Suit Cites Damage From Synthetic Stucco Product

Los Angeles-area homeowners who believe their houses are covered with Exterior Insulation and Finish System, a synthetic stucco product, may be eligible to receive cash compensation, free property inspections, extended warranties and other benefits of a class-action suit, an attorney said last week.

Plaintiffs in the case against Dryvit Systems Inc. allege that Dryvit EIFS traps moisture between the house wall and the exterior faux-stucco material, potentially causing damage to residences, said Gary Mason, co-lead counsel for the plaintiffs.

Los Angeles is one of the cities nationwide where the synthetic stucco materials were widely distributed, Mason said. He added that the impact of the alleged defects has been more widely reported in damp climates, such as Texas and the northwestern United States.

Houses do not have to be damaged for homeowners to participate in the lawsuit, Mason said. One must simply have owned a one- or two-story home or town house as of June 5, 2002, that is partially or wholly covered with Dryvit EIFS, installed after Jan. 1, 1989. Affected homeowners may be entitled to a free home inspection, a three-year extended warranty and a cash settlement toward repair costs.

Parties who think they are eligible to join the lawsuit should call (800) 320-9415 or visit www.stuccosettlement.com.