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Archive for the ‘Doors’ Category

First Look: Soss UltraLatch Door Hardware

Friday, January 7th, 2011

Available in left- and right-handed models, the UltraLatch fits doors 1 3/8, 1 ¾, and 2 inches thick and includes the option of a privacy lock or matching keyed deadbolt. The hardware comes in eight finishes.

Product Name: UltraLatch

Manufacturer: Soss

What it is: Soss, known for its invisible hinges, opens a new door with an ergonomic interior latch line cast to conform to a hand but also open with a hip bump or elbow nudge. Traditional door knobs hamper an armload of laundry and levers have a way of catching coat sleeves, but the UltraLatch opens with a small push–a ½-inch push to be exact.

Why it’s cool: ADA compliant, the latch would be an asset in a hospital or an assisted living community but it’s also stylish enough for the home. The latch, which is suitable for new and existing doors, offsets from the jamb just enough to keep thumbs safe.

Check out a video of the hardware at work here.

–Evelyn Royer

Tags: door hardware, Doors, new product, universal design
Posted in Doors, Hardware | 1 Comment »

Fortune To Spin Off Home, Security Units

Wednesday, December 8th, 2010

Fortune Brands announced today it will spin off its home and security division–a group that includes Moen faucets, MasterBrand Cabinets, Therma-Tru doors, Simonton windows, and Master Lock–into an independent, publicly traded company with annual sales topping $3 billion.

The tax-free spinoff of Fortune Brands Home & Security LLC to existing shareholders is part of a larger strategy in which Fortune will also sell or spin off its golf business, leaving Fortune Brands to focus on its distilled spirits business, Deerfield, Ill.-based Fortune said in a news release. Details on when and how the spinoff will take place are now under development and will be revealed within the next several months, the company said.

“We are taking the next logical step in the evolution of Fortune Brands, which we believe will maximize long-term value for our shareholders and create exciting opportunities within our businesses,” Bruce Carbonari, chairman and chief executive officer, said in the news release. “Today’s announcement is the result of an ongoing strategic review process conducted by the board and management over the past four years that included regular evaluation of separating the businesses at the right time to serve the best interests of our shareholders.

“While the breadth and balance of our portfolio have served shareholders very well, we see the potential for even greater value by separating our businesses into focused companies at a time when they have emerged from the economic downturn in such strong positions,” Carbonari continued. “We believe now is the right time to move ahead with this tax-efficient approach, and we’re confident the course we’ve outlined today generates greater potential long-term value than all other alternatives.”

The home and security groups has annual sales topping $3 billion. In the company’s most recent financial report, issued Oct. 28, Fortune Brands announced that the operating income in the third quarter for its home and security division rose 4% above the year-earlier level to reach $73.6 million on a 1.4% rise in sales to $813.7 million. Company-wide, net income fell 17.3% to $102.6 million, primarily because of an 18.8% operating profit decline in its spirits division. Net sales company-wide inched up 0.2% rise to $1.72 billion.

“Home & Security has enhanced its position by playing offense during the downturn and front end of the recovery,” Fortune Brands said in its news release. “The company has created lean and flexible supply chains by both reducing costs and accelerating productivity initiatives. Significant new business wins, excellent customer service and successful new-product innovations have contributed to meaningful market share gains. With this momentum, combined with the company’s supply-chain flexibility and efficient cost structures, Home & Security will have substantial leverage and upside growth and returns potential as the U.S. housing market recovers.”

This article was originally posted on ProSales online.

Posted in Cabinets, Closet & Garage Storage, Doors, Faucets, Windows, Skylights & Sunrooms | No Comments »

Window and Door Demand Forecast To Rise 6.6% Annually Through 2014

Tuesday, December 7th, 2010

Demand nationwide for windows and doors will rise 6.6% per year from 2009 through 2014 to reach $31.2 billion in sales, with demand for plastic products growing faster than the overall average and demand for metal goods trailing the field, the Freedonia Group forecast Monday.

The Cleveland-based market research firm credits an expected recovery in new home construction as spurring a turnaround from the 2004-2009 period, when demand dropped 4.3% per year to reach $22.7 billion.

Plastics-based windows and doors–including building products made of fiberglass and vinyl–will see a rise in demand of 10.2% per year, rising from $4.53 billion in sales in 2009 to $7.35 billion in 2014, Freedonia predicted. “Gains will be spurred by rising demand for fiberglass entry doors, which will take market share from wood and steel entry doors,” it said. “Fiberglass doors are less costly, more aesthetically pleasing and more energy-efficient than steel doors. While traditionally wood doors were seen as more attractive than those made from fiberglass, improvements in processing techniques have enabled manufacturers to make fiberglass that more closely resembles wood. Further gains for plastic windows and doors will be supported by continuing demand for vinyl windows because of their low cost, durability, minimal maintenance requirements and superior energy efficiency.”

This contrast with more sluggish demand for metal windows and doors, which saw only a 1% annual drop between 2004 and 2009 to overtake wood as the most popular material for these categories. Demand should rise 4.3% per year, going from $10.47 billion in 2009 to $12.95 billion in 2014, Freedonia said.

“Rebounding housing activity will drive gains” for metal, Freedonia said. “Moreover, population growth in the South and West, where metal products are most often installed, will also spur advances. Homeowners concerned with preventing storm damage, such as those in coastal regions, will continue to install metal windows and doors. Demand will also be supported by the nonresidential market, where metal products are preferred due to their low cost and durability.”

Wood products have been hurt the most over the past five years, incurring a 7.9% annual drop in demand between 2004 and 2009, primarily because of the steep drop in spending on residential building construction, Freedonia said. It predicted demand for wood-based windows and doors would increase 7.2% over the next five years, with demand rising from $7.7 billion in 2009 to $10.9 billion in 2014. “Wood windows and doors are seen as aesthetically pleasing products that add value to a home,” Freedonia said. “However, strong plastic window and door demand, which is taking share from wood, will prevent wood products from supplanting metal products as the market leader.”

The forecasts are part of a just-issued report by Freedonia that is available for $5,100.

This article originally posted on ProSales online.

Tags: industry news
Posted in Doors, Windows, Skylights & Sunrooms | 2 Comments »

Marvin Discontinues Entry Doors, Starts Up Siding Division

Monday, June 28th, 2010

Two pieces of news from Marvin Windows & Doors have come to light recently, despite little in the way of news announcements from the 98-year-old manufacturer. The Warroad, Minn.-based company discontinued its entry door product line in early May. Later in the month, the company announced the launch of a new siding product.

Entry Doors Discontinued

Speonk Lumber in Speonk, N.Y., reported that issues with Honduras-based manufacturing and transportation systems lead to the closing of the entry door line, and Marvin confirmed the discontinuation.

Long-time Marvin customer David Roberts, president of Roberts Architects, Evanston, Ill., says he’s saddened by the discontinuation. “We’ve used a lot of they’re entry doors, which were really terrific,” he says. He’s still determining which other entry door brand is best to use for his upscale projects.

The change came so abruptly that Roberts had quotes from his Marvin dealers on an entry door project, and his client was in the midst of product selection. “One of my suppliers called and said, ‘I know we have a quote out to you, but we aren’t going to be able to do that project,’” Roberts recalls. “He told me the line was being discontinued immediately.”

Roberts’ supplier told him that outstanding warranties on entry door products would continue to be honored by the manufacturer.

New Siding Line Launched

Without the entry doors business, Marvin will be able to shift some of its focus to its newest venture, Apex siding. The new siding line will use the same pultruded fiberglass as Marvin’s Infinity and Integrity windows.

So far, Apex has launched only to select markets, including Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Star Tribunereported in May that, “unlike fiberglass siding panels produced by other companies, mostly for farm buildings, Marvin said Apex is the first fiberglass siding that can be installed on a house in overlapping boards that look like traditional siding.” The article also stated the products would be geared toward the “upper tier of the building supply market.”

Additional news about Apex siding, including photos and product information, is expected to be released within the next month.

Lauren Hunter is associate editor of Remodeling magazine. Victoria Markovitz contributed to this article. She is associate editor of ProSales magazine.

Tags: industry news
Posted in Doors, Siding, Veneers & Exterior Trim | No Comments »

Therma-Tru Offers New Warranty Against Water Intrusion

Tuesday, April 20th, 2010

At a time when products are increasingly scrutinized for how much value they can provide a homeowner and every penny is taken into consideration, Therma-Tru has introduced a warranty to further guarantee the performance of its fiberglass doors with Tru-Defense Door Systems.

The Door Systems include components that counter inclement weather, including a High Dam Sill to seal out air and water and a Rain Deflector to repel water from sealing components.

To back up its performance claims, the manufacturer now offers its customers a reimbursement of up to $2,000 if water infiltrates the door system and enters their homes.

To learn more about the warranty, click here. –Victoria Markovitz

Tags: Doors
Posted in Doors | 1 Comment »

‘Cash for Caulkers’ Would Provide Rebates for Energy-Efficient Building Products, Retrofits

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

President Obama announced March 2 details on “Homestar,” a Cash for Clunkers-like rebate program designed to entice Americans to make their houses more energy efficient. The administration hopes the incentives will boost demand for building products such as insulation, efficient windows, and roofing in the same way car sales skyrocketed last year when consumers were offered rebates for trading in their gas-guzzling autos for more fuel-friendly models.

As outlined in the proposal, dubbed “Cash for Caulkers,” homeowners could be eligible for up to $3,000 in point-of-sale rebates for purchases of efficient product upgrades or whole-house audits/retrofits. Energy efficiency contractors and suppliers would market the rebates, provide them directly to consumers, and then be reimbursed by the federal government.

Under the first level of rebates, Silver Star, consumers would be eligible for up to $1,500 for a variety of home upgrades, including adding insulation, sealing leaky ducts, and replacing inefficient water heaters, HVAC units, windows, roofing, and doors. There would be a maximum rebate of $3,000 per home.

The more comprehensive Gold Star level would provide a $3,000 rebate to consumers for a whole-house energy audit and subsequent retrofit tailored to achieve a 20% energy savings. Additional rebates would be available for savings above 20%.

Administration officials are still working with Congress on details, including how long the program will run, but the White House expects Homestar to create “tens of thousands” of jobs, cut energy bills for families by $200 to $500 per year, and reduce the nation’s dependence on oil.

In a statement, the NAHB acknowledged the program’s economic possibilities: “This has the potential to be a real shot in the arm for the home building industry,” said association chairman Bob Jones. “It will help put America back to work, and it will help families save on monthly energy bills.”

Masco Home Services president Larry Laseter, one of three manufacturers who joined Obama at the event, urged Congress to approve the program. “We applaud the efforts of the administration to introduce a jobs creations program that is truly a win-win-win,” said Laseter. “The Homestar program will put our nation’s skilled construction force back to work, benefit homeowners through comfort and energy-efficient improvements to their existing homes, and result in long term energy efficiency gains.”

The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association was more cautious, telling Building Products’ sister publication ProSales it will be working closely with the White House, the DOE, and Congress to help ensure the program does not put small and large independent dealers at a disadvantage versus big-box retailers. The NAHB also expressed that equal access for all will be essential to the program’s success.

Click here for full details of the Homestar program. –Jennifer Goodman

Tags: energy efficiency, green products
Posted in Doors, HVAC, Insulation & Moisture, Air & Pest Barriers, Roofing, Windows, Skylights & Sunrooms | 5 Comments »

2010 Builders’ Show Products, Part 1

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

Hanley Wood product editors scoured the exhibit floor of the 2010 International Builders’ Show in search of the latest and most interesting introductions. Here is a sampling of 12 products on display at last week’s event.

For 35 more products from the show, see our Builders’ Show Preview.

Aquatic. Designed to appeal to a broader range of users with hydrotherapy and accessible bathing needs, the Ava Bath includes a range of unique features. Rather than a swing-open door typical of most accessible bathtubs, Ava’s automated door runs the full length of the tub, and raises and lowers completely for unprecedented ease of access. The roomy design functions like a traditional soaking tub, allowing for more complete immersion than a traditional bath with a bench, and a patent-pending quick-drain feature empties the 70-gallon tub in 30 seconds or less. Four Ava bath models include soaker, whirlpool, air bath and air/whirlpool designs in a 60-inch-wide tub, suitable for remodeling. www.aquaticbath.com. –Lauren Hunter

Eldorado Stone. Designed to make it easy to create and install outdoor stone features, Eldorado Outdoor comprises glass-fiber reinforced concrete building blocks that assemble on site in a variety of configurations for outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, seating walls, and more; the cabinet units are scratch-coated for no-prep installation of the company’s stone or brick profiles. The lightweight units do not require additional concrete footings and can be installed directly over existing solid flooring surfaces.
Cut-outs for grills, sinks, and other elements can be done on site. According to the firm, the product reduces installation time for an L-shaped island from 64 hours to eight hours. www.eldoradostone.com. –Katy Tomasulo

Generac. The company’s new CorePower system offers the convenience of an automatic standby generator and transfer switch at an affordable, $1,799 price point. The 7-kW model can power a range of household needs during an outage, which it responds to automatically. The unit features an all-weather composite enclosure; three of its four sides slide off for easy servicing. It runs on natural gas or propane. www.generac.com. –K.T.

Clopay. The garage door manufacturer will now offer fiberglass and steel entry doors. Numerous decorative window styles with matching sidelites, transoms, and leaded garage door windows are available. The entry doors are factory finished and pre-hung for easy installation. The fiberglass products include a polyurethane foam core for added insulation and strength, along with tempered, triple-glazed insulated glass. Steel offerings are insulated with polyurethane. Select doors qualify for the energy tax credit. www.clopay.com. –Victoria Markovitz

LifeTime Lumber. Made with fly ash recovered from power plants mixed with polyurethane, LifeTime Lumber decking is fire- and mold-resistant, impervious to termites and dry rot, and will not split or fade, according to the firm. The decking cuts and fastens like wood, and features a redwood-based wood-grain. The 2×6 deck boards have a joist span rating of 24 inches. Six colors are offered. www.lifetimelumber.com. –K.T.

TimberTech. Available in cedar or gray colors, ReliaBoard decking offers homeowners an alternative to wood decking that features the durability and low maintenance of composite at a lower price point. The boards feature a flat-grain surface and a square edge, and are available in 12-, 16-, or 20-foot lengths. The maker is offering a 25-year limited, one-time transferable warranty. www.timbertech.com. –L.H.

Behr. Ideal for drywall installers, Premium Select High Build Primer & Sealer is designed to help professionals save time, money, and materials during the drywall-finishing process. The high-viscosity primer goes on thick to fill and hide minor imperfections before applying color topcoat. The high-build properties minimize imperfections such as paper fuzz, minor sanding grooves, nicks, and pinholes, and ensures topcoats present a smooth and consistent sheen. Available through special order only. www.behrpro.com. –L.H.

Simpson Strong-Tie. The LSCZ connector provides a concealed connection between the stair stringer and the carrying header or rim joist, replacing additional framing and toe-nailing. The product is suitable for solid or notch stringers, the firm says, and is field-slopeable to all common stair stringer pitches. A ZMax coating provides corrosion protection. www.strong-tie.com. –K.T.

Verve Living Systems. The firm has added thermostat control to its wireless system of lighting and fan controls. The product’s self-powering, battery-free switches can be programmed at home by the homeowner for control of individual or groupings of lights and fans. By combining radio frequency with energy-harvesting technology, Verve eliminates the need for wiring between light fixtures and light switches, saving installers time and money. www.vervelivingsystems.com. –V.M.

Danfoss. Reflect electric floor heating installs under laminate and engineered wood without the need for grout or another substrate during installation. A Styrofoam backing gives the product an additional R-value. www.danfoss.com. –V.M.

Kohler. The company has introduced a new line of automatic standby home generators that focus on design as well as the performance of the products. Including in the launch are three new sizes–10-kW, 13.5-kW and 20-kW–that will replace existing residential models of similar kilowatt output. These new offerings, the company says, offer faster response time, quieter power, and a new composite shell that is corrosion-proof even in harsh elements such as salty coastal areas. It comes in the company’s cashmere color. www.kohler.com. –Nigel F. Maynard

Fusion15ga_FN65DA_3Qt Senco. This nailer looks like slightly like a weapon from a J.J. Abrams sci-fi flick, but we guarantee you it is not. The company has combined the flexibility of a cordless nailer with the power of a pneumatic to produce the Fusion15- and 18-gauge finish nailer line. It eliminates the drawbacks associated with traditional gas- and battery-powered nailers, including fuel cell replacement costs, tool weight, and ramp-up times. Fusion uses an 18-volt lithium-ion phosphate battery that can reach an 80 percent charge in 15 minutes and Reflex Shot technology for added power and to provide up to 500 drives between charges. www.senco.com. –N.M.

Tags: ibs2010, new product
Posted in Bath, Decking, Site & Landscaping, Doors, Home Technology, Paints & Coatings | 2 Comments »

Kolbe to make 334 layoffs

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co. Inc. will lay off 334 production and office employees in response to the “continuing decline in the residential and light commercial construction industry,” reported Window & Door magazine.

Kolbe intends to reinstate the workers, many of whom work at the company’s facility in Wausau, Wis., in early spring 2010, states the manufacturer’s president, Michael Salsieder.

To learn more, check out the full article.–Victoria Markovitz

Tags: Doors, windows
Posted in Doors, Windows, Skylights & Sunrooms | 1 Comment »

Overhead Door to Acquire Wayne-Dalton

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

Overhead Door Corp. and Wayne-Dalton Corp. announced today that they have reached a tentative, non-binding agreement in which Overhead Door will acquire Wayne-Dalton’s overhead door business in North America and Europe.

Under the terms of the tentative agreement, Overhead Door will acquire the assets of Wayne-Dalton Corp.’s commercial and residential overhead door business, as well as its Fabric-Shield storm panel business, in a cash transaction. Wayne-Dalton will retain its garage door opener and wireless home access control businesses, and will continue to manufacture, market, and sell those products.

Overhead Door will continue to promote and make available Wayne-Dalton openers and wireless home access products to Wayne-Dalton’s current customers.

The transaction is subject to the negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement and regulatory and other approvals.–Jean Dimeo

Tags: acquisitions, garage doors
Posted in Doors | No Comments »

Marvin Windows Loses Longtime Leader

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

William Sibley “Bill” Marvin, the longtime president of Marvin Windows and Doors, died Aug. 31 at his home in Warroad, Minn. He just turned 92 years old last week.

Marvin, who was born Aug. 25, 1917, began his career at what was then Marvin Lumber and Cedar Company in 1939. He was the eighth employee at the firm, which soon began making custom wood and door frames.

According to the company, Bill Marvin “later pushed to expand the offering to complete windows and doors,” creating Marvin Windows and Doors and becoming its president and chairman in 1960. “Under his leadership, the company grew every year except 1961, when the Warroad factory burned to the ground.”

“Bill Marvin had the vision to see that you could create a national market for custom millwork,” said Frank Anton, CEO of Hanley Wood, the publisher of BUILDER. “He found a way to reach a thousand markets of one before it was fashionable. He found a way to bring affordable custom millwork into the hands of builders nationwide. He probably created the pre-eminent custom millwork brand in the industry, one synonymous with architectural style.”

During his career, Bill Marvin received numerous honors for his business leadership and contributions. Among others, BUILDER Magazine named him one of the most influential building industry leaders of the 20th century, Twin Cities Business magazine inducted him into its 2007 Minnesota Business Hall of Fame, and Bemidji State University gave him the Distinguished Minnesotan Award. His contributions were noted locally as well; Warroad High School, from which he graduated, honored him with its Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award in 1995.

He also graduated from the University of Minnesota.

Marvin is survived by his six adult children, 17 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Margaret, who he married in 1941, two infant children, and one granddaughter.

The funeral service for Bill Marvin will be held Friday, Sept. 4, at 11 a.m. in Warroad. For more information,please contact the Helgeson Funeral Chapel in Warroad.

Alison Rice is senior editor, online, at BUILDER magazine.

Posted in Doors, Windows, Skylights & Sunrooms | No Comments »

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