PRArticles
PRToday
Publicity tips that can help you increase your sales leads
PowerPR: Articles
Fiberglass Opens the Door To Cost-Effective Entry Options
Date: 10/05/2007
While wooden front-entry doors have been the staple for hundreds of years, they certainly have had their problems. They require regular maintenance, especially if there are any extremes of heat, cold or precipitation. Temperature variations cause them to swell and shrink, creating problems with normal opening and closing. They're not well-insulated. And, last but not least, they're not cheap. In the 21st century, however, there is finally a cost-effective and durable alternative--fiberglass door systems.
"People want the beauty of a wooden door," says Len Martindale, owner and general manager of Martindale Window and Door, provider of a new line of fiberglass door systems. "They can now get that in a fiberglass door system which provides real insulation, does not expand or contract from the heat and cold, requires no maintenance, and costs half to two-thirds the price of a wooden door." Appearance wise, these new systems are also nearly indistinguishable from their wooden counterparts--a person literally has to walk up and feel it to tell the difference. These new systems will accept any stain of any color, light, dark or medium, and in fact are easier to stain than wood.
Fiberglass door systems are also more durable, and don't chip, dent or scratch as easily as wooden doors. Due to their fiberglass composition, they are also not susceptible to moisture invasion. Depending on conditions, a wooden door may need to be replaced in as little as 5 years, whereas a fiberglass systems lasts 40 years or longer.
As to security, there is almost no comparison. The standard wooden door normally has a single lock system on the center edge, whereas the fiberglass door systems secure in 3 different places: at the top, center, and at the bottom. When the deadbolt is thrown, latches are deployed not only in the center, but at the top and bottom of the door as well.
When the door is locked, a roller bearing also presses the door tighter to the weather stripping at the top and bottom, sealing it. This is an additional weather-proofing feature. Traditional wooden doors must have gaps at top and bottom to allow them to expand and contract; if a wooden door is fitted tightly to the weather stripping, it will be hard to operate in various temperature extremes or in severe dampness. Hence, air enters through gaps in the top and bottom of the door. The fiberglass models end this problem.
Fiberglass door systems have come through a bit of an evolution. Originally, they were somewhat weak in their frame and panel systems. These new doors, however, are reinforced with laminated strand lumber (LSL) as well as a composite edge. The result is that the door remains straight--especially important with larger sizes, where traditionally older fiberglass models and wood would not hold up. In addition to the sturdier construction, the doors are hung with steel ball-bearing hinges, making the complete package very strong.
Another improvement over older fiberglass models is the addition of a fiberglass frame. Previously, a fiberglass door would have to be hung in a wooden frame, but with the new systems, frames can be matched to doors stylistically and can be stained to match the door. And, like the door, the frame is maintenance-free.
As with wooden doors, these doors are available with a wide variety and arrangement of window panels. Sidelights, transoms and even leaded glass panels are available.
Due to the price difference, higher-end doors with such added elements such as window panels are now more in reach for the average consumer, that typically might only appear on more affluent residences. "One woman who was building a home recently fell in love with a wide fiberglass door system," Martindale relates. "When she saw the price, she had to have it, and bought it. The home she was building was only a $250,00 home, and normally a door like that would be seen on a house $500,000 and up. So finer door systems are now within reach for everyone." Along with the lower price, of course, comes the added advantage of the much-longer lifespan and durability of the door.
Fiberglass systems have also eliminated the need for double-doors for expansive entries. Wood, because it can expand, contract and especially warp, would not support a very wide single door. Since these systems are so stable, a 42-inch-wide 8-foot-high with true divided sidelights give the grand entrance these customers are looking for.
Many stock designs are available, but systems can also be fully customized to specifications.
As to ease of installation, the new fiberglass systems come pre-hung, so they are as easy or easier to install than their wooden counterparts.
Fiberglass has truly opened the door to longer-lasting and more cost-effective entryway systems.
For more information: contact Martindale Window & Door Inc., 2895 Kew Dr
Windsor, Ontario N8T3B7, Canada, phone (519) 944-8111, or email: lenmartindale@martindalewindow.com or visit the web site at www.martindalewindow.com
by Bruce Boyers
Bruce Boyers is a freelance writer based in Glendale, California
For more information regarding our marketing publicity services or any sales questions please contact John Elliott.
To view our current job listings go here: jobs.
For information regarding using articles from our news section, editor request and the like, please contact press.