August, 2009 -- Fiberglass-clad patio doors from Weather Shield® Windows & Doors now offer homeowners the ultimate combination of beauty, strength and energy efficiency in distinctive French-style sliding or hinged models. A superior choice for savings and longevity, fiberglass-clad products conserve energy and resist warping and cracking, even in extreme conditions.

"The fiberglass-clad patio doors embrace our company's environmental values without compromising architectural design, function, durability and aesthetic appeal," said Weather Shield Brand Manager Chris Schield. "The energy performance, durable fiberglass exteriors and a choice of interior species and options make the fiberglass-clad doors an Energy Smart choice for any home."

Weather Shield's Fiberglass-Clad Patio Doors

Several characteristics of these patio doors add to their energy efficiency and ability to meet the stringent .30 U-factor/.30 solar heat gain coefficient criteria of the 2009 energy tax credits and the forthcoming revised Energy Star guidelines:

• The fiberglass-clad panels are 1-¾" thick and filled with foamed-in polyurethane insulation for six times the energy efficiency of solid wood doors.
• The glazing is tempered insulated glass, with additional options of Zo-e-shield 5 or 6, EasyCare® Low E2 and argon gas in the airspace. Glass is available in clear, or gray or bronze tint.

Weather Shield products qualify for a maximum 23 points towards LEED-NC2.2 certification. Point categories include Sustainable Sites, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovation & Design Process.

The door is available in a four-panel, bi-parting configuration as well as one-, two- and three-wide units for a truly grand entrance.

Weather Shield fiberglass-clad patio doors are available in several interior choices: textured fiberglass (standard), pine or character alder. The wood interiors, machined from solid wood, are available with three finish options: white latex, prestained fruitwood and clear lacquer. Fiberglass interiors can be prefinished in five finishes.

The exterior of these patio doors feature low-maintenance, heavy-duty mat and roving fiberglass cladding, making these patio doors one of the most durable and energy efficient on the market. The fiberglass is scratch and dent resistant and won't warp or become brittle in extreme climates. And because it does not rot or corrode, it is ideal for coastal applications. One piece exterior door panels have no open joints providing increased strength, weather-tightness and stability. An extruded aluminum-clad frame virtually eliminates maintenance on the unit. The painted exterior finish resists fading, peeling or flaking and is available in five standard color options – white, tan, brick red, Hartford green, craftsman bronze – and pebble tone and silver anodized finishes.

The door can be ordered with Simulated Divided Lites (SDL) in colors that match the unit's interior and exterior finishes. Airspace grilles are available in colors that match the unit's exterior finishes or can be ordered in two-tone combinations. For a most elegant look, beveled glass with brass caming also is available.

The door's pultruded fiberglass sill has a superior drainage system and is thermally broken. The bottom sweep and adjustable threshold on the swinger and French models keep the unit weather tight.

All three door styles feature an advanced locking system that provides excellent security. The French and swinger models have three reinforced lock points and a metal deadbolt. The slider has two reinforced lock points.

About Weather Shield Mfg., Inc.

Owned by the Schield family, Weather Shield Windows & Doors is one of the nation's leading window and door manufacturers. Based in Medford, Wis., the company operates eight manufacturing facilities in the U.S. For more information on Weather Shield products, call 1-800-477-6808, or visit the company's Web site at weathershield.com.

Amy Lewis, principal
Renown Marketing Communications
651.552.9826
http://renownmarketing.com
@renownmktg