Summary:
Weather Exposure Guarantee
ELITE ENGINEERED & VENEERED MERANTI DOOR GUIDELINES
Quality Acceptance
Inspect all doors immediately upon receipt for:
Correct size
Acceptable quality
Any visible defects
Storage & Conditioning (Acclimatisation)
Store doors in a dry, ventilated area.
Protect from moisture, damp floors and rain.
Store doors flat on three equally spaced bearers.
Allow acclimatisation to local ambient humidity.
Avoid:
Extremes of dryness
Extremes of humidity
Sudden changes in moisture levels
· Ensure central heating is not set too high during installation, as excessive heat can cause the door to shrink unevenly.
· Increase heating gradually so that moisture within the timber evaporates evenly, preventing irregular shrinkage or distortion.
Fitting & Trimming
Do not install in newly plastered or bricked areas — these must be completely dry.
Width trimming:
Maximum 10 mm overall (5 mm per side).
Height trimming:
Maximum 10 mm overall (5 mm per side).
Lock placement:
Do not fit locks where cross‑rails meet vertical stiles — this weakens the joint.
Hinges:
Use three good‑quality 100 mm hinges.
Fire doors must be hung using four equally spaced hinges. This configuration is essential for the following reasons:
Door Weight: Fire doors are heavy units, typically weighing ±40 kg, and require additional support to ensure long‑term stability.
Core Stability: Four hinges help maintain the straightness of the core, preventing sagging or distortion over time.
Compliance With SABS Testing: The SABS fire test was conducted using four hinges, making this hinge configuration mandatory for compliance with the certified fire‑door performance.
Timber movement:
Timber is a naturally grown material and will always show some degree of movement as temperature and humidity change.
Warp, bow, twist or cupping may occur as part of normal timber behaviour.
These characteristics are not considered defects unless the movement exceeds the accepted industry tolerance of 6.35 mm across the plane of the door.
Finishing
These doors are suitable for full weather exposure.
Treat the door before fitting:
They must be thoroughly treated with a minimum of three coats.
Use an appropriate external timber treatment.
Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next.
Make sure treatment is applied to all six sides of the door including:
Hinge cut-outs
Lock cut-outs
Any trimmed edges
Consult your paint supplier for the correct finishing system and follow their instructions carefully.
Re‑treat the door regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Be careful when used as external door for:
Yacht-quality varnish
Water-based treatments
Solvent-based treatments
PVA
Enamel
Polyurethane/varnish systems
• • Avoid dark colours on sides exposed to direct sunlight
Colour Variation
Natural variation in colour and grain is normal.
These variations are not grounds for rejection or exchange.
Conditions of Sale
Manufacturer/supplier is not liable for:
Costs arising from incorrect handling
Poor storage
Incorrect fitting
Improper installation
Incorrect treatment
• • Liability for manufacturing defects is limited to the purchase value of the door.
One-Year Full Value Guarantee
Applies to Esstee meranti‑veneered doors for full weather exposure, provided:
All six sides are thoroughly treated before installation.
Treatment includes:
Trimmed areas
Hinges
Locks
Handle cut-outs
A suitable oil-based exterior wood coating is used.
Doors included:
“Elite” meranti‑veneered panel doors (including bolection)
“Elite” meranti‑veneered unglazed glass-panel options
“Elite” BB and 15P horizontal slatted solid meranti doors
Three-Year Proportional Guarantee
Additional coverage for years 2 and 3 on a pro‑rata basis.
Requires proof of correct maintenance and treatment.
Superficial veneer cracking is not considered a manufacturing defect.
• • Guarantee limited to the purchase value of the door.