VANTAGE Windows & Doors
Roofing Industries
ALTHERM Window Systems
Dimond Roofing
Juralco Aluminium
SPAX
Prolam
Case Studies
PGH Bricks
Metwood
LMA Timber
When specifying timber cladding for a premium New Zealand building project, a 15-year performance / structural warranty feels like a solid gold guarantee. But what happens when that guarantee only covers the structural integrity of the timber itself, leaving the actual building envelope completely vulnerable to the elements? The uncomfortable truth is that not all cladding warranties are created equal, and the fine print of some popular products might surprise you. As specifiers, we must look deeper than the bold headlines.
For architects, builders, and specifiers across New Zealand, managing risk is central to every design decision. Yet some thermally modified timber (TMT) manufacturers feature warranties that exclude coverage for the critical Clause E2 area of external moisture penetration. This means that if the cladding boards warp or shift to the point that they no longer keep the building envelope weather-tight, your client may find themselves with absolutely no recourse. The responsibility for remediation could fall squarely back on your shoulders.
Furthermore, these warranties are often strictly non-transferable from owner to owner. If your client decides to sell their residential home or commercial property, the warranty immediately expires, leaving the subsequent owner with zero protection. This lack of transferability can significantly affect the long-term resale value and security of the asset, for example, during pre-purchase building inspections where buyers demand documented performance guarantees.
The hidden maintenance trap in synthetic and softwood warranties
Another critical factor to consider is the hidden maintenance trap built into many manufacturer agreements. Some warranties do not clearly define exactly what maintenance is required to keep their coverage active. For instance, many thermally modified pine and cedar warranties require regular, ongoing applications of timber oil to maintain their validity. This ongoing requirement is often buried deep in the technical literature.
Failing to apply these coatings on a strict schedule can void your entire warranty. For a client who specifically requested a low-maintenance exterior that is allowed to silver off over time, this creates an ongoing operational and financial burden that they did not anticipate. It shifts the product from a low-maintenance solution to a high-maintenance obligation.
A naturally durable alternative: Class one hardwoods
This is where class one Australian hardwoods, such as those supplied by LMA Timber, offer a radically different proposition. Because these premium hardwoods are naturally durable, they do not rely on chemical modifications or constant oiling to maintain their performance. LMA Timber provides a robust cladding warranty that fully permits the timber to gracefully silver off over time, requiring no mandatory coatings or aesthetic upkeep to stay valid.
Most importantly, this comprehensive warranty directly covers the crucial New Zealand Building Code Clause E2 weatherability requirements. If the boards fail to protect the building envelope, the warranty protects you. To ensure long-term peace of mind, the warranty is also fully transferable to subsequent owners, adding tangible value to the property.
When designing for the harsh New Zealand climate, specifying a material should not mean accepting a liability in the fine print. By choosing high-performance reclaimed and sustainably sourced hardwoods, you secure both architectural beauty and genuine, transferable protection. It is about choosing a material that stands the test of time without the hidden caveats.
Have you ever had to navigate a complex cladding warranty claim, and what did the fine print reveal to you?
Popular Products from LMA Timber
Most Popular
Popular Blog Posts
