If you think you may be a claimant, regardless of who installed the shingles or where they were purchased, Atlanta Roofing Specialists is offering a $195 inspection specifically to determine if a homeowner with these shingles may qualify as a claimant.
If You Own Property With GAF Timberline® Roofing Shingles Made Between 1998 and 2009, then you might be a Class Member in the above referenced class action lawsuit. A proposed settlement of this class action has been preliminarily approved. IF YOU ARE A CLASS MEMBER, THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT WILL AFFECT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS.
Settlements have been reached with Building Materials Corporation of America (known as GAF Materials Corp.) (“GAF”) involving Timberline® roofing shingles (“Shingles”). The lawsuits claim a defect that might cause the roofing Shingles to prematurely crack, split or tear. GAF claims that the Shingles were not defective and that GAF’s warranty appropriately covers any problems. A federal judge has preliminarily approved class action lawsuit settlements with GAF Materials Corp. involving Timberline roofing shingles.
The Settlements include two Classes covering Shingles made: (1) between 1999 and 2007 at GAF’s plant in Mobile, Alabama and (2) between 1998 and 2009 at other GAF manufacturing plants. The class action settlement includes provisions for Mobile Settlement Class Members and Non-Mobile Settlement Class Members.
You may be included if you own any property in the United States with Timberline® Shingles made during the relevant time periods. Those who own properties with GAF Timberline roofing shingles made between 1998 and 2009 may be eligible for free replacement shingles or cash payments from the settlements.
The benefits you may be eligible to receive are based on: (1) the location of your property, (2) where your Shingles were made, (3) the date your Shingles were installed and the date on which you make a claim, (4) the type and extent of damage to your Shingles, and (5) the size of your roof.
You may be eligible to receive: (1) replacement shingles (comparable to the Shingles installed) and/or (2) a cash payment. The Settlements will not reduce the benefits you may be entitled to under any existing GAF warranty.
To initiate the claims process, Class Members must submit a claim kit along with specific documentation by the deadlines outlined in the settlement notice. Claim kits must be submitted with specific proof before the expiration of the GAF Limited Warranty for Timberline shingles.
The attorneys representing the Classes are asking the Court for attorneys’ fees (up to $6,890,000 in total) and costs and expenses (up to $1,115,000 in total). Counsel will also request an incentive payment for the Class Representatives. The payment of costs and expenses, and the incentive awards, will be paid by GAF and will not reduce the benefits under the Settlements.
The attorneys representing the Class covering Shingles made in Mobile are also asking for a portion of the additional benefits going to Class Members with property outside South Carolina. These fees will not be paid by GAF and would in these instances reduce a percentage of the enhanced benefits to some Class Members.
If you do not want to be legally bound by the settlement, you may opt out of the settlement by sending a request for exclusion form to the address noted in question 15 of the Long Form Detailed Notice postmarked no later than March 16, 2015. If you exclude yourself from the settlement, you will not receive any money or other benefits from the settlement. If you stay in the settlement (i.e. do not exclude yourself from the settlement), you may object to the settlement by explaining in writing why you do not like the settlement postmarked no later than March 16, 2015 to the addresses noted in question 19 of the Long Form Detailed Notice. If you do nothing (i.e. submit no claim or request for exclusion) you will not receive any benefits from the settlement but will nevertheless be bound by the settlement. All Settlement Class Members who do not exclude themselves will be bound by any judgment approving the settlement and will give up any right to sue GAF for any known or unknown claims relating to Timberline® roofing shingles.
GAF Corporation, also known as G-I Holdings, has been a cornerstone in the roofing and construction materials industry since its inception in 1886 as the Standard Paint Company. Over the years, GAF has grown to become a leading manufacturer, offering a diverse range of products including roofing shingles, siding, and insulation. Despite its success, the company has faced significant legal challenges due to its historical use of asbestos in its products. GAF Corporation made construction products with asbestos from the 1920s until the 1980s. These asbestos-related lawsuits and claims have not only resulted in substantial financial losses but have also impacted the company’s reputation. Nevertheless, GAF continues to be a major player in the industry, committed to providing high-quality materials for construction and roofing projects.
In recent years, GAF has been at the center of several class action lawsuits concerning its Timberline shingles, which were manufactured between 1998 and 2009. These lawsuits alleged that the shingles were defective, prone to premature cracking, and caused significant damage to property owners. To address these claims, GAF established a settlement fund aimed at compensating affected property owners. The settlement offers replacement shingles and covers labor costs associated with installing the new shingles. Property owners who have experienced issues with their GAF Timberline shingles are encouraged to file a claim to receive compensation. This settlement aims to resolve the claims and provide relief to those impacted by the defective shingles.
Asbestos exposure poses significant health risks, particularly to individuals who worked with or around GAF’s asbestos-containing products. Prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to severe health conditions, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These diseases often manifest many years after the initial exposure, making early detection and treatment challenging. Workers in the roofing and construction industries, as well as family members who came into contact with asbestos-laden clothing, faced increased risks. Despite the known dangers, asbestos was widely used in GAF’s products like roofing shingles and insulation due to its durability and heat-resistant properties. As awareness of the health risks grew, legal actions and claims against GAF surged, leading to the establishment of asbestos bankruptcy trusts to compensate affected individuals. Understanding the long-term health implications of asbestos exposure is crucial for those who might have come into contact with these hazardous materials.
GAF’s historical use of asbestos in its products has led to a substantial number of asbestos claims and lawsuits. During the mid-20th century, asbestos was a common component in construction materials, valued for its fire-resistant properties. GAF was among the companies that utilized asbestos, which eventually led to health concerns and legal challenges. The company’s asbestos mine in Vermont was shut down in 1975, and by 2001, GAF filed for bankruptcy due to the mounting asbestos claims. As part of the bankruptcy settlement, GAF established a trust fund to compensate individuals exposed to its asbestos products. This trust fund, with $770 million allocated for future claims, has disbursed millions of dollars in claims and continues to process new claims from those affected by asbestos exposure.
GAF’s product line, including roofing shingles and insulation, historically contained asbestos, a material prized for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. However, asbestos exposure has been linked to severe health issues such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. The use of asbestos in GAF’s products has resulted in numerous lawsuits and claims, compelling the company to pay significant compensation to affected individuals. Beyond roofing shingles and insulation, GAF also produced other asbestos-containing materials like siding and various construction products. The legal and financial repercussions of asbestos use have been substantial, but GAF remains committed to addressing these issues and compensating those impacted by asbestos exposure.
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