Parker Waichman LLP

TimberSIL Wood Product Used in Home Building Is Rotting

TimberSIL, a wood product used in about 100 New Orleans homes built following Hurricane Katrina, and which has been touted as a durable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional, chemically-treated wood, appears to be falling apart. The Make It Right Foundation, founded by the actor, Brad Pitt, has been focused on building homes in New Orleans […]

TimberSIL-Wood-Rotting-AllegationsTimberSIL, a wood product used in about 100 New Orleans homes built following Hurricane Katrina, and which has been touted as a durable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional, chemically-treated wood, appears to be falling apart.

The Make It Right Foundation, founded by the actor, Brad Pitt, has been focused on building homes in New Orleans that are both energy efficient and environmentally safe. The product, TimberSIL, which has been used in the homes’ exterior steps and porches, is discoloring and rotting, TheVerge.com reported.

TimberSIL is made without chemicals used to prevent rot and decay. According to the manufacturer’s description, TimberSIL is infused with “liquid glass penetrates the woods’ surface, hardens and forms a permanent bond surrounding the wood fibers,” giving the wood the properties of treated lumber without the dangerous chemicals. This claim was important to Make it Right’s mission. The manufacturer describes the product as non-toxic and flame retardant.

Make it Right reports that TimberSIL began rotting, in part due to the moist New Orleans weather, in just three years after the work was completed, according to the New Orleans Advocate. The executive director of Make It Right said the organization chose this material partly because of the 40-year guarantee and the product’s absence of chemicals.

The foundation has replaced the wood in 30 homes, so far, and intends to replace all the TimberSIL used in the homes it built, The New Orleans Advocate reports. The foundation is also considering legal action if it cannot reach an agreement with Timber Treatment Technologies, the maker of TimberSIL, to recoup costs.

In an unrelated project being conducted at an inn in western Massachusetts, the builder had to replace TimberSIL in the tourist destination’s deck because the wood would not properly hold paint, according to The Daily Hampshire Gazette. The inn expects replacement cost to run about $100,000.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Value Could not have had a better team representing me True professional takes pride and cares about the client and excellent team work
Keshia Sprosta
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I love dealing with Parker Waichman LLP they have been on point with me during this class action lawsuit I'm currently awaiting to be finalized... Sonia is one of the team there that has been pleasant to work with very efficient and gets things done, stays straight to the point.
J.Haywood
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Nicole Copertino is the BEST. She is very knowledgeable and helpful. She give a clear understanding of your claim and takes the time to give a caring extra moment if u need it. Which means a lot.
NINA DEAN
2 weeks ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038