The Essentials of Door Storage

Storage of doors is important on two fronts:

• For the functional purpose of each door leaf maintaining its form, avoiding damage, and subsequently fitting correctly.
• For compliance with Australian Standards as AS 2688 defines a standard set of procedures for the handling, fitting, installation, and finishing of doorsets. Storage falls under the handling component of this and outlines the minimum acceptable standards for normal domestic and commercial use.

Stacking

Doors must be stacked flat on a plane surface. If doors are to be stacked on any edge, such as leaning against a wall, the distribution of weight impacting the door leaf is unbalanced and the door will bow. Keeping the door on a flat surface ensures an even distribution throughout and minimises subsequent risk of twisting or bowing.

Environmental Exposure

Doors must be stored in a well-ventilated area to minimise the presence of moisture and its ability to warp the door. The storage location must also be out of direct sunlight as any consistent or extreme heat greatly increases risk of warping or bowing. Timber - being a predominant material in a doorset - will shrink and expand under significant changing temperature conditions.

Painting Doors

It is important to note when door painting ought to occur in the deliver / storage / fitting process. All doors are to be painted as soon as possible from the point that they arrive on site. This is also related to AS 2688 in its specification that doors shall be protected from dust, dirt, dampness, free water, and the weather at all times. Painting seals the door from these elements.

Spence Doors Warranty

Correctly storing door on site has implications on the upholding of the Spence Doors’ warranty. The correct and compliant manufacture and delivery of doors is still reliant on the compliance of subsequent steps in order for the final doorset to be compliant. AS 2688 defines the requirements around storage, painting, and fitting of the doorset. If a step of this process, like storage, is not handled correctly then the fitted doorset risk incompliance with Australian Standards. See the full Spence Doors Warranty here.