Kadant Composites Inc. Defective GeoDeck™ Boards and Railings

In August 2005, approximately 11,000 GeoDeck™ composite deck boards and railings were recalled after Kadant Composites Inc. (the manufacturer) reported more than 370 complaints of accelerated aging of the building materials.

GeoDeck™ composite deck boards and railings that were manufactured between April 2002 and October 2003 were made without adequate amounts of antioxidants, which could result in excessive degradation and potential safety hazards.

GeoDeck™ is a composite decking product that looks similar to natural wood and was sold in three colors including: driftwood, cedar and mahogany. The decking materials were manufactured between April 2002 and October 2003. Each decking and railing component has a manufacturing date stamp (day/month/year) on the cut end, which may still be visible on uninstalled materials.

The defective products were manufactured in the United States (Kadant is based in Bedford, Mass.) and were sold by retail lumberyards nationwide from April 2002 through July 2005 for anywhere from $2 and $2.50 per linear foot.

Decks affected by oxidative degradation are potentially unsafe and should not be used until they are repaired or replaced.

Kadant's [website] advises consumers how to find out if their GeoDeck™ materials have been affected by the following:

• Determine if the material surface is becoming soft and loose
  Test the surface of boards and/or railings by scratching them with a fingernail or the corner of a credit card. If they scratch easily, your materials may have been affected;
  
  
• Determine if the deck surface has cracks
  Visually inspect the surface for cracks. Even if you find hairline cracks, the cracks can grow, making the deck unsafe;
  
  
• Determine if the deck boards are showing signs of erosion
  Examine deck boards for signs of erosion such as crumbling. This deck is unsafe. You should discontinue use of the deck immediately, and replace the deck.
  
  

Kadant Composites LLC sold the GeoDeck™ composite decking and railing business in 2005, and used the proceeds from the sale to administer the warranty and recall programs, pay warranty claims and other expenses. Kadant Composites LLC expended all of its funds and ceased operations on September 30, 2007. The warranty and recall programs have been terminated.

Kadant Composite Articles

Kadant Composites LLC is Dead, but Kadant Inc. is Thriving
Since news spread that Kadant Composites had recalled certain lots of their GeoDeck composite decking due to deterioration, disgruntled consumers have been posting their stories and frustrations online for the entire world to see.

Kadant Composite Decking: Don't Fall through the Cracks
Homeowners with GeoDeck decking problems will get little satisfaction from Kadant Composites LLC, now that the company has wound up operations. The composite decking manufacturer closed shop on September 30th of this year, leaving consumers with warranty claims high and dry. Many consumers are considering lawsuits.

Register your Kadant Composites Inc. Complaint

If you or a loved one has suffered from an injury related to the failure of GeoDeck™ Decking and Railing Materials on a Kadant Composites Inc. deck, you may qualify for damages or remedies that may be awarded in a possible Kadant Composites Inc. lawsuit. Please click the link below to submit your complaint and we will have a lawyer review your Kadant Composites Inc. complaint.

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Last updated on Nov-28-07