Abstract: A sliding door assembly includes a door frame positioned in a structure opening. The door frame includes a roller track along a bottom portion. A fixed door panel may be positioned in the door frame. A sliding door panel is slidably positioned in the door frame and includes a sliding wood door sash, and a reinforced transparent panel carried by the sliding wood door sash. The sliding door panel further includes at least one roller extending outwardly from a bottom of the sliding wood door sash to engage the roller track. At least one shim or other vertical constraining member is mounted adjacent a top of the sliding door panel for vertically constraining the sliding door panel against upward movement when in a closed position so that the roller remains on the roller track despite hurricane force winds. At least one bracket may be connected to the door frame adjacent the bottom of the sliding door panel to laterally confine the sliding door panel despite hurricane force winds.

Abstract: A window or door includes a wood sash carrying at least one reinforced transparent panel. The wood sash includes a body portion and an integrally formed aesthetic sacrificial member extending outwardly therefrom to contact the transparent panel at an interface therewith. The body portion is spaced from an adjacent portion of the transparent panel to define a cavity beneath the aesthetic sacrificial member. Sealant material is positioned in the cavity. The aesthetic sacrificial member fractures during hurricane force winds to permit the transparent panel to move within the wood sash to absorb energy of pressure cycling that occurs during hurricane force winds. The aesthetic sacrificial member also covers the body of sealant material to provide a pleasing appearance consistent with the quality of the wood sash.

Abstract: A window or door includes a wood sash carrying at least one reinforced transparent panel. The wood sash includes a body portion and an integrally formed aesthetic sacrificial member extending outwardly therefrom to contact the transparent panel at an interface therewith. The body portion is spaced from an adjacent portion of the transparent panel to define a cavity beneath the aesthetic sacrificial member. Sealant material is positioned in the cavity. The aesthetic sacrificial member fractures during hurricane force winds to permit the transparent panel to move within the wood sash to absorb energy of pressure cycling that occurs during hurricane force winds. The aesthetic sacrificial member also covers the body of sealant material to provide a pleasing appearance consistent with the quality of the wood sash.

Abstract: A trilateral gutter guard includes first and second angled legs adapted to rest at different locations on a gutter bottom. A substantially horizontal leg is coupled to the top of the first and second legs, the three legs each comprising a mesh. Preferably, the horizontal leg is positioned and dimensioned to allow self-cleaning of the gutter guard by natural forces.