SOFTLINE 68 / 78 / 88

SOFTLINE is a three-layer laminated wood tilt-turn window system available in three build depths (68, 78, and 88 mm) and two wood species (European pine and meranti tropical hardwood), designed for residential and light commercial use across the Northeast US climate envelope where solid timber construction is required by the architecture or jurisdiction.

The three-layer laminated construction bonds three layers of solid wood with the grain rotated between layers. The opposing grain directions cancel each other under seasonal humidity variation, preventing the warp, twist, and binding that affects single-layer wood frames over time. This is the standard construction method for European premium wood windows and the reason SOFTLINE installations from 15 to 20 years ago continue to operate as designed.

The aluminum drip cap on the bottom rail is an integrated protective profile that moves water off the bottom rail, shields it from direct UV that degrades wood finishes, and provides a continuous wash detail that keeps water out of the wall assembly. It is standard on all three depths, not an upgrade. Thermal performance scales with depth: 68 mm at Uw = 1.08, 78 mm at 0.9 (standard premium spec), 88 mm at 0.8 (top of the wood category, comparable to premium thermal-break aluminum).

Standard glazing is a double-pane argon IGU at Ug = 1.1 W/(m²K) across all depths; triple-pane double-chamber IGU at Ug = 0.5 is available and recommended on 78/88 mm. Hardware is MACO MULTI-MATIC KS with 2 anti-burglary engagement points, Silber-Look coating, sash lifter, and microventilation; the aluminum handle is standard. Concealed hinge upgrades are not available on the wood line (the laminated frame geometry does not accommodate the concealed mortise without compromising frame integrity).

Wood species selection affects cost and dimensional performance: European pine is the standard choice; meranti offers improved dimensional stability for coastal (within 2,500 ft of saltwater), screened porches, and high-humidity applications. Finish options include translucent stains (light pine, golden oak, dark oak, mahogany, walnut, dark teak) and opaque paints (standard residential colors and custom RAL), all factory-applied in controlled booths.

Exterior wood windows require recurring maintenance: annual inspection, cleaning every 12 to 18 months, touch-up every 5 to 8 years on south/west elevations, and full refinish every 12 to 15 years depending on exposure. The aluminum drip cap and factory finish extend the cycle. For the timber look without the maintenance, the DUOLINE wood-clad aluminum line uses the same SOFTLINE timber core with an aluminum exterior shell.

Operation types include tilt-turn, fixed, tilt-only, side-hung, and top-hung; historic district replacements often include custom muntin patterns and custom geometric shapes (arched, eyebrow, oval). Application range is residential new build and renovation in traditional and historic styles — particularly historic districts in northern NJ, Westchester, Bucks County, and Fairfield County, and premium custom builds where the timber interior is part of the design intent. NFRC-equivalent thermal data, wood species reference, finish samples, and maintenance documentation are available by direct request.