Many houses built from 1980 to 1998 were sided with a series of Masonite products that did not live up to the advertised performance expectations and new owners of those houses may be interested in learning about the Masonite class action lawsuits that were settled on January 15, 1998 and August 7, 1998, . The lawsuits specifically have to do with products called Masonite Hardboard siding and Masonite Omniwood siding, and they were used externally as an alternative to wood, vinyl, or aluminum siding.
The items involved in the Masonite class action lawsuit are forms of an engineered wood product. Both versions are composed of wood fiber, such as sawdust or wood shavings, that is combined with various waxes, resins, and other materials to form a solid composite material. The siding was distributed in two versions. A lapboard version was manufactured that mimics the look of traditional over-lapped wood siding. The second type involved in the lawsuit was manufactured in full sheets. Both versions were available in various finishes and they were manufactured with textured surfaces that mimicked the grain of real wood.
Both product lines involved in the Masonite class action lawsuits were guaranteed to last a certain amount of time, in good condition. Unfortunately, the products would often swell, buckle, rot, or otherwise deteriorate long before the warranty expired. Sometimes, the failure of the siding would cause other damage to the structure onto which it was installed, by allowing water to come in contact with surfaces that the siding was intended to protect.
Those who have been affected by these products have a limited amount of time to benefit from the Masonite class action lawsuits. The Hardboard settlement will expire on January 15, 2008. Homeowners who have Omniwood siding installed have until January 6, 2009 to file a claim. Those who have suffered loss from these products and whish to join the Masonite class action lawsuits should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible.
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