do home inspectors check for chinese drywall

Can you test for 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).

What is a Chinese drywall inspection?

The Chinese drywall inspection is a visual inspection process that helps identify the some of the problems associated with defective drywall in a home.

What do you do if your house has Chinese drywall?

If you suspect that you have Chinese drywall in your home, you should have it tested. You'll need to find a reputable inspector to confirm that it is the contaminated Chinese drywall. If you do have Chinese drywall, it should also be reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Do you have to replace Chinese drywall?

If you discover your home is built with Chinese drywall, many contractors will suggest replacing all of the defective drywall. Many will also suggest replacement of all wiring, fire alarms, outlets, circuit breakers, and sprinklers.

What year did they stop using Chinese drywall?

The substance has been banned for use in U.S construction since 1989.

What years was Chinese drywall used in Florida?

The use of Chinese drywall in Florida homes and buildings occurred between 2004 and 2006, during the housing boom. At the center of the drywall problems in Florida is Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co.

Can you live 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.

What states have Chinese drywall?

Chinese-produced drywall became popular as U.S. drywall supplies were depleted amid the U.S. building boom. Homeowners in Florida, Louisiana and Virginia have filed the most complaints to date about defective Chinese drywall with the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Does Chinese drywall always smell?

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.

Can Chinese drywall be remediated?

Remediation Process The repair process for Chinese drywall can be very extensive depending on the amount of the drywall installed in the home. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has guidelines for remediation that should be followed.

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.

What are the dangers of Chinese drywall?

The first hint of possible trouble is the odor of rotten eggs in homes built with Chinese drywall. This smell is usually associated with sulfur dioxide fumes. Homes that contain defective drywall also usually have corrosion damage to air conditioner components, electrical wiring, copper plumbing, and metal jewelry.

Can Chinese drywall be remediated?

Remediation Process The repair process for Chinese drywall can be very extensive depending on the amount of the drywall installed in the home. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has guidelines for remediation that should be followed.

What are the dangers of 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 are the problems with Chinese drywall?

Much of wiring or piping found in homes is made of copper. Exposure to Chinese drywall can result in nose bleeds, headaches, coughs, upper respiratory or sinus problems, rashes, and difficulty breathing. There have also been cases reported of pets dying due to exposure to Chinese drywall.

How do you know if drywall is toxic?

How To Tell If You Have Toxic DrywallThe 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.