{
  "schemaVersion": "1.0",
  "title": "Fence procurement and ownership reference sourcebook",
  "compiledBy": "Fence Advisors",
  "reviewedAt": "2026-10-04",
  "compilationLicense": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "licenseNote": "Original compilation, graphics and worksheets only; does not relicense third-party documents or trademarks.",
  "methodology": "Selected primary-document references and original project-record workflows. Not a market survey, product test, legal opinion or review of every full current standard. Statements are linked to visible article sections.",
  "sources": [
    { "id": "clfmi17", "label": "CLFMI Product Manual, revised March 2017", "url": "https://chainlinkinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/CLFMI-Product-Manual-revised-March-2017-1.pdf", "editionOrDate": "March 2017", "locator": "Table 2; Table 3 core-wire note; Section 32 31 13 Part 2.2", "reviewScope": "First 30 of 34 PDF pages retrieved; cited tables and fabric specification clauses reviewed. Not the full current ASTM standards." },
    { "id": "cedar", "label": "WRCLA Real Cedar fence specifications", "url": "https://www.realcedar.com/outdoor/fencing/fence-specifications", "editionOrDate": "Undated public page, checked October 4, 2026", "locator": "Fence Post Surface Textures and Fence Rails surface descriptions", "reviewScope": "Appearance and surface terminology. Source size-conversion chart omitted because some inch/mm pairs are inconsistent. No full grading rulebook review." },
    { "id": "wwpa", "label": "WWPA grade-stamp overview", "url": "https://www.wwpa.org/western-lumber/interpreting-grade-stamps/overview/", "editionOrDate": "Undated public page, checked October 4, 2026", "locator": "Interpreting Grade Marks; Seasoning", "reviewScope": "Five stamp elements and manufacturing moisture thresholds; not a measurement of delivered or installed wood." },
    { "id": "awpaHome", "label": "AWPA homeowner guidance", "url": "https://awpa.com/info/technical/homeowners", "editionOrDate": "Public page checked October 4, 2026", "locator": "End-tag explanation; Southern-pine preservative table; use-category descriptions", "reviewScope": "Selected tag fields, category descriptions and identified Southern-pine retention rows. Not every species/preservative combination." },
    { "id": "awpaUcs", "label": "AWPA Use Category System overview", "url": "https://awpa.com/standards/ucs", "editionOrDate": "Public page checked October 4, 2026", "locator": "Using the UCS", "reviewScope": "Select service conditions, product, species and preservative together; standards are updated annually." },
    { "id": "awpa25", "label": "AWPA U1-25 public excerpt", "url": "https://awpa.com/images/2025/U1-25_excerpt.pdf", "editionOrDate": "2025", "locator": "Section 2; UC3B and UC4A Commodity Specification A exceptions", "reviewScope": "First eight of 20 excerpt pages retrieved; cited service conditions reviewed. Not the full 2026 Book of Standards." },
    { "id": "ddWeb", "label": "D&D U.S. Warranties & Liability page", "url": "https://us.ddtech.com/pages/warranties", "editionOrDate": "Undated page checked October 4, 2026", "locator": "Ownership-lifetime summary and full-warranty download link", "reviewScope": "Summary conflicts with finite periods in its linked leaflet. Applicability to a purchase must be confirmed; no silent reconciliation." },
    { "id": "ddPdf", "label": "D&D U.S. SA-F15 limited-warranty leaflet", "url": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0108/1652/0256/files/SA-15_US_D_D_TECHNOLOGIES_LIMITED_WARRANTY_1.10.25.pdf?v=1759282334", "editionOrDate": "Footer: September 19, 2025", "locator": "English clauses 1-6, especially 2(d), 2(o), 3(l) and 4", "reviewScope": "Three-language PDF retrieved; English provisions used for the U.S. comparison. No blending of translated differences, no assumption it overrides older purchase paperwork." },
    { "id": "nationalWeb", "label": "National Hardware warranty page", "url": "https://www.national-hardware.com/support/warranty", "editionOrDate": "Undated page checked October 4, 2026", "locator": "Download Warranty link to NHWarranty2", "reviewScope": "Public document discovery; terms taken from the linked PDF, not its lifetime marketing label alone." },
    { "id": "nationalPdf", "label": "National Hardware NHWarranty2 document", "url": "https://images.national-hardware.com/is/content/nh/NHWarranty2", "editionOrDate": "Undated PDF checked October 4, 2026", "locator": "Mechanical/Finish Limited Warranty; Exclusions; Warranty Claims; Remedies", "reviewScope": "All three PDF pages reviewed. Original residential purchaser and authorized-seller restrictions; commercial use excluded. Applicable purchase terms and law still control." },
    { "id": "ftc", "label": "FTC: avoiding home-improvement scams", "url": "https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-home-improvement-scam", "editionOrDate": "Page displays July 2022; metadata modified December 10, 2025", "locator": "Written estimates/contracts; Report a Problem", "reviewScope": "General consumer recordkeeping and written-scope guidance. Not approval of this worksheet as a compliant contract." },
    { "id": "cslb", "label": "California CSLB: home-improvement contracts", "url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Hire_A_Contractor/Home_Improvement_Contracts/What_Is_A_Contract.aspx", "editionOrDate": "Public page checked October 4, 2026", "locator": "Bullet on written change orders signed before the change", "reviewScope": "California-specific example only. No nationwide contract, deposit, cancellation or electronic-signature rule inferred." }
  ],
  "coatings": {
    "metallic": [
      { "standard": "A392", "material": "Zinc-coated steel fabric", "class": "1", "massOzPerSqFt": 1.2, "publishedGPerSqM": 366 },
      { "standard": "A392", "material": "Zinc-coated steel fabric", "class": "2", "massOzPerSqFt": 2, "publishedGPerSqM": 610 },
      { "standard": "F1345", "material": "Zinc-5% aluminum-mischmetal alloy-coated steel fabric", "class": "1", "massOzPerSqFt": 0.6, "publishedGPerSqM": 183 },
      { "standard": "F1345", "material": "Zinc-5% aluminum-mischmetal alloy-coated steel fabric", "class": "2", "massOzPerSqFt": 1, "publishedGPerSqM": 305 }
    ],
    "polymer": [
      { "class": "1", "process": "Extruded", "minInches": 0.015, "maxInches": 0.025, "publishedMinMm": 0.38, "publishedMaxMm": 0.64 },
      { "class": "2a", "process": "Extruded and adhered", "minInches": 0.015, "maxInches": 0.025, "publishedMinMm": 0.38, "publishedMaxMm": 0.64 },
      { "class": "2b", "process": "Fused and adhered", "minInches": 0.006, "maxInches": 0.01, "publishedMinMm": 0.15, "publishedMaxMm": 0.25 }
    ],
    "scope": "Selected CLFMI March 2017 fabric coating references. Mass and thickness are different measurements; published metric rounding retained. No comparison of corrosion life across different materials or current-standard certification."
  },
  "cedar": {
    "surfaces": [
      { "code": "S4S", "meaning": "Surfaced on all four sides", "orderingQuestion": "Confirm actual thickness/width and the applicable grade separately." },
      { "code": "S1S2E", "meaning": "One face and two edges surfaced", "orderingQuestion": "Confirm the intended exposed face and actual dimensions." },
      { "code": "Saw textured", "meaning": "Texture produced by circular or band sawing", "orderingQuestion": "Confirm which faces receive this texture in the quoted product." },
      { "code": "Rougher headed", "meaning": "Texture produced by roughened planer knives", "orderingQuestion": "Do not assume texture establishes grade or a universal rough size." }
    ],
    "seasoning": [
      { "marks": "MC-15 / KD-15", "thresholdPercent": 15, "relation": "Maximum", "timing": "At manufacturing" },
      { "marks": "S-DRY / KD", "thresholdPercent": 19, "relation": "Maximum", "timing": "At manufacturing" },
      { "marks": "S-GRN", "thresholdPercent": 19, "relation": "Greater than", "timing": "At manufacturing" }
    ],
    "orderFields": ["Component and species", "Grade name and governing grading rule or supplier product standard", "Surface texture and exposed face", "Actual thickness, width and length", "Manufacturing seasoning and current measured condition", "Agreed acceptable characteristics and inspection method", "Quantity, selling unit and permitted substitutions", "Supplier confirmation, date and product identifier"],
    "scope": "Buying terminology and stamp interpretation, not a full grading rulebook, knot-size limit, structural design or size guarantee. Manufacturing marks do not report today's moisture."
  },
  "treatment": {
    "categories": [
      { "code": "UC3A", "meaning": "Protected exterior above-ground exposure", "boundary": "Coating/rapid drainage or continuously protected construction conditions matter; not just any painted board." },
      { "code": "UC3B", "meaning": "Exposed exterior above-ground use", "boundary": "Check Commodity Specification A exceptions that require ground-contact treatment for some above-ground sawn components." },
      { "code": "UC4A", "meaning": "General ground-contact exposure", "boundary": "Includes qualifying above-ground hazards; commodity, species and treatment requirements still matter." },
      { "code": "UC4B", "meaning": "Heavy-duty ground-contact exposure", "boundary": "Severe environments or critically important components; not automatically required for every residential fence." },
      { "code": "UC4C", "meaning": "Extreme-duty ground-contact exposure", "boundary": "Very severe exposure or critical applications; not a universal service-life promise." }
    ],
    "retentions": [
      { "preservative": "CA-C", "name": "Copper azole, Type C", "uc3b": "0.060", "uc4a": "0.15", "uc4b": "0.31" },
      { "preservative": "MCA", "name": "Micronized copper azole", "uc3b": "0.060", "uc4a": "0.15", "uc4b": "0.31" },
      { "preservative": "ACQ B/C", "name": "Alkaline copper quaternary, Type B or C", "uc3b": "0.25", "uc4a": "0.40", "uc4b": "0.60" },
      { "preservative": "ACQ A/D", "name": "Alkaline copper quaternary, Type A or D", "uc3b": "0.15", "uc4a": "0.40", "uc4b": "0.60" }
    ],
    "retentionUnit": "Pounds of active ingredient per cubic foot of wood",
    "speciesScope": "Southern pine only in the cited homeowner table",
    "tagFields": ["Product/species and component", "AWPA U1 or the actual documented treatment specification", "Use category", "Preservative name/type", "Nominal retention and units", "Treating plant and traceability", "Applicable agency quality mark and inspection evidence", "Product handling, field-cut and fastener instructions"],
    "scope": "Selected public category and retention references. Not all current commodity specifications or a prescription for an unknown product. Treatment does not replace a structural grade or establish a service life."
  },
  "hardware": {
    "rows": [
      { "product": "D&D base mechanical terms", "residential": "10 years", "commercial": "5 years", "qualification": "Base clause 1 only; product-specific clauses can vary or exclude it.", "sourceId": "ddPdf", "locator": "English clause 1" },
      { "product": "D&D MagnaLatch Top Pull / Vertical Pull mechanical", "residential": "20 years", "commercial": "5 years", "qualification": "Private sole-occupancy residential use excludes business use; not all MagnaLatch models.", "sourceId": "ddPdf", "locator": "English clause 2(d)" },
      { "product": "D&D TruClose Heavy Duty / Heavy Duty Multi Adjust mechanical", "residential": "20 years", "commercial": "5 years", "qualification": "Named products only; residential and commercial definitions in leaflet apply.", "sourceId": "ddPdf", "locator": "English clause 2(c)" },
      { "product": "D&D Wood Hardware", "residential": "5 years", "commercial": "5 years", "qualification": "Named range; other exclusions and limits apply.", "sourceId": "ddPdf", "locator": "English clause 2(k)" },
      { "product": "D&D SureClose", "residential": "3 years", "commercial": "3 years", "qualification": "Gate weight/dimension limits are specifically required; not an installation approval.", "sourceId": "ddPdf", "locator": "English clause 2(g)" },
      { "product": "D&D electrical/electronic components", "residential": "2 years", "commercial": "2 years", "qualification": "Batteries excluded; separate from the mechanical product period.", "sourceId": "ddPdf", "locator": "English clause 2(a)" },
      { "product": "National Hardware mechanical and finish terms", "residential": "While eligible original purchaser occupies original residence", "commercial": "Excluded in cited document", "qualification": "Nontransferable; authorized seller restriction unless prohibited by law. Mechanical and finish warranties have separate descriptions.", "sourceId": "nationalPdf", "locator": "Mechanical/Finish Limited Warranty; Exclusions" }
    ],
    "scope": "Selected U.S. English document terms checked October 4, 2026. Not all brands, product variants, purchase vintages or a ranking of durability. Full applicable terms and law control.",
    "conflicts": [
      { "sourceIds": ["ddWeb", "ddPdf"], "finding": "D&D's public page describes ownership-lifetime coverage; its linked leaflet uses finite base and product-specific periods.", "handling": "Report both documents and ask D&D or the seller which version applies to the exact purchase. Do not claim all D&D hardware is lifetime or that earlier rights are automatically removed." }
    ]
  },
  "workflows": {
    "changeOrderFields": ["Project and original contract reference", "Change record number, revision and proposed date", "Reason and evidence for the request", "Original scope to be altered", "Exact proposed scope and drawing/product revision", "Items removed and credited", "Items added and priced", "Tax/freight/permit effects to confirm", "Net proposed price change and revised total", "Schedule and access consequences", "Dependencies, exclusions and responsible parties", "Approval names/dates and status; blank means pending", "Distribution of the completed record to both parties"],
    "changeExample": { "currency": "USD", "originalTotal": 10000, "additions": 400, "credits": 150, "netChange": 250, "revisedTotalBeforeOtherAdjustments": 10250, "scope": "Original illustrative arithmetic, not a collected fence quote. Tax, freight and other adjustments are not silently included." },
    "warrantyFields": ["Product brand, model, SKU and lot/serial identifier", "Seller and dated proof of original purchase", "Applicable warranty document, version and registration evidence", "Installation date, installer and actual application", "First observed issue, date, location and factual description", "Safe photos and document filenames", "Maintenance history and specified care instructions", "Who was contacted, when, channel and case/reference number", "Authorized next step and responsible person", "Return/repair authorization, shipping responsibility and safety plan", "Resolution offered, reply deadline if supplied, and follow-up record"],
    "scope": "Original blank project records. Not legal contracts, compliance certificates, observed approval rates or promises of warranty eligibility."
  },
  "findings": [
    { "id": "CL-01", "pageSlug": "chain-link-coating-specifications", "citationUrl": "https://fenceadvisors.com/blog/chain-link-coating-specifications#metallic-coating-reference", "statement": "The March 2017 CLFMI manual lists A392 Class 1 zinc coating at 1.2 oz/sq ft and Class 2 at 2.0 oz/sq ft, with published equivalents of 366 and 610 g/sq m.", "evidenceKind": "edition_specific_reference", "sourceIds": ["clfmi17"], "locator": "Section 32 31 13, Part 2.2(A)(1)", "scope": "Fabric-wire coating mass, not polymer thickness, total fence weight or corrosion life; March 2017 public reference, not full current ASTM review." },
    { "id": "CL-02", "pageSlug": "chain-link-coating-specifications", "citationUrl": "https://fenceadvisors.com/blog/chain-link-coating-specifications#polymer-coating-classes", "statement": "CLFMI Table 2 gives polymer thickness ranges of 0.015-0.025 inch for F668 Classes 1 and 2a, and 0.006-0.010 inch for Class 2b.", "evidenceKind": "edition_specific_reference", "sourceIds": ["clfmi17"], "locator": "Table 2; Part 2.2(A)(4)", "scope": "Minimum/maximum at a point in the 2017 reference; processing classes differ. Thickness alone does not establish durability or the current project specification." },
    { "id": "CL-03", "pageSlug": "chain-link-coating-specifications", "citationUrl": "https://fenceadvisors.com/blog/chain-link-coating-specifications#core-wire-is-not-finished-diameter", "statement": "The CLFMI manual specifies polymer-coated fabric gauge by the metallic-coated core wire, not the finished polymer-coated diameter.", "evidenceKind": "edition_specific_reference", "sourceIds": ["clfmi17"], "locator": "Table 3 note; Part 2.2(A)(4)", "scope": "Fabric-core convention in cited manual; does not size posts, rails, ties or a wind-loaded fence system." },
    { "id": "CE-01", "pageSlug": "cedar-fence-grades-reference", "citationUrl": "https://fenceadvisors.com/blog/cedar-fence-grades-reference#clear-and-knotty-are-not-a-full-order", "statement": "WRCLA describes Clear cedar posts as having limited natural characteristics and Knotty posts as an option for a more rustic appearance; neither label is a complete product specification.", "evidenceKind": "documented_guidance", "sourceIds": ["cedar"], "locator": "Fence Post Surface Textures; original purchasing synthesis", "scope": "Appearance terminology, not zero-defect guarantees, a full grading rule or a structural rating." },
    { "id": "CE-02", "pageSlug": "cedar-fence-grades-reference", "citationUrl": "https://fenceadvisors.com/blog/cedar-fence-grades-reference#surface-texture-terms", "statement": "S4S describes lumber surfaced on four sides; S1S2E describes one face and two edges surfaced. These surface terms do not establish the lumber's grade.", "evidenceKind": "documented_guidance", "sourceIds": ["cedar"], "locator": "Fence Rails; surface descriptions", "scope": "Confirm the actual product, exposed face and measured dimensions; no universal rough/dressed-size table is asserted." },
    { "id": "CE-03", "pageSlug": "cedar-fence-grades-reference", "citationUrl": "https://fenceadvisors.com/blog/cedar-fence-grades-reference#moisture-stamp-reference", "statement": "WWPA explains MC-15/KD-15 as a maximum 15% moisture content, S-DRY/KD as a maximum 19%, and S-GRN as over 19%, at manufacturing.", "evidenceKind": "documented_guidance", "sourceIds": ["wwpa"], "locator": "Interpreting Grade Marks; Seasoning", "scope": "Manufacturing stamp meanings, not today's delivered/installed moisture, finish readiness or a recommended picket gap." },
    { "id": "TW-01", "pageSlug": "treated-wood-fence-tag-guide", "citationUrl": "https://fenceadvisors.com/blog/treated-wood-fence-tag-guide#use-category-reference", "statement": "AWPA identifies UC3B with exposed exterior above-ground use and UC4A with general ground-contact exposure; the required category depends on service conditions and the commodity specification.", "evidenceKind": "documented_guidance", "sourceIds": ["awpa25", "awpaUcs"], "locator": "U1-25 Section 2; Using the UCS", "scope": "Selected public 2025 definitions, not all current species/preservative requirements or approval of an unknown fence component." },
    { "id": "TW-02", "pageSlug": "treated-wood-fence-tag-guide", "citationUrl": "https://fenceadvisors.com/blog/treated-wood-fence-tag-guide#above-ground-does-not-always-mean-uc3b", "statement": "AWPA U1-25 requires ground-contact treatment for some physically above-ground sawn components, including specified difficult-to-replace critical components or ground-contact-like hazards.", "evidenceKind": "edition_specific_reference", "sourceIds": ["awpa25"], "locator": "Section 2, UC3B cross-reference and UC4A Commodity Specification A Note 1", "scope": "Commodity Specification A conditions must be evaluated; not a rule that every fence rail or every raised component needs the same treatment." },
    { "id": "TW-03", "pageSlug": "treated-wood-fence-tag-guide", "citationUrl": "https://fenceadvisors.com/blog/treated-wood-fence-tag-guide#retention-number-examples", "statement": "AWPA's Southern-pine homeowner table lists CA-C nominal retentions of 0.060 for UC3B, 0.15 for UC4A and 0.31 for UC4B, in pounds of active ingredient per cubic foot of wood.", "evidenceKind": "documented_reference", "sourceIds": ["awpaHome"], "locator": "Preservative table, CA-C row", "scope": "Southern pine and Copper Azole Type C only; values do not compare potency across preservatives, establish structural grade or promise service life." },
    { "id": "TW-04", "pageSlug": "treated-wood-fence-tag-guide", "citationUrl": "https://fenceadvisors.com/blog/treated-wood-fence-tag-guide#keep-treatment-and-grade-records-separate", "statement": "A treatment tag and a lumber grade stamp answer different questions: treatment records identify preservation requirements, while grade marks identify the lumber's grading and manufacturing information.", "evidenceKind": "original_source_synthesis", "sourceIds": ["awpaHome", "wwpa"], "locator": "AWPA end-tag explanation; WWPA Interpreting Grade Marks", "scope": "Original comparison of two public references; neither document alone approves the installed structural assembly." },
    { "id": "HW-01", "pageSlug": "gate-hardware-warranty-comparison", "citationUrl": "https://fenceadvisors.com/blog/gate-hardware-warranty-comparison#selected-hardware-warranty-terms", "statement": "The linked D&D U.S. leaflet gives MagnaLatch Top Pull and Vertical Pull a 20-year residential mechanical term and a 5-year commercial term, subject to its definitions and exclusions.", "evidenceKind": "manufacturer_document_terms", "sourceIds": ["ddPdf"], "locator": "English clause 2(d)", "scope": "Named models and applicable leaflet only; not all MagnaLatch products, lifespan, product testing, pool approval or a guarantee that this version governs an older purchase." },
    { "id": "HW-02", "pageSlug": "gate-hardware-warranty-comparison", "citationUrl": "https://fenceadvisors.com/blog/gate-hardware-warranty-comparison#mechanical-finish-and-labor-are-separate", "statement": "D&D's cited leaflet has a separate 10-year finish provision for specified polymer parts and MagnaLatch Top Pull/Vertical Pull finishes; removal, refitment and replacement charges are excluded.", "evidenceKind": "manufacturer_document_terms", "sourceIds": ["ddPdf"], "locator": "English clauses 2(o) and 3(l)", "scope": "Specified finishes only; other finishes and cosmetic cases have additional exclusions. Not free installation labor or a universal 10-year finish warranty." },
    { "id": "HW-03", "pageSlug": "gate-hardware-warranty-comparison", "citationUrl": "https://fenceadvisors.com/blog/gate-hardware-warranty-comparison#selected-hardware-warranty-terms", "statement": "National Hardware's linked document limits its mechanical and finish warranties to the eligible original residential purchaser while occupying the original residence, excludes commercial use and states that the warranties are nontransferable.", "evidenceKind": "manufacturer_document_terms", "sourceIds": ["nationalPdf"], "locator": "Mechanical/Finish Limited Warranty; Exclusions", "scope": "Undated cited document with normal-use and authorized-seller restrictions unless prohibited by law; not all historical purchases or commercial coverage." },
    { "id": "HW-04", "pageSlug": "gate-hardware-warranty-comparison", "citationUrl": "https://fenceadvisors.com/blog/gate-hardware-warranty-comparison#when-the-headline-and-document-differ", "statement": "On October 4, 2026, D&D's public warranty page described ownership-lifetime coverage, while its linked U.S. leaflet stated finite base and product-specific periods.", "evidenceKind": "observed_document_conflict", "sourceIds": ["ddWeb", "ddPdf"], "locator": "Web summary versus English leaflet clauses 1-2", "scope": "Observed mismatch, not a legal ruling; confirm applicable purchase terms with D&D or the seller rather than assuming all coverage is lifetime or earlier rights are void." },
    { "id": "CO-01", "pageSlug": "fence-change-order-template", "citationUrl": "https://fenceadvisors.com/blog/fence-change-order-template#record-the-proposed-change", "statement": "California CSLB guidance says a changed home-improvement contract price or scope needs a written change order signed by the customer and contractor before the change.", "evidenceKind": "jurisdiction_specific_guidance", "sourceIds": ["cslb"], "locator": "Change-order bullet on What is a Contract?", "scope": "California context only; this original worksheet is not a complete compliant contract or a statement of every state's requirements." },
    { "id": "CO-02", "pageSlug": "fence-change-order-template", "citationUrl": "https://fenceadvisors.com/blog/fence-change-order-template#price-change-example", "statement": "In our illustrative change-order example, a $10,000 original total plus $400 of additions minus $150 of credits gives a $250 net increase and a $10,250 revised total before other adjustments.", "evidenceKind": "original_calculation", "sourceIds": [], "locator": "Original additions-minus-credits arithmetic", "scope": "Chosen USD example, not observed fence pricing; tax, freight, permits and other adjustments require separate confirmation." },
    { "id": "CO-03", "pageSlug": "fence-change-order-template", "citationUrl": "https://fenceadvisors.com/blog/fence-change-order-template#approval-and-audit-trail", "statement": "FTC consumer guidance recommends written estimates that identify the work, materials, completion date and price, and notes that contract requirements vary by state.", "evidenceKind": "documented_guidance", "sourceIds": ["ftc"], "locator": "Written estimates and Read the contract carefully", "scope": "General recordkeeping guidance; not a nationwide change-order, deposit, cancellation or electronic-signature rule." },
    { "id": "WC-01", "pageSlug": "fence-warranty-claim-checklist", "citationUrl": "https://fenceadvisors.com/blog/fence-warranty-claim-checklist#manufacturer-claim-instructions", "statement": "National Hardware's cited claim instructions ask for a defect description and a dated receipt or other proof of purchase, and prohibit returns without prior authorization.", "evidenceKind": "manufacturer_document_terms", "sourceIds": ["nationalPdf"], "locator": "Warranty Claims", "scope": "Instructions from the undated linked document; return approval and coverage must be confirmed for the actual purchase." },
    { "id": "WC-02", "pageSlug": "fence-warranty-claim-checklist", "citationUrl": "https://fenceadvisors.com/blog/fence-warranty-claim-checklist#manufacturer-claim-instructions", "statement": "For direct returns under D&D's linked U.S. leaflet, the claimant must obtain a case number, include proof of original purchase and mark the package with that number; a return without a case number may not be accepted.", "evidenceKind": "manufacturer_document_terms", "sourceIds": ["ddPdf"], "locator": "English clauses 4(b)-4(c)", "scope": "Direct-to-D&D route in the applicable leaflet; retailer routes differ. Not advice to remove safety hardware or ship before current instructions are confirmed." },
    { "id": "WC-03", "pageSlug": "fence-warranty-claim-checklist", "citationUrl": "https://fenceadvisors.com/blog/fence-warranty-claim-checklist#document-the-issue-without-changing-it", "statement": "D&D's cited leaflet excludes damage associated with improper maintenance and unauthorized alterations or repairs, making the actual care and repair history relevant to a claim.", "evidenceKind": "manufacturer_document_terms", "sourceIds": ["ddPdf"], "locator": "English clauses 3(c), 3(e) and 3(j)", "scope": "Document the actual history; do not infer that all wear or damage is a manufacturing defect, and do not leave an unsafe barrier in use while waiting for a claim." },
    { "id": "WC-04", "pageSlug": "fence-warranty-claim-checklist", "citationUrl": "https://fenceadvisors.com/blog/fence-warranty-claim-checklist#keep-a-communication-log", "statement": "The FTC recommends keeping notes and copies of documents when addressing a home-improvement dispute and following phone conversations with a written record.", "evidenceKind": "documented_guidance", "sourceIds": ["ftc"], "locator": "Report a Problem", "scope": "General consumer recordkeeping; the original log is not proof of coverage, an approval-rate statistic or a substitute for an applicable claim deadline." }
  ],
  "limitations": [
    "Checked on October 4, 2026 is a review date, not the publication or effective date of each source.",
    "CLFMI 2017 and AWPA U1-25 references are edition-specific; full current standards and project specifications must be confirmed separately.",
    "Selected manufacturer documents may not govern every product, purchase date, application or jurisdiction. Source conflicts are disclosed rather than silently resolved.",
    "No original test, field survey, search-volume measurement, market-size estimate, failure rate or manufacturer ranking was conducted.",
    "Cedar appearance, surface texture, treatment, manufacturing moisture and structural design are different attributes.",
    "Blank records and example calculations are original tools, not contracts, engineering details or observed market data.",
    "Safety and authorized service take priority over preserving evidence; do not use a failed pool barrier or unsafe automated gate, bypass devices or test with a person."
  ]
}