New Line of Impact-Resistant Windows from MW Provide Coastal Homeowners with Added ProtectionNew Styles, Shapes Available for 2007

    February 7, 2007 -- ROCKY MOUNT, Va. - After Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the building industry faced a serious challenge: develop construction techniques to enhance the performance of homes during a hurricane. This challenge was reinforced with the 2005 hurricanes and the billions of dollars of damage caused by these storms. One of the keys to minimizing the impact of a hurricane is protecting the 'home envelope.' This means protecting windows and doors from flying debris that can breach the home and allow wind and water to destroy the structure.

    New Styles, Shapes Available for 2007

    "At MW, we feel we have developed an affordable solution with the MW Classic® Series Impact Windows & Patio Doors," according to Mark Montgomery, senior vice president, sales and marketing, MW Windows & Doors, Rocky Mount, Va. "Not only have we achieved code-mandated performance levels, we've maintained the aesthetics of our products as well. Best of all, the cost won't break the bank for our customers."

    New for 2007, the casement style of the Classic Impact Windows can now be mulled together while still maintaining current performance ratings. This allows architects and homeowners to incorporate larger window openings into a home's design without having to worry about whether or not their windows will hold up in the event of severe weather.

    Also new for 2007, single hung windows are now available in operating shapes, including True Radius, Arch, Uneven Leg Arch and Quarter Circle.

    MW Classic Series Impact Windows are designed using high-performance laminated glass and additional reinforcement to enable these windows to stand up to the rigorous ASTM large missile impact test procedures. These windows and patio doors achieve a DP 50 performance rating under these impact test conditions, which allow them to be used in virtually all coastal applications.

    When designing the first impact window, the goal was to create a product that maintained the style of the MW Classic Series of vinyl windows, incorporating the ease of installation and functionality with the thermal performance of an insulating glass unit. Using this as a prototype, MW has developed a single hung window, casement window, picture window, operating shapes and a sliding patio door, all with enhanced impact performance and virtually no aesthetic difference from the original MW Classic Series. New operating shapes include True Radius, Arch, Uneven Leg Arch and Quarter Circle.

    "With more and more states adopting building codes that require windborne debris protection in homes, builders and homeowners will be looking for affordable options without sacrificing the aesthetics of their homes," says Montgomery. Pre-drilled holes for plywood or unsightly mounting brackets for storm shutters just won't cut it with today's homeowner.'

    "With our line of impact windows, we've provided both builders and homeowners with an affordable, passive solution to windborne debris protection. This means not having to search for fasteners and storm panels to prepare for approaching storms, climbing ladders to install heavy plywood or investing in expensive roll-down shutter systems," adds Montgomery. "At MW, we pride ourselves on providing service to our customers, and this is just another example of going the extra mile for them."

    About MW Windows & Doors
    MW Windows & Doors is a brand of MW Manufacturers Inc., Rocky Mount, Va. Founded in 1939, MW was one of the first window companies in the country to build a window and frame together as a single unit ready for installation into a rough opening. Today, MW offers a complete line of clad wood, wood, composite and vinyl windows and patio doors.

    MW is owned by Ply Gem Industries, Inc., headquartered in Kearney, Mo. Ply Gem manufactures and distributes a range of products for use in the residential new construction, do-it-yourself and professional renovation markets. Principal products include vinyl siding, windows, patio doors, fencing, railing, decking and accessories marketed under the MW, Variform, Great Lakes, Alenco, Napco, Kroy and CWD brand names.

    For more information about MW or any of its products, please call 800/999-8400 or visit www.mwwindows.com.

    Ian Forbes
    Griffin & Company, Inc.
    forbes@griffinco.com
    (888) 420-0256 ext. 120