Door Manufacturers Expand and Improve Offerings

As energy-efficiency, storm resistance and low-maintenance preferences remain hot topics, manufacturers have developed products that address these concerns and offer aesthetic appeal at the same time. New fiberglass styles, exotic wood species and dramatic patio door systems are available in abundance for grand entryways that combine curb appeal and limitless interior design flexibility with strength and security.

Entry doors

Faced with more stringent building codes, fiberglass door manufacturers have beefed up their product lines to endure hurricane-force winds and nearly any other climate extreme. “Today, fiberglass occupies about 20 percent of the U.S. entry door market and is projected to be about 30 percent by 2010,” said Jerry Oleshansky, vice president and general manager, home center and pro-dealer business for Therma-Tru Doors. “We are seeing the growing demand for building products that are designed for energy efficiency and durability to withstand a variety of extreme weather conditions year after year.”

In response to this demand, Therma-Tru recently introduced the Tru-Defense line of entry and patio doors, components and certified systems, designed to protect homes from severe weather including flying debris from high winds, torrential rains and harsh winter storms. Tru-Defense products are backed by full-system warranties, and are engineered and designed to work together in order to provide superior protection against air and water infiltration and structural wind loads.

Today’s fiberglass doors closely emulate the look of real wood and are available with a variety of options for customizability — from panel finishes and textures to decorative hardware and glass. According to Jeff Kibler, brand manager for Peachtree Doors & Windows, “Manufacturers will also continue adding new textures for textured fiberglass panels to replicate species such as mahogany, oak or fir. By changing the texture, decorative glass and complementary windows, remodelers can create an entry for a particular architectural style or regional influence.”

Peachtree’s fiberglass entry doors include Newport textured fiberglass in smooth or Duo-Choice fiberglass panels. The Duo-Choice entry is available in a choice of a wood-grain textured skin on one side of the door and a smooth skin on the other. Newport panels can be prefinished at the factory with an even, durable baked-on enamel finish in one of six colors.

imulated divided lite (SDL) grille bars also can be painted to match the door panel. Peachtree textured entry door panels can be factory stained in dark mahogany, red mahogany, dark walnut, provincial, early American and golden oak.

“Customers want to be able to differentiate their homes and express their personal style and individuality, added Patti Hendrix, entry door systems champion for Milgard Windows & Doors. “This is especially true of people living in tract developments where houses have the same door. Replacing the entry door has been shown to enhance the curb appeal and perceived value of a home.”

Milgard recently introduced its first fiberglass entry door product, available in more than 40 door styles and 500 variations, including 12 unique glass designs promising curb appeal and energy efficiency. The company’s three fiberglass entry door options include unfinished or prefinished woodgrain, unfinished white smooth, and unfinished white flushglaze.

For dramatic entries in real wood, Masonite has added the Cavalier Collection to its Royal Mahogany line. This new series is ideal for rustic or southwestern style homes and is available in a variety of designs and sizes, meeting the requirements of most applications. The Cavalier Collection doors feature engineered stiles and rails, raised molding and floating panels as well as optional black iron clavos, “speakeasy” doors and speakeasy grilles.