Associated Press

A man is seeking to include North Dakota customers in a case against a Pennsylvania shingles company that includes more than a dozen states.

The complaint filed in federal court Friday by Fredric Eldridge, of Larimore, alleges that CertainTeed Corp., based in Valley Forge, Pa., sold defective shingles to customers throughout North Dakota. Eldridge is seeking class-action status for his complaint.

Separate lawsuits against CertainTeed have been filed in about 15 states, said Arnold Levin, a Philadelphia lawyer acting as a liaison in the case. Those lawsuits will be consolidated in Pennsylvania, he said.

"It's not going to be in North Dakota very long," Levin said Friday of Eldridge's lawsuit.

Attempts to reach CertainTeed officials Friday afternoon were not successful. Rob Shelquist, a lawyer for the proposed class, did not return a phone message seeking comment.

The complaint applies to shingles that have been sold since 1987 under various brand names, including Horizon, Independence, Hearthstead, Hallmark, Woodscape, CertainTeed, Sealdon and War-Sealdon.

The shingles have led to damage to roofs, underlying felt, plaster, gypsum wallboard, walls and ceilings, the complaint said.

"Defendant failed to adequately design, formulate and test the shingles before warranting, advertising and selling them as durable and suitable roofing products," the document said.

The lawsuit could affect "hundreds and perhaps thousands" of customers in North Dakota, the complaint said. Eldridge said he first noticed problems with his shingles in 2004.

The complaint said the "amount in the controversy" across the country totals more than $5 million.