The Hunt for the Ultimate "Ugly" is On.Therma-Tru Doors Announces Its Third Annual Ugliest Door in America Contest.

    Maumee, OHIO, (Feb. 7, 2007) - "Ugly Betty" may have parlayed the concept of unattractive to critical and commercial success in the world of television, but when "ugly" is used to describe your front door, it is nothing to celebrate.

    For the third year in a row, Therma-Tru® Doors is on the prowl for the ugliest entry and patio doors in America. The folks at Therma-Tru know ugly. They have seen it all - obnoxious colors, peeling paint, warped panels and leaking seals that barely keep the rodents out.

    Builders and remodelers know ugly too. That is why Therma-Tru is launching its nationwide search at The International Builders' Show in Orlando, February 7-10 in booth #W1909. Visitors can stop by and pick up a flyer for more information on how homeowners can enter the contest. Therma-Tru is launching a new special Web address www.myuglydoor.com where homeowners can review the rules and regulations and submit an entry form including photos of their ugly door and a brief essay declaring why they deserve to win a new entry or patio door system from Therma-Tru. Contest entries will be accepted through May 1, 2007.

    The Carey Brothers, hosts of the "On the House" home improvement radio show, will announce the contest during their show on Saturday, February 10. The Carey Brothers have helped launch The Ugliest Door in America contest since its inception.

    A panel of expert judges will determine one grand prize winner and a runner-up who will be announced this summer by the Carey Brothers during a broadcast of "On the House." The winners will receive Therma-Tru door systems worth approximately $3,000 to $5,000.

    Before

    "This contest clearly illustrates what a dramatic difference a new entry or patio door can make to the overall look of a home," said Sara Theis, public relations manager, Therma-Tru Doors. "Our winning homeowners are always so delighted at the transformation. They just can't believe the impact a Therma-Tru door system has on their home's curb appeal and perceived value."

    From "Ugly Betty" to "Beautiful Swan"
    Last year's grand prize winners Darrell and Marie Dunnewold of Clymer, N.Y., really charmed our judges with their unusual entry door. The previous owner was an art teacher and had painted the entire door (including windows) a combination of "blue-grey and old-barn red." In addition to the unique color pattern, the owner had attached a lion's head knocker, "Hawaiian-style" window shutters and pineapple decorations. Besides the lack of light due to painted windows, the paint was chipping and the rickety storm door was a size too small, which provided for very cold winters. The sticker in the upper left corner of the door stating "Please Use Other Door" said it best.

    The Dunnewold's entry door was transformed with a new Classic-Craft® Oak Collection™ door with Cambridge glass, brass caming and 12-inch matching sidelites, a multi-point locking system for added security and Fypon® trim.

    "Our new door is beautiful," said Darrell Dunnewold. "Compared to what we had before we don't hear the wind howling through the cracks and the added insulation the door provides is just superior. And, the way the sun shines through the sidelites in the morning is just tremendous; we never had this much light with our previous door."

    Second place winners Jerry and Gloria Schwartz of Matthews, N.C., had a security risk on their hands with doors that could easily be picked "with a butter knife or credit card." Because the doors and frame were made of wood, they were rotting excessively and constantly needed to be repainted. The window seals broke during a hurricane and the windows all had a cloudy hue. Due to poor weatherstripping, the doors leaked cold and hot air based on the season.

    After

    The Schwartz's received a Therma-Tru Smooth-Star® Hinged Patio Door System, along with a spruced-up patio that includes flowers and decorative accents. "It's just a beautiful door with very little maintenance. We tell our friends it's the 'Cadillac' version of doors," said Jerry Schwartz.

    About Therma-Tru
    Therma-Tru Doors is the nation's leading manufacturer and most preferred brand of fiberglass and steel exterior door systems. Founded in 1962, Therma-Tru pioneered the fiberglass entry door industry, and today offers a complete portfolio of entry and patio door system solutions, including decorative glass doorlites, sidelites and transoms, and door components. Therma-Tru, headquartered in Maumee, Ohio, is part of leading consumer brands company Fortune Brands Inc. (NYSE: FO). For more information on
    Therma-Tru Doors, visit www.thermatru.com or call (800) 537-8827.

    Sarah Jackson
    SBC PR
    614.891.7070 ext. 335
    sjackson@sbcadvertising.com

    Crystal Schweim
    Carmichael Lynch Spong
    612.375.8505
    crystal.schweim@clynch.com