Class Action Lawsuit Against Hardieshake Roofs – Are You Affected?
Do you have a fiber cement roof that was installed between 1989 and 2001? If so, it is highly recommended that you contact a reputable roofing company like Peak Roofing & Construction to get a free inspection. There were three products, Hardieshake, Hardieslate, and Hardieshingle that were found to have defective lamination which led to a class-action lawsuit against James Hardie Roofing. Please note, this was definitely an anomaly for James Hardie products from many years ago. Overall, their products have a reputation for being high quality and excellent building materials.
Hardieshake roofs were installed on homes in Dallas – Fort Worth — specifically high-end neighborhoods including Stonebriar in Frisco, Dalworthington Gardens in Arlington, and Glen Eagles in Plano. The company’s claim of “lifetime roofing” for the product was appealing to customers looking for higher-end materials.
The problem with HardieShake and others
Having replaced many of these roofs over the year, Peak Roofing & Construction observed shingles with premature cracking, discoloration, and signs of material deterioration. I’ve literally been on a Hardieshake roof and had shingles crack and fall beneath my feet.
When the industry transitioned from using asbestos to a wood fiber material, it eliminated the health hazard but introduced a new problem. When the lamination layer that works as a water barrier is compromised (for instance, when hit by a large Texas hail storm), then the wood fibers are exposed.
The porous nature of wood combined with the high potential of rainfall in cities like in Plano, The Colony, or Lewisville can wreak havoc on a roof. Over time, the shrinking and expansion take a toll and the shingles break down. If this happens often, the moisture begins to work its way underneath the shingles and cause damage to the underlayment and even the interior of a home.
Peak’s Recommendation for HardieShake roofs
The first step is to have your roof inspected by a licensed contractor. If you have a qualifying product, Peak Roofing & Construction will help you prepare the information you need to assist with your claim. If there is significant damage, it is suggested that you replace the roof as soon as possible. Because of the known quality issues, most insurance companies will pay for the replacement.
About Peak Roofing & Construction
Peak Roofing & Construction is family-owned, with 30-years of experience. Bonded, insured, and accredited, we provide roofing, gutter, fence, window, and exterior facelift services. Guaranteed. Call (972) 335-7325 in Dallas-Fort Worth (residential & commercial) or (512) 415-6888 in Austin (residential roofing).
Jeff Riss
Jeff has 20 years of sales experience, a love of roofing, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit. He leads Peak Roofing & Construction’s team but also is known for getting his hands (and knees) dirty on a job site. His passion for customer service, integrity, and quality craftsmanship drives his success. Peak Roofing & Construction is a family-owned, locally-operated business focused on doing things the right way. His deep understanding of roofing, gutters, windows, fences and exterior painting provide a strong foundation for running the business and serving his customers.