Study Shows Homeowners Demanding More From Garage Doors
New survey finds durability ranks higher than appearance, energy efficiency

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. May 30, 2007 — When it comes to garage doors, homeowners are first and foremost looking for durability, according to an independent research study commissioned by JELD-WEN, a leading manufacturer of reliable windows and doors.

Nearly 45 percent of respondents in JELD-WEN’s Perfect Home Survey indicate that durability is the number one attribute they look for in a garage door. Appearance is the next most important attribute at 22 percent, followed by energy efficiency and design.

Other notable garage door findings from the survey include:

• Almost one quarter (23.5 percent) of respondents said they plan on remodeling their garages in the next year
• 14.5 percent would use a remodeled garage for parking, while 13.4 percent would use it for storage
• Only 43 percent believe their garage lets in enough natural light
• When asked specifically about energy efficiency, a combined 55 percent say it is either a very important or important attribute for a garage door

“Because it is often the most visible exterior element of a home, the garage door is beginning to get more attention from today’s homeowners,” said John Monfore, product marketing manager at JELD-WEN. “Our survey found that homeowners want a long lasting, functional garage door in addition to great curb appeal.”

It’s no wonder that garage doors are getting closer looks from homeowners. The Perfect Home Survey found that the garage door is now the most used exterior door when entering the home for both men (42 percent) and women (41 percent). The front door was close behind as the second most used

Addressing homeowners’ need for durability, JELD-WEN offers the only wood composite garage door lines on the market today.  Unlike standard steel garage doors that may be covered in plastic or wood, JELD-WEN® composite garage doors are made from the same durable material throughout – from the trim to the face of the door. This technology offers exceptional performance with very little maintenance, and helps prevent problems such as cracking, splitting, shrinking, expanding, rusting and denting.

JELD-WEN® Garage door lines include the Traditional Series, the Carriage House Series and the Estate Series. Homeowners can choose stylish details such as unique trim designs, beautiful woodgrain patterns, decorative hardware, multi-planked grooves and a variety of window inserts to help bring more natural light into the garage.

Perfect Home Survey Methodology
Nearly 1,000 qualified homeowners nationwide participated in the online survey. The sample group contained representatives from five age groups, all U.S. geographic regions, and a wide variety of income levels. The study was conducted in October 2006.

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 nearly 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.