The sales trend for door purchases could be described as encouraging, reports the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI).
HIRI observed purchases in the doors, windows and millwork category increase 2.9% over the last reporting period, with the spend more than doubling from pre-pandemic 2019. Category sales can expect to remain steady this year.
Your operation may or may not align with this national assessment, but exterior wood, fiberglass and steel door system sales likely do represent an active income category. And that includes related components, such as sills, a topic Devon Miller has strong views about.
Miller heads global supply chain procurement for Georgia-based Harris Door and Millwork, an exterior door manufacturer that sells to door shops, building supply centers and lumberyards throughout the southeast U.S.
Contractor Risk
He knows many contractors still default to old tried-and-true beveled hardwood sills. Yes, white oak, mahogany or any hardwood can have warping and rotting issues, but a tantalizing rock-bottom price is tough to beat.
“Some contractors do their customer a disservice,” Miller explains. “They sign-off on the project with a one-year wood sill warranty, which is fine. But three to five years later problems start to surface. The homeowner could be on the hook for a $5,000 door system replacement cost.”
Transformative Material
Miller and his manufacturing team want no part of callbacks, warranty claims and costly litigation over a failed sill component. Every door system Harris distributes includes a composite sill.
Over the last decade composite science has transformed building products. That includes door sills for a variety of reasons:
- No rot or warping
- Little or no maintenance
- High durability
- Minimal heat or cold transfer
- Color options and effective color holdout
- Screw holding strength
- No aluminum sweat concerns
The 30-year industry veteran understands the appeal of wood. He also knows composites sills are price competitive. The modest savings a non-composite might represent isn’t worth the risk for his company and the exterior door retailers he works with.
But what about composites? Are all synthetic sill assemblies alike? Not at all, according to Miller.
“I’ve been in this industry long enough to have visited many door and window companies,” Miller explains. “I’ve seen the testing and development labs of most of the big-name players. You know what’s funny? One of the most impressive R&D facilities I’ve seen for exterior door performance isn’t even a door and window manufacturer.”
Expert’s Choice
The supply chain specialist singles out Endura, a maker of door components, as a cut above for sill performance, innovation and value. Their testing facility demonstrates it.
“There’s a very narrow supply chain for door sill components. Endura is a competitive edge. Their Z-Series Adjustable Sill is our go-to assembly,” he reports.
As you consider materials for your next building project, consider how composite sill performance and value can help differentiate your brand.
Learn more about how composite sills from Endura benefits you and your home buyers.
