What is Chinese Drywall?

Hundreds of metro Birmingham homeowners who bought homes in the 2004 - 2008 time frame are among the victims of the Chinese drywall problem that has prompted scores of lawsuits and a federal consumer products probe.   During that time, it is be­lieved that drywall imported from China and tainted with sulfuric compounds was in­stalled in homes across the U.S. Such compounds combine with moisture in the air to corrode all types of metal, including air conditioning components, copper piping and wiring.  Humidity is thought to have exacerbated the problem.

Failure of air conditioning units during the first year or two of home ownership is a common symptom.   Other signs include a sul­furous odor, which smells like rotten eggs or struck matches. Another signal is exposed copper piping that has turned dark brown or black.

Also, the suspect drywall bears the names such as Knauf, Tianjin and Venture Supply.  Some of the contaminated drywall is unmarked.

The cost of repairing homes with Chinese drywall is extremenly high since, in many cases, all the drywall in the home must be removed and replaced.   In addition, appliances, copper wiring, and air conditioning units must be replaced.

 What are the health effects from exposure to Chinese drywall?

Health risks may remain an open question, but homeowners exposed to Chinese drywall often report similar physical ailments and symptoms including asthma, congestion, coughing, hair loss, headaches, hives, irritated eyes, joint and muscle pain, miscarriages, nausea, nosebleeds, rashes, shortness of breath, etc.

Additional information regarding Chinese drywall can be found at chinesedrywall.com.

 What type of testing is used to identify Chinese drywall in a home?

Samples of Chinese Drywall can be sent to a lab for testing but this is not conclusive unless virtually every square foot of drywall is tested.  The best approach appears to be a visual observation to determine if any symptoms of Chinese drywall exist in a home along with an indoor air quality test which can detect sulfur compounds.   This can be done with the Home Air Check offered by this home inspector >>>See More.