San Francisco Chronicle & Los Angeles Times Utilize Our Expertise in Understanding the Berkeley Deck Failure

No one wants to see a headline like this, with 6 dead & 7 others seriously injured.
Both the LA Times & San Francisco Chronicle have used us as a source
on their investigative articles. 

DeckExpert.com provides consumers with information, videos articles and more for buyers to make informed decisions on deck systems. We also provide articles to major trade magazines for the HOA, Construction and Architectural industries. 

Now we are pleased to say our expertise is helping reporters understand the problems that caused the recent Berkeley deck tragedy where the a waterproofed balcony, only 7 years old, failed catastrophically and thirteen people plunged to the ground, killing six and seriously injuring the other seven survivors.

Both the the Los Angeles Times and the San Francisco Chronicle have interviewed us for their investigative articles into the how and why this tragedy occurred.

From the Chronicle  article-“This is all a vicious combination,” Leys said. “The penetrations, the drainage and lack of ventilation underneath — they all combined in a catastrophic failure.”
Read the SF Chronicle article by award winning reporter Jaxon Van Derberken here  http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Blueprints-show-Berkeley-balcony-was-designed-for-6336566.php

From the LA Times article- "Balconies just don't fall off a building like what we saw without having a few years of deterioration," said Bill Leys, a former deck waterproofing contractor who now inspects decks in San Luis Obispo for his company, DeckExpert.com.

Read the LA Times articles here. http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-berkeley-balcony-collapse-20150623-story.html

Composite Decks Recalled by Louisiana-Pacific; Decks Can Deteriorate and Break, Posing Fall Hazard

A free advisory from Deckexpert.com on Louisiana Pacific's decking that is reportedly failing en masse...

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Composite Decks

Units: About 48 million linear feet (decks vary in size)

Manufacturer: Louisiana-Pacific (LP) Corp., of Nashville, Tenn.

Hazard: The recalled decking can prematurely deteriorate and unexpectedly break. Consumers can fall through broken decking and suffer serious injuries.

Incidents/Injuries: LP has received 37 reports of composite decks breaking, resulting in 14 injuries, including a broken wrist, sprained ankle, minor lacerations and bruises.

Description: The recall includes outdoor deck board and railings sold under the brand names LP WeatherBest®, ABTCo., and Veranda®. They are composite products that look similar to natural wood and were sold in various colors including Tuscan Walnut/Chestnut, Driftwood Grey/Greystone, Pacific Cedar and Western Redwood. Veranda decking products were manufactured by multiple firms; only products manufactured by LP are included in this recall.

Sold at: The Home Depot (Veranda® brand) and building product dealers (LP WeatherBest® and ABTCo. brands) nationwide from January 2005 to August 2008 for between $1.50 and $2.25 per linear foot.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers with the recalled decking should immediately contact LP for a free inspection. If the decking is affected by premature deterioration, LP will arrange for a free replacement.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact LP toll-free at (888) 325-1184 between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.deckingnotice.com