The Notorious Chinese Drywall Saga
2. When Good Walls Go Bad
Remember I mentioned drywall from 2004-2007? Buckle up, because we’re about to enter a cautionary tale. During this period, a significant amount of drywall was imported from China, primarily due to a housing boom in the U.S. and a shortage of domestic supply. Sounds innocent enough, right? Wrong!
This imported drywall, unfortunately, contained elevated levels of strontium sulfide and other compounds. When exposed to humidity, these compounds could release sulfurous gases, like hydrogen sulfide, which smells like rotten eggs. Not exactly the ambiance you’re going for in your living room, I imagine. The smell wasn’t just unpleasant; it was corrosive, causing damage to electrical wiring, appliances, and even metal fixtures. People reported health problems like respiratory issues, headaches, and irritated eyes.
The problem was so widespread that it led to lawsuits, home demolitions, and a lot of homeowner stress. If you own a home built or renovated during that time, especially in humid areas, it’s worth checking into the history of your drywall. This doesn’t mean your house is automatically doomed, but awareness is key. Think of it as knowing your house’s family history, but instead of potential health issues, you’re looking for potential sulfurous off-gassing issues.
How can you tell if you might have Chinese drywall? The rotten egg smell is a big clue. Also, look for corrosion on copper wiring or air conditioning coils. Some drywall also has markings on the back that indicate its origin. Don’t panic if you find something suspicious. Contact a professional inspector to assess the situation and advise you on the best course of action. And remember, deep breaths! It’s just drywall… potentially problematic drywall.