How our 100 Series windows are made: A factory tour with the Modern Craftsman
If seeing is believing, then you’ve already witnessed the way our patented Fibrex® material is combined with a design that’s precision manufactured to ensure quality for the long-term. Let’s review the benefits of 100 Series windows that Tyler Grace and Nick Schiffer of the Modern Craftsman podcast uncovered in their tour of our Goodyear, Arizona manufacturing facility.
Strength that you can count on
The reason we call Fibrex material the smart alternative to vinyl is because it's comparable in price, but that’s where the comparison ends. Understanding how Fibrex material is made gives insight into all the ways it surpasses vinyl. Strength is created through an extrusion process combining wood fiber and thermoplastic polymer to create a material that’s 2x stronger than vinyl. Reinforcing the inherent strength of the material is the design and careful assembly of 100 Series windows. The precision used to cut lineals, the care taken to weld corners, and the way that sash and frame are combined are steps that help create a product that’s rigid, stable, and weathertight.
Contemporary design your customers want
Customers today want dark colors and glass more than ever before at a price that won’t break the bank. Coextruding color in the capstock results in a variety of rich colors that meet today’s aesthetic standards and results in a finish that's 12x thicker than painted vinyl. In fact, we’re so confident in the finish that we offer a limited warranty against fading, flaking, and blistering for 10 years. Unlike vinyl, 100 Series windows, even in dark colors, can withstand high temperatures, up to 150°F. Their frames and sashes are strong enough to withstand the fluctuations in temperature that can cause vinyl windows to warp and their seals to fail.
Easy to use from specification through install
The modular design of the 100 Series product line allows for picking an operating type that makes sense for each location without disrupting the continuity of a home’s design. Manufacturing lineals and then cutting them to the size needed creates uniform sight lines and setbacks across the window types in this product line. The common sizing and frame depths also ease installation and simplify finishing on both the interior and exterior. In addition, the Easy Connect Joining System, available with this product line, allows for creating walls of glass that are as large as an architect can image and still easy for the crew to install onsite.
