Door Installation Guidelines
The Four Golden Rules for Door Installation Guidelines.
- Select the right door for the application to ensure proper functionality.
- Hire a professional carpenter to install your door correctly.
- Seal all six sides of the door immediately after trimming and hinge cutouts. Sealing the top and bottom edges is critical to prevent swelling and shrinking caused by seasonal humidity.
- Avoid using dark paint or stain on doors exposed to direct sunlight, as it can cause warping and resin exudation.
General Overview
Timber is a natural product that absorbs or loses moisture based on its environment. Variations in humidity and temperature cause timber to expand or contract.
To protect timber products from moisture penetration and cement-mortar stains, seal all surfaces with an appropriate sealer. Importantly, seal all six sides immediately after trimming to fit the door. Timber products from Doors Online are not load-bearing and require lintels above them to prevent pressure from above. Inspect the product for correctness, quality, size, or defects before trimming and fitting. Failure to do so will void any claims.
Choosing the Correct Product
Match the door to its application to ensure proper performance. For instance, doors exposed to extreme conditions will not last as long as those in semi-exposed environments. Following these door installation guidelines ensures optimal performance and durability.
Storage and Handling Guidelines
Store doors in a dry, well-ventilated place, avoiding excessive moisture, heat, and insects. For example:
- Avoid newly built, plastered, or painted buildings due to high moisture levels.
- Stack doors horizontally on evenly spaced bearers wider than the door’s width. Cover the top and bottom doors to protect them and ensure proper ventilation.
- Protect doors from UV rays to prevent fading and discoloration.
Do not store doors in sealed containers for extended periods, as high temperatures can cause moisture loss and shrinkage. Handle doors carefully to avoid scratches and damage to edges or corners. Adhering to these door installation guidelines will help prevent damage during storage.
Pre-Installation Checklist
- Trim doors evenly on all sides to ensure stability and proper fit. Hollow Core, Medium Duty, and Solid Core doors typically allow a maximum of 5mm to be trimmed from each side, top, and bottom. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific allowances.
- Keep the mortise lock cavity size minimal, ensuring it does not penetrate structural joints or compromise integrity.
- Apply one coat of paint, varnish, or sealer to all edges, including cutouts for locks, to prevent moisture absorption. This step is crucial in door installation guidelines.
Post-Installation Maintenance
After hanging the door:
- Seal all six sides with two final coats of your chosen sealant. Ensure the top and bottom end-grain is completely sealed to prevent swelling, splitting, or warping.
- Use high-quality sealants to minimize swelling and shrinkage, paying attention to cavities, joints, and edges.
- Avoid dark-colored paints or stains on external doors in north or northwest-facing locations, as they can lead to high surface temperatures, distortion, and resin exudation.
These post-installation steps are vital components of door installation guidelines.
Warp Tolerance
Warping is not considered a defect unless it exceeds 6mm across the door plane. To measure:
- Place a straight edge, taut wire, or string on the suspected concave face of the door.
- Measure the maximum distance between the straight edge and the door surface.
SABS warpage tolerance: 3mm per meter, 6mm across the door. Following door installation guidelines helps ensure the product remains within acceptable tolerances.
Maintenance Guidelines
External timber doors should be resealed annually to maintain durability and appearance. For doors exposed directly to the sun and rain, reseal them every six months or as necessary. Ensure overhangs or awnings provide additional protection. Neglected maintenance reduces both the aesthetic and functional lifespan of timber products. Consistent maintenance according to door installation guidelines will extend the life of your doors.
Guarantee Exclusions
Guarantees do not cover:
- Improper treatment or lack of sealing.
- Poor installation by the carpenter.
- Alterations or modifications to the product.
- Warping, twisting, or bending of less than 6mm.
- Damage caused by improper storage (e.g., not flat, under cover, or in damp environments).
- Installation in recently plastered or damp buildings.
- Non-compliance with manufacturer’s instructions.
Each claim will be evaluated individually. Liability is limited to repair or replacement of the product for no more than the original purchase price. External factors like excessive heat, humidity, and direct sunlight can affect timber performance and are beyond the manufacturer’s control. Following these door installation guidelines ensures a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing door installation.