Chinese Drywall Issues Causing Homeowners Headaches

Published: Thu 19 Nov 2009

Perry Begay - Contributing Writer

Just a few months ago, Chinese gypsum, also called Chinese drywall, seemed to offer a litany of economic, environmental, and structural advantages over traditional drywall materials. In fact, some home builders saw the materials as almost too good to be true. As it turns out, they were right.

Although the use of Chinese drywall has been limited primarily to the American South, it has caused nightmarish problems wherever it's used. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has received more than 1,900 reports of issues with Chinese drywall from homeowners in 30 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia.

Chinese gypsum is most prevalent in Louisiana and Florida, where experts estimate that up to 35,000 homes may have been built with the material. Of course, many areas of Florida, Louisiana, and other Southern states have been rebuilding after hurricane damage, so now the victims of the storms have yet another issue with which to contend. Chinese gypsum was also used extensively in recent construction, particularly the years of 2005 and 2006.

The problems Chinese drywall causes run the gamut, but all of the issues are equally serious. Although the CPSC is still investigating the reports of problems with the drywall, attorneys have been filing class-action suits for months. Home insurance companies, fearful of massive losses, are also desperate to find a way to justify the denial of Chinese-drywall related claims.

Though nothing has been proven yet, Chinese drywall is reported to emit noxious sulfur fumes. Some homeowners report smelling a rotten-egg odor, often to the point of it being intolerable, while others report structural problems and medical issues but no smell. Symptoms of Chinese drywall exposure include nose bleeds, sinus problems, headaches, and respiratory problems.

The home itself often suffers more than the homeowner, however. The drywall's fumes are said to corrode metal, particularly copper, which causes plumbing, electrical, appliances, and air-conditioning systems to fail. Some metals also blacken when exposed to the fumes, including some types of jewelry.

Some homeowners have decided to move out of their homes until the drywall is removed. Less fortunate homeowners who can't afford to pay for alternative living arrangements or repairs must either remain in the home and deal with the problems or have their homes foreclosed upon. Removing and replacing Chinese drywall is estimated to cost $75,000 or more.

The insurance commissioner for Florida recently decided that damages caused by Chinese gypsum cannot be recovered through basic homeowner insurance policies. The drywall is classified as defective material that was originally installed in the building, which is traditionally excluded from home insurance protection.