Masonite & other fiberboard wood shingle questions & answers:

FAQs about Masonite™ Woodruf™ fiberboard roof shingles & roof warranty claims for Masonite Woodruff™, Cemwood™, Hardishake/Hardislate™, CalShake™ and Fire Free™.

FAQs on Wood Fiber Based Roofing, including Masonite Woodruf™ Fiberboard Roofs: inspection, failures, warranty information, replacement

These questions & answers about warranty or class action claims concerning fiberboard roofing products were posted originally at FIBER-WOOD & FIBERBOARD ROOFING - be sure to also review that information.

On 2018-04-24 by (mod) - Wind blew off part of our Woodruff roof shingles. Where can we buy replacements?

I think you'll have to pass with something that matches color and texture as close as you can. You won't find the original product for sale.

On 2018-04-18 by Don

Wind blew off part of our Woodruff roof shingles. Where can we buy replacements?

On 2016-08-12 by (mod) - My woodruf is failing so badly it is literally disintegrating.

Troublesome, Rick.

In the article above see the live (blue) link in this line

Continue reading at FIBER-WOOD & FIBERBOARD ROOFING or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

That article has the information you asked about.

On 2016-08-12 by Rick

My woodruf is failing so badly it is literally disintegrating. I have several leaks. The roofing material is only about 15 years old and I would have expected it to last longer. Does anyone know of whom to contact regarding filing a claim? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

On 2016-07-20 by Dave pricing on Woodruff

I am trying to find some sort of pricing on Woodruff from the last year it was manufactured so we can file a hail claim on the roofing product. Can someone point me in the right direction?

On 2016-06-17 by (mod) -

There are a number of roof coatings, including rubber spray coatings that might work but I wouldn't recommend taking such a step without an expert assessing the roof condition, bonding issues, moisture trapping concern, etc. Be sure to check with the coating manufacturer about your specific application.

On 2016-06-17 by Joseph F Stuller

Is there any sealant/protective coating that could be sprayed over Woodruf Masonite Shingles to extend the life of the roof. It's not currently leaking.

On 2016-02-13 by (mod) - claims period expired on January 6, 2009.

Those are questions to ask of your attorney, Mike.

On 2016-02-13 by Mike G.

So would the company that installed the roofing material still be liable. Should they have notified me of the recall on theses materials?

So I have no recourse?

On 2016-02-13 by (mod) - claims period expired on January 6, 2009.

Mike for the original product whose failure is discussed above, the claims period expired on January 6, 2009.

On 2016-02-13 by Mike G.

The roof was installed in Oct.1999. If it has a thirty year warranty the company should fix the damage.

I have a roof with these masonite materials and it's been leaking and has damaged the wall and ceiling. Can I still file a law suit?

On 2015-10-06 by Anonymous

How do you identify this system?

Question: preservative treatments for wood fiber type roofing?

(June 28, 2012) Mark said:

We have purchased a house with these shingles and would like to get another 5-10 years out of the roof, what can we treat them with or what do you recommend for paint?

Reply:

Mark I have not come across a recommended treatment for wood-fiber type roof shingles; my own experience is more with similar siding products. That leads me to suggest first that you have the roof inspected closely (not by walking-on) to find out its actual condition; Delaminated, soft, swollen materials do not benefit much from any treastment, but possibly a roof paint coating will bond, waterproof, and extend the life.

Reader follow-up:

(June 30, 2012) Mark said:

Dan, we live a relatively dry climate, the roof looks in good shape would a clear or tinted stain work? There are some stains on the roof that we would like to cover, thinking a semi transparent deck or fence stain, any thoughts. Mark

Reply:

It may help cosmetically to apply a tinted stain, and it probably will help the roof life. Before applying it, because this is a wood product material roof, I'd discuss the question with your local fire inspector and if necessary the pigmented stain manufacturer - you don't want to accidentally amend the fire resistance of your roof in the wrong (unsafe) direction.

Question: who is responsible for replacing a damaged roof?

(Apr 11, 2012) David DiGeorge said:

I understand "repairing" a damaged roof is not an acceptable option and that an individual's insurance company is responsible for replacing the roof if damage/shingle "failure" has occured. Is that a correct assumption? thanks, dave

Reply:

Dave,

Depending on the type of roof damage, the type of roofing material, and the condition of the roof, repair may be entirely appropriate and roof replacement may not be justified. For example a single mechanically-damaged shingle or a few such shingles on a roof in generally good condition would not justify roof replacement.

When a roof is damaged beyond economical repair such as from a hurricane, hail, or wind causing extensive damage over the field of the roof, the party who pays for that depends on what insurance policy is in force and the terms of that policy.

Question: reader opines that some Woodruf roofs perform well

(Feb 19, 2012) Dennis Humphrey said:

On this site, you state credentials of "owning a roofing company, having an insurance background and doing inspections for insurance companies." I too have those credentials, with my "insurance background" being dealing with adjusters for over 25 years of my company's existence.

While I agree that SOME Woodruf failed miserably far sooner than anticipated, MANY others have continued to perform as initially claimed. It's my understanding the downward spiral began with some sort of mixing of the batch plants in different area of the country.

That observation aside, it's rare for a "30 year" shingle to actually last 30 years, especially in Cheyenne, WY, where I reside and work.

A FAR more reasonable replacement for the Woodruf product would be, at the minimum a Malarkey Legacy or Owens Corning Duration Storm "Impact Resistant" laminate shingle, and a more reasonable replacement would be a Certainteed Presidential IR "Impact Resistant" Designer Shake. For the impact resistance factor alone, the standard 30 year replacement laminate makes no sense.

Whether or not the Woodruf performed as anticipated in total life expectancy, I can virtually guarantee you have seen none at all to very few that have been "hailed out."

The "high end" designer type shingle Woodruf was sold as, prompts my leaning toward the Presidnetial IR, At the LEAST, the incredible impact resistance of the product steers me strongly to believe the Impact Resistant Legacy to be a minimally acceptable replacement if I was a homeowner and possessor of a Woodruf roof. I'd certainly like to hear your thoughts. Thanks. - (July 16, 2011) Dennistoddandco@aol.com

Reply:

Thanks for the remarks, Dennis. Certainly we appreciate hearing another view and reading more information about the performance of Woodruf roofs and reasonable replacements for them. You make excellent points. Working together makes us smarter. - Daniel.

Question: Can worn Woodruf Masonite Shingles be cleaned and painted to extend their life?

(July 10, 2011) joseph g. loisel said:

I have woodruf masonite shingles---showing the wear etc. question: can they be cleaned-treated-painted-? would this extend their longevity---i remember intially they did not recommend staining them.

Reply:

Joseph often we can extend roof life by painting or treating shingles; but take a close look at yours; if they are soft and/or delaminating badly, the cost of the paint job could be a waste of money.

Question: DaVinci Shake or Slate high end replacements for Woodruf, Cemwood, Permatek.

(July 24, 2012) Scott Shepard said:

DaVinci shake and/or slate would be the high end replacement for Woodruf, Cemwood, or Pematek. Eagle also is devoloping a product called CE DUR but it is not in production yet

After the recent hail here in Colorado, the problem was that the elastomeric coating was blasted off by the hail. Ive seen some that were treatred a few years back and those that were not treated at all . Not much difference. The Divinci or Eagle product provide a Class 4 inpact, Class A fire and the 50 yr warrenty listed as the original specs of the Woodruf style material

Reply:

(Feb 13, 2013) Frank said:

Scott Shepard contact me at hailpros@gmail.com I need the original specs of the Masonite Woodruf. Or a link that shows the original specs

Scott Shepard-How can I reach you? Does anyone have any documention or appraisal award letters regarding masonite woodruf? ITel or engineering reports would be helpful too.

Ben
benl@ins-max.com

Question: warning on dangers of walking on a Woodruf roof.

(Dec 4, 2012) MacK said:

I think you should post a warning on the extreme dangers of walking a Woodruf roof. As a home inspector, I used to see dozens of these in the damp Pacific Northwest. The smallest amount of moisture turns them into an ice-like surface, and you cannot wear Korks on these roofs.

Even knowing how slick they were, I took a wild 15 foot ride down a roof that only ended when I slammed into the wood-frame chimney chase (I will only walk a Woodruf if I can put a chase behind me), and the roof appeared to be dry at the time. I just missed seeing a small shady spot where the dew had not evaporated.

Reply:

Thanks, MacK. I agree that there can be many reasons to stay off of a roof even though that may sorely limit the ability to assess its condition. Those include at least:

• Safety concerns of height, slope, weather, etc.
• Fragility of the roof surface

Inspection standards make clear that it is the inspector in the field who should determine whether or not to limit any inspection topic or procedure (and to inform the client of that limitation and its implications).

Question: Woodruf roof warranty information

9/3/14 Terry said:

(Aug 24, 2014) Terry said:

Did anyone manage to get the original warranty information for the Woodruf roof. My roof was damaged in the June hailstorm and I am having trouble with the insurance company approving the cost for a DaVinci roof. Asphalt would degrade the appearance and value of the home. HELP! The roof was installed in 1992.

Reply:

Terry

Not that having the original warranty will help a claim but you might want to see inspectapedia.com/roof/Roof_Warranties.php

Even if it were available, you wouldn't want to put the same material on the roof as was found defective.

Reader follow-up:

Ok ... I'm trying a different approach. It is my understanding that the Woodruf Masonite roofing was quite a bit more expensive than asphalt shingles back in the early 90's. A roofer told me he thought they ran around $300 to $350 a square (vs around $80 a square for asphalt at the time.) Does anyone have any information on the pricing of these shingles in the early 90's?

Question: insurance company sending Woodruf roof failure samples to "an engineer"

9/9/2014 Doug said:

Please Help. I am having a re-inspect on my Woodruf. They denied it previously because they thought it was shake. They are coming back and taking samples to send to an engineer.

This shingle is failing; crumbling, curling, expanding, you name it. Anyone know why they would send it to an engineer? What was the warranty 30,40,50 yrs? I am not clear as to why the insurance is fighting so hard on this roof. Any ideas? Anything I can say to this adjuster?

Reply:

Doug

I can but guess that "they" is your insurance company since certainly any roofing manufacturer's rep ought to be able to identify the type of roofing material installed. And I can only further guess that the insurance adjuster is not sure how to identify roofing nor its type of failure.

As long as their engineer is actually someone with experience and expertise with roofing materials and roofing failures you should be OK.

I'm unclear why your insurance company would be involved in a product failure claim, but perhaps it's because your policy excludes that sort of leak-damage loss.

The warranty period is irrelevant if it's a Woodruf roof as the status of that product and warranty claims are already established. If you know this is what's on your roof you might want to print this page and pass it on to your insurance company.

Question: Woodruf shingle failures, insurance company denies claim

(Sept 8, 2014) Doug said:
Please Help. I am having a re-inspect on my Woodruf. They denied it previously because they thought it was shake. They are coming back and taking samples to send to an engineer. This shingle is failing; crumbling, curling, expanding, you name it. Anyone know why they would send it to an engineer? What was the warranty 30,40,50 yrs? I am not clear as to why the insurance is fighting so hard on this roof. Any ideas? Anything I can say to this adjuster?

Reply:

Doug

I can but guess that "they" is your insurance company since certainly any roofing manufacturer's rep ought to be able to identify the type of roofing material installed. And I can only further guess that the insurance adjuster is not sure how to identify roofing nor its type of failure.

As long as their engineer is actually someone with experience and expertise with roofing materials and roofing failures you should be OK.

I'm unclear why your insurance company would be involved in a product failure claim, but perhaps it's because your policy excludes that sort of leak-damage loss.

The warranty period is irrelevant if it's a Woodruf roof as the status of that product and warranty claims are already established. If you know this is what's on your roof you might want to print this page and pass it on to your insurance company.

keep us posted

Daniel

(Sept 10, 2014) Doug said:
I apologize. The roof was damaged due to a hail storm and the subsequent rains that took place this summer.

The insurance company is involved for this reason and that they insured the home when I purchased it, with no exclusions. I am positive it is a woodruf as I have removed a shingle and it is stamped on the underside. Anyway, long story short the adjuster came out for the re-inspect and could not believe the first one was not approved.

They are also rating this as a 50 year life-span roof. He had no need to send anything to an engineer, the damage is obvious.

Reply:

Doug certainly no need to apologize, but thanks indeed for the clarification.

Nice going on the re-inspection. Sounds as if the company sent someone a bit more experenced.

If you could, please use our email found at our CONTACT link to send me some sharp photos of the roof damage - that would be very helpful technical data that may assist other readers. We of course preserve the anonymity and complete privacy of readers unless they (you) wish to be identified.

Question: I need information about roof hail damage

(Sept 17, 2014) Adam said:
I see a few pictures of deteriorated shingles, but does anybody have pictures of what constitutes hail damage? My claim was denied by insurance, but I don't believe them yet don't have the expertise to know if I should pursue this.

(Sept 17, 2014) Adam said:
Sorry, I should have been more specific...I mean Masonite Woodruff shingles.

Reply:

Certainly Adam

See

HAIL DAMAGED SHINGLES & OTHER ROOF COVERINGS

Question: When was the 'class action suit' against Woodruf roofing? Can a claim still be filed.? Where can I find more information on the 'suit'?

Anonymous said:
When was the 'class action suit' against Woodruf roofing? Can a claim still be filed.? Where can I find more information on the 'suit'?

Reply:

The Masonite Woodruf Shingle / Siding settlement allowed 10 years for filing defective hardboard siding claims by providing proof of ownership and a separate verification of the siding as Masonite. Claims were filed beginning in the middle of 1998.

The settlement class was defined as all individuals across the United States who own a house or other structure upon which Masonite hardboard siding, manufactured since 1980, has been installed. More usefully: the class action pertained to owners who had Masonite siding installed between January 1, 1980 and December 31, 1989. Claims could thus be filed until the 15th of January 2008.

If you own a home with Woodruf siding installed and did not file a claim, depending on when your siding was installed, the remaining portion of its 25-year original warranty could remain in effect.

If you own a home with other Masonite siding products installed, such as Omniwood siding, the class action, settlement, or warranty coverage periods are different: that action pertained to Omniwood siding installed between January 1, 1992 and January 6, 1999. Omniwood siding is identified by a stamp on the siding back: "Masonite Omniwood" and there may be date data. This is a wood fiber siding product.

There were other legal filings including an appeal, cases involving people who elected to opt out of the original Masonite class action group, and related cases. There were also reports of mishandling of funds and possible fraud by companies offering assistance in filing Masonite siding claims. So a generic web search will yield a drown-in list of articles and web pages. I will include the legal citation as a source for more information.

Reference: Naef v. Masonite Corp, International Paper Co., Cosby v. Masonite Corp., Smith v. Masonite Corp, International Paper Co. | Mobile County, Alabama | Case No. CV-94-4033, Case No. CV-98-2446, Case No. CV-98-2447 also cited as Naef et al. v. Masonite Corp. et al., No. CV-94-4033 (AL Cir. Ct., Mobile Cty., proposed settlement July 14, 1997

Complete details are at FIBERBOARD ROOFING & FIBER-WOOD ROOFING

Watch out: plagiarist alert: beware of Infinity Roofing & Restoration who have copied our original InspectAPedia.com ^® article above. Infinity's page http://www.infinityrooferblog.com/expired-roofing-alert-masonite%E2%84%A2-woodruf%E2%84%A2-fiberboard-roof-shingles/ (October 2010) plagiarized original text from this website. Notice sent 2x 10/27/2010.

Only the claims lawsuit text at the very end of this document is public domain.

...

Continue reading at FIBER-WOOD & FIBERBOARD ROOFING - topic home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Roofing & Fiberboard Damage Articles

• AMERICAN CEMWOOD ROOFING
• ASBESTOS & FIBER CEMENT ROOFING - home - where our page top photo of material described as asbestos-cement roofing looks a lot (from the ground) like wood-fiber cement roofing
• FIBER CEMENT PRODUCT MANUFACTURERS
• FIBER CEMENT PRODUCT STANDARDS
• FIBER CEMENT ROOF SHINGLE ASBESTOS TEST RESULTS
• FIBERBOARD ROOFING & FIBER-WOOD ROOFING
• HAIL DAMAGED SHINGLES & OTHER ROOF COVERINGS
• SIDING HARDBOARD IDENTIFICATION & CLAIMS for Exterior siding defects: hardboard siding failures, warranty claims - where to submit siding failure claims.
• ROOF LEAK DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR - home
• WARRANTY & Class Actions, Fiber Cement Shingles

Suggested citation for this web page

FIBERBOARD FIBER-WOOD ROOF CLAIM FAQs  at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

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INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to BUILDING ROOFING

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