Chinese
Drywall
|
What Is Chinese Drywall?
Not all drywall from China is bad, but
because all known bad drywall comes from China, it is commonly
known as Chinese drywall. There are two known manufacturers of
contaminated Chinese drywall: Knauf Plasterboard Tianjian and
L&W Supply Corp. Contaminants in the drywall include several
sulfide and disulfide compounds, not just strontium sulfide or
hydrogen sulfide as many places report. These contaminants came
from the raw materials used and/or the manufacturing process.
Contaminated Chinese drywall off-gases
these compounds into the air and is sensitive to heat, humidity,
and the amount of defective drywall in the building. As few as
three sheets of drywall can be enough to require remediation.
Results include a foul sulfur smell, black corrosion of copper
and other metals, and nosebleeds and respiratory problems. If
you see the markings in either of the drywall images to the
right, you have Chinese drywall and likely need to replace it.
How Did This Happen?
During the housing boom parts of the
country experienced a shortage of building materials. As a
result contractors were forced to source materials from
alternative sources. In 40 states, including Florida, Virginia,
Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Washington,
contractors were forced to source drywall from China. The use
of Chinese drywall was not for price or quality reasons, but
purely caused by a lack of supply.
How Big Is The Problem?
At this point, no one is sure. An
initial study places the Chinese drywall problem across 40
states. In Florida alone, more than 326 million pounds of
Chinese drywall were imported since 2006. This problem is not
like asbestos or mold and many people had home problems for a
while but never realized it could be coming from the drywall.
Contaminated Chinese drywall is most common in areas that
experience building growth spurts, such as the post-Katrina Gulf
area and Florida in the housing boom. Chinese drywall is also
widely found in large scale projects, including apartment
complexes and townhomes.
What Are The Signs and Symptoms Of
Chinese Drywall?
The result of Chinese drywall is
corrosion of home wiring, including HVAC systems and electrical
systems, foul odor in the home, and potential health effects.
As few as three sheets of Chinese drywall in a home is enough to
require removal of all drywall from the home.
Signs you may have Chinese drywall in
your home:
Non-evasive visual inspections can be
performed at the time of inspection. If Chinese Drywall is
discovered, the inspection will be halted and the Client will be
asked if they would like the remainder of the home inspection
performed. If the Client wishes to end the inspection, a fee of
$225.00 will be charged and a report similar to the one below,
will be issued.
Sample
Chinese Drywall Report (No Chinese Drywall Found)
Martin County: (772) 214-9929 Broward/Palm Beach Counties: (954) 340-6615
Email me at:
ev@magnuminspections.com
(Back to Top)