What was recalled
In late November of 2017, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant safety recall involving specific building materials produced by Plycem. The affected products are part of the Allura™ line, which includes both fiber cement decking and matching fascia components. This recall is notable because it encompasses every single unit of these specific Allura™ products that were ever manufactured and sold, making it a comprehensive "all-units" recall rather than one limited to a small batch or specific production run.
The primary items under scrutiny are the Allura™ fiber cement decking boards. These were designed for horizontal use in outdoor living spaces. Each recalled decking board was standardized at a length of 12 feet, with a width of exactly 6 inches and a thickness of one inch. Plycem produced these boards in two distinct installation styles to accommodate different construction preferences: one style was engineered for a hidden fastener application, while the other was designed for direct screw attachment. Visually, these decking materials were finished in a natural wood color featuring a realistic wood grain texture, intended to mimic the appearance of traditional timber without the associated maintenance.
In addition to the decking, the recall also covers the Allura™ fiber cement fascia, which is used for vertical applications such as the edge of a roof or wall. Like the decking, these fascia boards were sold in 12-foot lengths but came in two different widths: 8 inches and 12 inches. They shared the same thickness as the decking at 7/16 inches and featured the same natural wood color with a wood grain texture. It is important to note that neither the decking nor the fascia included any labels, barcodes, or other identifying marks directly on the materials themselves. This lack of visible identification can make it challenging for homeowners to verify if they possess the recalled items without referring to purchase records or product documentation.
While the recall notice does not specify the exact geographic regions or specific retail stores where these products were sold, it confirms that they were commercially available to the public prior to the November 21, 2017 announcement date. Because there are no physical labels on the boards to help consumers identify them, owners must rely on their purchase history, contractor invoices, or the specific physical dimensions and visual characteristics described here to determine if their outdoor structures contain these recalled Plycem products. If you have a deck built with 6-inch wide, 12-foot long cement boards that look like wood but feel heavy and rigid, or fascia of similar appearance, it is crucial to verify whether they are part of this specific Allura™ recall.
The hazard, explained
When you step onto a deck, your body places significant weight and dynamic pressure on the surface beneath you. The Allura™ decking materials recalled by Plycem are made of fiber cement, a composite material typically valued for its durability and resistance to rot. However, in this specific case, those materials have been found to deteriorate and crack over time. This deterioration is not merely cosmetic; it fundamentally compromises the structural integrity of the deck boards. As the material weakens, it loses the ability to support normal loads, meaning the deck can no longer safely bear the weight of a person walking, standing, or even sitting on it.
The physical mechanism of injury here is quite direct and severe. When the fiber cement deteriorates to the point of cracking, the decking surfacing breaks apart. Because these cracks weaken the board from within, they can propagate quickly under stress. If a consumer steps on a compromised section, the board may snap or collapse entirely beneath their foot. This does not just cause a stumble; it creates an open hole in the deck floor. The primary danger is falling through this broken surface. Consumers have reported serious injuries as a result of this failure mode, including one documented incident where an adult male’s leg went completely through the cracked decking, resulting in significant physical trauma.
It is important to understand why this happens even though fiber cement is generally considered a robust building material. Environmental factors, manufacturing variances, or long-term stress can cause internal micro-fractures to expand into visible cracks. Once a crack forms, it acts as a weak point. Every step you take puts tension on that specific spot. Over time, what might start as a small fissure can turn into a large, gaping hole without any obvious warning signs beforehand. There are no labels or identifying marks on the decking materials to alert you to this degradation, making the hidden nature of the hazard particularly dangerous.
The risk is not limited to falls alone. When the deck surface breaks unexpectedly, the sudden loss of support can cause a person to lose their balance violently. This can lead to secondary injuries from hitting nearby railings, furniture, or the ground below. Additionally, sharp edges from broken fiber cement can cause cuts or lacerations. The combination of falling through the deck and interacting with the jagged remnants of the failed material creates a high-risk scenario for serious bodily harm. Because the deterioration is internal and progressive, you cannot always see the danger until it is too late, which is why immediate cessation of use is critical.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at risk consists of homeowners, contractors, and property managers who installed Plycem Allura™ decking or fascia materials prior to the November 2017 recall. Because these products were sold as durable, low-maintenance alternatives to traditional wood, they are often found in high-traffic areas of residential properties, such as main entryways, expansive patios, and elevated decks. The danger is not limited to the person who purchased the home; it extends to anyone who walks on or near these surfaces. This includes family members, guests, delivery personnel, and neighbors. Since the recalled materials were available in both hidden fastener and direct screw applications, they may be installed in a wide variety of architectural styles, making them difficult to identify without specific knowledge of the product line.
Within this broad group of users, certain demographics face significantly higher vulnerability due to the nature of the failure mode. The recall highlights that the decking can deteriorate and crack, causing the surfacing to break entirely. When a structural component fails in this manner, the resulting hazard is a sudden, unexpected void in a walking surface. For children and younger adults, the risk is often one of awareness and agility. A child running or jumping on a deck may not notice subtle signs of deterioration until it is too late. Furthermore, their smaller stature means that if they fall through the broken decking, they are more likely to sustain injuries from impacting lower structural elements or ground-level obstacles than an adult might.
Elderly individuals and those with mobility challenges are perhaps at the greatest risk of severe injury. As people age, bone density often decreases, making fractures more likely from falls that might otherwise result in minor bruises for a younger person. The recall documentation notes a specific incident involving a leg injury to an adult male whose leg went through cracked decking. For an older adult, a fall through a deck surface can lead to hip fractures or head trauma, which carry serious long-term health implications and require extensive medical intervention. Additionally, individuals who rely on assistive devices like canes or walkers may be particularly vulnerable. These devices typically distribute weight over smaller contact points; if a cane tip lands on a weakened section of the deteriorating fiber cement, it could easily penetrate the material, causing the user to lose balance and fall.
There is also a unique risk factor associated with the specific characteristics of the recalled Allura™ products. The recall facts state that there are no labels or other identifying marks on the decking materials. This means that homeowners cannot simply check for a sticker or stamped date code to verify safety. A homeowner might assume their deck is safe because it looks intact, yet the internal fiber cement structure could be deteriorating. This lack of visible identification creates a false sense of security, leaving users unaware that they are walking on potentially compromised materials until a catastrophic failure occurs.
- Homeowners with elevated decks: Falls from height increase the severity of potential injuries.
- Elderly residents: Higher susceptibility to severe bone fractures and prolonged recovery times.
- Families with young children: Unpredictable movement patterns and less ability to detect early signs of wear.
- Individuals using mobility aids: Concentrated pressure from canes or walker tips may trigger sudden collapse.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you are unsure whether your outdoor living space contains the specific Plycem Allura™ products involved in this recall, do not rely on memory or general descriptions alone. Because the manufacturer did not apply any labels, barcodes, or other identifying marks directly to the decking or fascia materials, visual inspection and historical purchase records become your primary tools for verification. It is crucial to be thorough here, as the absence of a sticker means you cannot simply look for a "Recalled" tag; you must cross-reference physical attributes with what you know about your installation.
First, examine the physical characteristics of the boards currently installed in your deck or on the exterior of your home. The recalled Allura™ fiber cement decking was sold exclusively in 12-foot lengths. If your boards are shorter or longer than this specific dimension, they are likely not part of this recall. Furthermore, look closely at the width and thickness. The decking itself is six inches wide and one inch thick. You should also note the finish: these boards were finished in a natural wood color with a visible wood grain texture, designed to mimic the look of real timber. If your deck has a different color, texture, or smooth surface, it may be safe from this specific defect.
You must also determine the installation method used during your project. The recall covers two distinct styles of decking: those installed using a hidden fastener application and those secured via direct screw application. Check your boards to see how they are attached. If you can see screws going directly into the face of the wood-grain planks, or if you have an exposed fastener system, it falls under this category. Similarly, check for the fascia material used on the vertical edges of your deck or home. The recalled Allura™ fiber cement fascia was intended for vertical applications only. It came in 12-foot lengths but varied in width, being either eight inches or twelve inches wide, with a thickness of seven-sixteenths of an inch.
Since there are no serial numbers to scan, your next step is to dig up your original purchase documentation. Look for receipts, invoices, or contractor agreements from around the time of your deck's construction or renovation. While the recall announcement does not specify exact retail stores, Plycem was the brand in question. If you cannot find paperwork, contact the installer who worked on your home and ask them to verify the product line they installed. If you are still uncertain after comparing these dimensions, colors, and installation styles, the safest course of action is to reach out to Plycem directly for confirmation before making any changes to your deck.
What to do — step by step
If you suspect that your deck contains the recalled Allura™ decking or fascia from Plycem, your immediate priority is safety, not aesthetics or inconvenience. The structural integrity of the material has been compromised, meaning it can fail without warning. Therefore, the first and most critical action you must take is to immediately stop using the affected deck area. This means keeping everyone—adults, children, pets, and guests—off the surface entirely. Do not attempt to walk on it to inspect it further, as the cracking may be hidden or progress rapidly under weight. Treat the deck as if it were a hole in the floor; the risk of falling through is real and can result in serious injury. This temporary cessation of use protects you from the primary hazard identified in this recall: the deterioration and cracking of fiber cement materials that leads to sudden surfacing failure. Once you have secured the area to prevent accidental access, you need to initiate the remedy process. Plycem has committed to contacting all known purchasers directly, so keep an eye on your phone or email for their outreach. However, do not wait passively for them to find you. You should proactively contact Plycem to schedule a free repair of your deck. You can reach their support team toll-free at 844-452-6787. Their representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. When you call, have your product details ready if possible, though the recall applies to all units regardless of specific labeling, which may be absent on older installations. The phone line is the most direct way to confirm your eligibility and get the repair process started quickly. Alternatively, or in addition to calling, you can complete an online registration form to ensure your case is logged officially. Visit www.allurausa.com and navigate to the "Decking Recalls" section. Filling out this form provides a digital record of your claim and may streamline the scheduling of repairs. While the recall does not mention a standard mail-in return or refund option for the materials themselves, the primary remedy offered is a free repair. This likely involves Plycem sending professionals to assess the damage and replace or reinforce the compromised sections. By registering online or calling, you are securing this service at no cost to you. It is important to document your communication with Plycem, keeping copies of any confirmation numbers or emails you receive from their website. While you wait for the repair team to arrive, continue to enforce the "do not use" rule. Place physical barriers, such as caution tape or temporary fencing, around the deck if necessary to ensure that family members or neighbors do not inadvertently step onto it. Do not attempt any DIY fixes, such as caulking cracks or replacing individual boards yourself, as this may void your right to the free professional repair and could leave hidden structural weaknesses unresolved. The fiber cement material requires specific handling and installation techniques to restore safety. Your goal is to maintain the status quo of the deck being unusable until Plycem’s experts arrive to make it safe again. Patience during this waiting period is essential; rushing a temporary fix can lead to more severe accidents before the official remedy is complete.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own the recalled Plycem Allura decking or fascia, it is important to know exactly how the company intends to make things right for you. In this specific recall, the primary remedy offered by Plycem is a free repair service rather than a direct cash refund or a simple mail-in replacement unit. This distinction matters because fiber cement components are custom-fitted to individual deck structures, making a generic return and replacement logistically difficult for both the consumer and the manufacturer. Instead, Plycem has committed to contacting all known purchasers directly to coordinate this free repair. This proactive approach is designed to minimize the burden on you, ensuring that you do not have to figure out the logistics of shipping heavy building materials or finding a contractor on your own.
To initiate this process, you should contact Plycem immediately if you have not yet heard from them. You can reach their dedicated support team toll-free at 844-452-6787. The customer service lines are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. It is advisable to call during these hours to speak with a representative who can verify your purchase and schedule the necessary repair work. If you prefer to handle the initial registration digitally, you can visit www.allurausa.com and navigate to the "Decking Recalls" section to complete an online registration form. This online portal also serves as a resource for more detailed information regarding the scope of the recall.
The "free repair" remedy addresses the core safety issue: the potential for the decking to deteriorate, crack, and collapse under weight. By providing a free repair, Plycem is effectively addressing the structural integrity of your deck. While the recall facts do not specify whether the repair involves patching the damaged sections or replacing the entire run of decking, the goal is to restore the safety and usability of your outdoor space without cost to you. This approach ensures that the hazard—the risk of falling through broken decking—is eliminated at its source.
Please note that there are no labels or other identifying marks on the recalled decking materials themselves. Therefore, if you are unsure whether you have the affected product, you may need to rely on your purchase records or contact Plycem directly for assistance in verifying your specific model and installation date. Do not attempt to fix the cracking yourself before contacting them, as this could interfere with the free repair process or void any warranty protections associated with the recall remedy.
What can happen if you ignore it
When a product recall is issued for structural building materials like decking, the most dangerous reaction is often inaction. It is natural to feel hesitant about halting home improvement projects or dealing with contractor schedules, but continuing to use the recalled Plycem Allura decking poses a severe and immediate threat to physical safety. The core issue is not merely cosmetic; it is a fundamental failure of structural integrity. These fiber cement panels are designed to bear weight, support foot traffic, and withstand environmental stressors. When they deteriorate and crack, they lose that capacity entirely, transforming a safe walking surface into a fragile trap. The specific hazard here is catastrophic failure under load. As the material degrades, it creates weak points that are not always visible from a distance. You might walk across a section of your deck that looks perfectly fine, but the internal structure may have compromised enough that it cannot support even a fraction of its intended weight. The consequence is not just a broken board; it is the sudden collapse of the surfacing material beneath your feet. This creates an open gap in what you assumed was a solid floor. For anyone standing on or near that section, the result is a fall through the deck surface. We are not speaking about theoretical risks here. The manufacturer has already documented real-world outcomes from this exact failure mode. There have been three reported incidents of the decking cracking while in use. In one verified case, an adult male suffered a leg injury because his limb went directly through the cracked material. This is not a minor scrape or bruise; falling through a deck can lead to fractures, deep lacerations from exposed fasteners or rough edges, and potentially more severe trauma depending on the height of the deck and what lies beneath it. Ignoring the recall means you are gambling with your own or your family’s safety against odds that have already proven dangerous for others. Furthermore, delaying action increases the likelihood of a worse outcome. Deterioration is rarely static; it progresses over time due to weather exposure, foot traffic, and thermal expansion. A small crack today can become a large hole tomorrow. By continuing to use the deck, you are allowing the hazard to worsen, increasing the probability that someone will fall through at an inopportune moment—perhaps when carrying heavy items, during a party, or when supervising children who may not see the weak spot. The cost of ignoring this warning is measured in potential medical bills, permanent disability, or worse, none of which are necessary since a free repair is available to eliminate the risk entirely.Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a manufacturing defect in fiber cement decking materials, the underlying lesson applies to any home improvement project involving elevated surfaces or structural components. The most effective way to maintain long-term safety is to shift from reactive repairs to proactive maintenance. For outdoor structures like decks, porches, and balconies, regular visual inspections are your first line of defense. You should schedule a thorough check at least twice a year, ideally in the spring after winter weather has passed and in the fall before heavy rains or snow accumulate. Look closely not just for surface cracks, but for subtle signs of wear such as splintering, warping, or discoloration that might indicate moisture intrusion or material fatigue. These early warning signs are often easy to miss during casual use but are critical indicators that a component may be nearing the end of its safe service life.
Understanding how your home’s materials interact with their environment is equally important. Fiber cement, wood, composite materials, and metal all degrade differently when exposed to UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and moisture. For instance, hidden fasteners or direct screws can loosen over time due to thermal expansion and contraction, creating weak points where stress concentrates. If you have older decking, consider consulting with a qualified contractor about reinforcement strategies or protective coatings that can extend the lifespan of your materials. It is also wise to be mindful of weight limits; even structurally sound decks have maximum load capacities that should never be exceeded by heavy furniture, hot tubs, or large gatherings.
Beyond physical maintenance, staying informed about product safety is a powerful tool for every homeowner. Many hazardous products remain in circulation long after a recall is announced because consumers are unaware of the specific models affected. To protect your household, subscribe to email alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and sign up for notifications from major retailers where you make purchases. This ensures that if a new hazard emerges—whether it involves children’s toys, kitchen appliances, or building materials—you receive timely information. Additionally, keep records of your home improvements, including receipts, warranties, and product specifications. Having this documentation on hand makes it significantly easier to verify if your items are part of a recall and speeds up the process of accessing remedies like free repairs or replacements.
Finally, foster a culture of safety within your household by educating family members about potential risks. Teach children that decks and balconies are not playgrounds and that loose boards or cracked surfaces should be reported to an adult immediately. For older adults or those with mobility challenges, consider installing additional handrails or non-slip surfaces on steps and landings. Small, consistent efforts in maintenance and awareness can prevent the kind of sudden failures that lead to serious injuries, ensuring that your home remains a safe and welcoming space for years to come.