NEW VARIFORM PRESIDENT APPOINTED BY NORTEK

PROVIDENCE, RI, January 10, 2002 - Nortek Inc.. (NYSE:NTK) announced today the appointment of John Wayne as President of Variform, Inc., a Nortek-owned company. Mr. Wayne previously had been Variform's Vice President, Sales and Marketing.

Mr. Wayne replaces Lee Meyer as President, who assumes the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of Ply Gem Industries, Inc., a wholly-owned Nortek subsidiary.

In announcing the appointment, Richard L. Bready, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nortek said, "John Wayne has been instrumental in solidifying and growing Variform's market position over the past four years. We are pleased to expand his responsibility with his new role in leading Variform to continued long-term growth."

Mr. Wayne joined Variform in 1998 as Vice President, Sales and Marketing. He previously held sales and sales management positions at Armstrong World Industries.

He graduated from University of Wisconsin with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration degree.

Mr. Wayne is married with three children.

Variform is a leading North American manufacturer and distributor of high-quality vinyl siding and accessories.

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.