Warren Clemans
09-06-2007, 8:18 PM
The last task before I declare my shop finished is to make and install doors in a 12' opening. I located some beautiful 8/4 doug fir, have made the frames, and now need to make the panels. I could use some advice about how best to keep water out of the joints. I plan to finish the doors with spar varnish.
If I simply install the panels in a groove in the frames, I'm afraid that water will collect in the groove in the bottom rail and rot the wood. I plan on drilling drain holes up from the bottom at the corner of each panel--a solution that I've seen on older doors. However, it seems like a good idea also to seal the panels so that water doesn't get in in the first place.
Can I lay a bead of silicone in the groove in the bottom rail (and maybe part way up the sides) before installing the panels? Or will that interfere too much with wood movement? I could seal the panels with a bead of silicone after assembly, but I'm afraid that might look bad and would eventually fail. Any other ideas that I'm not thinking of?
I'm making 4 3' doors to span the 12'. Bi-fold, meeting in the middle. I'm still noodling over how to rig a track system so they don't sag. I've searched SMC and found a few possibilities, but will post further once I crack this nut. If anyone has ideas, I'd love to hear them.
Thanks,
Warren
If I simply install the panels in a groove in the frames, I'm afraid that water will collect in the groove in the bottom rail and rot the wood. I plan on drilling drain holes up from the bottom at the corner of each panel--a solution that I've seen on older doors. However, it seems like a good idea also to seal the panels so that water doesn't get in in the first place.
Can I lay a bead of silicone in the groove in the bottom rail (and maybe part way up the sides) before installing the panels? Or will that interfere too much with wood movement? I could seal the panels with a bead of silicone after assembly, but I'm afraid that might look bad and would eventually fail. Any other ideas that I'm not thinking of?
I'm making 4 3' doors to span the 12'. Bi-fold, meeting in the middle. I'm still noodling over how to rig a track system so they don't sag. I've searched SMC and found a few possibilities, but will post further once I crack this nut. If anyone has ideas, I'd love to hear them.
Thanks,
Warren