win.door REHAU commercial uPVC window and door designs enhance thermal performance with style and colour options Special to the Canadian Design and Construction Report REHAU is helping Canadian window and door manu- facturers to improve thermal performance and respond to a growing demand for colour options. As a leading provider of polymer-based solutions in construction, automotive and industry, the company has combined strong development capabilities with de- centralized sales and service excellence to become one of the top global providers of uPVC window and door designs. Helmut Grohschaedl, director of REHAU’s window and door business unit, says the U.S. market experienced a strong year in 2013, with double-digit growth, through a focus on commercial projects. He is anticipat- ing a similar development in Canada this year. “The commercial window and door segment has been dominated by aluminum, but with higher code re- quirements and the demand for better thermal perform- ance, Canadian manufacturers still have work to do to WE TAKE TESTING SERIOUSLY. TO GIVE YOU PEACE OF MIND. Discover how seriously. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaVdHL5Nuhc Watch our window and door test video here. www.na.rehau.com/windows 40 – Summer 2014 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report offer products that are environmentally friendly, save money and create energy savings,” he said. To encourage growth of uPVC in the commercial mar- ket, in 2013, REHAU launched a certified commercial manufacturer program. The program pro- vides additional support and benefits. REHAU has had a lot of success in the U.S. through continuing education pro- grams such as an AIA (American Institute of Architects) initiative, showcasing fea- tures and benefits of uPVC versus alu- minum windows and doors, while addressing designers' specific needs. “That’s what we’re working to get Cana- dian manufacturers into more – what does the architect need?” Grohschaedl further explains that colour is a big topic, so REHAU has placed emphasis on a new stock program to react to the demand. “The ability to provide colour profiles is part of what leads to success in the commer- cial market. Providing options like silver exterior, wood grain interior and bronze on either side helps architects envision using these kinds of products,” explains Grohschaedl. Another trend is toward passive homes. Grohschaedl says while the west coast from B.C. to California has been pioneering the market, he has seen projects pop- ping up elsewhere as well. To meet the trend, REHAU has introduced its GENEO product, which is passive house certified in both Europe and the U.S. Performance demands go beyond passive homes to basic lifecycle. “At the start of a project, it is important to sit with the architect and engineer to discuss how win- dows fit into the envelope, to calculate the energy con- sumption looking at windows and HVAC and to see how all the pieces fit.” Grohschaedl says REHAU has had products installed in the field for more than 50 years, so he has confidence in their durability and performance. He adds that vinyl stacks up very favourably against wood and particularly aluminum in terms of footprint. REHAU continually updates it products' performance and styling. The company’s current focus on its System 2200 Patio Door, introduced last year, and on a contem- porary upgrade of its casement system due out later this year. “The upgraded casement will feature flat lines and surfaces for the modern look architects want,” he says. And what comes after? “Still much more,” Grohschaedl says. For more information, visit www.na.rehau.com/commercialwd.