Chinese "Toxic" Drywall
I have received several calls recently from Realtors® asking about problems with defective drywall imported from China. The issue is all over the news: you may have read or heard news reports about owners of newer homes in south Florida complaining of dry-wall that smells like rotten eggs. In several cases, they have had to leave their homes because the smell was so bad. In addition to the putrid smell, many south Florida homeowners have reported corrosive damage with air conditioning equipment and other copper components related to defective Chinese drywall. Some have spent hundreds — even thousands — of dollars to have air conditioning, pipes, and wiring repaired.
Usually, drywall is purchased from manufacturers in the United States, but a shortage between 2004 and 2006 prompted many builders to buy drywall from China. Most of the reported problems stem from drywall imported from China during Florida’s construction boom years of 2004 and 2005. Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. ltd. of China, a subsidiary of Ger-man-based manufacturer Knauf Group, is the company at the focus of Florida’s drywall problems.
Lennar Homes in March reported air quality tests it commissioned found that the material was emitting three sulfide gases that were likely causing the smell and corrosion problems. The Florida Health Department is conducting its own tests, and results from those should be available soon.
As of May 11, the Florida Health Department had received more than 400 complaints regarding defective Chinese drywall. The complaints come from 14 counties including, Manatee, Sarasota, Lee, St. Lucie, Pinellas, Collier, Dade, Citrus, lake, Hillsborough, Highlands, Palm Beach, and Broward. A few cases have now been reported in Lake and Orange counties.
How do you tell if you have the problem drywall in one of your listings? Ask yourself the following questions. When was the house built? The home must have been constructed after 2003 with emphasis on those built from 2004 to 2006. Are there unexplained sulfur-like or other unusual odors in the home? Is there any corrosion of copper components indicated by a black, sooty coating on the copper pipe leading to the air handling unit or at un-insulated copper wire ends in the distribution panel or at receptacles and switches?
The presence of Chinese manufactured drywall in the home can sometimes be determined by checking the back of the drywall for markings. Often, this can be done in the attic above the garage where there is no insulation installed.
If these indicators are present an assessment by a qualified inspection company is recommended. Unfortunately, there does not appear to be any way to mask the problem and leave the offending drywall in place. The corrective action taken in the South Florida cases has been complete removal and replacement.
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Jurgen was actually a bit early for our appointed meeting time. He went over what he was going to do, asked if we had any questions and asked repeatedly if we had areas of concern. At each area, he explained what he was doing and looking for. He would then tell us his areas of concern and if he felt we should be concerned about his findings. It was a very hot day and he seemed very prepared for the weather as well as what might go wrong at the house. He pointed out areas that would become issues in the far future as well as immediate issues. He had a great sense of humor, which helped pass the almost three hours that it took to go through everything. He told us that the final report would be available on the internet the next afternoon. It was. Everything was done in a very professional way and yet was fun! What a pleasure working with him.
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