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Advertising supplement provided The Window & Door Manufacturers Association

Assembly of Spliced Face Veneers — Veneer yield has not been related to the type of match in the assembly of spliced faces in previous WDMA and other standards. There are three basic types of face matches identified as running, balance, and center. Running match is the most commonly used assembly method for A grade veneers and results in the highest veneer yield. A balance match generates a medium veneer yield, and a center match results in the lowest yield. The lower the veneer yield, the higher the cost of the door. If veneer utilization and door cost are considerations in the door specification, then the identification of the face veneer assembly methods should be addressed.

The specification of veneer species, grade, cut, piece match and face assembly match are the critical aspects in the appearance of the completed doors. The WDMA standard, specifically the sections dealing with Aesthetic Grade, is also helpful in determining the appearance of architectural and commercial wood doors.

I.S. 1A will stand alongside 101/I.S.2/A440 Specifications for Windows, Doors and Unit Skylights, which brings architectural entrance door openings into the fold, providing a complete compendium of performance-based specifications for interior and exterior use. In addition, it is also expected to evolve into a groundbreaking new classification program under WDMA’s Hallmark Certification.

With the release of this standard, an architect can now designate both the appearance of the door and the minimum performance level based on frequency of use, severity of use and building type.

“It’s critical that WDMA continue to advance the window, door and skylight industry with new and revised standards that focus on the real world,” adds Campbell. “This benefits the manufacturer who has more uniform and flexible criteria on which to base door production, to the end-user who knows the opening can withstand years of operating performance based on guidelines adhered to in the specification.”

Architects can obtain copies of the new standard at no cost. For more information on I.S. 1A-2004 Industry Specification for Architectural Wood Flush Doors contact WDMA at 847-299-5200, or visit www.wdma.com.