Spence Doors issues the following as inclusive to its terms and conditions of tender and supply of items, and as important installation and finishing information; in relation to (fire-retardant) treated plywood door facings on fire doors, and provides stipulations and recommendations of importance to the purchaser (ie: builder / end user)
Due to the world shortage of good quality plywood, additional face preparation to the door face may be required before painting.
Spence Doors will not take responsibility for any grain considered too coarse on doors when requested with ply facings; and specifically in relation to the absence of proper and required preparation by painting contractor(s)
The preparation of the door, prior to and between coats, is a fundamental and integral part of the painter’s scope; and this is of particular importance for treated plywood facings on higher FRL fire-rated doors.
The treatment applied (to ensure the higher levels of fire-resistance) is prone to leaching through to the surface of the ply – this is not to be mistaken as any sort of defect; but rather is consequential of the treatment itself and the normal reaction to the environment (open air), variable to moisture levels, in the air.
Care must be taken to ensure this residue is not simply ignored and painted over, as it will lead to paint adherence failure, and continued leaching.
The correct method of care and preparation is as follows;
Note: The use of light-reflective paint colors (per AS1909) are important, particularly those exposed to sunlight, to prevent door distortion, and therefore urged in all instances
Spence cannot offer alternative facings to the treated ply, on commercial fire doors rated to 4 hours (FRL -/240/30)
However, commercial (maxi) fire doors at either 1 hour (FRL -/60/30), 2 hours (FRL -/120/30), or 3 hours (FRL -/180/30), can be offered with Duracote (pre-primed tempered hardboard) facings, as alternative; and residential (mini) fire doors can be offered at 1 hour (FRL -/60/30) with Duracote (pre-primed tempered hardboard) facings
As always, and regardless of whether treated or un-treated door facings; where high levels of exposure exist (eg: western exposure; nil cover-over, etc) it is always recommended to look at additional options such as metal cladding to ensure warranty and continued door performance.