You may have heard of the problems that the use of Chinese drywall has created for thousands of homeowners in southern states, particularly Florida. But you may not be aware of the possibly nationwide extent of the fiasco, or of recent developments on its legal and remediation fronts. After detailing some of those developments, this article makes the case for using an inexpensive video camera scope (aka a video borescope) as the first step in determining whether a home or apartment indeed has a problem that must be remediated.
As it turns out, the potential consequences of the use of Chinese drywall in a home are on a par with those of the mold left behind after a major flood. On April 3, 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission released "Interim Remediation Guidance for Homes with Problem Drywall," which recommends that homeowners remove and replace all possible problem drywall, as well as their fire and smoke safety alarm devices and fire suppression sprinkler systems and attached electrical components and wiring. The CPSC guidelines assume that sulfur compounds off-gassed from Chinese drywall will corrode the metals in these safety systems, making them unreliable.
Furthermore, a recent ruling in the first federal suit against a Chinese drywall manufacturer issued remediation guidance on non-safety-related aspects of the problem. The federal court recommended that any residence found to contain Chinese drywall also replace all copper pipes and plumbing fixtures, the entire HVAC system, most appliances (particularly refrigerators), all electronic components, all carpeting and hardwood and vinyl flooring, tile floors, unless they can be protected during remediation, and all cabinets, countertops, trim, molding and baseboards.
The first of these cases was settled on April 8, 2010, when the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, in a multi-district litigation, entered a default judgment of $2.6 million against a Chinese gypsum supplier on behalf of seven Virginia families whose property had been severely damaged by the company's drywall. Personal injuries will be addressed separately. Homeowners are also pursuing claims against parties other than manufacturers in state courts. For the latest news on the legal aspects of the problem, as well as remediation guidelines, visit www.chinesedrywall.com.
The recommendations issued with the ruling also advised that after all Chinese drywall has been removed, the property must be completely cleaned, aired out for 15-30 days, and certified as safe by an independent engineering company.