AVAILABLE SERVICE IN MIAMI, BROWARD & PALM BEACH COUNTIES
Chinese Drywall Inspections in South Florida
Between 2001 and 2009, a shortage of American-made drywall during the housing boom and the rebuilding after the 2004 and 2005 hurricanes led builders to use imported drywall, much of it made in China. Some of that drywall gives off sulfur gases that blacken and corrode copper, damaging electrical components and air conditioning coils. Florida accounted for more than half of the reports filed with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The problem still turns up today, in original construction from those years and in older homes that were remodeled or added onto during that period.
What we look for
- Black, sooty coating on the bare copper ground wires behind outlet and switch covers and in the electrical panel
- The condition of the air conditioning evaporator coil, and how many times it has been replaced
- A sulfur or “rotten egg” odor, especially in a closed, warm house
- Markings on the back of the drywall where it can be seen, such as in the attic, the garage, or behind access panels
- When the home was built, and when any additions or renovations were done
How problem drywall is confirmed
A visual inspection can raise the question, but it cannot settle it alone. Federal guidance from the CPSC and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) uses two steps: first, blackened copper together with drywall installed during the affected years; second, corroborating evidence such as Chinese-origin markings, laboratory testing of drywall samples, or laboratory confirmation of the corrosion on the copper. If we find warning signs, we explain the options to confirm or rule it out.
Buying a home that was already repaired?
A properly remediated home can be a sound home. Ask the seller for the scope of work, the rooms and materials that were replaced, the permits, and any post-remediation testing. A home with complete records is a known quantity; a home with no records is a question mark.
We provide residential & commercial inspections tailored to the needs of the customer. Call us to schedule and get more information.
To schedule an inspection, call (954) 802-8524
