Chinese Drywall Assessment & Sampling
If your home was built or underwent repairs and remodeling between 2001 and 2009, it’s possible that toxic drywall imported from China was used. Signs of Chinese drywall include the smell of sulfur, corroding copper and electrical wires, and more. At HomePro Inspections, we offer inspection and sampling options in order to determine if your home contains defective Chinese drywall. Request a quote online or call (904) 268-8211 to speak with one of our knowledgeable team members.
Our Chinese Drywall Options
Chinese Drywall
Assessment
This service is appropriate when your home was built or heavily remodeled between 2001 and 2009, and you have noticed signs consistent with the presence of defective, toxic, or Chinese-made drywall.
- Visual assessment
- Follows Florida Dept. of Health best practices
Chinese Drywall
Sampling
This service is appropriate only if your Chinese Drywall Assessment (Step 1) report suggests a strong likelihood of the presence of defective, toxic, or Chinese-made drywall.
- Minimum 2” x 2” drywall sample (not more than 6” x 6”)
- Samples sent to & processed by accredited Laboratory
Common Signs of Chinese Drywall
During the construction boom between 2001 and 2009, drywall shortages in the United States caused the building industry to import drywall manufactured in China. The following signs are commonly present in homes that contain defective Chinese-made drywall.
Copper turns black and powdery.
Creates odor of rotten eggs, sulfur, or burnt matches.
Corrosion of copper evaporator coils in air conditioning systems.
Oxidation and/or corrosion of electrical wiring.
Corrosion of other metals present in the home.
Do You Need an Assessment for Chinese Drywall?
To help determine whether a property may have defective or corrosive Chinese drywall installed, the state of Florida has developed a case definition. To meet the current definition (12-18-09), follow the guidelines below.
Criteria 1: Sentinel Indicators of Drywall Associated Corrosion
- 1 The home was constructed or renovated with new drywall between 2001 and 2009.
- 2 Observed corrosion of air conditioner evaporator coil exemplified by black corrosion on copper tubing components. The corrosion can result in refrigerant leakage making it impossible to cool the home requiring coil replacement. Coil failures indicative of this problem typically occur every 6 to 14 months.
- 3 Observed metal corrosion, indicated by blackening of one or more of the following:
- Copper wires, ground wires, and electrical connectors
- Un-insulated and un-coated copper pipes and fittings
- Chrome-plated bathroom or kitchen fixtures
- Silver and copper jewelry
- Mirror backing in bathrooms
If all three of the above indicators are true of your home, then the home meets the criteria for “possible case” of Chinese drywall and further investigation is recommended. A Chinese drywall assessment from HomePro will determine if your home meets the criteria for “probable cause,” at which time sampling is recommended for lab testing. Lab testing will determine if your home has a “confirmed case” of Chinese drywall.
Exposure to Chinese Drywall Can Cause Health Issues
People who have been exposed to toxic Chinese drywall commonly experience symptoms that include the following:
Asthma
attacks
Chronic
coughing
Difficulty
breathing
Chronic
headaches
Sinus
issues
Located in Jacksonville, FL, and serving St. Augustine and the surrounding areas, HomePro Inspections provides the best in environmental sampling services. In addition to Chinese drywall assessments and sampling, we offer options for sampling mold, indoor air quality, water, lead paint, asbestos, and meth labs. Get started with a quote today by calling one of our knowledgeable team members at (904) 268-8211.
