Sunday, April 08, 2007

A closer look at the Timber Tech Warranty

Our Composite Decking vs Wood Decks article is updated. (Click the photo)



Composite decking companies will pretty much tell you what the flaws are in their products.

http://www.timbertech.com/WarrantyAndCare/ResidentialWarranty.aspx

The document is copyrighted so we won’t reproduce it in entirety click the link above to see the whole document.

Here’s a few opinions about what they mean by certain terms included in the warranty.

…shall not check, split, splinter, rot or suffer structural damage from termites or fungal decay.
(no mention of mold, fading, expansion or wear related damage yet)

…at its option, to either replace the defective item or refund the portion of the purchase price paid by Purchaser for such defective item (not including the cost of its initial installation).
(means that they may pay the cost of one board, or supply a board for you to install—no liability is expressed for the labor to remove or install the new board-no mention of fading yet—though the new board will be a different color entirely)

TimberTech does not warrant against…

…a condition (such as air pollution, mold, mildew, etc.), or staining from foreign substances (such as dirt, grease, oil, etc.); (5) variations or changes in color of TimberTech products… (no warranty against mold, or barbecue grease and no guarantee that it will fade evenly or that it will not fade—here’s a hint, it probably will)

…Each Purchaser is solely responsible for determining the effectiveness, fitness, suitability and safety of the TimberTech products in connection with its use in any particular application. (means buyer beware—if it turns out that this decking was a bad idea—it’s not their fault!)

…is effective for consumer purchases made on or after January 1, 2005
(this is the new warranty—older products are covered by the old warranty, but there’s no link to it.)

The manufacturer warrants that this product will not peel, blister, pit, flake, crack, or corrode as a result of manufacturing defects, or as a result of exposure to ocean air (salt spray) for a period of 5 years. Should this occur, the manufacturer will provide replacement product. Minor dripping may occur.
(so if you live near the ocean there is only a 5 year warranty against salt spray damage—I haven’t a clue what “Minor Dripping may occur means)


Ok… try this link

http://www.timbertech.com/WarrantyAndCare/CareAndCleaning.aspx

NO hints on removing mold.
L

4 comments:

Discontented Refuge said...

Hi, I'm a lumber salesman in Houston, TX. We handle the TimberTech product for our choice of composites.

TimberTech has always impressed us with being on the cutting edge of product lines with composite decking. I have been to their facilities in Columbus and Wilmington and have seen them produce the product. I'm a believer.

I've always been told TimberTech expects a 7% fade (evenly) in their products.

Any deck, whether wood, composite, whatever will show wear. It's expected. Also, anything will mold given the right enviroment (believe me, I live in Houston, a very humid climate).

We've handled two claims in the 6 years we've handled TimberTech. The first was a contractor install mistake and was not warrantied by TimberTech. The second was a mold and discoloration issue, although TimberTech could have replaced just the boards on the 1000+ SF deck, they replaced ALL of them, and paid the contractor to replace the boards.

Compared to the horror stories I've heard about other composites and their claims department, TimberTech shines and we're glad to offer it knowing they'll back us up.

Anonymous said...

I used the wrong signature on that last post. If you don't mind copy and paste it back to me and I'll resend with my correct buisiness signature instead of my personal one.

Anonymous said...

Hi! We just had a new TimberTech deck installed in the State of Washington. Prior to installation, we had a brick patio laid. After the deck was finished, I got out my trusty mop and bucket to mop away what I thought was mud. To my chagrin, it was circular scratches from the builders' feet, having tracked sand from the patio onto the areas they were building. The TimberTech rep and our builder say "it will weather away in 6-8 weeks". Gee...and I thought I'd have a nice looking deck right now! Don't get me wrong...I LOVED the deck at first. We got the teak color and it's gorgeous. The rep says the protective coating will weather away and so will the scratches. These are ALL OVER the deck...not just a spot or two. They say it's probably because it was built in January in 28-30 degree weather. Anybody out there have this problem? And will it REALLY go away? It's like buying a new car and you see scratches; and the dealer says not to worry, they oxidize out in 6-8 weeks. I'm sad. Please reply if you've seen this happen before. I have to believe it's not because of the sand...I'm pretty sure these decks get built off low-bank waterfront homes all the time.

Anonymous said...

We have had our TimberTech for about 10 years now. I believe it was the newest product of its kind on the market. We have had nothing but problems with the black mold and mildew spots everyone is talking about. We are reaching out to join the class action law suit that TimberTech has against them in hopes of finding a resolution. Spur78148