Here is a great definition of Chinese Drywall from the inspection company we use:
Many have heard of the Chinese Drywall issues but did you know that there are many scams out there? Although there is no official protocol for identifying this type of drywall, there are products out that claim to “fix” the problem. None have been sanctioned by the state or federal government as being affective.
The insurance industry is a big player in this fight so they have come up with a “protocol” that so far has been the yard stick for measuring whether there is tainted drywall in some ones home or not.
For Homes Built After 2003
1. Is there presence of sulfur-like or other unusual odors?
2. Is there confirmed presence of Chinese manufactured drywall in the home?
3. Is there copper corrosion, indicated by black, sooty coating of Un-insulated copper pipe leading to the air handler unit present in the garage or mechanical room of a home?
4. Is there documented failure of the air conditioner evaporator coil? (located inside air handling unit)
5. Is there confirmation by an outside expert or professional for the presence of premature copper corrosion on Un-insulated copper wires and/or air conditioner evaporator coils? (located inside air handling unit) (A professional would be us for example)
Conditions above must be two or more of the five in order to meet the “definition” of having Chinese Drywall. If a home was built before 2004, it must meet three or more of the criteria. The approach above utiliizes an inexpensive visual protocol.
There is also a laboratroy sampling approach that is more expensive but sanctioned as well. The visual approach cost about $150-$350 depending if it is part of a regular inspection or a stand alone inspection. Lab samples cost about $125-$250 each.
Typically 4 to 6 or more samples are required. Keep this in mind when listing or selling a newer home or call us for more information.
Mike Conley
Straight Inspection Service
P. O. Box 1449
Anna Maria, Florida
941-778-2385
Office 34216-1449
941-778-7243 Fax
www.FLinspector.com
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