Kolbe: Consumers Digest awards Kolbe’s Latitude Series as a “Best Buy” for premium, vinyl replacement windows

Wausau, Wis. — Recognized as having exceptional value in today’s competitive marketplace, Kolbe’s Latitude Series received a Consumers Digest Best Buy rating for premium, vinyl replacement windows. According to the publication’s research, the premium designation is awarded to the products that “offer all the features a top-of-the-line buyer would want” for the greatest value.

Kolbe’s Latitude Series provides a full line of premium quality, vinyl windows and patio doors for both commercial and residential new construction and renovation applications. These units offer 0.30 U-Factor and 0.28 solar heat gain coefficient, qualifying for national home improvement tax credits.

Featured in Consumers Digest’s September/October issue, among the attributes highlighted on Kolbe’s Latitude Series windows, the article states: “What sets this series apart from other models is that these windows have the best overall aesthetics and open, close and tilt better than all other vinyl models. …No other model’s interior surface has more seamless joint construction or does a better job of replicating the look of a wood-grain finish than this series does.”

“Mirroring the creative potential and exceptional performance, style and extensive options available in Kolbe’s wood products, Latitude presents a low-maintenance, alternative material of equivalent quality and dependable construction,” adds Mark Harger, general manager of Kolbe’s facility operations in Manawa, Wis. “Exterior colors and trims extend the design flexibility needed to complement nearly any architecture or décor.”

Combining traditional aesthetics with an ENERGY STAR® rating, these products rely on high-performance LoE glass as standard to deliver energy-efficiency, helping save money on heating and cooling bills. Standard glass used in Kolbe’s products contains 25-30 percent pre-consumer recycled content. The standard, BetterVue® screens’ charcoal-colored fiberglass mesh enhances the sense of openness, while increasing light transmission and insect protection. Rust- and corrosion-resistant, it is certified by GREENGUARD® for superior indoor air quality performance. Both the durability and low maintenance of Latitude Series windows contribute to reduced life cycle costs.

Consumers Digest’s research and editorial staff review each product, regardless of price, for:

* Best performance

* Greatest ease-of-use

* Widest range of features

* Greatest durability of design

* Best warranty

* Greatest efficiency

* Best styling

* Lowest maintenance needs

* Easiest servicing

On average, a Consumers Digest Best Buy rating is awarded to less than three percent of competing models in any given product category. Selected products are nationally available and manufactured by a reputable company with a national dealer and support service network. Kolbe’s website offers an easy, ZIP code search tool to find the nearest dealer and suppliers.

To learn more about Kolbe’s Latitude Series and replacement windows, please call 888-831-5589 or visit http://www.kolbe-kolbe.com <http://www.kolbe-kolbe.com/homeowner/index.cfm?page=products&sub=learnLatitude> . For more information on Consumers Digest Best Buys, please visit http://www.consumersdigest.com.

What began in 1946 as a two-brother team has grown into an internationally respected manufacturing company. Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co, Inc. remains a privately held, community-oriented business located in Wausau, Wis. Covering nearly one million-square-feet, its state-of-the-art facilities feature high-tech machinery and a design center to present the creative possibilities offered by Kolbe windows and doors.

NOTE: The Best Buy Seal is a registered trademark of Consumers Digest Communications, LLC, used under license.