General Maintenance Guide for All Products
Explore our extensive maintenance guide tailored for all outdoor structures including wooden cabins, saunas, and grills. Learn foundational tips, wood care strategies, and safety practices.
This guide applies to all products. You should also consult any additional information or instructions available under each specific category or manual. For example, for saunas, see under the product category ‘Outdoor Sauna’ and refer to ‘Basic Guidelines for Sauna Use‘.
Maintenance & Foundation for Log cabins, Grill Cabins, Pavilions, Barrels, and Pods (Includes all types, even saunas)
General Maintenance Guide for All Products
Introduction to Wood Treatment
To prevent issues such as rot, significant cracking (as wood is a living material and will always work somewhat), and warping, treat the wood with preservatives and pigments externally and with anti-rot and anti-fungal agents (also impregnations) internally. This should be done before the wood absorbs moisture. If a product is purchased untreated (whether assembled or disassembled), this treatment must be performed; otherwise, the warranty will be void.
Properties and Maintenance of Pine and Spruce Wood
Ideal Material for Construction
Pine and spruce wood, due to their physical properties, are ideal materials for construction. They are strong and flexible to work with and are also easy to recycle. However, as natural materials, their appearance and behavior can change with varying weather conditions. Changes in temperature affect the humidity, which in turn impacts the wood. Warm summer weather will cause the wood to shrink because humidity typically drops under Danish conditions. Similarly, cooler temperatures in winter can increase the moisture content (unless there is dry frost), causing swelling and warping of the wood.
Issues Caused by High Humidity and Mold
Natural Changes in Wood
Higher humidity and mold can lead to both large and small cracks and discoloration of the wood. These changes are natural, and it is therefore essential that the product is immediately protected with a suitable wood preservative.
Importance of Proper Impregnation
First Steps in Wood Treatment
It’s important to first treat the wood with an impregnation/preservation agent and then apply a finish color. This helps reduce the risk of blue/black spots or fungal attacks as well as movements within the wood. Additionally, a good impregnation is an ideal starting point for applying paint or stain for a color finish (the wood must be dry when treated).
Preventing Wood Rot in Wooden Constructions
Special Attention to Wood Floors
Most products are wooden constructions with wooden surfaces, which are likely to rot if they come into contact with soil. Even though we impregnate our base beams under vacuum to prevent moisture, insects, and fungi, you must give special attention to impregnating the cabin floor on both sides to counteract rot and other issues mentioned above. You need to complete this treatment before installation, as you won’t have access to the underside of the floor afterward. Remember to ensure that water and moisture cannot enter under the floor.
Post-Installation Treatments
Treating Doors and Windows
After the product is built, we highly recommend treating not only the body but also the doors and windows with a wood impregnation agent, both internally and externally, to prevent twisting and deformation of the elements.
Weather-Resistant Finishing
Final Protective Measures
Finally, we recommend a weather-resistant paint or impregnation with pigment that will protect the wood from moisture penetration and UV radiation.
Regular Maintenance
Annual Inspections Recommended
The product’s lifespan will be significantly extended after proper impregnation and painting. The cabin should be repainted according to the manufacturer’s instructions for the product impregnation/paint. We recommend checking the protection at least once a year and repainting as necessary.
By implementing these structured headings and subheadings, the text is organized in a manner that makes it easier for readers to navigate and understand the key maintenance actions required for wooden products
Product Maintenance Guide
Seasonal Inspections
- Spring and Autumn Check-ups: Walk around and inside the product in spring and autumn to assess the maintenance work required. Pay special attention to shingle roofs after the first summer to ensure no shingles are loose. If shingles have not vulcanized together after summer and there are loose shingles, maintenance must be performed before the fall/winter period. Note that issues due to loose shingles caused by lack of inspection and maintenance will not be considered for claims.
Regular Maintenance of Steel Bands
- Weekly Inspections: Regularly check steel bands on barrels, buses, and other similar applications. Adjust as necessary; note that over-tightening can also occur and adjustments may be needed either to tighten or loosen depending on humidity conditions. Failure to adjust can cause damage to the product.
Specific Area Inspections
- Doors, Windows, and Roof Connections: Inspect for issues such as cracks, mold, and pest infestations, especially near doors, windows, and roof connections.
- Roof Inspection: Look for damaged or loose shingles and repair if necessary. Be cautious of any chimney issues—check for damaged or loose flue pipes, cracks between flue pipes and the chimney or between the chimney and the ceiling.
Shingle Roof Maintenance
- Regular Checks: Regularly inspect the shingle roof during the first year, especially after windy conditions and post-summer where shingles normally vulcanize together due to heat. If this hasn’t occurred, secure roof shingles at the overlaps and vulcanize the areas with a torch as needed. Immediate action is required if any shingle is damaged or torn off. Address any roof damage promptly to prevent permanent damage to wood and other materials.
Wall Inspections
- Woodwork Examination: Check the walls for loose or damaged wood, significant cracks, loose knots, signs of moisture, and mold. Also, look for any stains or discolorations.
Surroundings Condition
- Plant and Pot Placement: Ensure that plants and pots are at least 80 cm away from the walls. Check that coverings, extensions, installed gutters, and drains are undamaged and clean.
Seasonal Preparations
- Spring: Focus on any water damage to the external woodwork from water and snow, and prepare the cabin for higher summer temperatures.
- Autumn: Pay special attention to pest attacks, damaged impregnation/paint, and prepare your product for a cold, potentially damp and windy winter.
These structured headings and subheadings are designed to make the maintenance guide easier to navigate and ensure key areas of care are clearly highlighted.
Maintenance Guide for Your Product
Annual Cleaning
- Cleaning Process: Regularly clean your product to remove dirt such as dust, mold, pollen, bird and insect waste, including spider webs and eggs.
- Washing Instructions: Use a mild detergent mixed with warm water. Start by washing from the bottom up to prevent streaks, and finish by washing from the top down to thoroughly remove all dirt. Use a soft brush and perform scrubbing in circular motions. Finish by rinsing the product with a hose, and allow it to dry for three to four days.
Painting and Impregnation
- Preparation: Ensure the product is clean and dry before you begin painting or impregnating.
- Application Method: Follow guidance from a specialist to choose suitable paint or impregnation for untreated softwood. Apply the products following the manufacturer’s instructions to minimize the wood’s swelling and shrinkage.
Annual Inspection
- Crack Inspection: Routinely check for cracks or breaks in the wood. Seal any that are over 2 cm to prevent water accumulation and protect against pests.
Pest Control
- Preventive Maintenance: Perform regular cleaning and maintenance of paint or impregnation to help prevent pest infestations.
General Maintenance Guide
- Water Drainage and Management: Monitor and maintain effective drainage to prevent water from quickly darkening and damaging the wood. Ensure that water is directed away from the product to a suitable location.
- Joint Control: During the annual inspection, use expanding foam to seal gaps between windows and doors, ensuring that moisture can still escape.
Legal Disclaimer
- Responsibility for Use: All use and movement in and around the product is at your own risk. The buyer is responsible for the correct use and safety of the product.
This revised guide provides clear instructions and well-defined sections that enhance usability and ensure the user can easily follow the necessary maintenance procedures.
Grill Maintenance Guide and Safety Guide
General Safety
- Installation: Do not use the grill until it is properly installed and secured according to the instructions.
- Fuel Choice: Never use charcoal impregnated with flammable liquids. Instead, we recommend using kiln-dried wood and/or briquettes for lighting the fire.
- Lighting Fluids: Do not use lighter fluids, gasoline, alcohol, or other highly volatile liquids to ignite or sustain the fire.
- Storage of Flammable Liquids: Do not store lighter fluids, gasoline, or other highly volatile liquids in the cabin.
- Fire Safety: Ensure there are no flammable materials near the grill. Keep decorations and electrical cords away from the grill.
- Personal Safety: Never leave infants, children, disabled individuals, or pets unattended near the hot grill. Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing with flowing sleeves near the grill. If you have long hair, make sure to tie it back to avoid exposure to fire.
- Handling Hot Surfaces: Always use oven mitts and proper grilling tools with long, heat-resistant handles when handling hot cooking surfaces and equipment. Never touch the grill’s hot components directly.
- Supervision: Never leave a lit grill unattended. Keep a fire extinguisher within easy reach, and ensure there is a water source nearby to extinguish any flames.
Installation and Usage
- Materials and Finish: All our grill sets are made from strong and durable steel finished with a heat-resistant powder coating, which ensures good rust protection.
- Preparation Before Use: To protect the grill from UV damage, store it out of direct sunlight before installation. The grill set consists of many parts, which can be easily assembled using the provided installation guide.
- Initial Use: When using your grill for the first time, surfaces in direct contact with the flames may emit a smoky smell as the curing process completes. This is normal. Keep the door open for the first use and avoid cooking until the smell has dissipated. Use plenty of ignition material, open the damper to ensure adequate air supply, and keep a door or window open during the start-up process. Once the flame is established, more dry wood or briquettes can be added. Ensure they are no longer than 30 cm. For added safety, we also recommend using a spark guard.
Pipe System and Ventilation
- Effective Air Circulation: Proper installation of pipes under the cabin and a chimney ensures efficient air circulation and smoke exhaust. To prevent condensation inside the grill or pavilion and to ensure proper ventilation, do not cover the chimney and keep it free from snow
Cleaning After Use
- Avoid Cold Water on Hot Coals: Never pour cold water on hot charcoal as it can damage the grill’s surface finish.
- Cooling Down the Coals: Wait until the charcoal has completely cooled down before starting to clean the grill.
- Ash Removal: Remove ash from the bottom of the grill and clear out any foreign objects and dust thoroughly.
- Cleaning Process: Use soapy water or a cleaning spray. Gently wipe the grill and clean the grates using a grill brush and/or a cleaning sponge.
- Preparation for Next Use: Ensure that the grill and ventilation channels are clean and ready for the next use.
Tools and Cleaning Agents
- Avoid Sharp Objects: Do not use sharp objects to clean the grill grate or to remove ash, as this will damage the surface.
- Avoid Abrasive Cleaners: Do not use abrasive cleaners on the cooking grate or the grill itself, as this will damage the finish.
Legal Disclaimer
- Responsibility of Use: All use and movement in and around the cabin and grill are at your own risk. No liability for use can be attributed to the seller. The buyer is responsible for the proper use and movement in and around the cabin/grill, ensuring that everything is used safely and for the intended purpose.