If you own a home with steel siding, you may have experienced frustrating issues like paint peeling, chipping, or flaking. These defects were at the center of a major class action settlement involving manufacturers like Gentek and Alside. This settlement was designed to provide compensation to homeowners who purchased specific steel siding products that failed to live up to their lifetime warranties.
Understanding your rights in a class action settlement can be complicated, especially when dealing with property damage. This guide provides a straightforward look at who is eligible for the steel siding settlement, how the claim process works, and what steps you should take if you believe your siding is defective. Whether you are looking to file a new claim or understand the history of this case, the following information will help you navigate your options with confidence.
Understanding the Steel Siding Class Action Lawsuit
The lawsuit against Gentek Building Products and its affiliates, such as Alside, centered on allegations that their steel siding was defective. Plaintiffs argued that the paint finish on the siding did not last as long as promised. Specifically, the siding was prone to “peeling, flaking, or blistering,” which not only affected the home’s appearance but also left the underlying steel vulnerable to the elements.
The manufacturers eventually agreed to a settlement to resolve these claims without admitting to any wrongdoing. This agreement established a fund and a specific process for homeowners to receive repairs, replacements, or cash payments. Because steel siding is a long-term investment for most homeowners, this settlement provided a vital path for those who felt their investment was failing prematurely.
Which Products Were Involved?
The settlement primarily covered steel siding manufactured and sold under several brand names. It is important to check your original purchase records or home inspection reports to see if your siding falls under these categories:
- Gentek Steel Siding: Various lines of residential steel siding produced by Gentek.
- Alside Steel Siding: Products sold under the Alside brand name during the specified period.
- Revere Steel Siding: Certain lines sold under the Revere brand.
- SteelSide: Specific products manufactured for various distributors.
Who Is Eligible for the Settlement?
Eligibility for a class action settlement is usually defined by a “class period.” For the steel siding settlement, the class generally includes individuals and entities in the United States who owned a home or other building on which the covered siding was installed. The siding must have been manufactured between January 1, 1991, and March 15, 2013.
Being an owner does not just mean the person who originally bought the siding. In many cases, if you purchased a home that already had the siding installed, you may still be eligible as a “subsequent owner.” This is particularly helpful for people who bought older homes and only later discovered that the siding was failing.
Signs of Defective Siding
To qualify for compensation, the siding must exhibit specific types of damage defined in the settlement agreement. Normal wear and tear or fading due to sun exposure is often excluded. You should look for:
- Peeling: The paint layer is physically lifting away from the metal.
- Flaking: Small pieces of the finish are falling off.
- Blistering: Bubbles forming under the surface of the paint.
- Chipping: Areas where the finish has broken away, exposing the steel beneath.
The Two-Tiered Compensation System
The steel siding settlement was structured into two distinct tiers to address different levels of damage. This system ensures that those with more severe siding failure receive a higher level of compensation or more extensive repairs.
Tier 1 Claims
Tier 1 is generally for homeowners with more localized damage. If only a small portion of your siding is peeling or flaking, you may fall into this category. Compensation for Tier 1 claims often involves a cash payment intended to cover the cost of refinishing or repairing the affected areas. The amount is usually calculated based on the square footage of the damaged sections.
Tier 2 Claims
Tier 2 is reserved for more significant and widespread siding failure. If the peeling or flaking is occurring across multiple walls or a large percentage of the total siding surface, you may qualify for Tier 2. This tier often provides for the full replacement of the siding on the affected walls or a much larger cash settlement. This is designed to restore the home’s exterior to its intended condition and protect the structure.
How to File a Claim for Compensation
The process of filing a claim requires attention to detail and specific documentation. While the primary filing periods for many class actions have specific deadlines, it is important to understand the steps involved in case of future developments or if you are dealing with a warranty claim that mirrors the settlement terms.
Step 1: Gather Proof of Ownership
You must prove that you own the property where the siding is installed. This can be done using a property deed, a recent property tax bill, or a mortgage statement. If you are a subsequent owner, having the closing documents from your home purchase is also helpful.
Step 2: Identify the Product
You need evidence that the siding on your home is actually the product covered by the settlement. The best evidence is an original contract, invoice, or warranty registration card from when the siding was installed. If you do not have these, a professional siding contractor may be able to identify the product and provide a written statement.
Step 3: Document the Damage
Clear photographs are essential. Take wide-angle shots of the entire house to show the extent of the damage, as well as close-up photos of the specific areas where peeling or flaking is occurring. It is often helpful to place a ruler or a coin next to the defect in the photo to provide a sense of scale.
Step 4: Submit the Claim Form
Complete the official claim form provided by the claims administrator. Ensure that all sections are filled out accurately. Any missing information can lead to significant delays or the denial of your claim. Most settlements allow for electronic submission through a dedicated portal, which is faster and provides a digital paper trail.
What to Do if You Missed the Deadline
Class action settlements often have strict deadlines for filing claims. If you discovered damage to your steel siding after the deadline has passed, you may feel like you have no options. However, there are still a few avenues you can explore to address the issue.
Check the Manufacturer’s Warranty
Even if the class action settlement window is closed, the manufacturer’s original warranty may still be in effect. Many steel siding products come with “lifetime” or 50-year limited warranties. Contact the manufacturer directly (such as Gentek or Alside) to initiate a warranty claim. While the terms of a warranty claim might differ from the settlement terms, it is often the most direct way to get help with defective products.
Consult with a Legal Professional
If the damage to your home is extensive and the manufacturer refuses to honor their warranty, you may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in construction defects or consumer protection. They can advise you on whether you have an individual case or if there are other active legal actions you can join.
Contact Your Homeowners Insurance
In some cases, exterior damage might be covered by your homeowners insurance policy. However, insurance typically covers sudden and accidental damage (like hail or wind) rather than manufacturing defects or gradual wear. Review your policy carefully or speak with your agent to see if your specific situation qualifies for a claim.
Maintaining Your Steel Siding
Regardless of whether you receive a settlement, maintaining your siding is key to protecting your home’s value. Proper care can prevent minor issues from turning into major structural problems. To keep your steel siding in top shape, consider the following maintenance tips:
- Annual Cleaning: Wash your siding once a year with a garden hose and a soft brush. Use a mild detergent to remove dirt, bird droppings, and environmental pollutants that can degrade the finish over time.
- Inspect for Scratches: If you notice deep scratches that expose the bare metal, use a manufacturer-approved touch-up paint to seal the area. This prevents rust from forming and spreading under the paint layer.
- Clear Vegetation: Keep shrubs and tree branches trimmed away from the siding. Constant rubbing can wear down the finish and lead to the very peeling and flaking issues addressed in the lawsuit.
- Check Caulking: Inspect the caulking around windows, doors, and corners. If the caulk is cracked or missing, moisture can get behind the siding, leading to rust from the inside out.
Conclusion
The steel siding settlement represents an important victory for homeowners who dealt with prematurely failing products. By understanding the eligibility requirements and the documentation needed, you can take the necessary steps to seek compensation or repairs for your property. While the legal process can be slow, being proactive and organized is the best way to ensure your claim is handled correctly.
If your siding is showing signs of peeling or flaking, do not wait to take action. Gather your documents, take your photos, and reach out to the appropriate parties to protect your home. For more guidance on managing home repairs, understanding warranties, or navigating consumer rights, explore our other articles designed to help you solve everyday household challenges.