[ Page 2 of 2 ]

Advertising Supplement Provided by JELD-WEN

Continuing Education Use the following learning objectives to focus your study while reading this month’s ARCHITECTURAL RECORD / AIA Continuing Education article. Learning Objective: After reading this article, you will be able to: 1. Describe innovations in glass doors. 2. Discuss style trends in entry doors. 3. Compare materials available for entry doors.

Steel is the prevailing choice in more affordable housing, attractive both for its price and durability. Steel doors also are the appropriate choice for entryways exposed to sun and rain. Fusion-crafted wood composite exterior doors, whose tough surface is engineered from pressed wood fiber and resin, bridge the price and performance gap between steel and wood doors and are engineered to perform even in extreme summer and cold winter conditions.

 

DoorCraft® steel exclusive 3-panel design with 3/4 oval insert 8-foot Alterna® fusion-crafted wood composite door

Direct exposure to the sun and other weather elements are a lesser concern with composite (fusion-crafted) doors than with doors made of wood because the fusion-crafted door surface is engineered to withstand sun, rain, heat and cold, and has an insulating core like a steel door.

No product on the market, however, can match the beauty and versatility of wood, say most homebuilders.

But, to assure a low-maintenance installation of wood doors, consideration must be given to exposure to precipitation and sunlight. Surprisingly, perhaps, ultraviolet light can damage wood doors to an even greater degree than water. UV rays break down the finish on wood doors and will eventually deteriorate the face of fiberglass doors. To preserve a handcrafted wood door, it is advisable to shield it with an overhang to protect it from both water and sunlight.

As an insulator, wood is 400 times more effective than steel and 1,800 times more effective than aluminum.

The structure of wood — a composition of millions of tiny honeycombed cells between fibers — and its resultant thermal resistance, provides a warm feel to the touch regardless of the outside temperature.

Thermal tests on door assemblies measure the “U” value, or thermal transmission, of the door. Thermal transmission can account for about 25 percent of the total energy loss through the door. Steel doors without thermal breaks will transmit cold; wood resists the penetration of cold outside air.

The thermal quality of a door is also influenced by the type of glass used in its construction. Insulated glass has twice the performance of single glass; low-e glass can triple thermal performance.

There is general agreement that wood doors by far offer the greatest versatility in satisfying the most demanding tastes and a variety of application needs.

They can be built or sized to fit any opening. They are available in numerous species, which can be stained or painted to match any décor, there are designs to match anything from ultra-contemporary to stately traditional.

No composite product can match the number of panel designs, decorative glass options or hardware options available for wood entry doors. It is also understood there are certain exposures for wood that are not appropriate unless the consumer is fully understanding of the maintenance requirements for such exposures.

When you know that a wood entry is the only option that is going to satisfy the discerning tastes of your client make sure you plan accordingly.

A Case Study The Craftsman design — and its Prairie Style and Mission Style cousins — stem from the Arts and Crafts movement. Four models in the contemporary Craftsman Series of entryways are highlighted by square geometric forms, bold linear planes and understated ornament. The doors are available in alder, cherry, maple and oak. Optional sidelights and transom are available with decorative glass touches such as French Crackle, Iridescent Granite, White Whispy, and square beveled jewels. The stiles are a generous 6” wide, and flat panels are held in place with squared moulding.

JELD-WEN

Founded as a small millwork plant in Oregon in 1960, JELD-WEN today is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of doors, windows, millwork, and specialty wood products. Three of its subsidiaries manufacture handcrafted wood entry and interior doors:

IWP®, Morgan® and Nord®

IWP: Since 1965, International Wood Products, makers of the world’s finest doors, has earned an unprecedented reputation among homeowners, architects and builders for creating beautifully handcrafted hardwood entry systems of mahogany, oak, maple, walnut and cherry. Every door is meticulously handcrafted and can be an entirely custom design. IWP remains committed to developing exceptional new door designs, entry systems and finishes.

Morgan: Since its inception in 1855, Morgan has been delivering doors of only the very highest quality which are designed, crafted and assembled with great care to create a product of remarkable beauty. Morgan uses only the highest quality materials throughout. No plastic fillers. No printed veneers. Just real oak, and pine that deliver strength and beauty in a wide selection of interior and exterior designs. Each Morgan® door is testimony to the craftsmanship and value that only wood can deliver.

Nord: Founded in 1925, Nord makes doors that complement the personal design of one’s home. Intricate designs are crafted from fir and hemlock for exterior and interior uses. Nord offers a variety of wood stile and rail doors, such as interior and exterior entrance doors and bifolds, as well as sidelights and transoms. Nord, a world of designs at your door.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: JELD-WEN
at www.jeld-wen.com or www.doors-windows.com
Or call (800) 877-9482, ext. CEU

1. What is currently available for wood entry doors?
2. What are the advantages of complete entry systems?
3. What are the advantages of complete entry systems?
4. When would you select a steel or fusion-crafted wood composite exterior door?
   
5. What are the advantages of wood entry doors over steel doors?