Siding

[F. Freeman]

Hello: I recently got my siding inspected by a major manufacturer as part of class action lawsuit relative to defective siding. It took forever to get the inspection and I could not make necessary repairs until that process was complete. My mobile home is 14x66....Can you reccomend a replacement siding?

[larry illman]

My son is a building contractor and for a regular house he replaced the fake t1 11 with either hardy plank or hardy board. I am not sure if they are two similar products or just different names. Anyhow I have a mobile with the same siding which after being wet for a long period of time is more like cardboard then wood. I was wondering if you know if one can still be a part of the suit?

[Ron Ambler]

Larry,

Try the following web site to check out claims potential. www.sidingclaims.com
Several manufacturers were involved, per this site. Louisanna Pacific, Weyerhaeuser, ABTCO, etc. Maybe they can fill you in on the Masonite class action suit (which is one brand in the suit) and tell you whether other siding types are involved or not.

Furnished as information only, not intended to be legal advice.

[Spud]

The siding mentioned was faulty. However, a lot of the problem was in preparation before painting the siding at the factory. This siding, or any used to replace it should be properly caulked to seal it, particularly the nail holes. Ask your local hardware dealer to recommend a good adhesive caulk for you area, I always used MD brand adhesive caulk and still think it was the best on the market. However, GE bought it out and discontinued the line and I haven't found a good replacement yet. Before you paint, or repaint, your home caulk all the nail head/holes, the belly band (trim around the bottom of your home, corner trim, window and door trim, and any other areas where water might penetrate. Even if these areas are caulked at the factory, they will have cracks by the time your home is delivered and set. Repeating this process each fall, you can use clear caulk if you're not going to paint. A few dollars and a little time will save you a lot of money later on.

[David Oxhandler]

If your hardboard siding showing signs of warping, rotting or not holding paint? You're not alone!! Hundreds of thousands of homeowners all over the U.S. and Canada are in the same boat . . . same product . . . different manufacturers.
visit the Defective Hardboard Siding Information Center at http://www.badsiding.com/

www.sidingclaims.com was designed to help homeowners apply for the various siding settlements, such as Masonite Hardboard, Masonite Omniboard, LP siding, ABTCO/ABITIBI-PRICE and Weyerhaeuser.

"Even when litigation or court action has been settled, the recovery process can be complicated and time-consuming. Filing a successful claim can be hard work. Many property owners become bogged down in the maze eventually either throwing their hands up in disgust or settling for much less than they are entitled to receive.... ."

"Home Claim Services, L.L.C specializes in assisting commercial and residential property owners negotiate the tangled web of red tape involved in filing claims for defective hardboard siding." You can find them on the web at http://www.homeclaimservices.com/

Another third party claims processing company that operates nationwide, and has helped properties with their claims is Homeowners for Justice, Inc. located in Ocala Florida. They will come to your property, identify your siding, determine if you are covered by a settlement, file the claim, and perform any follow-up actions required. They charge 30% of the recovery, and pay all expenses, and court and arbitration costs out of that fee. HFJ can be contacted at 800-695-3572