Q. What is stainless steel?
A. Stainless steel is defined as a series of steel alloys which include at least 10% chromium. Stainless steel is available in dozens of grades the most common of which is #304. This non-magnetic grade is composed of 18% chromium and 8% nickel and exhibits good general purpose corrosion resistance. It is found in hospitals, food processing plants, chemical plants, and swimming pool areas. The next commonly used grade is #316. This is also a non-magnetic grade that offers superior corrosion and heat resistance qualities. It is used with success in highly corrosive and humid environments and is composed of 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 3% molybdenum. The #430 is another commonly used grade. It is magnetic and used for fire rated doors, doors over 8 feet tall and for doors where appearance is of primary concern.
Q. What finishes can be applied to stainless steel?
A. Although there is a broad range of options, most commonly used stainless steel finishes are #2B, #4, #6 and #8. The #2B is a dull, unpolished and hence less expensive finish suitable for use in corrosive, industrial environments where appearance is of a lower priority. The #4 (also known as 32D) is a general purpose bright finish with visible grain which prevents reflection. A dull satin finish, less reflective than #4 is the #6. The #6 is used in applications where high luster is undesirable. The finish most suitable for decorative environments is the highly reflective, mirror finish #8 (also knows and 32). These common types of finishes can be additionally treated to achieve added finish options such as a Bead Blast Finish, a Non-Directional Finish or an Acid Etched finish. A Bead Blast Finish is achieved by bead blasting a #2B to a mat with a dull to glossy sheen depending on the size of the bead used. A Non-Directional Finish takes a #2B and sands is to a fine grit swirl (non-directional) finish. An Acid Etched finish can be built from #2B, #4 or #8 finish by exposure to a patterned acid etching. Krieger and its partner Next Door Company offer all of these and more. View a sample of finish options available for Stainless Steel doors.
Q. Can stainless steel be color treated?
A. Stainless steel can be colored by chemically bonding the color to the stainless steel. Colors such as deep blue, dark bronze, bright brass, copper, rose, black and others can be achieved. View a sample of finish options available for Stainless Steel doors.
Q. Can stainless steel be patterned, embossed or etched?
A. Stainless steel can be patterned, embossed and etched. View a sample of finish options available for Stainless Steel doors.
Q. Can stainless steel doors and frames be fire rated?
A. Krieger stainless steel door and frames can be fire rated up to 1.5 hours.
Q. What is the proper way to handle stainless steel?
A. Carry and lift stainless steel doors and avoid dragging at all possible costs. Remove rings, tool belts, tools and any objects that may scratch the material or mar the finish and wear non-abrasive gloves when handling stainless steel.
Q. What is the proper way to store stainless steel?
A. Store stainless steel doors and frames in an upright position on a flat, dry surface and undercover. Place them on planks or blocks at least 4" off the ground and 2' off any paved area or floor slab. Use wood strips to store units at least 1/4" apart to permit air circulation. Do not allow cardboard, paper containers or wrappings to become wet. If this happens, remove them immediately.
Q. What is the proper way to install a stainless steel door?
A. Deal with quality manufacturers who provide a protective layer of plastic film wrapping. Keep the doors wrapped during installation until construction is complete and remove the wrapping just before the building is turned over to the owner. Brace the door and frame temporarily and test it to ensure proper alignment. Once it tests correctly the door can be permanently installed. Use a quality drill with cobalt tips and stainless steel taps for all tapping. An improper drill bit can burn out or break and permanently damage the door.
Q. What can be done to prevent corrosion?
A. Do not allow any metal to come in contact with the stainless steel doors other than stainless steel itself. Zinc-plated fasteners, iron dust and copper can create rust that will stain the surface. To avoid galvanic corrosion use only stainless steel components (screws and bolts) or consider the option to receive pre-installed hardware from the manufacturer.
Q. What is the proper way to clean and maintain stainless steel?
A. Stainless steel requires a thorough cleaning only a few times a year. Using a sponge or a cotton cloth and soap and water or a non-abrasive detergent wipe in the same direction as the surface grain using a light, steady pressure. Do not use cleaning solutions that contain hydrochloric acid. Polish the door with a stainless steel cleaner to restore the sheen of the metal. Do not use rags with zinc (or other metal products) that may rust and stain the surface or paper towels and abrasive materials (such as Scotch Brite or steel wool) that may scratch the finish.
Q. Do Krieger doors conform to handicap operating requirements?
A. Yes
Q. Does Krieger offer installation support?
A. Krieger offers various technical and field services such as installation crew training, turn key assembly, troubleshooting and field testing.
Q. What is the largest door size Krieger can manufacture?
A. There is no limit to the size of door or window Krieger can manufacture.
Q. Can you manufacture a frame that will work with my wall?
A. Krieger designs and fabricates frames that meet the requirements of your walls.
Q. My walls are all ready up, what can I do?
A. Not a problem, ask about our slip-in design.
Q. Do you have a local representative serving my area?
A. Krieger has branch sales offices and local representatives throughout the nation. To locate the branch office serving your area click here.
Q. Do you have a product binder and how can I receive one?
A. Request Krieger's product binder by filing out the on-line form located here.
Q. Can I get CAD drawings and technical specs?
A. All Door and window models featured on this Web site have downloadable CAD drawings and technical specifications. If you do not see a model that fits your needs, please contact your local sales representative to get customized CAD drawings and specs.
Q. What is your delivery time?
A. Our standard lead-time is 6 weeks in production, however lead times can change depending on complexities and scope. Please contact your local representative to discuss your requirements.
Q. Do you have a quick ship program?
A. Performance times are subject to revision on a weekly basis. If quick ship is critical, please contact your sales representative for expedited fabrication. (Subject to availability.)
Q. Do you guarantee the performance of your doors and windows?
A. Yes, Krieger products come with a guaranteed. Review our Guarantee (PDF)
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