Klamath Falls, Ore. January 30, 2009 — Call it a breath of fresh air in the building products industry.

Solidifying its leadership position when it comes to sustainability, JELD-WEN is the first window and door manufacturer to offer all of its interior molded door skins (outer surface of a door which covers the frame and core) with no-added formaldehyde (NAF). JELD-WEN’s NAF door skins meet the most stringent formaldehyde requirements in the nation as established by the California Air Resources Board (CARB)  that took effect Jan. 1, 2009.

Unlike some other manufacturers, which claim no-added urea formaldehyde (NAUF) but still use other resin types such as phenol formaldehyde, JELD-WEN has eliminated the use of all forms of added formaldehyde for its door skins nationwide. The company’s manufacturing facilities began producing the new door skins with no-added formaldehyde in 2008.

“Indoor air quality is a growing priority for homeowners, and JELD-WEN’s NAF door skins help contribute to healthy indoor environments,” said Elizabeth Souders, JELD-WEN product marketing manager. “Many of our customers are asking for NAF products to comply with green building standards, and we are ready to meet their needs.”

JELD-WEN wood composite garage door skins also boast no added formaldehyde and offer many other strong environmental advantages as well.  These door skins not only meet NAF requirements, they are also energy efficient and made with 80 percent pre-consumer recycled content.

In addition to door skins, JELD-WEN products such as flush doors, custom carved doors, certain wood stile and rail doors, and many window types also are available with the NAF designation, meaning no formaldehyde has been added to the product during the manufacturing process. Doors completely free of any added formaldehyde are also available by selecting particular components. Visit the JELD-WEN Web site or a dealer for complete specifications.

Earning CARB exemption

The CARB regulations limit the amount of formaldehyde in products that include medium density fiberboard, hardwood plywood and particleboard in their assembly. In December 2008, JELD-WEN became one of the first window and door manufacturers to receive approval from CARB for its NAF products, meaning they meet or exceed the emission requirements in Phase 1 & 2 of the state’s regulations and reduce the need for continuous testing required for non-exempt products. JELD-WEN is currently the only manufacturer of molded door skins made with no added formaldehyde, which is especially important for customers who are sensitive to formaldehyde such as children and people with asthma.

“The CARB regulations are being monitored by several states and the Environmental Protection Agency for possible adoption, so formaldehyde levels will be a big trend in the coming years,” said Souders. “JELD-WEN has made a significant commitment to producing NAF products that will be available across the country. Our process has been proven and is ready for market.”

In addition, JELD-WEN’s NAF windows and doors may help builders earn points under several sustainable building certifications, such as Green Globes, LEED and NAHB’s Green Building Standard, as environmentally preferrable products.

Source: JELD-WEN, Inc.