What Are the Risks of Chinese Drywall?

Imported during the early 2000s, Chinese drywall has caused problems in Florida, Alabama, and more than 40 other states. While it’s usually safe, it can release sulfur that causes some respiratory problems and corrodes metal when it gets wet. For this reason, it’s important to know how it can damage your home after a flood or water event. We look at the risks of Chinese drywall and why you should clean up water damage properly if you have it.

What Is Chinese Drywall?

Chinese drywall is a type of defective drywall that was imported to the United States from China between 2001 and 2009. It has been found to contain high levels of sulfur and other chemicals that can emit a strong, unpleasant odor.

When exposed to moisture, they release a sulfur compound that smells similar to rotten eggs. The most common compounds include hydrogen sulfide and carbonyl sulfide, both of which are corrosive gases.

Once released, the sulfur can corrode metals and leave black soot-like powder throughout your home. These gases can damage appliances and other household items.

It has also been linked to a variety of health problems, including respiratory issues, headaches, and allergic reactions. The high levels of hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat.

The problem is particularly prevalent in the southeastern United States, where a significant amount of the drywall was used in new home construction during the housing boom of the mid-2000s. Issues with Chinese drywall are most common in Florida and Alabama.

What Are the Signs of Chinese Drywall Problems?

The biggest sign of Chinese drywall issue is the smell of sulfur gases, which smell like rotten eggs. However, there are many signs of problems. Here are the most common signs that you may have drywall from Chinese companies in your home include:

1. A strong, unpleasant odor: Many homeowners have reported a strong, sulfurous smell coming from their walls, which can be particularly noticeable in humid areas or when the air conditioning is running.
2. Health problems: People living in homes with this kind of drywall may experience respiratory issues, headaches, and allergic reactions.
3. Corroded metal: The sulfur gases it emits can corrode copper pipes, wires, and other metal surfaces. This can cause damage to appliances and other household items.
4. Peeling or bubbling paint: Sulfur gases can cause paint to peel or bubble. Over time, it will eventually crack and flake.
5. Discoloration: Regular exposure will cause discoloration of walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.
6. Blackening of copper fixtures: The sulfur compounds can cause copper fixtures to turn black and corrode.
7. Electrical problems: The corrosion of electrical wiring can cause problems with electrical systems and appliances. Copper wiring can corrode and pose an increased fire risk.

It is also important to note that these signs can be caused by other issues as well. Therefore, it is always best to consult a professional to identify if it is indeed Chinese drywall.

Does It Pose a Health Risk?

Due to the sulfur in Chinese-made drywall, it does pose a number of adverse health effects for some individuals. Health symptoms usually include a runny nose, sore throat, persistent cough, and recurrent headaches.

Some people may have a metallic taste in their mouths or frequent bloody noses as well. Less commonly, you can develop sinus infections,

The health hazards are often more severe for those with respiratory conditions and allergies may experience more severe symptoms. In rare cases, it may cause asthma attacks or similar shortness of breath, even if you’ve never experienced them before.

How To Tell if You Are at Risk?

The most definitive way to determine if a home is at risk from defective drywall from China is to have a professional inspection. A qualified inspector can test the drywall for the presence of sulfur and other chemicals commonly found in toxic drywall. They can also check for signs of corrosion and other damage caused by the drywall.

Here are some ways to find out if you have Chinese drywall:

1. Check your home’s construction records: Look for any documentation or records of the materials used in your home’s construction
2. Look for a label: Some drywall will have a “Made in China” or some other identifying label.
3. Check the date of construction: This type of drywall was primarily imported to the US between 2001 and 2009. You are most at rick if your home was built or remodeled during that time.
4. Consult with professionals: A professional home inspector, contractor or drywall inspector can test the drywall and identify any potential problems.

Even if you have Chinese-manufactured drywall in a home, you may not experience problems. However, you should remove it if you experience symptoms or live in a humid environment.

Can I Have My Drywall Tested?

Chinese drywall testing is available, but it requires cutting out a piece of drywall. If you have some of the symptoms, a test might be helpful in confirming whether you have it. However, if you have water damage and smell rotten eggs, it’s safe to assume you have it and testing is not necessary.

What Is Chinese Drywall Remediation?

Chinese drywall remediation refers to the process of removing and replacing it in a home or building. This process is typically done by a professional contractor and may include several steps, including:

1. Identification: The first step in Chinese drywall remediation is to determine if you have it in your home or building. This is usually done through a combination of visual inspection and testing of the drywall.
2. Removal: Once it has been identified, it must be removed from the home or building. This typically involves cutting out the affected drywall and disposing of it properly.
3. Replacement: After having it removed, it must be replaced with new, safe drywall. This typically involves installing new drywall and finishing it to match the existing walls.
4. Cleaning: Once the drywall has been replaced, the area will be cleaned thoroughly to remove any dust, debris or any other contaminants that may have been left behind during the removal process.
5. Repairing: After cleaning, any damage caused by the Chinese drywall, such as corrosion of copper pipes, discoloration of walls, and other surfaces, will be repaired.
6. Testing: After the remediation process is completed, the home or building should be tested again to ensure that all the Chinese drywall has been removed and that the air quality is safe.

As long as the drywall remains dry, it doesn’t pose much risk, but you can replace it if you are really concerned. However, you may want to replace it if you live in an area prone to water damage or high humidity. You should definitely replace the drywall if you have water damage.

How Much Does Chinese Drywall Remediation Cost?

The cost of Chinese drywall remediation can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the size of the home or building and the extent of the problem. On average, the cost of Chinese drywall remediation can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more.

While that may seem outrageous, remember that fixing the problem takes more than just replacing the drywall. It also includes cleaning and removing sulfur gases, repairing or replacing copper wiring and pipes, and inspecting appliances and HVAC systems.

Some of the factors that can affect the cost of Chinese drywall remediation include:

1. Size of the home or building: You will need to remove and replace more drywall if you have a larger home or building. This will increase the total cost of remediation.
2. Extent of the problem: The more widespread the problem with Chinese drywall, the more extensive and expensive the remediation process will be.
3. Location: The cost of labor and materials can vary widely depending on the location of the property.
4. Additional repairs: If the drywall has caused other damage, such as corrosion of copper pipes or discoloration of walls, these repairs will add to the cost.
5. Professional fees: The cost of professional inspections, testing, and remediation services will also be factored in.

It’s worth noting that some insurance policies may cover the cost of Chinese drywall remediation. It is always best to check with your insurance provider and understand the terms of your policy.

Additionally, some homeowners may be eligible for reimbursement from Chinese drywall manufacturers. Some have agreed to pay for certain costs associated with remediation as part of settlements reached with the U.S. government.

Why Does Water Damage with Chinese Drywall Cause More Problems?

Water damage plays a significant role in the effects of Chinese drywall. The water can activate the sulfur, helping it to spread throughout your home. The longer the water remains, the greater the risk of metal corrosion and health risks.

How Water Damage Causes Problems With Chinese-Made Drywall

In addition to the water damage itself, the Chinese drywall will releases sulfur that corrodes metal. This increases the risk of damage to your hot water tank, water pipes, and metal fixtures.

Due to the health risks, it makes water damage in your home more dangerous. For this reason, it’s important to clean up water damage quickly. This is especially true if you have young children or elderly family members at home.

If you have water damage and smell rotten eggs, let Restoration Local help clean up and repair your home. Call 1-888-443-3110 now for a free on-site estimate on water extraction and repair. Our water damage restoration specialists will repair the damage and replace your Chinese drywall.