Section 8: DOORS AND WINDOWS

MIL-HDBK-1011/1

8.1

Scope. This section covers exterior and interior type wood, metal,

and glass doors and windows; glazing; and finish hardware.

8.2

General Design Considerations

8.2.1

Door and Window Systems. To minimize the destructive corrosive

tropical elements that generally cause door and window assemblies to fail,

select pre-manufactured systems combined with quality control during

installation.

Exterior doors may be composed of metal, aluminum and glass,

all wood and all glass. Window systems that utilize factory fabrication for

all components including weatherstripping are highly recommended.

8.2.2

Maintenance.

A regular maintenance program is essential in the

tropics to reduce the impact of the destructive elements. Weather damaged

finish of wood or metal doors will expose the doors to rapid deterioration and

costly replacement unless corrected promptly and properly. Design doors and

frames against rain infiltration using weatherstripping, interlocking

thresholds and other weathersealing devices.

8.2.3

Hardware and Louvers. Provide all metal exterior and interior

doors with template hardware. Avoid louvered doors on exterior entrances;

they are very susceptible to weather deterioration. Consider other means to

provide the venting function. Ensure that louvers in doors are drainable,

weatherproof and factory-primed. Doors with factory-installed louvers are

also recommended.

8.3

Wood Doors.

Treat all wood elements of exterior and interior

doors.

8.3.1

Exterior Wood Doors. These types of doors are flush solid core

block with type one waterproof glue, face assembly, medium density overlay

(MDO) on both faces. Prior to assembly, water-repellant treat all woods used.

In addition, treat all edges with two coats of water repellant after

fabrication, with all surfaces being factory sealed with spar varnish or other

approved sealer prior to shipment. Do not use doors subjected to weather

conditions with no protection from elements. Historically, failure of wood

doors can be traced to lack of proper priming and finishing on all surfaces,

including edges and sides of doors.

8.3.2

Interior Wood Doors. These doors may be hollow, mineral or solid

core doors with wood face veneers.

8.4

Metal Doors

8.4.1

Hollow Metal Doors. These are generally used for utility rooms,

service rooms, exit doors, in areas subjected to above-normal physical abuse,

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