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Maintenance

why maintenance matters

JMF timber joinery is crafted to last – but like all timber products, it requires ongoing care to maintain its appearance, performance, and compliance. Regular maintenance helps protect your investment from New Zealand’s harsh UV exposure, moisture, salt air, and temperature fluctuations.

GENERAL MAINTENANCE - ALL TIMBER JOINERY

  • Frequency: Inspect joinery every 6 months. Increase to every 3 months in coastal or high-exposure environments.
  • Cleaning:
    • Use warm, soapy water (mild detergent).
    • Avoid abrasive cleaners, solvents, or high-pressure hoses.
    • Rinse thoroughly and dry.
  • Hardware Check:
    • Clean and lubricate hinges, latches, stays, and rollers with silicone spray or light machine oil.
    • Check fixings and tighten or replace if loose or corroded.
  • Drainage:
    • Ensure all weep holes and drainage channels are clear.
    • Remove leaf litter and debris that may retain moisture.

MAINTENANCE FOR PAINTED TIMBER JOINERY

Paint finishes protect the timber from moisture, UV light, and general wear. Keeping the coating intact is key to long-term durability.

  • Inspection & Cleaning:
    • Clean every 6 months or more often in marine or industrial environments. 
  • Check For:
    • Cracking, blistering or chalking of the paint film.
    • Bare timber, especially at joints and sills. 
  • Repainting:
    • Repaint when deterioration is first observed – don’t wait until bare timber is exposed. 
    • Sand flaking areas lightly and spot prime before recoating. 
    • Use high-quality exterior paints suitable for timber joinery, following manufacturer instructions. 
    • Ensure all end grains, joints, rebates and glazing beads are well sealed. 

MAINTENANCE FOR CLEAR SEALED TIMBER JOINERY

Clear finishes highlight the natural beauty of timber but offer less UV protection than paint. These finishes require more frequent maintenance.

  • Inspection & Cleaning:
    • Clean every 3-6 months. 
  • Check For:
    • Discolouration or greying. 
    • Peeling, cracking, or delamination of coating. 
    • Water staining or mould. 
  • Recoating:
    • Clear coatings should be reapplied every 12-24 months depending on exposure. 
    • Lightly sand the surface to remove degraded finish before recoating. 
    • Use a UV-resistant, exterior-grade clear finish suitable for timber joinery (e.g. marine-grade varnish or penetrating oil). 
    • Avoid film-forming products unless explicitly designed for exterior joinery. 

IMPORTANT NOTES

  • Avoid Water Traps: Ensure sills and rebates are free-draining and clear of obstructions. 
  • Glazing Seals: Check glazing putty, sealant, or beads for cracks or gaps and repair as needed. 
  • Moving Parts: Do not paint or seal over moving parts like hardware. 
  • Moisture Control: Ensure surrounding areas (e.g. cladding, flashing, landscaping) do not direct excess water toward the joinery. 

NEED HELP?

Contact your joiner or a JMF manufacturer for advice if you’re unsure how to maintain or restore your joinery. Prompt action can prevent expensive repairs or replacement. 

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