Timber is a natural material and some variation in the colour, grain and texture can occur.
It is therefore of utmost importance that questions are raised prior to commencement of any work or modifications to the door – not after the door has been hung.
Remember, any work carried out on this door constitutes acceptance and returns will not be accepted.
Storage & Handling
Store flat on 3 cross bearers longer than width of door, or on the pallet on which they were supplied, in a dry well ventilated area.
Do not store in following locations:- next to a working radiator, in a room where “wet” trades are present, in direct sunlight.
Lifting door from stack – do not drag as this will cause face damage. It is recommended to use a second person when moving a door.
Preparing your door for Installation
Uneven expansion or contraction of component parts within a door is the most common reason for the product to “fail” or not perform satisfactorily. These movements are caused by a change in moisture level within the product and to protect against this the door must be fully sealed before installation as detailed in the finishing sections below. In addition please be aware of the following:-
If a door needs to be trimmed it must be reduced equally from both sides. Each side of a door may be trimmed up to a maximum of 6mm for doors with a lipping 10mm or more, and 3mm for doors with a 6mm lipping. Further reductions may be possible on non fire-rated doors but please remember that this may result in exposing the engineered core which will then need to be sealed or re-lipped.
Avoid cutting / fitting locks or latches at a rail or glazing bar joint as this will cause weakening of the door.
We recommend the use of 3 hinges to offer more rigidity and strength.
FD30 fire rated doors must be installed in accordance with the relevant fire certificate – it is the responsibility of the person fitting the door to ensure that the intumescent strips or seals are fitted in door, frame or lining as stipulated.
Finishing & Sealing
Untreated products must be fully sealed prior to hanging – this applies to all surfaces including tops, bottoms and all recesses cut for hinges, locks, handles and letter plates etc. Waxes and oils are not considered suitable for sealing a door and if used will invalidate any guarantee should the door subsequently fail.
Please do not use a water based sealant as if applied too liberally it will penetrate the veneer and may cause bubbling to occur.
Pre or part finished (i.e. white primed) products must be re-sealed as above in areas where timber has been exposed during alterations.
To obtain the best finish lightly sand, de-nib and wipe clean all surfaces before initial sealing and before final coat is applied.
External Products – Additional Information
Our Engineered External doors must be protected from direct sun and rain. This is achieved by a porch, canopy or recess of ideally 1.5 metres. If this precaution is not observed the performance of the door will not be satisfactory and any guarantee will be surrendered.
In addition to finishing and sealing as above please be aware of the following.
We recommend a minimum of 3 coats of a suitable finishing product be applied to fully seal a door or frame.
We recommend the fitting (externally) of a weather bar at the bottom of the door.
Try to avoid painting a door black (or very dark) as dark colours absorb heat making the product very hot which can lead to cracking or excessive shrinkage.
With external Oak doors please ensure that the sealant contains a UV protection element. WARNING – If what you are applying is clear it will probably not contain UV protection. Check with your finishing supplier before purchasing.
Future Maintenance
With an External door it is impossible to advise how long the applied finish will offer protection. Much depends on the finishing product used, the facing of the door (N, S, E or W.), and how forceful the door is opened and closed. The general rule is to ensure the product remains sealed, preventing moisture movement
If lacquer becomes cracked, scuffed or scratched, re-seal the offending part of the door immediately. If shrinkage lines appear around panels re-seal exposed timber immediately.
Sealant around external glazing apertures can become brittle and crack if subjected to periods of high temperature; if this becomes evident re-seal with suitable clear waterproof mastic for external use.
Finally, we recommend that you wash the door with warm water and detergent at minimum every two years, and apply a further coat of finish.
Please note the following terms which apply in addition to our standard conditions of sale:-
We shall not be held responsible for any incidental work or expenses arising out of or because of any defect in our products, or for bad workmanship.
In the event of goods proving defective (Manufacturer defect) which need replacement, our liability shall not exceed the price paid for the defective piece(s).
