Arizona Home Inspection News & Information

Chinese Drywall Alert - Update
By Duane Smith, Owner

Last week a Federal judge in Louisiana directed several attorneys to begin a list of potential victims for a class action lawsuit regarding the use of the so-called Chinese Drywall. Manufactured in China, this drywall was imported into the united states primarily from Knauf Co. through Florida.

While most drywall used in construction in the United States is manufactured locally, the housing boom starting in 2004 depleted available supplies, so contractors and builders looked elsewhere. The manufacturing process used in China did not adequately “clean” the toxic materials. Several health problems along with detrimental consequences to copper wiring and piping began to surface. It is estimated that this material has been used in several states, including Arizona.

And from an article published in the Wall Street Journal today: "A Sunnvale, CA firm has developed a drywall substitute, called EcoRock, which is made with recycled material. This product requires 80% less energy to produce and produces 80% less carbon dioxide than the standard gypsum-based drywall. Limited test quantities were made available to some building contractors this year, but the company plans to expand production and distribution over the next two years. EcoRock is also termite and mold resistant. Pricing is estimated to be similar to premium drywall products already on the market. “

Below is the original article about this subject.Integrity Inspections will keep you updated about the lawsuit and other important developments as they occur. At Integrity Inspections of Arizona, quality matters!

Chinese Drywall Alert
By Duane Smith, Owner
Original Article Published May 8, 2009

Traditionally, drywall used by home builders in the United States has been manufactured in the United States. However, because of the housing boom and the rebuilding necessitated by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, domestic supplies of drywall manufactured in this country were depleted. So around 2004, drywall began being imported from China to meet the growing demand.

However, in Florida, and now in several other states including Arizona, significant issues with the Chinese made drywall have surfaced. It is estimated that about 550 million pounds of Chinese drywall have come through U.S. ports since 2006, according to an article in the Herald Tribune of Sarasota, FL. That’s enough drywall to build or remodel some 60,000 homes.

Currently, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has initiated a formal compliance investigation into possible defects associated with Chinese drywall. And the Federal Government is beginning a multi-agency investigation of drywall imported from China that is suspected of releasing sulfur gasses believed to be causing the corrosion and health problems.

So how do you know if you have drywall imported from China in your home?

Some of the telltale signs are a strong odor of sulfur or rotten eggs. A premature failure of appliances such as air conditioners; stoves, refrigerators and even X-boxes. Sooty or corrosion noted on copper piping or wiring or discoloration of mirrors. Also possible are symptoms of allergies, nose bleeds, or upper respiratory problems. These symptoms may disappear if the residents leave the home for an extended period of time.

At Integrity Inspections of Arizona, we are aware of these potential issues associated with Chinese drywall. During our inspections, we are careful to watch for indications that might suggest the presence of this type of drywall, and alert our client/realtor accordingly.