RDMaddox
02-21-2007, 09:58 AM
I have a log home which is approximately 10 years old. I bought it when it was 3 years old. I realized at the time I purchased it that there were problems with the patio doors due to what I figured was settlement. I have two 3 door units where only the center door opens on each. Settlement had caused some warping of the frame and door on one unit. The real issue however is cracking and splitting of the doors from the elements. They are wood with an east exposure and little protection from the high overhang above. This, with the fact the house is up on a mountain subject to wind driven rain, snow and some ice in the southeastern US puts a lot of wear on the wood. Soon after I bought the house I sanded the old off and applied many generous coats of Sikkens stain and sealer however the doors were already in trouble. By the way I am happy with the Sikkens products overall on the house. Anyway it is time to replace the units and I really don't want t o go back with wood. I think the elements are too harsh with no overhang to protect them. I am wondering how happy others are with aluminum clad, vinyl or fiberglass units where they are exposed to the elements. I am having some difficulty located a nearby supplier for fiberglass but have priced the vinyl and aluminum clad units. Aluminum clad is about double what vinyl seems to be. Does anyone have any feelings towards the reliabilt (Jenn Weld?) units Lowes sells? Don't get me wrong I am not looking for the cheapest products but these units can get mighty expensive quick.