Construction defects come in many forms, but thousands of homes built since December 2016 may be uninhabitable due to excessive levels of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Homeowners and construction workers have reported feeling ill, with burning eyes and respiratory issues, after exposure to hazardous levels of formaldehyde due to the materials used to build these new homes. In addition to being a cancer hazard, according to OSHA, long-term exposure to even low levels of formaldehyde in the air or on the skin can cause asthma-like respiratory issues and skin irritation, such as dermatitis and itching.
Weyerhauser Company announced their TJI Joists® manufactured after December 1, 2016 with Flak Jacket®, a fire-protective coating, are off-gassing formaldehyde. The defective Weyerhauser floor joists are present in the ceilings of finished and unfinished basements in new homes. The Flak Jacket coating contains a formaldehyde-based resin that is emitting the chemical and potentially rendering the homes uninhabitable. Weyerhauser has recommended that homeowners in the affected homes refrain from using their basements, and that some homeowners should “temporarily vacate their homes.”
To determine whether your new home contains the defective Weyerhauser Flak Jacket problem, look for the distinctive green coating with the Flak Jacket label on the joists in the ceiling of your basement. The production date will also be printed on the coating. If the date on the joists is between December 1, 2016 and July 18, 2017, contact a construction defect attorney immediately.
Contact Burg Simpson for Help Today
Burg Simpson represents homeowners for claims against Weyerhauser, the home builders or developers, and other responsible parties for damages caused by the presence of defective joists in their homes. Burg Simpson is currently working with engineers and certified industrial hygienists to determine the appropriate repairs and seeking all necessary damages for their homeowner clients.
Burg Simpson is also investigating claims of workers injured due to exposure to excessive levels of formaldehyde during construction of the homes with the affected joists causing formaldehyde sickness.
If you have discovered that your home has the affected Weyerhauser floor joists, the experienced construction defect attorneys can help. Call us today at (866) 649-8734 or fill out our FREE case evaluation form.
