NORTEK CLOSES ON $200,000,000 REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

PROVIDENCE, RI, August 15, 2002- Nortek, Inc. (NYSE:NTK), today announced it closed on a $200 million Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility provided by Fleet Capital Corporation. The facility is secured by substantially all of the accounts receivable, inventory and intangible assets of Nortek and its principal operating units.

Nortek used approximately $42 million of proceeds to refinance its Ply Gem subsidiary's existing credit facility and the remaining availability will support issuance of letters of credit and ongoing working capital requirements.

"We are extremely please to put in place this bank credit facility and believe that it will provide Nortek with additional liquidity which is an important element of our long-term strategic financial plan," said Nortek's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Richard L. Bready.

Nortek* is a leading international manufacturer and distributor of high-quality, competitively priced building, remodeling and indoor environmental control products for the residential and commercial markets. The Company offers a broad array of products for improving the environments where people live and work. Its products include range hoods and other spot ventilation products; heating and air conditioning systems; vinyl products, including windows and doors, siding, decking, fencing and accessories; indoor air quality systems; and specialty electronic products.

*As used herein, the term "Nortek" refers to Nortek, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise. This term is used for convenience only and is not intended as a precise description of any of the separate corporations, each of which manages its own affairs.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the Company's current plans and expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future activities and results of operations to be materially different from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Important factors impacting such forward-looking statements include the availability and cost of raw materials and purchased components, the level of construction and remodeling activity, changes in general economic conditions, the rate of sales growth, and product liability claims. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. For further information, please refer to the Company's reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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