Atrium Companies Launches New Generation of Vinyl Impact Products

    August 7, 2007 - DALLAS - With forecasters predicting a 74 percent chance of at least one major hurricane hitting the U.S. coastline this year, and nearly 9 out of 10 homeowners reportedly unprepared, builders are looking for ways to help consumers be safe and protect their assets. The introduction of Atrium's new vinyl impact line - SafeHarbor® vinyl impact windows and doors - will offer a comprehensive solution for both new construction and replacement applications.

    New Generation of Vinyl Impact Products

    "We've offered an aluminum impact program with a limited number of vinyl products for a while now, moving into a full vinyl line allows us to offer the most complete impact family in the industry," said Chris Reilly, director of marketing communications and replacement programs for Atrium Companies. "With this new line, our customers can feel confident we've got them covered for all of their new construction and replacement needs in both impact and non-impact products."

    The expansion of the SafeHarbor line is a direct result of meeting an ongoing need in the market for vinyl, impact resistant products that meet or exceed code requirements and are of the high quality and contemporary styling Atrium customers have come to expect. The new line of vinyl products includes single- and double-hung models, as well as casement and horizontal sliding windows and sliding patio doors.

    Key Product Features and Benefits
    SafeHarbor vinyl impact windows and doors are available in a full range of styles and sizes to complement a variety of home designs. Optional tinted glass and energy efficient Low-E glass are also available.

    Proven Safety
    Certified Design Pressure (DP) ratings up to 55 for windows and 60 for sliding glass doors. DP ratings meet coastal wind and hurricane debris code requirements. Products meet American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) hurricane debris protocols. Approved for hurricane impact zones all along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts

    Glass Construction
    SafeHarbor vinyl windows feature laminated safety glass combined with a thermally efficient 3/4", 7/8" and 1" insulating glass system depending on the series. The exterior lite consists of a 3/32" thick annealed glass panel. The interior lite is constructed of two 1/8" thick annealed glass panels laminated with an interlayer membrane that becomes transparent during the laminating process and forms a 5/16" thick panel.

    Tested to Perform
    In independent lab testing, SafeHarbor vinyl windows withstood the impact of a 9-pound 2-by-4 piece of lumber traveling at speeds of 50 feet per second. After impact, the windows were buffeted by combined positive and negative pressure simulating hurricane force winds. During the five-hour testing period, the impact-resistant glass shattered but remained in the window frame. The window continued to function operationally after the testing was complete.

    Additional SafeHarbor products include aluminum windows and sliding patio doors, as well as impact-resistant steel and aluminum shutters available in fixed, accordion, rolling and Bahama styles.

    About Atrium Companies, Inc.
    For more than 50 years, Atrium Companies, Inc. (www.atrium.com) has offered the highest quality window and door products to meet the demands of builders, contractors and distributors in the residential construction industry. Dedicated to meeting the needs of its customers, the Atrium family of brands provides a versatile range of window and patio door products, including vinyl and aluminum models, as well as replacement and new construction product lines. A variety of window styles is also available through the Atrium family including single- and double-hung, horizontal slider, casement, tilt-and-turn and architectural shapes. Specialty products range from hurricane impact solutions with Atrium's SafeHarbor® impact-resistant windows, patio doors and hurricane window shutters, to innovative soundproofing Silent Guard™ Sound Suppression Windows. The company's portfolio of brands includes its flagship Atrium Windows and Doors brand, Superior Windows, Thermal Industries, Danvid Door and Window, HR Windows, Champion Window, North Star Windows and Doors and Darby Door.

    Mindy Meyring
    206-628-7700