Timber Performance & Natural Variation Disclaimer
1. Natural Characteristics of Timber
Timber is a natural, organic product that remains affected by its environment even after processing and installation. As a live material, wood naturally responds to atmospheric changes, variations in temperature, and fluctuating moisture levels.
2. Movement, Warping, and Cracking
During warm, dry periods, timber will lose moisture and contract. During wet, cold periods, it will absorb moisture and expand. As a result of these natural cycles, you may notice:
These characteristics are completely normal, expected behaviors of outdoor timber. They do not constitute material defects, do not affect the structural integrity of the fencing or gates, and are not covered under any structural warranty.
3. Customer Maintenance Obligations
To minimize movement and maximize the lifespan of your gates and fencing, all timber products require regular end-user maintenance. It is the customer's responsibility to apply a high-quality, water-repellent wood preservative, oil, or exterior paint to all faces of the timber (including gates) immediately after installation, and to top this treatment up annually.
4. Limitation of Liability After 6 Months
In accordance with UK consumer law, any claims regarding timber warping or movement reported after six (6) months from the date of installation will be deemed the result of natural environmental exposure and/or lack of ongoing maintenance, unless the customer can independently prove an inherent manufacturing defect was present at the time of installation.
5. Storms and Extreme Weather Damage (Force Majeure)Our structural and installation warranties apply only to normal, expected weather conditions. We accept no liability for any damage, movement, warping, or structural failure caused by extreme or severe weather events. This includes, but is not limited to:storms and gale-force winds (high wind loads on fence panels) Ground movement, flooding, or prolonged waterlogging of soil.
Unprecedented temperature extremes or heatwaves. Fences act as large wind barriers; during severe storms, the wind loads exerted on panels can easily exceed the natural breaking strains of high-quality timber and concrete posts. Damage resulting from such weather events is classified as accidental environmental damage.
6. Underground Services and Obstructions
• The customer must identify and declare all hidden underground services
• This includes water pipes, gas mains electricity cables, and drainage.
• The installer is not liable for damage to undeclared or unmapped services
• Delays caused by hidden concrete, brickwork, or tree roots may incur extra charges
7. Gate Settlement and Maintenance
• Timber gates may drop, swell, or bind due to seasonal moisture changes.
• Gate adjustments after 14 days are considered maintenance and are the customer's responsibility
Regular application of high-quality wood preservative or stain is required by the customer.