Warns of Potential Hazard if Decking Not Replaced
WINCHESTER, Va., July, 9 2013 – Trex Company, Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and railing products, is once more notifying consumers in 16 western states who may have purchased defective Trex decking product suffering from surface flaking to contact the company and receive replacement materials. Trex has previously announced that a small percentage of decking boards manufactured at its Fernley, Nevada plant between 2002 and 2007 suffered from surface flaking due to a manufacturing problem.
Trex is issuing this reminder notice because it has received a small number of claims where badly flaking decking boards that had not yet been replaced broke.
Trex strongly encourages homeowners in the western United States to closely examine their decks, particularly in high traffic areas, for any signs of cracking or peeling. If a homeowner notices evidence of flaking, they should contact Trex immediately and participate in the established replacement program.
In 2010, a class action settlement was approved that provides for a comprehensive replacement program for any decking affected by surface flaking. Under the terms of the settlement, Trex replaces any decking boards suffering from the defect, and provides a portion of the labor payment to replace the decking.
The surface flaking issue only affected a small percentage of product manufactured at Trex’s Fernley, Nevada plant between 2002 and 2007, and sold in the western United States (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming). This issue does not apply to any Trex products sold in other states or to any product manufactured at Trex’s Fernley, Nevada plant after 2007, when industry-leading manufacturing improvements and rigorous testing were instituted to ensure the quality and structural integrity of Trex decking products.
In general, Trex recommends that homeowners always monitor their decks to ensure the structure is in good condition. Any issues should be rectified as soon as possible, as the situation can grow more severe with the passing of time.
“Trex fully stands behind the quality of its product and urges consumers affected by this defect to remedy the potential safety hazard by taking advantage of the existing replacement program,” said Ronald Kaplan, chairman, president and CEO of Trex. “The replacement program currently in place has been very successful in reaching consumers who purchased defective decking materials. We encourage affected consumers who have not yet participated in our program to contact us as soon as possible to replace their decking materials.”
Consumers may download a claim form and instructions on how to file such form at www.trex.com/legal/classactionsettlement.aspx, or they may call 1-800-BUY-TREX (1-800-289-8739).
About Trex Company
Trex Company is the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and railing, with more than 20 years of product experience. Stocked in more than 6,000 retail locations throughout the world, Trex® outdoor living products offer a wide range of style options with fewer ongoing maintenance requirements than wood, as well as a truly environmentally responsible choice. For more information, visit trex.com.
Contact: Lauren Platt or Hunter Hackett
L.C. Williams & Associates
800/837-7123 or 312/565-3900
lplatt@lcwa.com or hhackett@lcwa.com