Composite Decks Recalled by Louisiana-Pacific; Decks Can Deteriorate and Break, Posing Fall Hazard

Composite Decks Recalled by Louisiana-Pacific; Decks Can Deteriorate and Break, Posing Fall Hazard NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 13, 2009 Release #09-217 Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 325-1184 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 Composite Decks Recalled by Louisiana-Pacific; Decks Can Deteriorate and Break, Posing Fall Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Name of Product: Composite Decks Units: About 48 million linear feet (decks vary in size) Manufacturer: Louisiana-Pacific (LP) Corp., of Nashville, Tenn. Hazard: The recalled decking can prematurely deteriorate and unexpectedly break. Consumers can fall through broken decking and suffer serious injuries. Incidents/Injuries: LP has received 37 reports of composite decks breaking, resulting in 14 injuries, including a broken wrist, sprained ankle, minor lacerations and bruises. Description: The recall includes outdoor deck board and railings sold under the brand names LP WeatherBest®, ABTCo., and Veranda®. They are composite products that look similar to natural wood and were sold in various colors including Tuscan Walnut/Chestnut, Driftwood Grey/Greystone, Pacific Cedar and Western Redwood. Veranda decking products were manufactured by multiple firms; only products manufactured by LP are included in this recall. Sold at: The Home Depot (Veranda® brand) and building product dealers (LP WeatherBest® and ABTCo. brands) nationwide from January 2005 to August 2008 for between $1.50 and $2.25 per linear foot. Manufactured in: United States Remedy: Consumers with the recalled decking should immediately contact LP for a free inspection. If the decking is affected by premature deterioration, LP will arrange for a free replacement. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact LP toll-free at (888) 325-1184 between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.deckingnotice.com Photo of installed decking Photo indicating damaged decking