Open and inspect immediately upon recieving.
Inspect for damage, not on the freight bill any damage to the crate, hidden or shortages. This will help expedite any claim and speed any repairs or product replacement if needed.
Contact SDC immediately should there be any damage or shortages.
Do not attempt to install or use any damaged products.
Storage
Store inside in a well ventilated area on a dry, flat and level surface.
Cover and protect in a manner which allows air to circulate around and between products.
Do not store longer than 30 days.
Do not store in areas that have extreme changes in heat and humidity. (Moderate heat and humidity must be maintained.)
Do not store in direct sunlight.
Do not store directly in contact with concrete surfaces.
Do not drag or slide products across each other or other surfaces.
Do not walk, stand, or place any item on products.
Finish
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SDC products, like any wood products, will absorb and release moisture at varying rates. Even the application of a good sealer/finish, will only help to slow the rate. Knowing the humidity level is important because the moisture content of wood products will change as humidity levels change. Moisture content which is too high or too low will cause dimensional changes (swelling, shrinking and warping). Humidity levels should range from approximately 25% to 55% depending on the geographical location. For more information and dimensional changes in wood refer to the Architechtural Woodworking Quality Standards from the Architectural Woodworking Institute (AWI).
Allow wood products to acclimate before applying finish, usually 1 to 3 days depending ont he location.
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Lightly dand prodcuts before applying finish. Products arrive with a factory 150 grit sanding but will require additional sanding to remove marks caused from shipping and handling (sand to finish manufacturer's recommended specifications). Use extreem caution on plywood and thin veneer products.
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It is very important to choose the correct finish for wood products. Contact a professional finish sales agent and follow the manufacturer's recommendations closely. Finish products vary and SDC recommends to test on a sample before applying to the actual product.
Remove all hardware and apply finish to wood faces, sides and edges of all components as well as to all cut outs. Take extra care on areas with end grain as they require more finish to seal.
Use caution when selecting a dark finish color as dark colors may promote extreme heat conditions which could damage the product.
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After finish had dried, use a knife and carefully cut through the finish at the seams around the door panels so each panel can move independently from the stiles and rails. Panels in doors are designed to move and if the finish inhibits this movement the panels could crack or split.
Installation
Follow all local building codes.
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Fire rated (labeled) doors have special installation requirements; do not cut, trim, hinge or bore. Check with you local codes officer and fire marshal before installing.
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Install exterior doors or units under proper overhangs which will provide protection from natural weather conditions.
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Securely install door in a plum, level and square opening. For prehung units without sidelites, remove one screw from each hinge, shim behind hinge and install a screw long enough to prenetrate the framing.
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Door units with a sill should have silicone caulking beads placed along the bottom of the opening before the unit is set to seal it from the weather, flashing on the unit may be needed or required by local building codes.
Do not allow door to bind.
Do not adjust sill so tightly that the door binds when opening or closing.
Do not install hardware that will cause structural damage to the products.
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Do not cut or trim more than one inch from the top or bottom of any door or more that one-half inch from the sides (stiles).
Inspect products periodically and perform maintenance as needed, following finishing instructions from finish manufacturer.
Review warranty before installing.
Contact SDC with questions or comments.