When you invest in a quality timber shed, it’s natural to want to know exactly what your guarantee covers and what your responsibilities are as the owner.
The good news is that an Elfords shed warranty provides peace of mind, as long as a few straightforward conditions are met. Like all timber buildings, sheds are exposed to changing weather throughout the year, and natural movement in the wood and roof felt is completely normal.
Regular maintenance also plays an important part in protecting your building and keeping the guarantee valid.
In this guide, we explain what’s covered under the Elfords shed warranty, what isn’t included, and the simple steps you can take to keep your shed performing well for many years to come.
Understanding your garden shed warranty
Every Elfords timber building comes with a 12-month shed warranty, giving you reassurance that your new shed has been built to the high standards we’ve maintained for over 40 years.
The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, provided the building has been installed correctly and cared for as recommended. In simple terms, if there is a genuine problem arising from the construction of the shed, we will put it right.
To keep the warranty valid, two key conditions must be met.
- First, the shed must be installed on a firm, level base. An uneven or unstable base can cause the structure to twist, which may lead to sticking doors, gaps and other issues unrelated to the build itself.
- Second, the timber should be treated externally as soon as possible after installation using a good-quality preservative, such as Elfords MLX Sheen. This protects the wood against weathering, mould and moisture.
The roof felt is also covered by a separate 12-month guarantee, subject to normal use and proper maintenance.
What isn’t covered under the shed warranty?
A good warranty is designed to protect against genuine manufacturing issues, but it’s equally important to understand what falls outside its scope.
The Elfords shed warranty doesn’t cover damage caused by extreme weather, including storms and high winds. While our garden sheds and other timber buildings are built to be strong and durable, no outdoor structure is completely immune to severe conditions.
Problems arising from an unsuitable base are also excluded. If the shed is installed on ground that is uneven or unstable, the resulting movement can affect doors, floors and panels.
The warranty also depends on the building being treated promptly after installation and maintained regularly. If the timber is left untreated, weathering and moisture can cause deterioration that is not covered by the guarantee.
It’s also worth remembering that timber is a natural material. As temperatures and humidity change throughout the year, the wood may expand and contract slightly. This natural movement is entirely normal and should not be viewed as a defect.
The same principle applies to roof felt, which is made from oil and tar-based materials and may also expand and contract as weather conditions change.
Insider tip: Slight seasonal changes in timber and felt are part of owning a natural timber building. Regular maintenance and realistic expectations will help keep your shed performing at its best.
How to look after roof felt
Roof felt plays an important role in keeping your shed dry by providing a waterproof barrier over the timber roof. Like timber, however, felt is exposed to the weather all year round and will naturally expand and contract as temperatures rise and fall.
This movement is perfectly normal and does not mean there is a problem with the roof. Over time, however, strong sun, frost and wind can gradually affect the felt, which is why it’s worth checking it periodically.
A quick visual inspection once or twice a year is usually enough. Look for any signs of lifting edges, tears or areas where the felt appears worn.
Small issues are often easy to repair if spotted early, helping to prevent water from reaching the timber underneath.
The roof felt supplied with your Elfords timber building is covered by a 12-month guarantee, but regular checks will help extend its life well beyond that period.
Insider tip: Check your roof felt after particularly stormy weather. Catching a minor problem early is much easier and cheaper than dealing with water damage later.
Simple ways to extend the life of your shed
A well-built timber shed should provide many years of reliable use, and a little routine care goes a long way. Simple maintenance tasks can help keep your building looking good and performing as it should.
- Keep airflow underneath the shed. Good ventilation beneath the floor helps reduce moisture build-up and protects the timber from damp conditions.
- Trim back plants and shrubs. Avoid letting vegetation grow directly against the walls, as this can trap moisture and restrict airflow.
- Apply a fresh coat of preservative each year. Regular treatment helps protect the timber from weathering, mould and fungus.
- Check that water drains away properly. Make sure the ground around the shed does not allow rainwater to pool against the base.
- Inspect the roof felt annually. A quick check for lifting edges or wear can help you spot minor issues before they become more serious.
For more practical advice, read our guide on garden shed maintenance: how to protect your shed year-round.
Insider tip: Spending just a few minutes on maintenance each year can add many years to the life of your shed.
Elfords: Making sure you get the most from your shed warranty
A timber shed is built to cope with years of outdoor use, but like any natural product, it benefits from a little care and attention. Understanding what your shed warranty covers — and what your responsibilities are as the owner — helps set realistic expectations from the start.
The good news is that most issues are easily avoided. A firm, level base, prompt treatment and simple routine checks will help keep your building performing exactly as it should.
If you have any questions about your shed warranty, or you’re unsure whether something is a normal part of timber movement, the Elfords team is always happy to help.
Visit our Hilsea showroom, or get in touch for tailored advice.