Whats the fuss about chinese drywall?

Drywall, or more commonly known as “Sheetrock”, is a common material that is used to finish the inner rooms of a residential home. Gypsum board, plasterboard, and wallboard are also common names that many refer to as “Drywall”. Drywall is made by compressing Gypsum, a naturally occurring mineral, between two thick sheets of paper. There is one particular type of drywall that was popular at one point, and it is known as “Chinese Drywall”. Chinese Drywall used gypsum that had a much higher sulfur content than the gypsum used here in the United States. The problem with Chinese drywall, is that the sulfur in the gypsum gives off a high rate of sulfur gas, that corrodes copper and other metal that is used in building materials. This can create problems with your air conditioning unit, your electrical conductors throughout your house, and even can cause issues with your faucet.

​Another component in Chinese Drywall is called “Fly Ash”, which is a coal residue that is found in smokestacks in coal fired power plants. Fly Ash contains a toxic product known as strontium sulfide, which is commonly found in fireworks. It also gives off toxic gases that can create issues in a home, such as: hydrogen sulfide, carbon disulfide, and carbonyl sulfide — all of which can contaminate a home’s air supply. High humidity levels can accelerate the release of these gases, which is why Chinese Drywall has been quite problematic in Southern States.

When was Chinese Drywall Used?
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, many building materials were in short supply, especially in Louisiana and Mississippi. Builders began to search for other alternatives that were cheaper and readily available, in order to restore homes on the gulf coast after Hurricane Katrina wiped many of them out. They began importing drywall from China because it was so affordable, as well as plentiful. They did not know the negative effects that this new, cheaper Chinese Drywall could have on homes going forward. Between 2004 and 2007, Chinese Drywall usage was at it’s highest in the United States. It is estimated that about 18% of the cases that were reported to the Consumer Products Safety Commission occurred here in Louisiana.

​What are the effects on me and my home from Chinese Drywall?
Exposure to high levels of airborne hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds from contaminated Chinese Drywall can result in: sore throat, sinus irritation, coughing, wheezing, eye irritation, headache, and many more.

How can I tell if my home has Chinese Drywall?
There are a few different ways that you as a homeowner can tell if your home has Chinese Drywall. First, and foremost, if your house was built around the timeframe of 2004-2007, and sometimes as early as 2000, there is a chance that you may have Chinese Drywall. You can start by checking any areas of your home where visible, unfinished drywall may be (the attic, garage, inside closets, etc). If you see Chinese writing anywhere on it, then you have Chinese Drywall. Another way is to carefully unscrew an electrical outlet or switch, and look at the copper wiring that is visible. If it is black, the sulfur dioxide has gotten ahold of it, and you can somewhat safely assume that you have Chinese Drywall. If you have any silver jewelry or silverware in the house, and it has become corroded or discolored, that is also a sign of Chinese Drywall. Another sign is it the house has a strong sulfur smell, similar to rotten eggs.

If your home has Chinese Drywall, unfortunately the only option you have is to get rid of the drywall completely and and install new, safe drywall. This can be an expensive repair, that can cost upwards of tens of thousands of dollars. Many home inspectors here in Louisiana do not inspect or test for Chinese Drywall, but can still identify some of the signs that your home may have it, especially when inspecting the electric panel. It is ALWAYS a good idea to have a home you are interested in purchasing professionally inspected. If that home was built or remodeled somewhere in the timeframe that Chinese Drywall was used, make sure you tell your home inspector that you are curious and would like to know if any signs of Chinese Drywall are present. It is always best to know as much information as you can before purchasing a home, and having your home inspector relay any signs of Chinese Drywall to you, is one more check in the box of your personal Peace of Mind.




Source: InterNACHI