**Houston Homes: Is Cheap Drywall Fueling Summer Mold?**
By Franklin Everett ShawImagine stepping into your Houston home, only to be greeted by a faint, sulfurous odor, a metallic tang in the air. It’s not just an unpleasant smell; it could be a sign of something far more sinister lurking within your walls: Chinese drywall. This defective building material, prevalent in homes built or renovated between 2001 and 2009, is a ticking time bomb, silently corroding your home and potentially impacting your health.
This isn’t just about a bad smell; it’s about protecting your family, your health, and your investment. This guide is your comprehensive roadmap to identifying, testing for, and remediating Chinese drywall in your Houston home, ensuring you can breathe easy again.
Identifying the Culprit: Recognizing Chinese Drywall
The first step is identifying whether you might have Chinese drywall. While a professional inspection is crucial, there are telltale signs you can look for yourself.
The Smell Test: The most obvious indicator is a distinct “rotten egg” or sulfurous odor, especially noticeable in warmer, more humid months. This smell intensifies in enclosed spaces like closets, electrical outlets, and behind walls.
Visual Clues: Look for the following:
- Blackening of Copper: Check copper wiring, air conditioning coils, and other copper components. Chinese drywall emits gases that corrode copper, causing it to turn black. This is a key visual indicator.
- Drywall Markings: While not always present, some sheets of Chinese drywall are stamped with markings like “Made in China,” “Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin,” or similar identifiers. Accessing the back of drywall (e.g., through an electrical outlet) might reveal these markings. Be extremely careful when working around electrical outlets. Turn off the power at the breaker box first.
- Premature Appliance Failure: The corrosive gases can damage appliances, particularly air conditioners, refrigerators, and electronics. If you’ve experienced unusually frequent appliance failures, it could be related.
Construction Dates: If your home was built or renovated between 2001 and 2009, especially after Hurricane Katrina, the risk is higher. Many builders used Chinese drywall due to shortages and lower costs.
DIY Testing: Taking Matters Into Your Own Hands (With Caution)
While professional testing is recommended for definitive results, you can perform some simple DIY tests to get an initial indication.
Copper Wire Test: Purchase a length of bare copper wire from a hardware store (like the Home Depot on I-10 or Lowe’s in Katy). Place a section of the wire in an enclosed space (like a sealed plastic bag) near a suspected area of drywall. Leave it for a week. Compare it to a control sample of the same wire kept in a different, uncontaminated area. If the wire in the bag has noticeably darkened or corroded, it’s a strong indication of off-gassing.
Humidity and Odor Monitoring: Use a digital humidity meter to track humidity levels in your home, particularly in areas where you suspect Chinese drywall. Higher humidity levels can exacerbate off-gassing and mold growth. Note any correlation between humidity spikes and increased odor.
Professional Testing: Getting a Definitive Answer
For accurate and reliable results, hire a qualified professional to test your drywall. Look for companies specializing in Chinese drywall testing in the Houston area.
Finding a Qualified Inspector: Search online directories like the Better Business Bureau or Angie’s List for certified mold inspectors and Chinese drywall specialists in Houston. Ask for references and check their credentials. Ensure they use accredited laboratories for sample analysis.
Testing Methods: Professionals typically use one or more of the following methods:
- Surface Sampling: Collecting dust samples from drywall surfaces and analyzing them for specific compounds associated with Chinese drywall, such as strontium sulfide.
- Air Sampling: Collecting air samples to measure the concentration of hydrogen sulfide and other gases.
- Bulk Sampling: Taking small pieces of drywall for laboratory analysis. This is the most accurate method but requires making small holes in the wall.
Understanding the Results: The lab report will indicate whether the drywall contains elevated levels of strontium sulfide or other markers. A positive result confirms the presence of Chinese drywall.
Remediation Strategies: Taking Action to Protect Your Home
If testing confirms the presence of Chinese drywall, remediation is essential. This is a complex process that should be handled by experienced professionals.
Complete Drywall Removal: The most effective remediation method is to remove all affected drywall and replace it with certified safe drywall. This is a major undertaking but the only way to eliminate the source of the problem.
Component Replacement: Replace all corroded copper wiring, air conditioning coils, and other affected components. This is crucial to prevent future problems.
HVAC System Cleaning and Sealing: Thoroughly clean and seal your HVAC system to remove any residual contaminants and prevent them from circulating throughout the house.
Mold Prevention: After remediation, take steps to prevent mold growth, which can be exacerbated by the presence of Chinese drywall.
- Maintain Low Humidity: Use dehumidifiers to keep humidity levels below 50%.
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: Improve ventilation in your home by opening windows and using exhaust fans.
- Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect your home for signs of mold growth.
Legal Recourse: Seeking Compensation for Damages
If you’ve been affected by Chinese drywall, you may be entitled to compensation for damages.
Consult with an Attorney: Contact a lawyer specializing in Chinese drywall litigation in Texas. They can advise you on your legal options and help you file a claim. Several law firms in Houston specialize in these cases.
Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all expenses related to testing, remediation, and repairs. This documentation will be crucial for your legal claim.
Statute of Limitations: Be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a claim. In Texas, the statute of limitations for property damage claims is generally two years from the date you discovered the damage.
Challenges and Pitfalls:
Misdiagnosis: The symptoms of Chinese drywall can sometimes be mistaken for other problems, such as mold or plumbing leaks. Accurate testing is essential.
Incomplete Remediation: Failing to remove all affected drywall or replace corroded components can lead to recurring problems.
Unlicensed Contractors: Be wary of contractors who offer suspiciously low prices or lack proper licensing and insurance.
Ignoring the Problem: Delaying remediation can worsen the damage and increase the cost of repairs.
Real-World Scenario:
Consider the case of a homeowner in the Heights neighborhood of Houston. They noticed a persistent sulfurous odor and blackening of copper pipes in their home, which was renovated in 2007. After professional testing confirmed the presence of Chinese drywall, they hired a qualified remediation contractor to remove all affected drywall and replace the corroded wiring. They also filed a legal claim against the drywall manufacturer and received compensation for their damages.
Chinese drywall is a serious issue that can have significant consequences for Houston homeowners. By understanding the signs, testing methods, remediation strategies, and legal options, you can protect your health, your home, and your financial well-being. Don’t wait; take action today to ensure a safe and healthy living environment for you and your family.