Tools
Pump, Pump It Up
Calculated Industries has introduced the Air Shim Pro STEEL, a tool that’s designed to address a common challenge with inflatable pry bars used in door and window installation.
The product incorporates a patent-pending Power Lift steel plate to help prevent the bag from folding or sagging around narrow loads, providing more stable and controlled lifting. It can support up to 350 pounds for an hour without leaking and features a large pump bulb for easier inflation. The tool’s dual-sided functionality allows users to position the steel plate as needed, while its surface-friendly materials help reduce the risk of damage.
Sealants and Adhesives
Solutions That Stick Around
Avery Dennison Performance Tapes introduced a range of pressure-sensitive adhesive solutions tailored for door and window manufacturing. Designed to improve assembly processes and product longevity, the tapes address key applications such as flashing, weatherstripping, warm edge spacers, glass protection and muntin bar installation.
High-performance flashing tapes provide strong adhesion and flexibility for creating durable, watertight seals around openings, while double-coated tapes support the application of EPDM-based weatherstripping. The company offers multilayer laminates that maintain spacer performance and gas retention for insulating glass units. Additional solutions include removable adhesive pads for glass transport protection.
Software
Simplify Sales and Accelerate Growth
WinDoor Quote (WDQ) introduced a major software update to streamline the quoting and sales process for door and window manufacturers. The new features allow users to accept credit card and ACH payments directly through the platform, digitally sign quote PDFs without third-party services, and instantly email polished proposals to customers and dealers.
Fully web-based, WDQ’s updated tools are accessible from any location. By integrating payments, signatures and communications into one seamless workflow, the platform eliminates extra steps, resulting in a faster, more professional quoting process.
Door Components
Slim in Size, Big on Protection
Nova Doors’ new high-performance fiberglass-aluminum hybrid door sill is engineered to deliver structural strength, energy efficiency and advanced water management in a slim 1-½-inch profile. The sill’s anodized aluminum cap is fully supported and bonded to an injection-molded ABS base, providing long-term durability and load-bearing rigidity. At the same time, a fixed fiberglass riser acts as a thermal break, significantly reducing conductive heat loss at the threshold.
To combat water intrusion, the design incorporates a dual-layer protection system: two pressure-equalized drip caps within the door sweep deflect 99% of incoming water, while a high-compression bulb seal positioned behind the secondary fin blocks any remaining moisture. Designed for compatibility with modern fiberglass door systems, the hybrid sill also supports higher design pressure ratings.
Framing Views with Elegance
Euro-Wall has introduced Vista TL, a thin-line window system that delivers expansive, unobstructed views for residential and commercial applications. Featuring edge-to-edge glass and minimal two-inch perimeter frames, the product accommodates glass up to 16.5 feet tall and wide, with the flexibility to include an unlimited number of lites per opening. The butt-glazed design eliminates dividing mullions, relying on a unique frame extrusion, triple-laminated glass, and structural sealant to maintain structural integrity. Available in both impact- and non-impact-rated configurations, Vista TL meets Florida product approvals and High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) protocols, with wind load ratings up to 90 DP.
Doors and Windows
Expanding Indoor-Outdoor Living Solutions
Milgard Windows and Doors has expanded its moving glass wall offerings with the launch of two new products: the VX350 vinyl and AX450 aluminum products.
The VX350 vinyl moving glass wall satisfies the rising demand for large patio doors that maximize natural light and outdoor views. With narrow sightlines and a clean aesthetic, the glass walls integrate an efficient weep system and a 1.5-inch sill height. Energy-saving features include a standard warm-edge spacer system and optional upgrades such as low-E glass coatings and argon-filled glass from Cardinal IG, achieving U-factor ratings as low as 0.29.
The product utilizes a thermally improved aluminum frame, sealed stainless steel ball-bearing rollers for smooth operation, and optional low-E glass with gas fill to boost energy efficiency.
A New Standard in Performance
Western Window Systems has introduced the Series 8000 Vantage Line, a collection of high-performance windows emphasizing clean design with narrow frame profiles and expansive glass. The product features advanced Euro Groove technology, with sleek, durable frames that simplify installation. A high-density polyurethane foam thermal barrier ensures the line meets or exceeds stringent standards.
The Vantage line is launching with four products—the Series 8630 Fixed Window/Window Wall, Series 8660 Awning Window, Series 8665 Pass-Through Awning Window, and Series 8670 Casement Window. More options are planned for release later in 2025.
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