KD Performance Home Inspections: Chinese Drywall

Chinese Drywall

Drywall is a material used during construction to cover interior walls in a home. Home owners have been reporting problems with Chinese drywall, drywall manufactured in China and shipped to the United States. This material can contain high amounts of sulfur gasses, which could cause corrosion of metal objects in the home (air conditioners, electrical wiring, appliances, plumbing pipes, etc.). Bad smells have also been reported.

Most drywall is domestically manufactured. During the construction frenzy that followed Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma drywall prices went up and supplies were low. Builders turned to products made overseas to meet demand.

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Chinese drywall entered the U.S. through numerous ports in states that included: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Washington.

Reports state that some drywall factories in China have mixed in coal ash to their drywall mixture. This ash is a byproduct of combustion from factories and contains sulfur.

Home owners are also worried about possible health issues. Tests to date have shown no immediate health threats.

Symptoms may include a rotten-egg smell. Check for corrosion on metal surfaces in the home.

To date only homes built or remodeled in the last five years seem to have this problem. Humidity has been thought to cause the sulfur inside the drywall to offgas and enter the living areas of the home. Most problems have been reported in Florida or other warm areas of the country. The CPSC and the EPA are investigating.

A recent search on Google for "chinese drywall" shows that the sharks are circling: many lawyers, construction companies and testing facilities are trolling for new clients.

Although I can provide testing to check for Chinese drywall I will point out that as of this writing there have been no confirmed cases reported in Tennessee. At this point it is probably best not to panic. Only homes remodeled or built within the last five years are reporting problems. Check with your builder first to see where your drywall was manufactured. Check to see if your home is under warranty. If testing is still needed you can then call our office.

Please note: that rotten egg smell can also be coming from your well water (manganese) or from your water heater.