odd siae water heater door

[Brenda (OH)]

early research makes it look like I may need to build my own exterior replacement water heater door. it is about 28 wide by about 36 inches high, with hinges on top.

I bought some pressure treated wood slats (6 inches by about 1/2 inch thick by 36 inches long) that I let sit to get the moisture balanced.

I was thinking of putting them side by side, with a board width wide to attach them to.

I now am considering placing a layer of reinforced fiber glass paneling on the inside and outside layer of the door, then the attaching the side to side board.

the part I am not sure on is if I need to insulate this door also, and what might be the best way to do that. 1 by 2 frame with r13 insulation? foam board? (I have the roll insulation, i would have to buy a sheet of the foam board) craft foam board of some kind from a hobby store?

and what type of exterior paint is best for pressure treated wood?

1/2 plywood patch added to the old door did not make a good fix, it warped over the summer. but I did not get it painted after it was installed, once I saw the hinges the repair fellow picked up were not going to last long and the door did not fit well.

Brenda

[Archie]

First, it is not reccommended to paint pressure treated wood until it has aged at least a year. This allows the chemicals in the wood time to dry and leach out.

Second, if you have a gas water heater I would stay away from fiberglass insulation. The loose weave of the insulation could become a fire hazard. I would insulate with a good foam board, possibly some foam pipe wrap, and if possible a water heater blanket. Keep the area around the pilot light clear.

If it is an electric heater you can be a bit more aggressive with the insulation.