Toxic Chinese Drywall might be in your home!

Over the past few months, owners of newer homes nationwide have been complaining of drywall that smells like rotten eggs. In several cases, they have had to leave their home because the smell was so bad. In addition to the putrid smell, many homeowners have reported problems with air conditioning and other systems that are likely related to the defective Chinese drywall.  This is being called the next EIFS like disaster in the real estate market!

Many have spent hundreds and even thousands of dollars - to have air conditioning, pipes and wiring repaired. Usually, drywall is manufactured 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 the construction boom years of 2004-2005. Florida and the Gulf Coast states have been the first to report and have issue with this drywall showing up but it also showing up in non-coastal areas.  Note: Recently the dates of use for Chinese drywall have been changed from as early as 2001 to as late as 2007.  This has been based on new discoveries of the drywall.  In addition it is also being reported that Chinese drywall has been found in parts of Canada.

Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd. of China, a subsidiary of German-based manufacturer Knauf, is the company at the focus of these drywall problems. If your newer home smells like sulfur or rotten eggs, you may have defective Chinese drywall. The problem is coming from coal ash that was mixed into the gypsum drywall compound. It appears that China was attempting to get rid of their coal ash problems by mixing it with the drywall compound. When the drywall is exposed to moisture, such as high humidity a chemical reaction starts. The result of this reaction is the production of Hydrogen Sulfide and Sulfuric acid gas. This is the rotten egg smell that is present with the drywall.  This is an actual picture of Knauf-Tianjin Drywall

This drywall is responsible for the destruction of the copper coils in HVAC units in the homes that it has been installed in. The corrosive off gassing is also responsible for damaging many other components in the homes from the copper electrical to the nails and screws that are holding everything together in the home.

If you think that you might have Chinese Drywall, you should contact a reputable home inspector who is familiar with this problem.  If you need help locating an inspector just give me a call and I might know of a person in your area.  As this new discovery is just starting to rear its ugly head, many are not aware of this problem.  Call Scott Patterson at 615-302-1113 if you have a problem or question.

For the most recent information you might also want to view my blog.  I tend to update my blog quicker than this website

The author of this informative notice is Scott Patterson.  Scott is a nationally recognized home inspector who works out of the Nashville TN area and holds multiple state home inspector licenses.  This may not be reproduced with out written permission from the author. Copyright 2009