Product Maintenance

A well-maintained timber building will provide decades of reliable service. Regular maintenance protects your investment, preserves the warranty, and ensures the building performs to its full potential throughout its life.

Timber treatment

Regular treatment with a high-quality oil-based wood coating is the single most important maintenance task. It protects the structure against:

• Rotting, moulding, discolouration, and insect damage
• Sun damage that can cause splitting and cracking of timber logs

Treatment guidelines:

• Apply the first coat as soon as the building is assembled, before any wet weather reaches the timber.
• Re-treat at least once a year, or more frequently in exposed locations (Ireland's west and coastal areas in particular benefit from more regular treatment).
• Pay extra attention to areas where moisture accumulates: interlocking wall joints, window and door support trims, and wind boards.
• Always treat completely dry timber. If the building got wet during assembly, wait until fully dry before treating.
• Use oil-based wood preservative or stain of good quality. Do not compromise on this – it is fundamental to the building's longevity and warranty validity.

Natural timber movement

Slow-grown conifer timber will naturally expand and contract slightly with changes in moisture and temperature. This is a normal and temporary process. Once temperature and moisture conditions stabilise, the structure returns to its normal dimensions. If you experience lingering moisture inside the building, ventilate thoroughly to allow the timber to dry.

Splits and cracks

Minor cracks and splits can appear due to temperature fluctuations or prolonged direct sunlight. This is a normal characteristic of natural timber and does not affect the structural integrity of the building. Apply additional treatment to exposed split surfaces to protect them from moisture.

Mould prevention

Persistent moisture combined with inadequate ventilation can lead to mould growth. Maintain indoor humidity below 50% and ensure the building is properly ventilated. If mould appears, products for timber mould treatment are available from Irish DIY and builders' merchants.

Foundation – keep it level and dry

The foundation must remain level, dry, and well-drained. An uneven or wet foundation causes water accumulation, swollen floorboards, and structural damage over time. Never assemble the building on a wet or freshly laid foundation – wait until the concrete is fully cured and dry.

Window and door adjustment

Due to natural timber settlement in the first years after assembly, windows and doors may need periodic adjustment. Door and window openings are intentionally left slightly larger than the frame to allow for movement. Adjust using the hinges provided. Allow at least two years for the timber to settle fully before sealing gaps with expanding foam or other permanent insulation agents.

Preventing window and door warping

After assembly, coat all door and window surfaces thoroughly with a primer or undercoat and two layers of protective wood treatment. This prevents moisture ingress that leads to warping. If a door or window has already started to warp:

• Remove the door and sand back any treatment at the top or bottom.
• Lay flat and assess the damage. For mild warping, apply weights using clamps and allow 1–2 days to straighten.
• For more severe warping, apply wet towels to the affected area to introduce moisture, allow the timber to relax, then apply weights to straighten.
• Once straight, rehang and treat all surfaces with primer and quality wood treatment to prevent recurrence.

Maintenance and the warranty

Our 10-year anti-rot warranty (5-year for buildings under 20 m² floor area or under 44 mm wall thickness) requires the following maintenance to remain valid:

• Initial oil-based wood coating applied to all interior and exterior surfaces immediately after assembly, reapplied at minimum once per year thereafter at 80–120 microns coverage.
• Regular, thorough ventilation to maintain indoor humidity below 50%.

For maintenance advice, call our team at +353 1 699 4541 or email [email protected].