Defective Drywall

Chinese drywall is also referred to as defective drywall. The term “defective drywall” more accurately illustrates the fact that the problem drywall is not necessarily solely from China. Some reports indicate that drywall from Canada has been implicated and may, in fact, also be defective drywall.

Defective drywall has been linked to severe corrosion. Air conditioning units have been reported to fail very often. Some reports indicate that they have been failing multiple times in the same year. Televisions, computers, and appliances have also been failing at an astronomical rate. The mechanism that is causing the corrosion is relatively well understood at this point in time. It appears that defective drywall produces sulfur compounds that subsequently combine in various ways with various compounds that are present in the air to produce a corrosive environment. It seems that hydrogen sulfide is the primary culprit when as it relates to the corrosion.

Defective drywall has also been reported to cause adverse health issues. The most reported symptoms revolve around upper respiratory irritation. Coughing, sneezing, and sore throats have been especially common. These symptoms are further complicated in young children, elderly individuals, and those who are otherwise compromised. Other symptoms include chronic severe headaches, insomnia, and skin and eye irritation.

It is clear that defective drywall is causing property damage and adverse health issues.

How do I know if my home has defective drywall?

Several methods have been suggested to identify Chinese drywall. Recently HUD released guidelines that would help home owners and potential home owners identify Chinese drywall. When dealing with something the magnitude of defective drywall, be sure to get a guaranteed and insurable test. Certified Chinese Drywall Testing, LLC offers the only insurable testing protocol available. Pending a negative test result, our clients are able to obtain insurance that specifically protects them from and defective drywall problems.

My home does not seem to have Chinese drywall, but I can't sell it because buyers are scared. Can you help?

Absolutely! Our protocol is individually insured. This means that our policies are assignable. If you are having trouble selling your home because potential buyers are nervous that it may contain defective drywall, we can help. Pending a negative test result, sellers can advertise their home as “guaranteed free of Chinese drywall!” The policy can be assigned to the new owner, protecting them from any risk and giving them the peace of mind necessary to move forward.

How can you test for defective drywall?

Simple visual inspections are not sufficient. Neither is limited material testing. Because homes have been built with up to six different types of drywall, the only answer is comprehensive material testing. The HUD guidelines call for core samples to be analyzed for specific marker compounds. In addition to the compounds identified by HUD, our testing protocol analyzes for another marker compound. Each sample is analyzed for separate marker compounds to screen it as defective drywall. Our testing protocol is the only insurable protocol available and is backed by a national, A+ rated insurance company. When looking for a defective drywall inspector, be sure to ask them if they guarantee their results and who stands behind that guarantee.

Can defective drywall be repaired?

It can, but not inexpensively. Most estimates for a full remediation are about $60 per square foot. It should be noted that a full remediation involves more than simply removing the defective drywall and replacing it. A full repair will include HEPA vacuums and induced off gassing to help reduce the contamination of the framing members in the home.

Does insurance cover defective drywall damages?

Unequivocally, no. No insurance company to date has come forward to say that they will cover defective drywall damages. Most point to the fact that home owner's policies exclude pollution and material defects.