Door Manufacturers Expand and Improve Offerings

Jeld-Wen’s Exterior Folding Door System is available as a true 90-degree corner that can be completely opened to the outdoors. The folding door units meet at the corner, where two walls would ordinarily join and the doors fold back accordion-style from the corner inward. Beveled door edges and double weatherstrips ensure that the units are sealed against the elements — even without a structural corner post.

According to Lance Premeau, product manager for Kolbe Windows & Doors, “We help the remodeler by offering value-added options that benefit both the remodeler and the end- consumer. Options such as a factory-applied finish for the interior, exterior or the entire product can offer an advantage in the quality of the product and also the time spent on the job to finish the door.”

For a panoramic view or a unique room divide, Kolbe offers lift & slide and folding doors. Lift & slide door panels can either nest behind one another or recess into a pocket opening to disappear completely from view. Folding door panels fold back against each other to create a clear opening. Both door styles are available with heavy-duty extruded aluminum on the exterior with either wood or extruded aluminum on the interior. Available wood species include pine, oak, mahogany, fir, alder, walnut, maple and cherry.

The Legacy Series Bi-fold Patio Door by Weather Shield Windows & Doors is available in standard widths up to eight panels wide for openings as large as 23 ft. The Bi-fold Patio Door’s 3-ft. standard door panels are 2-1/4-in. thick with Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL). The door is available in standard configurations from two panels up to eight panels to accommodate a range of openings. Custom sizes are available for order. The accordion-style door stacks one panel on top of the next as it slides across the overhead track.

Atrium recognizes the importance of “making sure remodelers have the right options and the right price points so they have to have the right mix and the ability to sell up,” said Chris Reilly, director of marketing communications and replacement programs for Atrium Companies, Inc. SafeHarbor patio doors feature 7/16-in. tempered, laminated glass and are available in comprehensive vinyl and aluminum lines for replacement and new construction applications.

Silver Line’s Series 5800 Patio Door is a sliding door that features fusion-welded, steel reinforced vinyl construction boasting an optional DP-50 structural rating. For enhanced energy-efficiency, the door has 7/8-in. insulated glass and dual weatherstripping. The Series 5800 is available in a selection of several sizes and numerous design options for personalization.

Screening systems

If the homeowner wants to enjoy the outside without insects coming in, an important accessory to any patio door is the screen. Marvin Windows and Doors created the Ultimate Swinging Screen featuring no visible fasteners and panels with traditional shadow lines. The new screen includes an easy-to-install Storm Insert Option — comprised of aluminum-surrounded glass panel, and is designed to match Marvin’s Rectangular and Arch Top Wood and Clad Inswing French Doors. Additional features include hinges that match the clad screen color, solid corner construction and 70 percent Kynar 500 paint.

“NanaWall is popular in remodeling projects where the homeowner wants to make the room size feel larger and also bring in more natural light,” said Ebrahim Nana, president of NanaWall Systems, Inc. “We have seen the emergence of the outdoor living room and indoor/outdoor kitchens, bedrooms (sleeping porch) and bathrooms (grotto bathroom).”

Nana Wall Systems has introduced a premier European-designed operable screen system to the U.S. market. The NanaScreen system is licensed by Nana Wall Systems and has been customized to complement the large, movable NanaWall opening glass wall system. The NanaScreen is a series of collapsible, pleated, screen panels that connect to protect the full width of the NanaWall. The NanaWall and NanaScreen combine to provide the benefits of views and breezes without the drawbacks of insects.

To ease the worry and workload of builders and remodelers, most door manufacturers’ Web sites provide all the resources necessary to select, install and properly utilize their products. Atrium’s Chris Reilly advises, “Replacement and remolding contractors have to know how to make a margin so they have to partner with the manufacturer who is going to help them thrive and survive.