Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ’s Metal sheds
Q. Do metal sheds suffer from condensation?
A. They can do if bases are not constructed properly, a damp base will almost certainly cause a condensation cycle. Ensure that the concrete or slab base is of the correct size i.e. only slightly larger than the shed base rail. The base should be higher than the surrounding land area, and should contain a DPC layer within it’s construction(plastic sheet). Edges of the base should be trowelled smooth and slightly angled down towards the edge so that water seepage does not occur. Seal the inside of the base rail with a suitable waterproofing mastic.
Q. Are metal sheds noisy in the rain?
A. No more than a car parked outside the house.
Q. Will metal sheds rust quickly?
A. Pick a metal shed with good quality hot-dipped galvanised frame and panels, and a good paint coat and the shed will outlast the guarantee and be useful for many years without the need for maintenance.
Q. Are thin gauge metal sheds strong enough to withstand gales?
A. All the sheds on this web site have been adequately tested, and will withstand the majority of weather conditions experienced in this country. They will withstand similar loadings as a good quality wooden shed. Obviously there are extremes of weather condition that no shed could withstand, but that is a normal insurable household risk.
Q. Are metal sheds easy to build?
A. The instructions in all the metal sheds offered here are comprehensive and descriptive. The task of building is straightforward and methodical, but it is a DIY product and requires a certain amount of DIY capability. There is no great science to the building of a metal shed, just a logical approach.
Q. How long would it take two people to build say an 8x6 shed?
A. Two reasonably competent novices should be able to complete an 8x6 metal shed in about 4-6 hours.
Q. How does the shed arrive, and can it be handled by one person?
A. Most shed sizes arrive in one carton. Larger 10’ fronted sheds may be in 3 or 4 boxes. Our drivers handle the boxes easily on their own, however they will always place the unit safely for you, so that you can just open the box and commence building your shed.
Q. How long will it take to deliver my shed if I choose to order?
A. We always endeavour to deliver within 21 working days, if your chosen shed is in stock, it could well be sooner. We will always contact you the week before it is due to arrange a suitable delivery day, and an AM or PM slot.
FAQ’s Vinyl sheds
Q. Do the vinyl sheds come in any other colour than cream?
A. Unfortunately not, this colour has been chosen for a variety of reasons, the main of which is that the colour is more resistant to sun fading than a darker colour would be.
Q. Do plastic sheds suffer from condensation?
A. The answer is the same as for metal sheds. In fact the answer is the same for any shed made from a non-absorbent material, such as plastic, vinyl, steel, concrete etc… Wooden sheds do not suffer quite as much, as the timber absorbs some of the moisture in the shed interior atmosphere.
Q. What are delivery times for a vinyl shed?
A. Same as for the metal ranges, within 21 working days.
FAQ’s Timber sheds
Q. How is the timber shed packed when it arrives?
A. All timber sheds are packed on an export standard pallet. The panels are made to a specific size to make the optimum handleable size. Our drivers will, on arrival, offload the items from the pallet, and stack them in a suitable position for you, neatly and tidily.
Q. Will the timber shed be secure?
A. All the timber sheds in our ranges are equipped with high security bolted hinges as standard. A substantial hasp & staple is provided for use with a padlock (not supplied).
FAQ’s Log Chalets
Q. What timber is used and how is the timber in the log chalet range treated?
A. All the timbers are Scandinavian Pine, with a low knot count and slow grown to give a close grain. The timber is kiln dried to prevent warping, and then wrapped to prevent re-introduction of moisture. It is important that the log cabins are treated with a high grade preservative immediately following installation, with a second coat within 7 days. We only recommend the use of Sadolin Classic preservative, as it is a spirit based treatment which migrates deeply into the timber, but is breathable to allow a healthy environment for the timber.
Q. Why is the 45mm and 70mm timber double tongued and grooved.
A. This double tongue and grooving gives a much more stable construction as well as a much more weatherproof building.
Q. Why is a log building better than a frame built building?
A. On a log chalet, the building is constructed from the ground up in individual logs. This creates a very strong and stable building, with excellent weather resistant qualities. Aesthetically it is much more attractive, with the log corner detail, and the swiss chalet style appearance. The secret of a good log building is the standard of notching at the building corners. Our manufacturers in Germany are one of the largest in Europe, and have superb up-to-date computer controlled equipment which allows them to produce machined logs to an exceptionally high quality.
Q. How long will a log chalet last?
A. Any building is only as good as the way it is looked after. If cared for and treated at regular 3-4 yearly intervals, the buildings in our range should last a lifetime.
Q. What warranty comes with the log cabins?
A. A 5 year manufacturers warranty on workmanship and materials applies to all chalets on sale.
Q. Do I need planning approval for a log chalet?
A. Not normally. Obviously if you live in a listed building, in a National Park, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or a conservation area, there is always a planning requirement for even the smallest building. If non of the above apply, these buildings come under permitted development with the following provisos:
1.The building should not be closer to any part of the dwelling house than 5 metres.
2.The building should be sited at least 1 full metre from an adjoining boundary.
3.The building should be less than 4 metres high.
4.The building should be at least 15 metres from the road in front of your property and be behind the building line.
5.The building should be below 320 ft2 and should occupy less than 50% of the total available land area.
These items are to be used as ‘rule of thumb’, but should you be in any doubt as to the classification of your area, we would always recommend that you approach your local planning office for a definitive answer.
Q. What access do you need to get a log chalet into the grounds of the house?
A. A normal gate width is sufficient for the widest piece to pass through. What causes difficulties is when tight bends need to be negotiated. The logs are always the full length or width of your chosen building, and therefore need straight passageways to carry them through. If in doubt, we can always advise on a particular situation, please ask us.
