the construction methods and materials have changed
When the settlement of Çatal Höyük in Turkey aluminum window factory was established in 7000 BC, the concept of what we call windows or doors was not yet imagined. The city of 10,000 people is made up of mud-brick houses, and the living space can be accessed via a ladder through a hole in the ceiling. Similarly, most of these houses have no windows. On the contrary, that single roof opening is also the only source of natural light or ventilation-considering that they are likely to burn animal dung as a fuel source in the home fireplace, so it is uncomfortable.Thankfully, the construction methods and materials (and cooking fuel) have changed. Now, doors and windows are no longer hidden or non-existent, but a personalized design statement that brings light, warmth, ventilation and style to our home. doors and windows are constantly evolving, and design trends are adapting to the ever-changing world of pandemics.
The past year has been one of dramatic changes. As the COVID-19 pandemic forces more and more people to spend significantly more time at home, homeowners are beginning to reassess their living spaces. As a result, as people look for ways to better adapt to this new home lifestyle, house renovations have begun to soar. For many people, this means personalizing their home through the use of bold or unique colors. For example, according to the popular paint and coatings brand PPG, the use of a single color (especially black) for exterior walls and windows is a growing trend, creating a moody modern aesthetic.
“We are seeing homeowners becoming more and more interested in the non-traditional colors and finishes on our doors,” said Joe Klink, ProVia's director of corporate relations. "People are interested in vibrant blue and deep maroon tones. Our glazed finish gives the door a rustic, weathered look. We also see many people using our design tools, which allow homeowners to choose our Various styles and colors of doors, windows, and other products, and check their appearance at home. This makes them feel more involved in the process, and of course it can prevent buyers from regretting!"
Steve Hoffins, vice president of Windows marketing for Ply Gem Residential Solutions (a division of Cornerstone Building Brands), agrees. "We have also seen people's strong interest and growing interest in black frame windows as home design features. For many people, windows are not just a way to look outside or let in natural light, but they themselves Has become a design feature."
However, being a design feature does not necessarily mean darkening. This is about making personal statements through design choices—avoid blandness or architectural grade and choose uniqueness—and consumers are usually also attracted to lighter aesthetics to make such statements. Therma-Tru product management director Donna Contat said: “We see more design elements with clean lines and lighter natural wood tones, and they also extend to the entrance.” “To help achieve this, Therma-Tru in our A new walnut grain door has been introduced in the Classic Craft Visionary series, which looks great in our new Prisma-Guard Acorn stain."
However, when creating a personalized space, it is not just about color. The size of windows and doors is also increasing, and homeowners have expressed their desire for floor-to-ceiling glass walls or large sliding doors or bi-folding doors to bring more sense of the natural world-this trend has hit the pandemic but has recently gained A pandemic with greater momentum.
Mike Schweiss, founder and president of Schweiss Doors, a manufacturer of bi-fold doors and hydraulic doors, said the company's designer door sales have recently experienced exponential growth. "Architects and construction companies really appreciate our well-designed doors because in architecture, they can be clad with matching siding, glass or decorative exterior and interior walls. Similarly, another architectural trend that is really emerging is the need Very large bi-fold and hydraulic one-piece doors, some of which are more than 100 feet wide and up to 60 feet high. We are one of the very few door manufacturers that can meet these needs with reliable and safe doors."
This consumer desire to bring more of the natural world into indoor spaces is part of a larger trend called biophilic design. In short, biophilic design is an architectural concept that seeks to connect man and nature through the use of space, site conditions, the combination of natural elements, and the use of building materials. “As consumers spend more time at home and reassess what may be their biggest investment, they want to introduce more light to connect with the outdoors and add new design elements to their home,” said Vice President Jamison Eige. President of ODL, Inc. Retail and OEM Sales. "We continue to see the growing demand for larger doors and windows, and we are solving this problem by launching larger sizes of Blink Blinds + Glass in the coming year."
Although trends may change and window opening technology is constantly evolving, the needs of customers (builders, contractors, homeowners, etc.) have not changed much in recent years. They are all looking for reliable products, provide proven performance, have strong warranty support, and keep pace with the market. "Reliable, high-quality products are still the primary considerations in their purchasing decisions," said Hofens of Ply Gem. "With the changes in state energy regulations and energy efficiency regulations, builders are looking for door and window products as solutions to help them meet the requirements of these new energy regulations."
Eige of ODL agreed. "In response to changing consumer needs, builders are looking for products that follow design trends and help them stand out from their competitors," he said. "Energy-saving products are still very important, but for consumers, adding more glass, ease of use and technological upgrades have become more important."
However, although the needs remain the same, how can LBM distributors meet these needs to make them stand out from the competition. How do successful LBM dealers meet these needs? According to the manufacturer, this is a three-part process: Have a line of quality doors and windows that customers can easily access, understand how these products meet customer needs, and then maintain transparency and communication throughout the purchase and delivery process .
ODL's Eige said, first show your products, and then find ways to enhance the products in the showroom, these products incorporate the trends and designs that consumers are looking for. "Adding colored windows or shutters between the glass is one way to help make the showroom stand out," he points out. "In addition, it is very important for dealer sales representatives to have a large number of samples that highlight the features consumers want. Many builders will need samples and displays that can be used to show consumers. Just have a hand sample and expect the builder to make consumption It’s not enough to upgrade."
In terms of product knowledge, it is important that LBM distributors have a deep understanding of customer needs and how their product lineup meets these needs. As manufacturers have pointed out, distributors should research the brands they operate, the product specifications of those brands, and any unique selling points so that they are ready to provide products that exceed customer expectations.
“Dealers should first know exactly what their customers’ needs are and explain to them that, depending on the size of the door they want, their building must be able to withstand the weight and load of the door,” Mike Schweiss explained. "Like manufacturers, distributors should never lower quality to save money; this may eventually cost more. Distributors should spend time researching a door company, that is, whether the factory delivers on time and is in good condition? Do they charge Will they stand behind the door if the advance payment is too high?"
Finally, clear and concise communication can make LBM distributors stand out from the competition. Builders need to know where their orders are in the manufacturing pipeline and when they will be delivered. For customers, knowing the exact status of door and window orders means less downtime and the ability to complete more work in a given time.
"In order to create a reliable customer experience, every point of contact between you and your customers, no matter at any level, must be as transparent and frictionless as possible. Information and options are now expected, otherwise customers can choose to buy elsewhere," Ply Hoffens of Gem said. "Transparency, communication and service. We can tell customers more confidently and accurately when the windows they ordered are built and delivered. We have created a "track my truck" tool to notify customers when the delivery truck leaves the manufacturing site, allowing They can see exactly where the truck is on their route and let customers know how many scheduled stops the truck has at their branch before it appears."
In order to enable LBM dealers to provide their customers with the best solutions, door and window manufacturers have been providing extensive training programs for a long time. But just as the pandemic has driven changes in product trends, it has also brought changes in product training, and more and more resources have shifted from face-to-face to online. Although the long-term nature of the pandemic remains to be seen, manufacturers have no doubt that virtual resources will continue to be an important tool for product knowledge.
For example, in the case of ProVia, it continues to see strong demand for its installer certification program. “Installers want to learn new technologies and improve their skills,” explains Klink of ProVia. “Training from the manufacturer adds value because our trainers know the product very well. The installer finds that this skill honed can eliminate calls back and improve customer satisfaction.”
In 2021, Therma-Tru launched a virtual experience, an online resource that gives customers the opportunity to explore the manufacturer's product line and current home design trends at their convenience. Therma-Tru’s Contat said: “It’s an interactive and immersive environment where participants can access content 24/7 via their desktop, laptop or tablet, and can access the content at thermotru.com/2021virtualexperience Get it on."
Therma-Tru also launched an annual national lottery for unlocking opportunities to train trade professionals online. The program helps participants understand the latest trends and new products, and provides daily and weekly prizes. Participants must log in to the Therma-Tru virtual experience to participate in the lucky draw.
In addition, Therma-Tru will continue to provide its certified door system installation program, which guides participants through the correct technology to properly install and seal the Therma-Tru door system. "For door systems, we believe that proper installation is as important as having the best components," Contat said. "As a Therma-Tru certified access control system installer, you can give your customers more peace of mind through our Tru-Defense warranty. If there is a problem, the Tru-Defense door system installed by the certified installer can make the homeowner’s Eligibility for reimbursement is doubled."
Similarly, Ply Gem has transformed its existing face-to-face training program into a virtual training opportunity. “At Cornerstone Building Brands, we have always believed that training is a key element of our brand delivery,” explains Hoffins of Ply Gem. "In many ways, this kind of training is a major differentiating factor that sets us apart in a fairly non-differentiated market. We continue to improve our training programs, even in the recent virtual world, which has been very successful."
So, in terms of doors and windows, what is the future of LBM dealers? Although it seems strange to admit, the pandemic has brought tremendous growth to the window industry. Despite the challenges faced in the past year, there are also opportunities. Door and window manufacturers hope that continued growth will become the continuing normal, as shifts in consumer financial priorities, coupled with increased interest in home improvement, may drive growth in 2021 and beyond.
ProVia’s Klink explained: “At this time in 2020, there is uncertainty about how the pandemic will affect the business.” “As difficult and unpredictable as the past year, at ProVia, our business has grown tremendously. As more and more people work from home, do not spend money on commuting, and cannot travel or vacation due to restrictions, they are using this money to improve their homes. We expect more growth in 2021 as more The more homeowners decide to invest in their homes and start renovation projects."
Steve Hoffens of Ply Gem responded to Klink's comments. "Like all industries, our industry has to deal with operational challenges, procurement challenges and many unknown factors that have emerged in the past year," he said. “Although last year was a stress test for many people, it gave us the opportunity to rise to the challenge and improve our processes, technology, and leadership. Macro trends such as remote work, home investment, and even home interaction may affect the entire The construction and window opening industries have a long-term impact."
ODL's Eige stated that the long-term impact of COVID-19 may change consumer behavior for a long time. "Consumers are more willing to consider making large purchases to refurbish houses, such as installing doors and windows. We have seen consumers willing to pay more for upgrades to these products, such as high-performance glass options and light and privacy controls."
Research seems to support the optimism of manufacturers. A recent report by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Research predicts that renovation expenditures will continue to increase throughout 2021. The National Association of Realtors predicts that existing home sales will increase by 10% this year. These factors indicate that LBM sales are very important for professionals. It is a good sign. And the homeowner.
Although there is no 100% accurate forecast, windows and doors seem likely to be a strong and growing component of LBM sales throughout the year, and as Eige speculates, this bodes well for the entire construction industry. "The current industry growth is very unpredictable. Factors affecting construction products include the uncertainty of Covid, unprecedented demand for existing houses and rising prices of construction products. I hope to see construction products continue to lead our country's recovery."
Michael Berger is the former editor-in-chief of HANDY magazine and has been writing articles about home improvement and architecture for the past 20 years.
