Portico Decking Customers File Class Action Lawsuit

Portico decking customers have filed a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer, Fiberon, LLC, claiming their decking developed mold and fungus, and the company failed to honor its warranty and pay for their deck to be repaired or replaced.

The Portico decking class action lawsuit takes aim at Fiberon’s Portico Series Decking products, which are made from a composite material comprised of wood fiber and polyethylene. The material was marketed as a premium alternative to traditional natural wood products at more than double the cost, the class action lawsuit states.

Fiberon (also known as Fiber Composites, LLC) told consumers they would back the Portico decking products with a 20-year warranty, and that the decking is more resilient to cracks, mold, splinters and other problems typically associated with traditional natural wood decking. The company also implied that Portico products would require less upkeep, the class action lawsuit alleges.

However, according to the Fiberon Portico decking class action lawsuit, Portico decking has a defect that results in extensive molding, mildew and other fungal growth that discolors the deck. The Plaintiffs also claim they sought to have their deck repaired or replaced under Fiberon’s 20-year warranty, but the company refused to cover the damage. Instead of covering the damage or replacing the decking, Fiberon tells consumers to clean their decks with chemical products at their own expense, even though consumers say the cleaning methods do not prevent mold from reappearing.

Some of Fiberon’s competitors offered similar composite decking products which reportedly have similar problems, and have settled class action lawsuits stemming from consumer complaints. Following those class action settlements, Fiberon allegedly removed its Portico products from the market. It was sold from 2004 to 2010.

A company representative called the allegations “completely false,” and insisted that Fiberon “has a long record of always honoring its product warranties and will continue to do so.”

“The allegations made in this lawsuit are completely false. Surface staining, including mold, is not a manufacturing defect. It’s a failure to comply with the recommendations we make to maintain all outdoor products,” said Edie Kello, director of marketing communications for Fiberon.

“Outdoor products like decking, siding, concrete and even patio furniture require periodic cleaning to keep them looking good,” Kello said. “It cannot be our responsibility to maintain them once they are installed.”The Fiberon Portico decking class action lawsuit is seeking damages for consumers who purchased the allegedly defective Portico decking, including a full refund or replacement of their decks.

UPDATE: Fiberon has agreed to settle the Portico decking class action lawsuit. Click here to find out how to file a claim for the class action settlement.