TriCore™ Frame Technology Increases Weather Resistance

A family-owned company in Medford, Wisconsin, Weather Shield Windows and Doors employs 1,900 individuals and offers an extensive line of windows and doors. To increase the weather resistance and improve energy efficiency in its products, Weather Shield Windows and Doors utilizes an innovative TriCore™ Frame Technology.

Because a home loses much of its heat through windows and doors, inefficient fittings can be costly. According to research conducted by the Department of Energy, heat gain and loss from windows account for 25 to 30 percent of the heating and cooling energy use in a home. The TriCore™ Frame Technology aims to improve efficiency through the use of a fusion-welded subframe that allows several materials to work together in a single window frame. The system creates a thermal barrier that fully prevents the transfer of heat and cold from outside to inside the home.

By using moisture-resistant materials along with thick subframe components, the TriCore Frame Technology reduces weathering, prevents water from entering the home, and improves the general structural performance of the windows.

Earing an LEED Certification with Weather Shield Products

Since its founding in 1955, Weather Shield Windows and Doors has continued to innovate and offer products that addressing the changing expectations of customers. Weather Shield Windows and Doors has also achieved certification through Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

A program launched by the US Green Building Council, LEED is a rating system that sets national benchmarks for environmental sustainability in construction. LEED seeks to promote an approach to sustainability that accounts for the entire design and construction process of a building. The specific areas emphasized by LEED include carbon dioxide emissions reduction, indoor air quality, resource stewardship, water efficiency, and energy use minimization.

A project can earn points toward LEED certification by using certain products and techniques. The company can help construction professionals earn points in several different categories, including Indoor Environmental Quality, Materials and Resources, Energy and Atmosphere, and Innovation in Design Process. More information about LEED certification and specific products is available online at WeatherShield.com.

Contemporary Windows Offer Hardware and Finish Options

For over 60 years, Weather Shield Windows and Doors has manufactured high-quality, energy-efficient products in Medford, Wisconsin. With a focus on innovative and flexible designs, Weather Shield Windows and Doors’ inventory was ranked among the Top 100 products for contemporary window design in 2016.

In partnership with building industry leaders, Weather Shield offers a variety of hardware and premium finish options to allow its customers to customize their window and door designs. For instance, the company’s portfolio includes designer handle sets from manufacturers such as Ashley Norton, Baldwin, Hoppe, and EMTEK. In addition, customers can choose from 10 furniture-grade stains from Sherwin-Williams to enhance the look of their windows with the appearance of a quality piece of furniture.

The company can accommodate nearly any homeowner's renovation. A Michigan family contact Weather Shield to handle their home renovation. The company responded with a custom solution that allows the homeowners to enjoy an expansive view of Ann Arbor through a row of windows at the back of their home. The customers were able to find the precise sizes and shapes they needed, as well as the hardware and stain options that matched their tastes and home decor.

Material Options for Window Frames

With roots dating back to the 1950s, Weather Shield Windows and Doors manufactures and distributes high-quality windows across the entire United States. Weather Shield sells windows and doors in a remarkable variety of style and material options, helping clients find the right fit of both.

When it comes to window frames, many materials are available, and each has its uses. PVC and vinyl windows are very popular in North America, and they are an affordable option with good energy ratings. However, vinyl is less durable than composite options, which is a key consideration in areas with frequent extreme changes in temperature.

Aluminum frames have also gained significant popularity, but may lack aesthetic appeal, while steel frames have outstanding durability but tend to have long lead times and are more expensive. Wood is still a popular choice for high-end homes. For added durability, wood frames today are usually clad in aluminum or composite materials.

Certain features are tied to some materials and won’t be available with others. When picking a material for windows, the key is to look for a balance between the style you’re trying to achieve, your climate, and your desired price point.

Health Benefits of Indoor Natural Light

Innovative manufacturer Weather Shield Windows and Doors offers diverse finishes, stains, handles, and casements that combine to provide endless configurations. Weather Shield Windows and Doors is best-known for its product solutions that enable homeowners and developers to incorporate aspects of the ever-popular indoor/outdoor architectural style that can fill a room with natural light.

Increasing the amount of natural light that reaches the interior of a home has several known health benefits:

Lower stress: Sunlight can stimulate communication in areas of the brain that control emotional regulation. Further, sunlight triggers the production of neurotransmitters that cause an elevated mood, such as serotonin and endorphins.

Prevents SAD: A lack of exposure to natural light is one of the major contributors to seasonal affective disorder, which can cause lethargy and depression. Well-insulated, floor-to-ceiling windows or patio doors can introduce natural light without leaking indoor heating during the winter.

Increases vitamin D levels: Indoor/outdoor configurations make it easier for sunlight to reach interior living areas. Exposure to direct sunlight boosts vitamin D production, which is linked with immune system function and cardiovascular health.

The Differences Between Double-Hung and Casement Windows

Based in Wisconsin, Weather Shield Windows and Doors has been manufacturing and selling energy-efficient window and door products since 1955. A family-owned business, Weather Shield Windows and Doors has over 1,900 employees and sells a variety of window styles, from casement windows to double-hung windows.

Given the huge range of window styles available, many people get confused when it comes to choosing the best options for their home. The differences between these styles is perhaps most noticeable when comparing casement and double-hung windows. Both styles are popular options for tall window openings in a home.

Casement windows operate similarly to a door. They swing horizontally and employ a cranking mechanism that lets homeowners control how much they open the window. When opened all the way, homeowners can generally clean the exterior of casement windows, but this style does require that there is room outside the home to accommodate the space that the open window would occupy.

Conversely, double-hung windows slide up and down vertically. They consist of an upper and lower window pane unit, or sash, both of which are operable. This allows homeowners to open either just the top portion or bottom portion of the window if they don’t want to open the entire thing. Unlike casement windows, double-hung windows do not require much exterior space because they open vertically and not horizontally.

In addition to the exterior space required for both styles, homeowners must also consider their preferred view. Due to the construction of double-hung windows, they have a check rail that rests in the middle of the window. This obstructs the view of the outdoors, unlike casement windows, which have an unimpeded view. Casement windows also have a more airtight seal when closed than double-hung windows, but they do require more maintenance since they have more working parts than double-hung styles.

The Advantages of LEED Certification

Weather Shield Windows and Doors has been manufacturing and distributing high-quality doors and windows nationwide for decades. Weather Shield stands out for its customer-focused approach and flexible solutions for virtually any application. Using Weather Shield products can significantly contribute to a building receiving a LEED certification, a major benchmark for high-performance green buildings.

A LEED certification, first and foremost, provides a major boost in public relations both for the builders of a project and for the owners. It’s an internationally-recognized certification that carries significant weight with environmentally-minded customers.

It also provides more concrete benefits. LEED-certified buildings can qualify for numerous incentives such as special zoning permissions and tax credits. In addition, it can lower insurance premiums for buildings that remain certified in good standing.

Some studies show that LEED-certified buildings have an easier time attracting tenants than their non-certified counterparts. There is also evidence that LEED-certified building projects are less affected by recessions. Even when new construction is in a decline, LEED-certified square footage grows consistently.