Care and Maintenance of your Sculptural Glass
Door
Following proper installation, and with the right care, your door will
provide many years of beauty, pleasure and service.
Wood is a renewable, sustainable resource with wonderful properties that
make it an ideal building product. Our woods are carefully selected and
kiln dried. The drying process removes water through the wood pores which
remain open until the wood is sealed and finished.
Proper sealing, finishing, and maintenance of the finish is the most important
factor to the longevity of your fine wood door. Maintaining the integrity
of the finish protects the wood from reabsorbing moisture, or in some
climates, from further drying. At least once a year, inspect the finish
for cracks, especially at the top and bottom edges of your door. Refinish
as needed.
The finish will have a longer life and will require less maintenance if
doors are not regularly exposed to direct sunlight and weathering. Penetrating
stains, sealers, and an ultraviolet resistant exterior finish must be
applied to protect the wood against the elements, as well as to bring
out the natural beauty of wood grain.
To maintain your wood doors in top condition, treat your door as you would
a piece of fine furniture. When cleaning is required, use soft, slightly
damp cloth to wipe down the surfaces of the wood. For the glass, we recommend
using a soft cloth or absorbent paper and a glass cleaner without ammonia.
Never use any caustic or abrasive cleaners on the wood or the glass.
Because every exterior finish deteriorates due to weather, eventually
the time will come when a fresh finish may be desired to restore the original
luster of the door. The ability to easily maintain your fine entry door
using either paint or stain is an important feature and will allow your
door to provide many years of beauty and service.
Prior to installation
Before installing your Sculptural Glass Door, allow the door
time to reach equilibrium with its surroundings. On the job site, materials
should be kept dry and indoors several days before installation. This
allows the wood to adjust to relative humidity levels. Avoid exposure
to direct sunlight. Store flat, but not on concrete.
If you order an unfinished door, as soon as possible, the entire door,
including top and bottom edges, must be completely sealed with a clear
or pigmented sealer to prevent moisture absorption. All six sides of the
door must be properly sealed for warranty to apply.
You should consult with your painting contractor or local dealer regarding
the best quality products to achieve your desired look. They are familiar
with your local environment and will be able to recommend the best performing
materials for your particular installation.
Apply the final finish to the door immediately after fitting and hanging.
The best practice is to hang the sealed and/or primed door, and then remove
to properly apply the final finish to the door with the door in a horizontal
position. A minimum of three coats is recommended. The finish must repel
water. For exterior application, a high quality paint will generally provide
the best protection.
All finishes will last longer when protected from direct sun and rain
by an adequate overhang or porch.
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