Chinese Drywall now reported in 38 states

[Karen Scott]

Gary -

On the comment on ASTM and the actual quality of the drywall - that is probably something best left to the attorneys.

Properties maintained with good humidity control that have some defective sheetrock probably have some off gassing happening to a degree, but not enough to be as obvious as houses fully loaded with it and in hot, humid conditions. We think this defective drywall starts off gassing once installed, but the degree of off gassing is impacted by other factors such as how much defective sheetrock is in the house, what the heat and humidity factors are, is the AC system properly designed and maintained, and what other household factors might be present such as formaldehyde and household chemicals.

We also think that it is not just here in the States, but might have been exported to other countries.

This issue has made me much more aware about the importance of efficient mechanical systems and fresh air intake, especially in more energy efficient homes that do not have as much opportunity for fresh air to get in and out.

Defective drywall is in commercial properties too but probably not as easily identified because commercial properties generally have better designed mechanical systems with fresh air intake which manage the interior temperature and humidity conditions as well as overall air quality much better.

[Joseph Burkeson, CMI]

Originally Posted by Karen Scott

Defective drywall is in commercial properties too but probably not as easily identified because commercial properties generally have better designed mechanical systems with fresh air intake which manage the interior temperature and humidity conditions as well as overall air quality much better.

Karen,

Are you saying that 5/8 Type-X gypsum wallboard was imported from China too?

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Chinese Drywall Inspection training video
http://www.nachi.tv/episode92

[Karen Scott]

Joseph -

There seems to be this idea that commercial construction never has 1/2" drywall in it; that it is only 5/8". However, 1/2" is often used in commercial.

Sometimes it is specified for specific reasons such as trying to get as much space possible in a tight fitting electronics or computer work area or closet or a back room where the storage racks have to fit to a specific width. It might sound silly, but in those situations every inch counts.

Sometimes the tenant uses a residential subcontractor who brings 1/2" in because that is what he happens to have on hand or does not realize that commercial property managers prefer 5/8". If no one objects, it goes up and the building officials typically don't say anything as long it is not being used in a rated wall that only allows for 5/8".

Also, if you look at fire wall assembly wall specifications, some will allow for use of multiple layers of 1/2" versus 5/8" to get a specific rating such as a two hour rating. It was recently found in this type of a rated assembly in a common area and hallway of a Florida multi unit residential complex.

So 1/2" can be and has been introduced into commercial interiors which can lead to issues with corrosive drywall.

Has it been specifically found in 5/8" drywall? I have heard from a couple of sources that they believe it has been but I cannot confirm that personally. Even if it was not imported from China, there is a possibility that if any of the tainted gypsum rock was picked up and recycled, it might show up in American recycled 5/8" at a later date. However, it might be pretty diluted at that point and the mechanical systems would probably pick it up as a trace but it might not be as corrosive.

[Larry J. Michael]

Originally Posted by bgromicko

Chinese Drywall Inspection training video
http://www.nachi.tv/episode92

Got to get to it.

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Training video sale ends today
$100 (regularly $200)

Check out the video preview

This course teaches the best visual-only inspection techniques.


EXPERT COURSE INSTRUCTOR:

Howard Ehrsam EI, CDP, LEED AP
Chinese Drywall Screening, LLC
Phone: 772-224-8660
www.twitter.com/CDS_Howard
www.chinesedrywallscreening.com
CGC 1509717
Sign up for a Chinese Drywall Screening newsletter

EXPERT COURSE INSTRUCTOR:

Karen M. Scott, SCMD, CDP
Asset Advisors and Managers, Inc.
Phone: 772-600-7928
Karen@Asset-A-M.com
www.assetadvisorsandmanagers.com

[Gary Madsen]

Consumer Product Safety Commission & HUD now have published guidelines for removal of Chinese Drywall. They are noted as being preliminary. My feeling is to use them as a baseline and go well beyond these recommendations in remediation.

[Ben J. Gromicko]

There was a recent Summit concerning "tainted" Chinese drywall.

Construction, Finance, Insurance and Law Summit
January 29, 2010
Indian River State College, Fort Pierce Campus, Florida

Tainted-Chinese-Drywall-Summit-Wrap-Up-1_Part1.pdf
Tainted-Chinese-Drywall-Summit-Wrap-Up-1_Part2.pdf

Howard Ehrsam, the instructor of the "Inspecting Chinese Drywall" course http://www.nachi.org/chinesedrywall, was a speaker at the Summit.

[Konstantin Ordin]

hi, video borescopes will be fine to eliminate this danger, just to look at labeles from china or not from china