16 window and door innovations from IBS 2011

Photo: The All Ultrex Series Round Top from Integrity is made of a proprietary glass-reinforced composite material that provides complementary performance to Ultrex — Integrity’s pultruded fiberglass that’s eight times as strong as vinyl.

Earlier this year at the International Builders’ Show in Orlando, the HousingZone.com editorial team toured the show floor in search of breakthrough product introductions. Here are 16 window and door products that caught our eye:

All Ultrex Series Round Top

The All Ultrex Series Round Top from Integrity is made of a proprietary glass-reinforced composite material that provides complementary performance to Ultrex — Integrity’s pultruded fiberglass that’s eight times as strong as vinyl. The new round tops are available in a number of energy-efficient glass options and offer six exterior finishes: Stone White, Pebble Gray, Cashmere, Bronze, Evergreen, and Ebony.

WISP Window and Door System

HomeRun Holdings’ WISP Window and Door System features integrated hurricane-protection shades that can be deployed electronically from anywhere in the world using the company’s Home Manager ST management program. Ideal for use in second homes where deployment can occur from hundreds of miles away, the system enables homeowners to schedule and program shades (individually or in groups) to open or close at set times, or instantly with the click of a mouse.

Andersen Exterior Trim System

New trim from Andersen features a proprietary snap-on installation method that allows contractors to trim out a window or door in as little as six minutes, and a whole house in less than half a day. Made of the company’s durable Fibrex composite material, the trim system is available in 11 colors and a wide range of architectural styles, and it works with the Andersen A-Series, 400 Series, and 200 Series product lines.

Builder Series 4780 Pocket Door

Designed specifically for builders who want to incorporate glass wall systems in their homes but don’t have the budget for commercial-grade systems, the Builder Series 4780 Pocket Door from Ply Gem Windows is an affordable (starting at $400), low-maintenance extruded aluminum door ideal for new homes in southern and western U.S. markets. The door recesses into a pocket, greatly expanding the opening between indoor and outdoor spaces for easy entertaining. Systems can be configured in one-, two-, or three-panel groupings for a maximum door coverage of 12 feet wide and 8 feet tall. Custom sizing is also available.

Clad Ultimate Glider

Marvin Windows and Doors’ Clad Ultimate Glider brings elegance and smooth operation to this versatile unit. The Clad Ultimate Glider features one-hand operation, a patent-pending handle-and-lock system, and low handle placement for ease of use. The window is available in seven wood species and 19 exterior clad colors, as well as several operating configurations.

Essence Series

Milgard introduces the Essence Series line of hybrid wood/fiberglass windows and doors. On the interior, Essence provides the warmth and style of natural wood. On the exterior is the strength and durability of fiberglass. The complete line is covered by Milgard’s full lifetime warranty, including glass breakage. Essence Series is available in pine, vertical-grain Douglas fir, and primed wood ready for painting.

Avonlea glass

The new Avonlea glass design from Therma-Tru features clear baroque glass with fluid lines in a free-flowing leaf pattern accented with bronze water glass and black nickel caming. The new glass is Energy Star-qualified, providing additional energy savings for environmentally conscious consumers. Glass sizes include full-lite, 3/4-lite, 1/2-lite, and oval- and center-arch lite. The new glass design is available in the Fiber-Classic, Smooth-Star, Profiles, and Traditions door lines.

Silent Guard Acoustical Windows

Atrium Companies has added two models of casement and awning windows to its Silent Guard 7000 Series Acoustical Window line. The Series 7500 Casement and 7600 Awning Windows are designed with an STC/EWR rating for superior acoustic performance, while vinyl construction and low-e insulated glazing provide Energy Star compliance in all climate zones.

Operable awning windows

Hy-Lite is introducing new acrylic block operable awning windows with E3SunBlock that meets Energy Star qualifications for most areas of the country. Hy-Lite also offers operable windows in slider, casement, hopper, and single-hung configurations. Pre-framed units come with low-maintenance vinyl frames and provide ventilation, while protecting homeowner privacy and offering energy efficiency.

Classic Series Steel Basement Door

Bilco has expanded its Classic Series Steel Basement Door line with a model that features a patented gas-spring lift assistance system for improved operation. In addition, the company has partnered with Sherwin-Williams to provide a low-VOC, superior-adhesion primer finish for the complete product series. The doors feature heavy-gauge steel construction and an overlapping flange design that sheds water and prevents binding due to ice and snow, permitting all-season operation.

Maple Park

Therma-Tru’s new Maple Park glass option features a gentle arch design embedded within a rectangular geometric pattern, adding both a fluid touch and a sense of balance to the entry. Available in full lites, half lites, three-quarter lites, twin lites, and center-arch lites, the glass design option can be used to complement a variety of home styles, including Arts and Crafts bungalow architecture.

Lamboo

Kolbe has expanded its selection of interior wood species with an engineered, laminated veneer bamboo (LVB) product. Similar in density to hard maple, Lamboo does not have knots or voids and is pressed into two different grain types. The solid, uniform, engineered surface is easy to clean and helps resist pests, molds, and moisture. Lamboo can be specified for interior doors and windows and is available in a variety of stain colors and custom-matched finishes.

TriSys frame system

Designed for standard glass and door cut-out sizes, ODL’s TriSys door glass frame system offers ease of assembly with a clip system that enables the cover frame to snap onto the inner frame in seconds, allowing for quick adjustments. The system features a millwork-inspired profile with good paint and stain adhesion characteristics.

400 Series Replacement Casement

Designed for replacement and remodeling applications, the Andersen 400 Series Replacement Casement window comes pre-drilled with through-the-jamb installation holes, allowing for installation from inside or outside the home. The kit includes replacement extension jambs that preserve the original alignment of trim and paint lines, as well as self-hanging shims for consistent, quality installation and backer rods for appropriate backing for sealants. The all-in-one system allows for quick, easy installation and custom sizing.

Tripane with Krypton

Marvin Windows and Doors offers a more energy-efficient option for several of its window and door collections with Tripane with Krypton, which involves filling insulated glass units with a blend of three gases: krypton, argon, and air. The mix provides a U-factor of just .03. Tripane with Krypton is available on the Ultimate Casement collection, Ultimate Awning, Ultimate Double Hung, Ultimate Double Hung Magnum, and Clad Insert Double Hung.

Premium Series 1000 Sliding Patio Door

The new Premium Series 1000 Sliding Patio Door from Ply Gem Windows features the company’s EuroGlide lift and slide operating system, which integrates two innovations to standard sliding doors. The first is a handle that, when rotated 180 degrees, is engineered to lift the door panel off the sill for smooth gliding. The second is a ball-bearing roller system that enables a door weighing up to 550 pounds to open and close with just the push of a finger. Only eight pounds of force is needed, compared to 30 or more pounds for a standard sliding door. Featuring low-e insulated, argon-filled glass, the door meets 2010 Energy Star standards in all zones.