100 Best New Products 2008: Doors

A recent Jeld-Wen study confirms just how important exterior doors are to hooking new owners. Real-estate agents said that 82 percent have had potential buyers decline to look inside a home based on its exterior. But the Jeld-Wen folding door featured, for example, provides plenty of aesthetic appeal in addition to functionality. This system operates accordion style where each section slides on an overhead track and neatly folds away.

It's the flair that counts — at least according to Jeld-Wen. The Exterior Folding Door System offers technology that features a true 90-degree corner that can be completely opened to the outdoors. How? Two folding door units meet at the corner where two walls would ordinarily join. Beveled door edges and double weatherstrips ensure the doors seal off the elements. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-125

Made from a hardy pultruded fiberglass material, the new All-Ultrex Sliding Patio Door from Integrity from Marvin, Marvin Windows and Doors' Ultrex product line is a low-maintenance door that features factory-applied jamb extensions and a drywall return for extra flexibility. A special folding nailing fin makes the job even easier. The doors come in sizes up to eight feet. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-126

The new Opaque Impact Rated Doors by Therma-Tru Doors are made for builders in coastal areas or for those just looking to beef up their protection. The Opaque Impact doors have a unique innovation in the integrated steel plate inside to help the doors withstand impacts. The doors are Miami-Dade and Broward County approved. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-127

Clopay is introducing a new double-wall honeycomb ¼-inch thick polycarbonate window panel option for its residential Avante Collection doors. Billed as a green option, the material used in the doors is durable and lightweight. Doors are made in both clear and bronze-tinted finishes. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-128

French doors are hot right now. Simpson Door Co.'s latest technology has French doors with the new WaterBarrier technology, which combines a one-piece medium density overlay and PVC sticking on the outside of the door to help keep the elements out. The doors also use Simpson's UltraBlock on the stiles to block water infiltration. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-129

Making the most out of available space, the new Bookcase Door System from Woodfold is both attractive and functional with a unique low-profile hardware system for flush look. The bookcases are made from the company's ApplePly veneer face in oak, cherry or maple. The doors cover most common openings and ship fully assembled. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-130

Increasing the competition and upping the technological ante, Wayne Dalton's Z-Wave-enabled ProDrive garage door openers are ceiling mounted and are made to reduce noise and vibration. The Z-Wave part of the system is a two-way RF technology that allows all connected devices to act as repeaters, increasing reliability. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-131

Harkening back to the prohibition era and representing a new product line, the Speakeasy door from Weather Shield's Collections series is built with 2¼-inch-thick panels in five wood species. The door's distressed, plank-style construction goes well with the small opening, which is fitted with insulated glass and kept closed by a bronze clasp. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-132

Homeowners want to enjoy the view from their patio doors. Helping visibility along is Milgard's new improvements to its Classic Series line of patio doors with the PureView screens. The fiberglass construction makes the screens tougher, and the smaller openings improve the look and curb appeal. For FREE information, visit http://pb.ims.ca/5650-133