Hundreds of millions of sheets of the Chinese drywall were imported into the United States and Canada between 2001 and 2007. It has been reported in as many as 14 states and many provinces and may have been used in an estimated 100,000 renovated and newly-built homes, with up to 40,000 in Florida alone.
Where was Chinese drywall used?
According to published reports, “Chinese drywall was used in the construction of thousands of homes, mainly in the South, after a series of hurricanes in 2005 and before the housing bubble burst.”
When did they use Chinese drywall?
Chinese drywall was first imported into the United States beginning in 2001. Most of the homes that have Chinese drywall were built between 2001 and 2008.
How can you tell if you have Chinese drywall?
The smell from the corrosive gas emitted from Chinese drywall is very potent and smells similar to rotten eggs. This noticeable indicator may tell you that your drywall is from China. From your attic, take a look at your drywall for the name KNAUF. The drywall may also say Knauf Plasterboard (Tianjin).
Did Home Depot sell Chinese drywall?
A: Both home improvement stores have said their companies did not buy or sell drywall manufactured in China.
Can you live in a house with Chinese drywall?
Risks to Health and Home
Some homeowners with Chinese drywall report a strong sulfur smell, similar to that of rotten eggs, permeating their homes. Health problems are said to include headaches, respiratory ailments, irritated eyes, and nosebleeds.
Do home Inspectors check for Chinese drywall?
More Than A Simple Inspection
The components that can be affected by Chinese drywall are not necessarily easy to detect with a standard home inspection. In order to check the electronic equipment in the home and the wiring inside receptacles, a more invasive inspection is required.
What do you do if your house has Chinese drywall?
What should I do if I think my house has Chinese drywall?
- The most important issue is your health and safety.
- You should contact your state and local authorities to report your concerns and get direction on any help or resources in your area.
Does Chinese drywall contain asbestos?
Modern drywall and taping compound do not contain asbestos.
Is Chinese drywall still being sold?
Tainted Chinese drywall is no longer sold in the United States since the 2012 passage of the Drywall Safety Act, which set chemical standards for domestic and imported drywall.
Do you have to disclose Chinese drywall?
Do Sellers Need to Disclose this Drywall? While sellers are technically required to disclose any obvious defects to the house, this doesn’t guarantee that they will always be 100% truthful, or include drywall in their report.
How toxic is Chinese drywall?
The contaminated drywall has high levels of sulfur, which may be responsible for a rotten egg smell in affected homes, blackened or corroded pipes, failure of air conditioners and other household appliances, and health problems such as asthma, coughing, headaches, sore throats, and irritated eyes.
What does Chinese drywall smell like?
Does Chinese drywall pose health risks? The Consumer Product Safety Commission has identified gases emitted from Chinese drywall from samples of imported drywall and from analyzing the air in homes built with defective drywall. The gases that are emitted can smell like “rotten eggs” and may irritate some individuals.
What drywall is made in Canada?
CGC Inc. is a leading marketer, manufacturer and distributor of gypsum wallboard products, interior finishing materials and suspended acoustical ceilings in Canada. CGC began in Nova Scotia, Canada in 1907.
Where does drywall come from in Canada?
Approximately 75% of Canadian production comes from Nova Scotia; Ontario, Manitoba and BC also produce gypsum. Wallboard manufacturers are located in these provinces as well as in Québec, Newfoundland, New Brunswick and Alberta. Crude gypsum is a low-cost, high-bulk mineral commodity.
What is drywall called in Canada?
Sheetrock
Drywall is the most common interior wall surface in Canadian homes. It has replaced the use of plaster and is inexpensive and easy to install. It is also referred to as “wallboard”, or by the brand name “Sheetrock”.
Does drywall dust stay in your lungs?
Over time, breathing the dust from drywall joint compounds may cause persistent throat and airway irritation, coughing, phlegm production, and breathing difficulties similar to asthma. Smokers or workers with sinus or respiratory conditions may risk even worse health problems.
How do I know if I have toxic drywall?
How To Tell If You Have Toxic Drywall
- The smell of sulfur, often likened to rotten eggs.
- Corrosion on metal faucets, drains, mirrors, picture frames and even jewelry.
- Corrosion on copper in your building.
- Failing or poorly working appliances, especially if they are relatively new.
How much does it cost to fix Chinese drywall?
Many homeowners have played $30,000 to $40,000 or more to have all of the drywall replaced, as well as the wiring, A/C, and other damaged hardware in their home. Pricing can depend on the area you live in, the square footage of the home, and whether or not you need a permit to do the work.
What do Chinese buyers look for in a home?
The Chinese believe a home should be a balanced environment where the property design ensures the good energy flow through unencumbered. A home with good lighting and spacing with little clutter appeal to most people.
What is considered defective drywall?
For the purposes of this section the term “defective drywall” means gypsum wallboard that (i) contains elemental sulfur exceeding 10 parts per million that when exposed to heat or humidity, or both, emits volatile sulfur compounds in quantities that cause observable corrosion on electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, fuel