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Building a Home

Bowing panels on a built-in fridge??

14 years ago

Hi all,

Has anyone installed custom panels on a built-in in their house lately? We are putting in the big Sub-Zero side-by-side, single columns, and the builder has put the panels on it. After the past month or so (we still haven't closed!), we've noticed the panels are starting to bow out a little bit. The builder says there's nothing to be done about this, they are just heavy, and Sub-zero doesn't give much space to shore up the panels.

Sooo, I am concerned about this. If it's a tiny bit of bowing that isn't going to get worse, no biggie, but if it's going to progress, well, obviously, that's not going to work.

Wondering if anyone else has ever had this problem??

Thanks for your help!

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Comments (6)

bdpeck-charlotte
14 years ago
We have the GE 36" all freezer and all fridge with panels. We built them to the exact specs, but the backer plate was small enough to allow the panel to slide around. We had to put filler on a side to keep it in place. It only bowed when the backer wasn't in the groove.
macv
14 years ago
Back prime/seal the panel in case there is moisture behind it.
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jencjudd
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for those tips--so maybe, this isn't so unusual? The builder said it was because of the weight of the panels; the Sub-Zero installation manual says no more than 75 lbs, but I obviously can't weigh them now that they are on.

But, I guess I could have the builder take a panel off and make sure the backer panel is secure? I don't think it's a moisture issue, since the bowing doesn't look so much like warping from water damage...I'm not sure if I need to be alarmed or just play "wait and see." It's almost undetectable, but, of course, me scrutinizing noticed it. :)

Anyhow, thanks for both of you for the help! And, bdpeck-charlotte, how are you like your huge all fridge/all freezer? I'm pretty excited about the space!
macv
14 years ago
There would not have to be any water damage just enough moisture to cause the panel to expand and if the edges were fixed the panel would have to bow.
bdpeck-charlotte
14 years ago
We love them. So much space, and no running out to a second freezer or fridge in the garage. The too much suction to open the door is no fun, you find yourself planning what to get out or put away, but all of the new high end fridges create that suction.

I miss Ice/Water in the door, but I wouldn't go back to a normal fridge.
brickeyee
14 years ago
If the panels are made from wood they are going to change size and shape with humidity.

Frame and panel construction was developed to reduce the changes in size and try to restrict changes in shape that show up in larger pieces of wood.

Using plywood for the panels can also reduces changes in shape and size.

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