Original; see modified release: Kadant Composites Inc. Recall of Certain GeoDeck™ Decking and Railing Materials

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2005
Release #05-247

Firm's Recall Hotline:(800) 545-1710
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Kadant Composites Inc. Announce Recall of Certain GeoDeck™ Decking and Railing Materials

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: GeoDeck™ Decking and Railing Materials

Units: About 11,000 constructed decks

Manufacturer: Kadant Composites Inc., of Bedford, Mass.

Hazard: When the decking or railing material is exposed to hot temperatures and sunlight, it can prematurely degrade. The degraded material could break, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Kadant Composites has received about 370 reports of accelerated degradation of the decking material. No injuries have been reported.

Description: GeoDeck™ is a composite decking product that looks similar to natural wood and is sold in three colors including: driftwood, cedar and mahogany. The decking materials were manufactured between April 2002 and October 2003. Each decking and railing component has a manufacturing date stamp (day/month/year) on the cut end, which may still be visible on uninstalled materials.

Sold at: Retail lumberyards nationwide from April 2002 through July 2005 for between about $2 and $2.50 per linear foot.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should check their GeoDeck™ decking materials for visible cracks on the surface and check to see if the surface can be easily scratched with a fingernail or the corner of a credit card. If the deck/rail is degrading, contact GeoDeck™ customer service to receive replacement decking and/or railing materials.

Consumer Contact: Contact GeoDeck™ customer service at (800) 545-1710 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.KadantCompositesRecall.com

Picture of Recalled Decking & Railing Materials