CertainTeed Fiberglass Shingles Problems May Prompt New Lawsuit
Last Updated on June 26, 2017
Investigation Complete
Attorneys working with ClassAction.org have finished their investigation into this matter.
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At A Glance
- This Alert Affects
- Any homeowner whose property is fitted with CertainTeed fiberglass Independence shingles.
- What's the Problem?
- It has been alleged that the shingles lack proper adhesion.
- What Does This Mean?
- Shingles are designed to be weatherproof and form an integral part of a property's roof. If the adhesive that holds them together is defective and allows the shingles to move or detach, moisture can easily enter the property. This can affect parts of the roof that are not intended to be exposed to the elements and cause property damage, among other problems.
- Fiberglass vs. Organic Shingles
- This page pertains to CertainTeed's fiberglass Independence shingles – not CertainTeed's organic Independence asphalt shingles. The company has already reached a settlement agreement over its organic Independence shingles; however, attorneys are looking to start a new lawsuit over the fiberglass shingles. They believe these shingles may be suffering from the same design problem outlined in the class action involving CertainTeed's organic Independence shingles.
- How Do I Know Which Shingles I Have?
- If you've had your roof worked on, check your receipts or any other paperwork about the repair. You may also have product brochures from when the shingles were first installed. You can also call a builder or the contractor that installed the shingles if you are unsure as to which shingles you have.
Attorneys are investigating whether a class action lawsuit can be filed over CertainTeed’s fiberglass Independence shingles in light of claims that the product is defective. It has been alleged that the shingles lack proper adhesion, which means they do not properly stick to the underlying shingles, and can crack or blow off the roof as a result. This can lead to moisture penetration and other problems that can damage the underlying structure.
I Have These Shingles. What Can I Do?
If your property is fitted with CertainTeed’s fiberglass Independence shingles, you may be able to file a lawsuit to collect compensation for repair and replacement costs, among other damages. It’s important to note that CertainTeed has already faced a class action over its organic Independence asphalt shingles and that this case is now settled; however, if the problems you’ve experienced involve the fiberglass shingles, you may be able to help start a new lawsuit against the company.
How Do I Know If I Have Fiberglass Shingles?
You can check the type of shingles used on your home the in following ways:
- Check receipts, warranties or repair documents to help identify the type of shingles you have.
- Call the contractor or company that installed or repaired your shingles. They may know the specific type of shingles fitted to your property.
- See if you still have sales or packaging material related to your shingles, such as brochures. These could easily have been left in your attic or basement, and may identify the shingles used on your property.
- Ask a roofer or builder. They may be able to tell by looking at your roof whether you may have fiberglass shingles.
CertainTeed Defective Shingles Settlement – Organic Independence Shingles
In 2012, CertainTeed Corporation entered into a settlement agreement following a class action lawsuit over its organic Independence asphalt shingles. Consumers took legal action after numerous complaints surfaced that shingles were warping, coming away from roofs and blowing off roofs all together. The suit stated that this was because the adhesive used to attach the shingles was defective. This is the same problem reportedly affecting the fiberglass shingles.
At the time of the settlement, the company agreed to compensate those who had the organic shingles on their properties; however, the suit did not cover fiberglass shingles – even though these products may now be suffering the same defect. As the settlement website states:
“The Horizon, Independence, Hallmark, and Hearthstead brands were marketed in both organic and fiberglass formulations. Also, all shingles CertainTeed sold after 2005 are fiberglass shingles. If your shingles are fiberglass, they are not part of this lawsuit. “
This means that consumers who are now experiencing problems with fiberglass Independence shingles may be able to take legal action against CertainTeed. (Note: homeowners who had problems with their organic shingles and took part in the settlement cannot take further action over their organic shingles, though it is possible for them to take action should they also have fiberglass shingles.)
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