The lawyers have landed in the uproar over Chinese drywall
The continuing saga of homeowners facing problems with Chinese drywall continued this week with a major update by USA Today.
For those that are unaware of the issue, drywall imported from and reportedly used in homes in Florida and other states, is being blamed for off-gassing that causes damage to a home's electrical and heating components. The materials, which were imported after a building materials shortage caused by Gulf Coast rebuilding boom in 2004 and 2005, is also reported to give off a rotten egg odor. Some have reported that it smells a bit like fireworks, not surprising since sulfur is a core ingredient.
Affected homeowners are now claiming health problems severe enough to make them want to move out of their homes. Some have had all of the drywall removed and replaced, as well as additional inspections done to determine if any damage may have been caused to metal building components including wiring, plumbing, duct work and structural hardware that helps hold buildings together.
Beyond the drywall itself, some experts fear that the odor has been absorbed by the insulation in the home, or even the wood framing, further complicating any repair attempts.
The Florida Department of Health states on it's website that it has not identified data suggesting an imminent or chronic health hazard at this time. But regardless of whether the health threat is fact or fiction, one things is certain: in an already difficult real estate market, perception is reality. Homes confirmed to have been built with Chinese drywall will be difficult if not impossible to sell.
According to experts at the American Society of Home Inspectors, issues with drywall and drywall mud from China are not new and have been around since the late 1990s and a big topic of conversation in the local markets.
In an article in the ASHI Reporter, Florida home inspector Michal Conley, reported that one homeowner noticed that her jewelry was tarnishing quickly. Another complained that his air conditioning coil was corroding after only a year or two. Other indicators of a problem include black copper wiring in the main service panel and doorstops that turn black or look tarnished. Television sets, computers, microwaves and refrigerators all have been mentioned as susceptible. Conley says that some home owners have even told builders they'd be happy to swap houses, to one built without the imported drywall.
Complicating matters, Chinese drywall seems destined to become a boom industry for class action law firms that are lining up to represent affected homeowners, with ads running on television, and investigators seeking clients posting their availability to blog posts on the topic.
At least that's one industry that doesn't seem to be suffering a recession.
Tom Kraeutler is the Home Improvement Editor for AOL and co-author of My Home, My Money Pit: Your Guide to Every Home Improvement Adventure. He delivers home improvement tips each week as host of The Money Pit, a nationally syndicated home improvement radio program.
For those that are unaware of the issue, drywall imported from and reportedly used in homes in Florida and other states, is being blamed for off-gassing that causes damage to a home's electrical and heating components. The materials, which were imported after a building materials shortage caused by Gulf Coast rebuilding boom in 2004 and 2005, is also reported to give off a rotten egg odor. Some have reported that it smells a bit like fireworks, not surprising since sulfur is a core ingredient.
Beyond the drywall itself, some experts fear that the odor has been absorbed by the insulation in the home, or even the wood framing, further complicating any repair attempts.
The Florida Department of Health states on it's website that it has not identified data suggesting an imminent or chronic health hazard at this time. But regardless of whether the health threat is fact or fiction, one things is certain: in an already difficult real estate market, perception is reality. Homes confirmed to have been built with Chinese drywall will be difficult if not impossible to sell.
According to experts at the American Society of Home Inspectors, issues with drywall and drywall mud from China are not new and have been around since the late 1990s and a big topic of conversation in the local markets.
In an article in the ASHI Reporter, Florida home inspector Michal Conley, reported that one homeowner noticed that her jewelry was tarnishing quickly. Another complained that his air conditioning coil was corroding after only a year or two. Other indicators of a problem include black copper wiring in the main service panel and doorstops that turn black or look tarnished. Television sets, computers, microwaves and refrigerators all have been mentioned as susceptible. Conley says that some home owners have even told builders they'd be happy to swap houses, to one built without the imported drywall.
Complicating matters, Chinese drywall seems destined to become a boom industry for class action law firms that are lining up to represent affected homeowners, with ads running on television, and investigators seeking clients posting their availability to blog posts on the topic.
At least that's one industry that doesn't seem to be suffering a recession.
Tom Kraeutler is the Home Improvement Editor for AOL and co-author of My Home, My Money Pit: Your Guide to Every Home Improvement Adventure. He delivers home improvement tips each week as host of The Money Pit, a nationally syndicated home improvement radio program.
Money Clips
- HILARIOUS: Warren Buffet Plays Axl Rose in New Commercial - Huffington Post
- ON THE PLUS SIDE: Where Home Prices Are Rising - CNNMoney
- FRICTION: Could China Trade War Put Walmart Out of Business? - 24/7 Wall St.
- PROFILE: Opinionated Auto Industry Insider Dies - FORTUNE
- DON'T LAUGH: More Homeowners Turning to Fake Grass - SmartMoney
- HIT HARDEST: States Hurt Most From Rising Gas Prices - CNBC
- GET YOUR MONEY'S WORTH: Best Cars to Buy Used - CBS MoneyWatch
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
3-18-2009 @ 8:24PM
ED GIANT said...
Wake up USA. How many times does China have to poison us?
Lets get industry back in the USA. Get our peoply working and let our money circulate in the USA
Reply
3-18-2009 @ 8:22PM
Gil said...
What the hell are we doing in this country! STOP using or byeing anything that isnt American.
Reply
3-18-2009 @ 8:56PM
Dawn said...
AMEN! We make drywall right here in my town in a brand new plant ran by AMERICANS. Buy USA made...how many more poisoned products do we have to get to figure it out?
3-18-2009 @ 9:33PM
Kesa` said...
i do believe the article said it was donated!!!!
3-19-2009 @ 10:14AM
mark said...
Learn to spell!
3-19-2009 @ 10:25AM
mark said...
It is very clear what they are trying to do, destroy us from the inside . They will poison us to death. Google the Builder conspiricy and read. Its scary!!
3-19-2009 @ 10:39AM
Ben said...
Yet another example of trying to save a buck or two...this is what America has come too. It sickens me to think that it would have been quicker and cheaper (well that is probably true) to think that buying drywall from China, no matter where it was sold. The only way to get America back on track is for people to quit buying cheap, quit being petty. This includes the Automakers, quit investing in foreign products and labor and bring these jobs back. The money spent on these products and the labor take money out of this country. Businesses take note of how many jobs were lost in the last year. Bring work back so that money goes back into the US Economy, but also the quality of the product will improve. I have been through it with a supplier recieving products at the company I work for from Pakistan and China. A team in my facility headed by me was able to source the product back to a supplier in Pennsylvnia. We have had no quality issues since and spend about $1.25 more per part. It is significant, but so is continually shutting down a line with 30 people when your labor charge back to the supplier is roughly $15/hr per person. Also, we lose that production time, forget about quality and rush to get the job done...one mistake costs $600, not to mention sort charges. People is it really worth it? Stop sacrificing our economy, our workforce and the quality that America has stood for all this time in history. What happened?
3-20-2009 @ 2:27AM
Jason said...
3-18-2009 @ 9:33PM
Kesa` said...
i do believe the article said it was donated!!!!
3-19-2009 @ 8:24AM
Rene Galvin said...
Without the lawyers who would protect us.
We have Chinese Drywall. The builders Taylor Morrison did not respond, and when they did, it was inadequate.
The Florida Health Dept. has not decided months later if it is dangerous, and they are dragging their feet.
While we are bailing out people who can not run a business, ie AIG, Ford, GM, etc, and giving million dollar bonus money, this is ignored.
People with this have been forced to breath air that turns necklaces black as you are wearing them. Our home smelled, had black mirrors, the TV and computer went out, the dishwasher stopped working, the AC leaked, cooper wiring turned colors, and all of my towels smell.
We coughed and had runny eyes. We had post nasal drip, and blood in our noses. And yet, no one wants to really help
American has no business allowing items from China coming in that has not been inspected. The drywall in our home came from Knauf, and smells horrible.
Luckily, we have had the help of Ervin Gonzalez, Rich Lewis, and Richard Serpe to legally give us guidance.
We had to move out, and are taking everything out.
This home is now worth nothing, it is sick, toxic, and should be plowed to the ground.
Then we would know we are safe.
So USA government, wake up
And to the builder who forced us into closing quick, , and used substand materials, and did not want to help, shame on you!
Reply
3-19-2009 @ 10:28AM
MM said...
omg Rene & Linda, I had no idea about this. How come I don't hear about this on the news? I've certainly heard my fill of AIG headlines. Now we have to hear about the government's supposed "outrage" over AIG bonuses. What a bunch of hypocrits.
I truly wish you guys the best. Although chances are the jerks who built your homes will probably be given some taxpayer money before the government sees the kind of trouble you're in. You see, we live in a country that rewards the irresponsible. American greed is what's taking this country down.
P.S. Also remember that the U.S. is too busy trying to be everyone's friend around the world. Since China is a friend, they would think long and hard before banning any of their products here. So as it stands, China will continue to charge us for our own poisoning and when the U.S. is finally bankrupt from bailing out the fat cats, it won't matter because the poor will be gone and the fat cats will be able to live off of their riches. What a sad future to look forward to.
God Bless!
3-18-2009 @ 8:42PM
Linda Sanmford said...
We have this too! And our builder did not help
Where is the government in this, and what is taking so long for health testing.
I agree
Reply
3-19-2009 @ 11:43AM
Pierre said...
The government is too busy giveing billions to AIG, Fanny Mae, and Freddie Mac. I am sure that Barnie Frank, Chris Dodd, et. al. will be right over to help out.
3-18-2009 @ 8:44PM
jacksonrh64 said...
When will Americans wake up and stop buying items made in China to whereever. When will corporate America understand that if there isn't anything being produced/ manufactured in America that Americans will not be able to purchase their products. Bring back the work and ethics that made this country and it's corporations what they were, and not what they have become. Bring back the jobs so your childrens, children will have a job and a future. Nobody out produces the American worker, and nobody has more greed than greedy Corporate America and the greedy American Politicans.
Reply
3-19-2009 @ 10:01AM
Carla said...
You are right, but what is even more dangerous is that we are feeding and fattening a snake that one day will turn on us and the world. Carla
3-18-2009 @ 8:46PM
Sam said...
When will our government learn.
Chinese Drywall now!
Dogfood, toothpaste, lead, and God knows what else.
Someone help us,,,and help these people!
Reply
3-18-2009 @ 8:53PM
Bonnie said...
I do not buy anything made in China..nothing. I worry though that I may buy something that was made there and I don't know about it until I hear about it much later in the news that it killed or made sick people and animals.
Reply
3-18-2009 @ 9:04PM
Ann said...
Why am I not surprised. China has been poisoning us for many years. Wake up America...buy only American goods, made by Americans. Ban all made in China garbage forever. China has its own type of terrorism against America, obviously.
Reply
3-18-2009 @ 8:59PM
stevo said...
Install some of this drywall in a senators home, the problem will be taken care of right away....
Reply
3-18-2009 @ 8:59PM
Annee said...
It's hard to believe that there is anyone in China that isn't dead, dying, mentally retarded, or hyperactive.
Reply
3-18-2009 @ 9:21PM
Kim said...
I hate to be the one to state the obvious, but it is our own fault we are importing all of this stuff from other countries and taking the jobs from Americans. How many people in these other countries do you think are getting paid $20/hour for changing lightbulbs? We have slit our own throats by being greedy. Through Unions, inflation and constantly rasing the minimum wage we have made sure that it is more cost effective to have things made outside of our country. We have also developed a sense of entitlement in this country where we think we are awed things for doing nothing. "I am therefore I deserve", it's sad how selfish and stupid we have become. I keep hearing about the unemplyment rates , yet we can't find americans who want to do manual labor for minimum wage. I also keep seeing people who are losing there homes refusing to take jobs that are "beneath them". IF YOU ARE LOSING YOUR HOME TAKE ANY JOB YOU CAN FIND!!!!!
Reply