Please find listed below a few points of advice/guidelines which we recommend all our clients consider before and during any contract.
- If you are in any doubt about which fence belongs to you, then you should check your deeds or check with the Land Registry. If the fence line is marked with a ‘T’ on your side of the fence line, then this will mean it is your responsibility.
- As a general rule, fences in rear gardens are allowed to be 2m high and 1m high where they meet the footpath. If you are unsure, please check with your local planning authority.
- The responsibility of the fence line and height of the fence remains with the customer.
- Always let your neighbour know that you are replacing your fence and a start date of when this will be done. This will allow them to remove anything of theirs from the fence/fence line to avoid any damage to their property. Protect any precious plants/shrubs before fitters arrive
- There is no law that says the ‘good side’ or ‘smooth side’ should face towards your neighbour.
- Any vegetation that encroaches the fence line from the neighbour’s side should be cut back by themselves. If not, Lemon Fencing will only cut back what’s necessary and leave the waste with the neighbour – if not stated otherwise.
- On sloping ground, it will be necessary to ‘step’ the panel fences in relation to the ground. Fences cannot always be kept level.
- Lemon Fencing cannot accept any responsibility for damage to underground pipework/cabling in such instances that any relevant drawings or written notification have not been made available prior to installation work.
- Slotting panels into existing posts. Lemon Fencing will not be liable for any damage to existing concrete posts when slotting panels in, as there may be existing defects/weakness not visible to the eye. Acceptance of the quote will be on the understanding that the responsibility for the post lies with the customer.
- If you are having any non-pressure treated gates or sheds with your order, please be aware that these only have a base coat treatment. We would recommend that you treat your gate or shed within 1 month of installation with a good quality wood preserver that repels Timber is a natural product and will be subject to movement and weather as it seasons.
- Please ensure that you are on site on completion to confirm the work has been carried out to your satisfaction. This will validate your guarantee.
- If there is a dispute between adjoining neighbours whilst we are on site then we may leave the works until a later date. Any loss of working time can be charged against the original deposit paid.
- Lemon Fencing Ltd may take photo’s of your installation for marketing purposes to appear on our website or promotional mailshots. No address details or personal details will be used. If you do not want a photo to be taken of the installation please advise fitter on site or our fitting department in advance and they will make a file note
Deposits and Cancelling
When is payment required?
On confirmation of your order, we would require a 30% deposit for securement of the works to take place. The balance is due on completion of works. Payment can be made over the phone or by BACS transfer.
How do I cancel my order?
Even with the best intentions, things can happen that may put a project on hold. If you wish to cancel your fitting project then the following applies:-
- If you place an order for our services either over the phone or online, a 14 day cooling off period starts the day after you agree to go ahead, unless the service starts within that time.
- The lead name on the order must give written notice to cancel in the timescale above. This can be via email to: info@lemonfencing.co.uk or posted to: Lemon Fencing Ltd,
- 3 Southend Road, Rochford, Essex SS4 1HA
In order to cover our reasonable costs there is a set of scale of charges for refund of deposits given as follows:-
- Cancellation of installation work 1-8 days before commencement = No refund of deposit.
- Cancellation of installation work 9-15 days before commencement = 25% refund of deposit.
- Cancellation of installation work 16-22 days before commencement = 50% refund of deposit.
TIMBER GATE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
SUPPLIED AND FITTED OR SUPPLIED ONLY
If a gate is supplied and installed by Lemon Fencing, pleasure ensure that all locking mechanisms supplied are engaged whilst the gate(s) are in the closed (or open) positions. This will help prevent movement and warping whilst the gate(s) climatise.
Natural Material
Timber is a natural product so every gate will have it’s own unique grain, knots, and colour. These natural features are not faults.
Movement and Warping
Wood reacts to the weather. Changes in temperature and moisture can cause the gate to expand, shrink, twist, or bow slightly. This is normal and can happen even after installation. Minor warping is not considered a defect.
Splits and Cracks
Small cracks or splits may appear over time as the timber dries and adjusts to its environment. These are a natural part of timber and usually don’t affect the strength or lifespan of the gate.
Colour Changes
The colour of the timber may change over time due to sunlight and weather exposure. This is expected and part of the natural ageing process.
Maintenance and Responsibility
To keep the gate in good condition, regular maintenance is required. This includes applying suitable wood treatments, stains or paints to protect against moisture and UV damage. Lack of maintenance can lead to increased movement, cracking, or decay.
Installation Matters
Proper installation is important. Gates must be hung correctly with suitable hinges, posts, and clearances to allow for natural movement. We are not responsible for issues caused by incorrect installation by others.
Weather Exposure
Gates exposed to harsh weather (strong sun, heavy rain, wind) are more likely to experience movement, warping, or splitting. This is beyond our control.
Not a Fault
Warping, twisting, swelling, shrinkage, surface checking (small cracks), and colour variation are all natural characteristics of timber and are not considered manufacturing defects.
When It IS a Problem
If there is a structural failure (for example, the gate becomes unsafe or unusable under normal conditions), this may be considered a fault and should be reported
TIMBER FENCE PANELS TERMS AND CONDITIONS
SUPPLIED AND FITTED OR SUPPLIED ONLY
Timber is a natural material and will move over time. This means your fence panels may:-
Warp, twist, bow or cup
Develop small splits or cracks
Change colour as they weather
This is normal and not a fault, as long as the panel remains structurally sound.
Treatment and Aftercare
Unless stated otherwise, fence panels may require additional treatment after installation. It is the customer’s responsibility to:-
Apply a suitable preservative, stain, or paint as soon as practical
Maintain protective coatings regularly
Ensure panels are not in prolonged contact with standing water or soil
Failure to maintain panels correctly may increase the risk of warping and splitting and will void any warranty.
We do not cover issues caused by:
Natural movement of the timber
Weather, moisture, or site conditions
Incorrect installation by others or lack of treatment/maintenance
All goods are to be checked on installation / delivery and any issues reported within 48 hours.
Once installed, panels are deemed accepted.
Full Terms and Conditions are available on request and apply to all orders.