Innovation, Automation and Aesthetics for the Win
[DWM]‘s readers vote annually, selecting their favorite products from the past year. If there’s one takeaway from this year’s results, it’s that members of the door, window and related industries have a sharp eye for breakthrough technologies and practical problem-solving. From vacuum insulating glass (VIG) to fully robotic handling systems, readers rewarded products that push performance boundaries.
On the machinery side, automation proved irresistible, with some machines drawing monumental praise for “changing the industry.” At the same time, aesthetics and market trends continue to guide top-picks among doors and windows. Black-on-black vinyl and black interior window finishes were clear favorites. Decorative and privacy glass also drew votes, with some described as “completely unique and incredibly beautiful.”
This year’s results make vividly clear: [DWM]‘s readers haven’t lost their appetite for design-forward products that help them to differentiate in a competitive market.
Doors – Luxury and Specialty
Insight Series and H450 Series From Quaker Windows & Doors
Quaker Windows & Doors’ Insight Series combines modern technology with flexible design options aimed at luxury residential applications. The H450 Series delivers a steel-inspired aesthetic in architectural aluminum, with thermally-broken frames, narrow sightlines and impact-rated configurations achieving design pressure ratings up to CW90 and AW100.
What earned readers’ votes? As one reader put it: “Full of options and innovation.”
Materials for Glass
Kodimelt IG and Isomelt DM15 From H.B. Fuller | Kömmerling
H.B. Fuller | Kömmerling’s Kodimelt IG hot melt adhesive and Isomelt DM15 single-component desiccant matrix are engineered for use in insulating glass units with Intercept spacer to improve adhesion and manufacturing efficiency. The system delivers low processing temperatures, increased peel strength and improved moisture vapor transmission, and Argon gas retention.
In a critical category, this product was far and away the winner.
Kodimelt IG meets the ASTM E2190 and CGSB 12 7 standards. The product is specifically designed for windows, offering high-strength adhesion to both glass and metal surfaces.
Glass – Decorative and Privacy
Zen Doorglass From Novatech
Novatech’s Zen doorglass was the overwhelming winner in this category. The work of innovative designer Katie Hren, product designer for Novatech, and the company’s R&D team, Zen incorporates Walnut or Aspen woodgrains with clear or frosted glass. Manufactured using Ceraprint ink and silk-screening techniques, these eye-catching double-glazed units feature Intercept spacers.
Doorglass frames are available in flat or raised profiles, in white, tan, black and black/white.
As one reader put it: “Completely unique and incredibly beautiful.”
Hardware
DuoTilt Hung Window Lock System From Roto
When it comes to hardware, multifunction has always been a draw. Roto’s DuoTilt Hung Window Lock System integrates locking, unlocking and tilting into a single mechanism with a concealed tilt latch to preserve exterior aesthetics. Constructed from zinc alloy for durability and designed for vinyl profile compatibility, the system includes visual status indicators and tactile lever feedback to support proper operation and security.
Machinery – Cleaning
RoboClean-2000 Frame From GED Integrated Solutions
GED Integrated Solutions’ RoboClean-2000 Frame is a twin-head, 12-axis robotic corner cleaning system designed to automate vinyl door and window fabrication. The machine includes full articulation and infinite axis accessibility to reduce manual cleaning and improve consistency on flat and contoured surfaces.
But the biggest draw for readers may have been speed. The system operates up to 15% faster than conventional technologies, while incorporating advanced clamping, profile recognition and scrap cleanout features.
This category proved to be a highly competitive one.
Handling and Storage
Combi-CB155E Electric Forklift From Combilift
Some door and window facilities are tight on space. Perhaps that’s why Combilift’s Combi-CB155E electric forklift caught the eye of so many readers. It offers a 15,500-pound lifting capacity in a compact, multidirectional counterbalance design suited for navigating narrow aisles and transporting long, bulky loads. The unit features a panoramic glass cab, an auto swivel seat, gas strut suspension, and super-elastic tires.
Screens
VistaView Plus Screen System From Wizard Screens and Shades
Screens have been an uber-competitive category in recent years, so a win for Wizard’s VistaView Plus is noteworthy. The non-pleated screen system is designed for large openings, including those spanning more than 20 feet in a single configuration or over 40 feet in a double. The system includes an optional low-profile track.
Door and Window Components
Ecolutions Black Vinyl Platform From Veka North America
The black aesthetic is one that’s proven to be a long-term trend, and Veka cracked the code with [DWM]‘s readers by offering a proprietary black vinyl. Ecolutions is a door and window platform built with the company’s Obsidian Black by VEKA vinyl formulation to deliver a black-on-black aesthetic with enhanced durability and thermal performance.
Tools
WP4501 Window Energy Profiler From EDTM
EDTM’s WP4501 Window Energy Profiler measures ultraviolet transmission, visible light transmission and infrared transmission, while estimating solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and converting it to Total Solar Energy Rejected (TSER). With a full-color touchscreen interface, the tool is designed for in-field testing of installed windows.
A Telling Second Place: Renolit Exofol Architectural Corner Pen From American Renolit
While EDTM’s WP4501 was the winner among tools, American Renolit’s Renolit Exofol Architectural Corner Pen was a close second. Clearly, Exofol customers were looking for easy-to-use solutions for scratches and nicks.
Storm Doors and Windows
Patented Pre-Hung Entry Door System From Advanced Screen Systems
It was a tight race, but Advanced Screen Systems’ patented pre-hung entry door system won by offering convenience. The design combines an OEM entry door and secondary security, pet-resistant or storm door into a single factory-assembled frame to streamline fabrication and installation. Select configurations incorporate the Meshtec Advanced Screen System, delivering impact resistance.
www.advancedscreensystemsinc.com
Doors – Fiberglass
Weston Brushed Smooth Fiberglass Door Series From Waudena
Fiberglass doors earned their way into the market partly by replicating the look of real wood grain. But it was a different look that earned Waudena’s Weston Brushed Smooth Fiberglass Door the win. The door features marble- and concrete-inspired finishes paired with adjustable components designed to streamline installation and enhance performance.
Software
It’s a Tie!
What a tight race it was among the latest software applications—this time ending in a tie.
Omni, Nexus and Vendo Software Platforms From Paradigm
Paradigm’s Omni application enables fast, accurate configuration and quoting of complex door and window products, while Nexus connects sales to production with real-time inventory, scheduling and shipping updates. Vendo supports in-home sales processes. Together they create an integrated system designed to improve efficiency across quoting, order fulfillment and manufacturing workflows.
Look-Ahead Optimization Engine From GED Integrated Solutions
GED Integrated Solutions’ Look-Ahead is a perpetual glass optimization engine that powers its CleanCut tables and is compatible with other cutting systems. The software dynamically re-optimizes in real time to account for remakes, rush orders and schedule changes. Integrated with WinIG and i-Sight software, the system is designed to improve glass yield, reduce waste and support higher production efficiency.
Packaging, Cases and Protection
Double Door and Sidelite Closure (DDCL) From Doorframer
A close race emerged in this category, but it was Doorframer’s Double Door and Sidelite Closure (DDCL) that came away with the win. The product is designed to secure door units during transport without requiring the active door to be opened. The system uses a barrel inserted through the knob hole into the stationary door or sidelite jamb.
Windows – Vinyl
Black Interior Vinyl Window From Vytex
Yet another example of how the black aesthetic for windows continues to rule the day—Vytex’s Black Interior vinyl window features specially formulated PVC finished with the company’s Vycoat coating system to deliver a durable, wear-resistant and easy-to-clean interior surface. The streamlined design eliminates vent stops and complies with Energy Star 7.0 performance standards.
Doors – Sliding and Folding
Multi-Slide Vinyl Door From Gerkin Windows and Doors
Sliding and folding doors represent some of the industry’s “sexiest” products, making this category a tough one to win. Gerkin Windows and Doors’ multi-slide vinyl door features a four-sided compression locking design and specialized sill for airtight performance, and is available in two- and four-panel configurations with options for standard and custom sizes.
Insulating Glass
Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG) From Guardian Glass
With a handful of new, high-tech insulating glass (IG) products on the market, it was Guardian Glass’ vacuum insulating glass (VIG) that proved to be readers’ favorite. Tempered VIG significantly reduces heat transfer, compared to standard double-pane units, with hybrid and dual low-E configurations achieving R-values up to R-16.
For Improved Thermal Performance
Extrusion Foam Filling Service From Creative Millwork of Ohio
When it comes to increasing thermal performance, door and window designers and manufacturers are always looking for an edge. But when it comes to foam-filling, that process can be messy. For this reason, it’s no surprise that a foam-filling service with consistent five-day turnaround earned Creative Millwork of Ohio the win.
Tapes and Seals
OFF-300T190 Foam Seal From FenSeal
FenSeal’s OFF-300T190 is designed to address performance limitations of traditional Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) foam seals, featuring a compressible foam flap that expands contact surface and adds 0.070 inches of reach under closing force.
Machinery – Doors
Fully Robotic Door Handling System From 7robotics
High-tech was the theme for this category and it’s hard to find anything more advanced than 7robotics’ Fully Robotic Door Handling System. The system provides a turnkey solution for automated feeding and stacking of wooden doors, integrates with edge banders and programmable logic controller (PLC) controls, and uses barcode scanning to capture specifications such as dimensions, veneer species and hinge or latch orientation prior to processing.
Machinery – Screens
FS400 and FS600 FlexScreen Production Lines From Erdman Automation
What a buzz FlexScreen’s flexible window screens created for the industry, so it’s unsurprising that Erdman Automation earned the win with a machine that makes producing them a snap. The company’s FS400 and FS600 lines automate production with three operators, delivering outputs of more than 400 and 600 screens per 8-hour shift, respectively.
Machinery – Glass
Cohesive Bond High Speed Line From Erdman
No surprises here. Anything that’s designed to speed up the fragile process of creating insulating glass (IG) is destined to be a winner. Erdman’s Cohesive Bond High Speed line is designed to increase production throughput while improving bond line strength and immediate handling performance.
The system also supports simplified grid placement and enhanced sightlines to optimize automation.
As one reader put it: “Changing the industry.”
Machinery – Production Related
FHV-5060HS Vertical Welder From Pro-Line
Pro-Line’s FHV-5060HS is the company’s first vertical four-head welder, featuring a servo-controlled parallel welding system designed to deliver cycle times of less than 70 seconds for two sashes, including loading and unloading. Shipped ready to operate with minimal installation requirements, the platform also serves as the basis for an FHH-6040HS model.
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