James Hardie Siding Issues Led to Failed Consumer Expectations, Says Suit

James Hardie, the giant siding and backerboard manufacturer, is facing mounting claims that their fiber cement exterior siding does not last as long as the company led consumers to believe, and that warranty claims are not handled appropriately. Allegedly, production defects have led to premature product failure, including cracking, warping, discoloration, flaking, and shrinkage that sometimes even leads to the siding being pulled from the house. According to previous James Hardie siding lawsuits, the company markets and warrants its siding as able to stand up to all the elements, and thus offers long-lasting protection for a period of 50 years without the need for maintenance, but does not deliver on these performance or warranty claims.

Claims by customers allege that they were misled to believe that the fiber cement siding would stand up to all weather conditions.

Fitted on over four million homes in North America, the fiber cement siding was boosted by manufacturer claims that it was “unmatched for its weather resistance, toughness and natural beauty,” that “every James Hardie siding product we make is designed and engineered to defend your home against the worst things you can imagine,” and that “It’s hard to say what’s more beautiful. The way our siding looks. Or the way it stands up to the elements. James Hardie siding is tough. Remarkably so. And to prove it, most of our products come with a 50-year transferable warranty. Rain. Hail. Impact. Wind. Fire. Fluctuations in humidity. Even hurricanes. None of it stands a chance against James Hardie.” Claims by customers allege that they were misled to believe that the fiber cement siding would stand up to all weather conditions and that it was better than all of its competitors in this regard, but that it has not stood up to these lofty claims.

Furthermore, instead of the “50-year transferrable warranty” that the company markets, the real warranty given to customers is a significantly less limited warranty, according to allegations. This warranty allegedly does not even cover parts of the siding and are severely limited in their offers to remedy customers’ warranty claims. Additionally, it is also alleged that previous warranty claims against the premature destruction of the siding have been unreasonably denied or settled in an unsuitable way. Despite a barrage of complaints and warranty claims, James Hardie has reportedly refused to notify customers about the possibility of premature product failure, has not reimbursed customers for problems, and has often blamed these failures on improper installation.

Because James Hardie allegedly misleadingly marketed and sold siding that did not stand up to the claims of the manufacturer and the expectations of consumers, those affected may be entitled to compensation for damages. If you or someone you know has experienced Hardie board problems with the company’s fiber cement exterior siding, the individual may be eligible to participate in a class action lawsuit to possibly recover the cost of repair. Contact a knowledgeable James Hardie siding lawsuit attorney by completing the free, no obligation form on the right to see if you may have legal recourse for the alleged misleading marketing and sale of siding by the manufacturer.