Composite Siding Issues
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Louisiana-Pacific Corporation Siding Louisiana-Pacific Corporation has made hardboard lap and panel siding for many years. Our research indicates the first problems with the siding began to develop with production runs that started in mid-year 1992. A class action suit was filed, approved, and a settlement was reached during the period 1995 to 1996. The Inner-Seal® label appears to have gone by the way side and the product is now produced under the name of SmartLap® or SmartPanel®. We have observed the performance of this siding for 8-years now. In our experience, the only material that appears to fail consistently, regardless of care of installation and the application of homeowner maintenance is the material that was produced from about July 1992 through January 1995. And, there are exceptions to that. We do know that LP has put out recalls on some production runs as late as 1996. We also know that LP has fully replaced siding on some homes where the material was manufactured during the same time frame. There have been a number of case studies relative to this siding over the years. Some of these case studies were performed by the Washington State Department of Agriculture in coordination with individual homeowners, CARRENDEN ENTERPRISES, Inc., Merry Inspection Services, and G.O. Price Pest Control. These case studies typically find that many of the problems associated with this product stem from poor installation practices or failure to maintain the material after the home is occupied. Not only must the material be maintained, but the environment around a building where the material is installed must also be maintained if the product is expected to perform as advertised. We have attached photographs to some of the files for you to look at; and, hopefully see how damage can occur. This folder is subdivided into several categories for your perusal. Click on the element that you are most interested in. We find it interesting that LP Corporation has removed hardboard siding installation publications from their web site. This is a recent development (within the last 6-months). Photographs - NEW! Identify LP Siding - Brochure from Federal District Court Litigation Facts Inspection Fact Sheet Pre-1996 Installation Information Pre-1996 Product Catalog with Panel Information Post-1996 Installation Information Smart® Products - The Now Generation |
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ABTco® Siding 