What is the Louisiana-Pacific siding recall?
When homeowners take on a massive home improvement project such as siding replacement, they’re naturally concerned about the quality of the material. Researching this topic often leads to the famous (or perhaps infamous) Louisiana-Pacific siding recall. Or, as many refer to it, the LP siding recall fiasco.
What happened to LP Inner Seal siding?
( Wikipedia) Homeowners reported that their siding was cracking, swelling, discoloring, and even growing mold and fungus. The lawsuit was open to anyone with siding installed on their home prior to 1996. By the close of the lawsuit in 2002, LP had paid out a whopping 130,000 warranty claims . Why Is LP Inner-Seal Siding So Bad?
When did the LP siding class action settlement end?
The Class Action Settlement ended on December 31, 2002. Claims should be directed to L-P’s product warranty department. Call 1-877-677-6722 for LP Siding installed before January 1996 Need to submit a claim to Boise Cascade?
What is the warranty on LP smart siding?
The warranty you receive with LP smart siding is comprehensive for most homeowners. When you purchase LP smart siding for your home, then you’ll receive a standard 5/50 warranty that gives you protection for up to 50 years.
What years was LP siding recalled?
What Were the Recall Years of LP Inner-Seal Siding? LP Inner-Seal siding was produced from 1985-1995. In 1996, a class-action lawsuit was filed against LP citing manufacturing issues with the composite siding. This was a big deal.
Has LP SmartSide been discontinued?
She said sales of LP's SmartSide fiber-based siding, produced at the Roaring River plant, have continued to decline and the company decided to discontinue production of fiber-based siding in the U.S. by the end of 2020.
When did LP SmartSide come out?
1997Mike Sims, Senior VP of Sales and Marketing, notes the extensive preparation that preceded the launch of the LP SmartSide siding line in 1997.
Does all LP siding need to be replaced?
Not necessarily. Many contractors will encourage you to replace all the siding on the house. You can however, replace individual pieces of siding or sections of siding without having to replace all of it. Usually the lower siding boards get the most weather.
How long will LP siding last?
Both vinyl siding and LP SmartSide are durable, long-lasting options to protect your home. You can expect both products to last well over 20 years with hardly any maintenance needed on your part.
What was the problem with LP siding?
LP's Inner-Seal siding featured a 25-year warranty. However, in many cases, the siding rotted, disintegrated, and became discolored. Some plaintiffs alleged that the siding grew fungi. The product's instability was readily apparent in the aftermath of South Florida's devastating encounter with Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
Does LP smart siding rot?
3) Resists Rot and Insects While LP SmartSide siding is an engineered wood product, the way it's created makes it virtually impervious to moisture and termites.
How much does it cost to replace LP siding?
On average, you can expect to pay between $9.50 to $16.50 per sq. ft. for LP Smartside composite siding vs. $10.50 to $17.50 for a premium natural wood siding fully installed.
How long does paint last on LP SmartSide?
Regardless of which Preferred Prefinisher finishes your LP SmartSide products, you will receive a beautiful factory finish without the hassle and expense of a site-applied finish, and backed by a minimum 15-year coatings warranty against paint failure. It's a win-win for the contractor and the homeowner!
Do termites eat LP smart siding?
Termites are No Match for LP® SmartSide® Products Even after years of exposure, the LP SmartSide siding sustained no termite damage.
Can you use screws on LP siding?
The question is "Can you use screws instead of nails on LP smart Siding. " After not seeing any intelligent answers to this question I called LP (Louisiana Pacific) as there is no mention of screws in the literature. YES- you can use screws, just be sure they are either galvanized or stainless steel.
What is LP smart siding made of?
LP SmartSide siding looks more like traditional wood because it's made of wood – wood strands and fibers that are treated with zinc borate to resist damage from termites and fungal decay.
Does LP smart siding rot?
3) Resists Rot and Insects While LP SmartSide siding is an engineered wood product, the way it's created makes it virtually impervious to moisture and termites.
What is the difference between SmartSide 38 vs 76?
What's the difference between Series 38 and Series 76 Lap Siding? Other than material thickness, one main difference is 38 Series Lap Siding may be installed on studs spaced a maximum of 16 inches o.c. whereas 76 Series Lap Siding may be installed on studs a maximum of 24 inches o.c.
Is LP smart siding structural?
LP's proprietary SmartGuard® process helps keep out moisture for long- term durability and strength against harsh weather. Even after years of exposure, LP SmartSide products remain structurally sound, so you can feel confident.
How thick is LP smart siding panels?
0.375"The LP SmartSide 76 Series panel is a nominal 7/16" with an actual thickness of 0.375".
When was inner seal siding made?
LP Inner-Seal siding was produced from 1985-1995. In 1996, a class-action lawsuit was filed against LP citing manufacturing issues with the composite siding. This was a big deal. Actually, it was a historically big deal and became “the largest class-action lawsuit in the history of the siding industry.” ( Wikipedia) Homeowners reported that their siding was cracking, swelling, discoloring, and even growing mold and fungus. The lawsuit was open to anyone with siding installed on their home prior to 1996. By the close of the lawsuit in 2002, LP had paid out a whopping 130,000 warranty claims .
When did LP Smartside come out?
Louisiana-Pacific (LP) re-engineered their siding and released LP SmartSide in 1997. Today, they celebrate “20 years of success” since the historical mistake of Inner-Seal siding.
How to tell if OSB is delaminate?
Examine your home's siding for a web of cracks on the lower lap edge. Can you brush your thumb against the cracks and flake off pieces? This is a sign that the OSB is beginning to delaminate, which results in cracks, pits, and voids that absorb water and cause swelling. This fragmentation is what leads to moisture and the growth of mold or fungi. To be certain that your boards are swelling, you can also measure their thickness and compare the measurement to siding that is weather protected (like siding protected by a porch roof).
Why does siding crack when it rains?
The resulting delamination left the siding vulnerable to the elements. In an area with rain, the excessive moisture resulted in the build-up of mold and fungi. Homeowners were discovering packs of mushrooms blooming from beneath the panels. As a result, they found themselves watching their exterior siding disintegrate off their homes. Even in a dryer area like Central Oregon, the siding was prone to discoloring and cracking over time.
How long is the LP inner seal warranty?
However, your siding is still covered by a 25-year warranty. For more warranty information or to file a claim if your siding was installed prior to 1996, you can call this LP Inner-Seal Warranty Claim number: 1-877-677-6722
Why is siding important?
Beyond contributing to curb appeal, your home’s siding is important because it protects your home’s frame, walls, and consequently, your roof.
What to do if siding is damaged?
If your siding is damaged and deteriorating, it’s in your best interest to consider replacement or repair.
Why is composite siding bad?
Many types of composite siding will become defective or deteriorate prematurely due to lack of or poor maintenance just like real wood. Composite siding is also known to develop problems due to manufacture defects, which have resulted in many class action lawsuits, some of which are ongoing or coming soon. Composite siding is man-made boards ...
How to contact Cladwood siding?
For claims call 1-888-572-3897, or visit their website at http://www.cladwoodclaims.com/.
Why do you need to inspect siding?
Was the product properly installed? The siding may need to be inspected to determine if it was a manufacturer’s defect or damage issue related to improper installation.
Where to mail a claim to Boise Cascade?
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, Att n: 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.
Who makes fiber cement siding?
Fiber-cement siding manufactured by James-Hardie Company (Hardi-Plank, Hardi-Panel, and Hardi-Home) have gained product recognition and an increasing market share.
Is Maxi Plank a class action lawsuit?
Maxi Plank and Panels have been failing in an ever-growing number of homes and is likely to be the subject of a class action lawsuit.
When was Louisiana Pacific siding made?
It goes to show that with proper installation and maintenance, having Louisiana-Pacific wood composite siding (at least that manufactured in 1996), can be no different than other types of siding. We think this side of the story is important for home buyers to know.
Is LP siding covered under warranty?
We are covered under warranty due to the recall of this product. They sent us a settlement offer that is totally unacceptable as well as insulting since they are fully aware of this faulty siding used to build our home.
Where to see LP siding?
In the Northwest, look to the South or Southeast side of the home for the most evident damage if any.
What was the OSB made of in the 1970s?
In the 1970s, LP needed a new product as Southern Pine and Douglas Fir timber were in short supply. The answer was faster growing and less expensive Cottonwood and Aspen. By the late 1970s, the production of OSB began by slicing logs into wafers, adding resin and pressing into sheets called Waferwood. Waferwood would later become Inner-Seal, a new product that took the industry by storm. It was a cheaper alternative and stronger than plywood sheathing and existing sub-flooring products. LP called this new Inner-Seal product, “the smart man’s plywood”.
What is LP in construction?
LP is Louisiana- Pacific Corporation, a building materials manufacturer. LP pioneered the U.S. production of Oriented Strand Board panels – more commonly known as “OSB”. You’ve most likely seen it before.
How long is Inner Seal warranty?
The Inner-Seal product, manufactured from the early 1990s through about November 1996, carried a 25-year warranty. Claims quickly began surrounding the quality of the panels, and claimants stated that the panels were disintegrating, growing mold and discoloring.
Does moisture seep into wood panels?
Without the high level of preventative maintenance (that consumers generally weren’t aware of) the water seeps into this highly absorbent material, expands and damages the integrity of the panel. The moisture continues to seep up behind the panels, eventually spreading mold in the underlying vapor barriers, but mostly affecting areas around windows and framing, leading to rot in wood that may not be detected until too late.
Can LP siding be replaced?
If the LP siding was cared for extremely well, and continues to be maintained, there may only be minimal replacement need at the current time. Don’t assume it all has to be replaced, but let a licensed contractor determine that!
Can siding issues be addressed as part of the sale of a home?
If you do encounter siding issues as a buyer or seller, in some cases, it can be addressed as part of the sale of the home.
How to tell if siding is LP inner seal?
How can you tell if your siding is LP Inner-Seal? One way is to find the distinctive LP knot which is a sort of “fingerprint” identifying LP siding.
How many homes were sided with Inner Seal?
Between 1985 and 1995 800,000 homes were sided with a Louisiana-Pacific (LP) product called Inner Seal that sparked one of the largest class-action lawsuits in history after the siding began to fail. Over $500 Million has been paid out to customers regarding this suit.
What is the most problematic siding?
The most commonly seen problematic siding out there, hands down, is Louisiana Pacific Inner Seal Siding.
When was LP Smartside made?
Manufactured from early 1990 through 1996 , LP was a defendant in a major class action suit http://www.sidingsolutions.com/pages/classtat.htm and paid claims for the product discoloring, disintegrating, and even growing fungi. Two years after the suit and after LP settled all related suits, the product was re-engineered and is now marketed as LP SmartSide http://www.lpcorp.com/smartside/lap/resources/. Since 1997 the company has sold approximately three billion square feet with no warranty claims.
How to tell if siding is failing?
If it’s the failing LP, you will usually see swelling and/or delaminating. Measure the thickness and compare the measurement to siding that is weather protected, for instance under an eave or in a porch. The siding should measure approximately one-half inch. I have seen measurements at lower courses that exceed one inch.
Can you identify LP siding?
It is really very easy to identify the problematic LP siding; and knowing this ahead of time is useful information prior to making your offer.
How long is LP siding?
Their boards are 16 feet in length, whereas Hardie board siding is only 12 feet long . You’ll have fewer seams because of this advantage, creating a noticeable difference in the final look.
Why is LP siding so popular?
One of the reasons why LP smart siding is such a popular product is due to the number of wood fibers that are contained in the mixture. Since there is more organic material present in this design, it tends to be more susceptible to fire when compared to other synthetic siding options for the home.
What is smart siding?
LP smart siding is an engineered lap siding brand that is comparable to cement siding products. The manufacturer uses wood strands that coated in wax to add another level of moisture resistance to the product. Then the materials receive resin bonding and other binders to create a surface that looks and feels like real wood, but with better resilience to the elements. Zinc borate is added in a proprietary solution to protect against insect infestations and rot. A resin-saturated overlay then completes the process.
How long is the warranty on LP smart siding?
When you purchase LP smart siding for your home, then you’ll receive a standard 5/50 warranty that gives you protection for up to 50 years. You’ll receive 100% protection for the first five years after installation.
Does hail damage limited warranty work?
The hail damage limited warranty only protects siding that was installed on or after January 1, 2017. Homeowners must maintain the product according to the manufacturer’s standards to qualify for this advantage. 2. It offers a superior level of impact resistance.
Can smart siding flake off?
If they are used incorrectly, then there is a high risk that the outer material can start to flake off.
Can you use a saw blade for LP siding?
You’ll find that LP smart siding also cuts more easily than fiber cement products do for the home, which means you can use a standard saw blade to create the specific measurements needed to finish the work .
What is the most common installation error that I find with LP Smartside®?
Without a doubt, the most common installation error that I find with LP SmartSide® is missing paint at the cut edges. The manufacturer requires all exposed surfaces to be primed and painted.
How high does a kickout need to be on LP Smartside?
LP SmartSide® requires flashing to have a 4" upper leg. This means the kickout flashing needs to be 4" high. This usually isn't done.
Does James Hardie siding work on new homes?
In the last few years, this his changed. Today, I rarely see James Hardie siding used on new homes any more ; builders are using LP SmartSide® instead.
