KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. February 07, 2007 -- A 400-year-old door style is enjoying a new wave of popularity thanks to the charm it lends, and for practical reasons as well. JELD-WEN, the world's leading manufacturer of reliable windows and doors, is reporting a resurgence in interest for Dutch doors, a historic door style that is literally split in two, so the top of the door can operate independently from the lower section. The company has infused this new style with the latest technology as the only manufacturer to offer Dutch doors in a low-maintenance fiberglass option.
Dutch doors have been in use in the United States since the early 1600s, with the original purpose of keeping barnyard animals out of the house while allowing in fresh air. While today's urban and suburban homeowners don't need to worry about wandering livestock, Dutch doors are popular again for their classic look, handsome proportions and no-nonsense functionality. By opening the top half of the door, homeowners can keep in touch with what's happening in the neighborhood, while closing the bottom is a practical way to maintain a sense of security and privacy.
"It's amazing - people see them and say 'I've always wanted one of those,' said Shane Meisel, product marketing manager for JELD-WEN doors. "Whether it's the style or how it operates, there's just something about the Dutch door design that intrigues homeowners.
New options update a classic style
Today's Dutch doors have come a long way from the typical cross-bottom rail style of the 1600s. Homeowners can get as creative as they want, as almost any JELD-WEN® Premium Wood or IWP® Custom Wood door style with a lock or intermediate rail can be made into a Dutch door. This includes IWP Craftsman doors, which lend themselves especially well to a Dutch door split conversion, thanks to the natural visual "break of the horizontal shelf. Wood species options include mahogany, walnut, oak, hemlock, poplar, hickory, maple, pine, alder, cherry and fir. Shelves can be added to any door style.
Perhaps the biggest innovation for this classic style is that JELD-WEN now offers it as part of its IWP® Aurora™ Custom Fiberglass line. JELD-WEN Custom Fiberglass doors are visually indistinguishable from wood, yet they offer exceptional, low-maintenance performance perfect for harsh climates and exposed conditions. The performance benefits of fiberglass lend themselves especially well to Dutch doors, which have a total of eight exposed sides versus the six sides of a typical door. JELD-WEN is the only manufacturer that offers a fiberglass door in a Dutch style.
A "must half" for indoors or out.
For example, using a Dutch door for the laundry room allows homeowners the option of leaving the top of the door open to promote better ventilation or easily closing it to help block noise when appliances are running. For children's rooms, cracking open the top half of the door allows parents to remain within earshot, while providing some privacy during nap or play time. Versatile Dutch doors can even keep pets contained while owners maintain a watchful eye.
"Maximizing light and a sense of spaciousness are very important to builders and homeowners. Dutch doors are great because they provide desirable configuration options that allow for some privacy and visual separation without completely blocking off rooms, said Mesiel. "It's great idea from a classic style whose time has definitely come again.
About JELD-WEN
JELD-WEN, inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of reliable windows and doors. Based in Klamath Falls, Ore., JELD-WEN began as a small Oregon millwork plant in 1960 and has grown into a company with more than 150 divisions and more than 20,000 employees worldwide. JELD-WEN is the official window, door and millwork provider of the PGA TOUR and Champions Tour, Proud Partner of THE PLAYERS and title sponsor of the JELD-WEN Tradition. JELD-WEN was the only window or door manufacturer to be named 2003 ENERGY STAR® "Partner of the Year" by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. Eleven JELD-WEN® product lines and all windows and doors constructed with AuraLast® wood have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal. JELD-WEN® windows and doors have been honored by numerous consumer and industry publications. In 2005, JELD-WEN® Aurora™ Custom Fiberglass exterior doors received a Consumers Digest Best Buy rating.
For more information about the exceptional value and reliability of JELD-WEN products, or to find a dealer near you, please visit www.jeld-wen.com or call 800-877-9482, ext. PR-225.
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