SIDING
SOLUTIONS, INC.'s
COMPOSITE SIDING UP-DATE NEWSLETTER
Volume No. 5 Issue No. 2 -2001
SIDING
SOLUTIONS, Inc. TM
3535 SW MULTNOMAH BLVD. Suite # 104
PORTLAND, OREGON 97219
Phone (503) 244-6610 * (503)452-0653 Fax
email us at: info@sidingsolutions.com
UPDATES FOR THE YEAR TWO THOUSAND AND ONE
Homeowners,
Buyers and Sellers
Confusion and apprehension about composite siding is prevalent among homeowners, homebuyers and sellers. The uncertainties concerning the status of the L-P Class Action Settlement and the addition of Class Action Settlements with other siding manufacturers has added to the confusion. A lot of misinformation has become commonly accepted as fact. It is our goal to provide the public with information that will help to resolve these problems.
The prevalent perception among homeowners, sellers, and buyers is that all composite siding is inherently defective. We have found that this is not always true. Composite siding is adversely affected by exposure to water. The key is to protect the siding against water intrusion. The effectiveness of this protection, the exposure to adverse weather conditions, and the quality of the original construction often determines the durability of composite siding. Composite siding, like all other materials that are exposed to the elements, requires timely repairs and maintenance. Any condition that allows water to penetrate into the siding should be repaired. Rinsing off air born organic matter with a garden hose helps to inhibit the growth of mold and mildew and helps to increase the length of serviceability of the paint and siding. The sealant joints must be maintained and the paint should be renewed before it starts to fail.
The first few initial coatings don’t last as long as most people think. Three to five years is good paint performance for these initial coats. The interval between paint applications increases as each coat adds to the thickness of the paint on the surface. There are elastomeric sealants and paints available that are specifically formulated for composite siding repairs. They can be used to fill the cracks that occur at the bottom “drip” edges and the holes caused by swelling at the nail heads. Consult your local paint expert for more information.
Minor mold and mildew problems can often be remedied by washing the affected with a solution of 1 cup of TSP (Trisodium-phosphate) and I pint of household bleach dissolved in 1 gallon of water. This solution should be applied with a stiff brush or push broom and allowed to stand for 10 to 15 minutes followed by a thorough rinsing with a garden hose. This should be followed by treatment with a fungicide. The use of a power washer is not advisable because the high-pressure forces water into and behind the siding. It is important to note that these suggestions only apply to situations where only minor damage is present.
Composite siding, like most manufactured products, are not always perfect. Manufacturing problems, shipping damage and improper storage can result in unrepairable defects. Neglected siding with severe damage and deterioration usually requires removal and replacement. This process can sometimes uncover additional problems in the sheathing and framing. Although this might appear to be a disaster when first discovered, it usually presents an opportunity to effect repairs before the damage progresses further.
The choice of replacement siding presents another set of problems. Cost and durability are the initial considerations. Attention must also be given to the unique conditions of weather exposure in any given residence. The most common choices for replacement siding are real wood siding (usually red cedar, hemlock, or redwood), vinyl siding, fiber-cement siding (such as HardiPlank or Durra-Press), and composite siding. Real wood siding usually yields the best return on investment but contrary to commonly held perceptions, real wood is a high maintenance product. Fiber-cement products seem to have the least siding related products but if improperly installed they may just be covering up future problems. Vinyl siding suffers from a negative perception in many potential homebuyers. All vinyl siding is not created equal. The low end vinyl products should be avoided.
If you are the seller’s agent, urge your client to make repairs before placing the property on the market. The best way to deal with siding issues is to not allow them to become issues. Many times this is not realistic. The best course of action if the sale needs to proceed “as is” is of course complete disclosure. It is also in both your client and your best interests to determine the monetary amount of the necessary repairs. If applicable, it is also advisable to assign the rights to any further claims to the buyer. This can sometimes partially offset the estimated cost of repairs.
If you are the buyer’s agent, determine the costs involved for repairs and/or replacement. The status of class action and warranty claims also affects the amount of money involved. Many homeowners have received settlement checks from the manufacturer but have not used the money for repairs. They may have given up the right for additional claims as a condition of the settlement. Strategies for not allowing siding issues to become deal breakers all revolve around in educating your clients on siding issues. Many potential buyers pass on homes that have all of the other features that they are looking for because a plan to remedy any siding issues is not in place.
Presentations for Continuing
Education Credits Available At No Cost To Realtors
Contact us about our no cost presentations for your sales meetings.
Composite Siding Manufacturers
Excerpts from the State of The Settlement Report-Year Four:
(Thus) The settlement will continue for it’s full seven-year term and Claimants may continue to file claims through December 31, 2002.
Based on the value of the unpaid claims filed to date, the
settlement provides that if L-P elects to
pay those claims, then one-half of L-P’s final funding obligations will have
to be paid in 2004, and the other half will have
to be paid in 2005
Weyerhaeuser Hardboard Siding:
- Weyerhaeuser has agreed to a national
settlement. For information about the settlement contact Jonathan D. Selbin,
Esq. LIEFF, CABRASER, HEIMANN & BERNSTEIN, LLP 780 Third Avenue, 48th
Floor New York, NY 10017 Telephone: 212/355.9500 Facsimile: 212/355.9592
e-mail: jselbin@lchb.com
- A San Jose jury has awarded $20.8 million in damages to the owners of a 370-unit apartment complex in Mountain View who sued Weyerhaeuser Co. alleging that hardboard siding sold by the giant forest products company fell apart because of fungal growth and rot.
Masonite:
· On January 15, 1998, the Circuit Court of Mobile County, Alabama, granted final approval to a Settlement in the lawsuit known as Naef v. Masonite, CV-94-4033. The Settlement provides a program for eligible claimants to recover the costs associated with damage caused by the installation and incorporation of Masonite Hardboard Siding.
- For more information or to receive a Notice of Class Action Settlement and the claim form, please call 1-800-330-2722
· On January 6, 1999, the Circuit Court of Mobile County, Alabama, granted final approval to a Settlement in the lawsuit known as Cosby v. Masonite, CV-98-2446. The Settlement provides a program for eligible claimants to recover the costs associated with damage caused by the installation and incorporation of Masonite Omniwood Siding.
- For more information or to receive a Notice of Class Action Settlement and the claim form, please call 1-800-256-6990.
Boise-Cascade
Hardboard Siding:
- Need to submit
a claim to Boise Cascade? Mail your claim to: Boise Cascade Corporation,
Timber & Wood Products Division, P.O. Box 62, Boise, ID 83707, Attn:
Tana Rasmussen; phone: 208/384-6162; Include six photographs, one of each
side of your house from a distance and two close-ups that will clearly
show the problems you are experiencing. c/o Tana Rasmussen.
Hardboard Siding:
- This case settled a national class action, but the time period for participating has expired. The last date for filing claims under the settlement was August 18, 1998.
Stimson Brand Hardboard
Siding (Forestex):
- This company no longer manufactures or markets lap siding. They continue to produce a hardboard panel surfaced with tempered hardboard marketed as Duratemp.
- Need to submit a claim to Stimson? Mail your claim to 520 S.W. Yamhill, Suite 325, Portland, Oregon, 97204-1319; Remember to send a few photos of your siding with your claim letter.
Preliminary Settlement On Hardboard
Siding Class Action Lawsuit
· Homeowners, who believe they have damaged Abitibi/ABTco siding, or who have questions concerning the program details, are encouraged to contact the Abitibi/ABTco Customer Support Office at 800-549-4465. Customers can also visit the website at www.abtcoclaims.com.
Smurfit Paper Company a subsidiary
of The Jefferson Smurfit Corporation:
- This product has been out of production for a few years but damaged products continue to surface. A proposed settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit concerning a siding product known as Cladwood. The settlement would provide compensation to persons who have incurred property damage resulting from failure of Cladwood siding installed on their homes or buildings. For claims call 1-888-572-3897, or visit their website at http://www.cladwoodclaims.com/
Shakertown panels
· Panels manufactured before 1992 have been reported have problems with the way that they were processed.. There have been some complaints of the cedar shingles separating from their plywood backing. Poor installation techniques appear to be a major contributor to this problem.
This product has been improved and seems to be exhibiting fewer problems.
Fiber-cement
Products:
· Fiber-cement siding manufactured by James-Hardie Company (Hardi-Plank, Hardi-Panel, and Hardi-Home) have gained product recognition and an increasing market share.
