Agnes, Isabel and now Irene - Thomas Point Shoal lighthouse has faced them all. Noteworthy for its incredible location, standing alone out in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay, this iconic lighthouse has survived numerous hurricanes and blizzards in its nearly 140-year history. Recently under siege of Hurricane Irene, Thomas Point proved once again why it was named one of the most reliable lighthouses in the country.

To battle some of the most challenging climate conditions on earth, being well-armed is a necessity. That’s why in 2007, JELD-WEN helped provide new windows and doors for Thomas Point as part of the company’s reliable lighthouse restoration initiative. Earlier this month, as the world watched and the nation held its breath, massive Hurricane Irene hit the shores of the East coast. For several hours, the lighthouse withstood sustained winds topping 60-plus miles an hour and driving rain forces as the hurricane rolled onto land.

How did the lighthouse and the windows and doors fare? According to Henry Gonzalez, Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse Manager, the JELD-WEN windows, doors and the dormer windows all made it through the storm “without a scratch.” The team said that the lighthouse is in exactly the same condition they left it when they buttoned her up in preparation for Hurricane Irene.

Chalk up Thomas Point lighthouse’s stamina to building smarts. The lighthouse sits on screw pilings which help protect it from surge swells. Its rounded shape help deflect high winds. Storm shutters provide extra protection. And of course, the right windows and doors help ensure reliable performance to survive the worst that Mother Nature can dish out.

JELD-WEN products used at Thomas Point

To preserve the lighthouse’s architectural integrity, JELD-WEN replaced eight windows and two entry doors of Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse back in 2007. Primed JELD-WEN Custom Wood Windows were installed, and then painted. These pine wood windows are made with AuraLast, a revolutionary wood process developed by JELD-WEN that offers a 20-year warranty against decay and termites. The JELD-WEN windows also feature simulated divided lites made of AuraLast wood.

Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse’s exterior wooden doors were replaced with JELD-WEN Aurora Custom Fiberglass exterior doors, the latest in fiberglass technology. They are visually indistinguishable from wood, yet require very little maintenance and, most importantly, won’t expand, swell or absorb moisture. This product is also engineered to withstand the harshest climates, including coastal conditions.

About JELD-WEN

For 50 years, JELD-WEN has built its reputation as the world’s most reliable manufacturer of windows and doors. Today the company offers a full breadth of stylish windows and doors, and has earned numerous awards and endorsements for dependability, innovation and excellence. With a strong commitment to sustainability, JELD-WEN also is a recognized leader in manufacturing energy efficient products – providing solutions that deliver exceptional value for builders, architects and homeowners all over the globe. The company captured its second ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award in 2010. For more information about JELD-WEN, or to find a dealer, visit www.jeld-wen.com or call 800-877-9482.