Care & Maintenance

Treatment & Storage

Treatment is of utmost importance to keep wood protected and aesthetically beautiful, especially in South Africa where harsh conditions prevail. Neglecting to treat or incorrect treatment of a wooden product will result in and assist with rapid deterioration. Prior to installation, doors should be stored flat on a level surface in a dry ventilated area. Van Acht does not recommend varnish for any exterior wooden products. Varnish does not penetrate the timber but only forms a surface layer, prolonged exposure to sun causes resin in varnish to harden and crack, allowing moisture to penetrate into the timber causing decay, discoloration and ultimately wood rot. If doors are prepared for painting a universal sealer should be applied to all six sides prior to painting the door. Painted timber swells and shrinks as seasons change. This might lead to cracking of paint and exposing of unpainted areas. If a Van Acht doors is not sealed properly on all six sides immediately after delivery and before installation, this will affect the warranty.

We Recommend V-COAT

V-coat is a penetrating oil specially formulated to protect wood from rain, sun and UV damage. V-Coat can be used on any exterior wooden product.

On Delivery And Installation

Products are to be sealed with a penetrating wood sealer (for example V-COAT), immediately after delivery, prior to installation. The sealing of timber is essential to limit the periodic movement of moisture in and out of wood. Moisture causes the cell walls to swell and shrink and ultimately, without the correct protection and maintenance, the timber will crack, split and warp. It is therefore of utmost importance to seal the end grains at the top and bottom of the door, where most absorption and loss of moisture takes place. Ensure that your carpenter seals the tops and bottoms of your doors after cutting and planeing them for fitment. Also ensure that all cutouts made by your carpenter are sealed. This includes, but is not limited to, cutouts for hinges, locks and flush bolts.