whv wood doors?

without compromising aesthetic appeal. The smooth surface also simplifies cleaning and maintenance.

Using Iow-E glass is another way the McCleary, W8., manufacturer gains additional R-value in doors. Doors that are dual glazd with LowE glass can have the space between the panes filled with Argon gas to raise performance even further. Because the greater the space filled with Argon, the greater the energy efficiency, Simpson has even expanded the space beween the panes.

Most recently, door manufacturers tapped into "warm edge" technology. Following the window indusry, they have started replacing the aluminum spacers between panes of insulated glass with U-shaped steel spacers that reduce conductivity and increase Rvalues. Since the edge of insulated glass has historically been the least energy efficient area of glazing, this is another step forward in energy efficient perfomance.

Wood doors are often considered less efficient than steel doors because of lower R-values. However, statistics do not quite reflect reality, Brandt maintains, because doors are opened and closed several times a day. He stresses a proper fit matters most since tests show approximately 75Vo of heat loss occurs around a door rather than through it. With proper weatherstripping, wood doors can be very efficient

Story at a Glance

Tips on selling today's high performance wood doors ... relieve fears of warping, cracking, energy inefficiency.

Doors that are properly installed and finished will require very little maintenance. Paints, stains and sealers available today can effectively enhance and protect the wood.

covered with a fine grain ven@r. Once it is in a door, a veneere{ or engineered, stile is virtually indistinguishable from a stile made of a single piece of wood. Yet it is much less likely to twist and warp, enhancing perf ormance, Brandt explains.

Thermal performance or energy efficien- cy, another area of concem for consumers, also has increased with wood door design advances. Wood panels are now 314" to l-7116" thick, compared to 7116" or 9/16" in the past. This additional thickness makes a great diff€rence in efficiency.

Glazing technology also has improved. Iraded glass used to be a nightmare, Brandt recalls. Now, most leaded glass is sandwiched between two sheets of clear tempered glass. The edges of the glass are sealed together to form an air-tight unit. This sfengthens the decorative insert and mhkes it more energy efficient

"Train salespeople o highlight the technical features of the door, such as engineercd panels and stiles," Brandt recommends. "Then promote your own machining, hanging and installation services."

By assisting customers with pre-hanging, finishing supplies, hardware and weatherstripping, you'll not only be providing value-added service, you'll be raising your profits as well, he concludes.