2. Timber Doors & Windows

2.1 Timber doors and windows are typically supplied without any finish (oil/sealer/paint).

2.2 Some doors are supplied as “redicoat” for internal applications or “duracoat” for external application – which are factory prime coated (undercoated). These are not specified or suitable for all applications particularly in moist or salt water environments – note these doors typically have a 6-10 week life from manufacture before they MUST be painted. The primer on the door when it is bought is not UV stable and will break down in a short period. Prior to painting all factory primer must be removed or heavily painted.

2.3 Doors are to be fully sealed and painted on the edged with a minimum of two coats prior to installation of the door.

2.4 Moisture can de-laminate doors. Where the door is left un-primed it will draw moisture through those edges or the door, and this can affect the glues and cause delamination and cause the door to warp and affect its operation and appearance.

2.5 If the door is stored in the sun, the heat will draw moisture from the door out through the edges also causing delamination and warping.

2.6 The photo to the right shows a door that was delivered stored in a dry basement, and primed immediately, but delaminated after a month. In this case the door had been removed from the press too early during manufacture and the glues holding the facing to the door frame failed. The effect is the same for too much moisture, or too rapid drying out of the un-primed door and is irreparable.

2.7 When doors and windows are delivered to site, it is important to keep them dry and out of rain or humid environments. Don’t leave them into a moist basement, or where they will get wet, or out in the hot sun. Do not store the door where wind can dry out the timber below optimal levels.

2.8 Doors are not to be stored in outdoor/weather affected areas and will not be stored together without full air circulation to all faces and edges. Not in windy areas.

2.9 Don’t lean doors against walls to paint them and they will bow. Timber placed under stress will change shape permanently. Do not install bowed, buckled or distorted doors.

2.10 The finish colour is also very important as a dark finish attracts more heat so a clear finished timber veneer or dark coloured door is more likely to distort than one that is painted white or a light reflective colour.

2.11 A reminder that exposed door heads and windows are required to be protected at the head by a flashing with 10 degree min fall where the door or window is head junction is not protected by a 33 degree reveal, head, eave or the like. (Refer Windows and Doors Manual)

Above -Unprotected Door Deteriorates from Weather

Above - Protection Flashing Prevents Water Damage