High-performance glazing

· Daylighting-optimized fenestration design

· Skylights (passive or active)

· Tubular daylight devices

· Solar shading devices

· Daylight-responsive electric lighting controls

· Daylight-optimized interior design (such as furniture design, space planning and room surface finishes)

“While most homeowners probably won’t incorporate every aspect of a daylighting system identified by the WBDG, it’s important to note that homeowners can increase the natural light flow through their homes by simply installing energy-efficient windows that are designed to maximize natural daylight,” says Theresa Clement, designer and host of MyFixItUpLife. “The key for homeowners is to do your homework. Research the energy-efficiency features of the replacement window you’re considering and look at the construction of the frame. Make sure it’s solidly built and allows in as much natural light as possible.

“Homeowners interested in maximizing daylight transfer into the home should look for windows that meet or exceed the ENERGY STAR® requirements. At the same time, they should seek out windows that add style to both the interior and exterior of the home.”

Clement points out that the Asure window features a classic stepped design on the exterior that enhances the window’s aesthetics and increases curb appeal. “The frame face of this window provides an attractive, architectural ‘finished’ look to the home,” says Clement. “Clean corner welds and a smooth exterior construction complete the styling of these impressive windows.”

For the interior of the home, the affordable Asure windows incorporate a constant force balance system, requiring minimal effort to operate the sash. A longer sash stop in the lower sash has also been added for increased support and ease of operation.

Asure products are available nationwide in Double Hung, Slider, and Picture window styles, along with a variety of popular geometric styles and patio doors. The two “stepped” sill design provides enhanced resistance to water and air infiltration. Simonton’s patented Lap-Lok® Meeting Rail and thick fin seal weatherstripping also help ensure a tight seal against wind and rain. The sill “chambers” are uniquely designed for added strength and durability, providing peace-of-mind to homeowners investing in these replacement windows.

Simonton Asure windows can be ordered with design pressure (DP) ratings of up to 50. The new window incorporates a triple-stepped sill when DP ratings from 35 to 50 are selected. Asure products meet ASTM and AAMA Gold standards when installed according to manufacturer’s instructions. Asure windows and patio doors can also be ordered to meet ENERGY STAR® criteria in all areas of the country.

Available in white and tan, Asure products can be ordered with Flat or Sculptured grids in Colonial, Diamond, Perimeter, Prairie or Victorian patterns. A Double-Lifetime Limited Warranty provides peace-of-mind for homeowners.

Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. Simonton was ranked #1 in quality in the 2009, 2007, 2002 and 1998 Brand Use Studies sponsored by Builder magazine and has won three Best In Class Awards administered by LBM Journal Research Institute.

Founded in 1946, Simonton’s hallmark has been to deliver the industry’s shortest, most dependable lead-times. Part of Fortune Brands Home & Security (NYSE: FBHS), Simonton delivers award-recognized products nationwide to key markets throughout the 48 continental United States. Simonton is a Founding Sponsor of The Weather Museum, a Lifetime Founding Sponsor of the Lead Safe America Foundation, and a supporter of Homes for Our Troops. For information, call (800) SIMONTON (1-800-746-6686) or visit www.simonton.com.

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AMBLER, PA – Springtime has arrived and it’s time to dust off the “to do” list. But, how does a homeowner decide which projects should take priority? According to Mark Clement, host of MyFixItUpLife home improvement radio show, start by selecting those projects that are the most important for enhancing the functionality of the home.

“National Home Improvement Month in May is the ideal time to shine the spotlight on annual home projects that should never be overlooked,” says Clement, a professional contractor in Pennsylvania. “Sure it’s great to work outside in the garden this time of year, but that task should take second place behind evaluating and fixing major components of the house.

“A home’s curb appeal is important, but working on the structural aspects of the home should always take priority. For example, every year homeowners should be evaluating the condition of their roof, siding, windows, gutters and other exterior products that they rely on daily to keep their family safe and secure.”

Clement, who is currently renovating his own 100-year-old home, understands that all products in and on the house will eventually need to be replaced. “We just replaced the original wood door on our home with a fiberglass door,” says Clement. “That old door should have been removed a decade ago because it lost its functionality and was an energy drain on our home. The new Therma-Tru fiberglass door is energy-efficient, stylish and helps secure our home.”

According to Clement, there is a “must do” list of five items that homeowners should review every year during National Home Improvement Month. “May is the ideal time weatherwise to do these checkups and replacement work for the home,” says Clement. “It makes sense economically to make any needed changes to the roof, windows or doors when such work will have the least impact on energy bills.”

The list recommended by Clement includes:

Item #1 – Check the roof. Using either a ladder or binoculars from across the street, look for problem areas, such as missing or broken shingles, along with roofing tiles that may be “flapping” in the wind. These are all indications that a new roof may be in your future. If that’s the case, research the newer products on the market, such as polymer shake and slate roofing tiles. These impact-resistant tiles are man-made in a wide variety of colors. Some roofing tiles, like those from DaVinci Roofscapes® that Clement chose for his home, are fire- and hail-resistant. They also have a 50-year limited warranty.

Item #2 – Clean and assess the home’s siding. Pressure-washing works well for many homes to remove dirt and algae that can grow on siding, but remember never to pressure-wash windows or their screens. The extreme high pressure could crack or destroy the caulking around the units. While cleaning the siding, make sure to check for changes in the exterior from the previous year and be alert to buckling, warping or insect damage that may need to be fixed.

Item #3 – Evaluate the windows. If you find that windows in the home don’t operate easily, there’s air leaking in or out of the units, or there’s condensation between the glass panes, then it may be time to seriously consider replacement windows.

Vinyl framed windows have the highest growth rate in the country due to their energy-efficiency, aesthetic appeal and durability. Some of the best have fusion-welded corners and multi-chambered construction. Plus, maintenance hassles are so low you’ll forget the horrors of rotting frames, scraping and repainting that come with wood windows. For his renovation project, Clement selected Simonton vinyl windows. The award-winning company impressed him with its 65-year history, strong product warranty and return-on-investment with their quality ENERGY STAR® qualified windows.

Item #4 – Check on the gutters. Don’t underestimate the importance of the gutter system on the home. Each year homeowners should check to make sure their gutters are unclogged and remain sloped for proper drainage. Plus, make sure the water running off the roof doesn’t cause damage to the building structure, landscaping or property below the roof.

The Gutter Installers Association (GIA) recommends using GIA-certified contractors to perform a physical inspection of your existing gutters to check for leaks, ensure proper slope for good drainage and offer advice on a variety of gutter protection systems.

Item #5 – Spend time with the main entry door. If homeowners can see light around the door from the inside, the door is hard to close or lock, or the door itself is warped, it’s time to consider a new door. Even if you can’t see light, air may be moving through gaps in the weather stripping at a surprising rate.

Think about the weather conditions that a home’s door faces along with the energy bills. If either run to the extreme, consider replacing an entryway with a high-performance fiberglass door (which can have up to four times more insulation value than wood doors). Homeowners can also request features such as the Tru-Defense® Door System* from Therma-Tru Doors that features enhanced weatherstripping, corner seal pad, door bottom sweep and profiled sill that all work together to provide strength and stability in the entry door.

For more home improvement tips, visit www.myfixituplife.com.

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