Customer Guide — Custom Timber Windows & Doors

Dando Doors & Windows — New Zealand’s Largest Producer of NZS 4211 Timber Joinery (confirmed by JMF NZ, May 2024)

1. Why Choose Timber Joinery?

Timber windows and doors provide the highest levels of comfort, warmth and performance for New Zealand homes. Unlike aluminium — which transfers heat and cold — timber is a natural insulator, reducing heat loss in winter and keeping homes cooler in summer.

Independent BRANZ testing commissioned by Metro Performance Glass confirms:

Timber-framed double-glazed windows insulate nearly twice as well as aluminium-framed windows using the same glass units.
This means warmer rooms, reduced heating costs, less condensation, and a healthier indoor environment all year round.

Timber also delivers unique advantages:

• Suitable for villas, bungalows and contemporary homes

• Custom profiles, glazing and hardware

• Long lifespan when properly sealed

• Sustainable natural material

2. Ordering Process — Step-by-Step

1. Email your plans or measurements for a quote
   → info@dando.net.nz

2. We provide design advice and a formal quotation
   All specifications are listed clearly (timber species, glazing, configuration, hardware, finish, delivery details).

3. Acceptance and deposit
   Once accepted and confirmed, your project is scheduled for production.

4. Shop drawing provided
   A detailed technical drawing is emailed for approval before manufacturing begins to avoid mistakes or variations.

5. Manufacture
   Standard lead time is approx. 4 weeks from final confirmation.

6. Delivery / pickup
   Supply-only. Joinery is protected in custom packaging and must be stored correctly on site.

3. Installation

Dando is supply-only. Installation is completed by a licensed builder.

Important installation notes:

• Timber joinery must not carry structural load

• Frames must be installed plumb, level and square

• Timber packers must be used — no foam-only installation

• Head and sill flashings are builder-supplied, as these are specific to the home’s cladding system and building consent

Correct installation is required to meet NZ Building Code requirements and maintain warranty.

4. Storage on Site

Until painted and installed, joinery must be protected from the environment.

• Store indoors in a cool, dry, shaded area

• Prevent exposure to sun, rain, ground moisture, or concrete slabs

• Store flat and supported evenly to avoid twisting

• Do not leave joinery wrapped in plastic in direct sun

Incorrect storage is one of the leading causes of preventable damage.

5. Painting and Sealing — Critical for Performance

This is the most important requirement for the long-term durability of timber joinery.

To maintain weather protection and warranty:

• Apply two top coats of quality paint or clear film-forming seal to all six surfaces BEFORE any exposure to weather

• The tops and bottoms must be sealed immediately
  These areas contain exposed end grain which absorbs moisture rapidly and can lead to bowing, swelling or sticking

• Where timber has been cut or drilled for locks or hardware, prime immediately

• Where glass meets timber, the paint film should overlap glass by approx. 2 mm

If joinery is exposed to weather before coating:

• Sanding and repriming will be required

• Movement, staining or moisture damage may occur and is not covered by warranty

Dark exterior colours (LRV below 45)

Dark colours can cause extreme surface temperatures.
This may result in:

• swelling, shrinkage, cracking or distortion

• failure of the paint film

• increased movement caused by rapid heat absorption

For this reason, colours with an LRV below 45 are not covered under warranty.

If a clear finish is preferred, always use a film-forming clear coating — never an oil-only product.

6. Routine Care and Maintenance

To protect your investment:

• Clean timber surfaces annually with mild detergent

• Re-coat before wear becomes visible

• Keep a complete waterproof paint film on all edges

• Inspect sill surfaces and exterior edges most exposed to weather

Correct maintenance gives timber joinery a service life measured in decades.

7. Warranty Summary

Dando Doors & Windows provides a 5-year warranty on timber joinery against defects in materials and workmanship.

The warranty remains valid when:

• Joinery is sealed and painted on all six sides before exposure to weather

• Joinery is installed correctly by a qualified builder

• Ongoing maintenance is followed

Warranty exclusions include:

• Glazing and hardware (covered by their suppliers)

• Paint deterioration or swelling caused by dark colours (LRV < 45)

• Failure to seal tops and bottoms, or damage due to unpainted end grain

• Site-related damage, misuse, neglect or incorrect installation

• Natural movement such as minor warp/twist up to 6 mm, which is normal seasonal behaviour

If a claim is required, written notice must be made within 30 days of discovery.

8. Troubleshooting — Common On-Site Issues and Solutions

Door or window movement (bowing or swelling)

This is almost always caused by unsealed top/bottom edges absorbing moisture.

Solutions:

1. Move joinery to a dry, protected environment to stabilise

2. Seal all faces immediately after drying

3. If the door returns to shape, no further work may be required

4. If it remains bowed, we can assist with a repair or replacement quotation

Condensation

Condensation on glass is a building-environment issue — not a joinery fault.
It is most affected by:

• indoor moisture levels

• ventilation

• heating

• double glazing

• thermal insulation of the frame

Timber double-glazed joinery significantly reduces condensation and interior moisture.

9. Summary — Why Homeowners Choose Timber

✔ Highest insulation and comfort (proven by BRANZ)
✔ Less condensation, warmer rooms, lower energy bills
✔ Suitable for heritage and architectural homes
✔ Custom sizes, glazing and profiles
✔ Long lifespan with correct sealing and maintenance
✔ Sustainable and natural building material

10. Need Help or Ready for a Quote?

We’re here to help with design advice, costing and technical guidance.

📧 Email plans: info@dando.net.nz
📞 Phone: 09 629 0222
🏠 Showroom: 62 Stoddard Road, Mt Roskill, Auckland