Chinese Drywall // Removal & Restoration

Home » Restoration Services » Chinese Drywall

A major problem in homes and buildings built from 2004 - Today

Between the years of 2004 and 2007, during the construction boom, over 550 million pounds of chinese drywall was imported into the United States, enough to build over 600,000 homes. It was unknown at the time, however the process used to manufacture this drywall caused the gypsum to emit toxic gases in high humidity environments. Sources currently estimate that up to 100,000 homes may still be affected by toxic chinese drywall.

Toxic Gas Emissions

Laboratory tests of imported drywall have identified emissions of carbon disulfide, carbonyl sulfide, and hydrogen sulfide. These emissions, which have the odor of rotten eggs, worsen as temperature and humidity rise.

Adverse Effects To Property Due To Chinese Drywall

There are numerous effects of the release of toxic chinese drywall gases. Copper pipes, wiring, and air conditioner coils are affected, as well as silver jewelry. The gases cause copper surfaces to turn black and powdery, a chemical process indicative of reaction with hydrogen sulfide.

Adverse Health Effects Due To Chinese Drywall Exposure

You can only imagine the health effects if you are breathing this gas daily. Homeowners and workers report respiratory tract infections, sinus problems, nosebleeds & other serious conditions arising from exposure to toxic chinese drywall.

	DRIRITE®	Other Services
Free Preliminary Assessment
Cleaning of Property
Complete Rebuild & Remodel	Licensed Contractor	Outsourced
Air Duct & HVAC Cleaning

Remediation & Rebuild Guidance

On April 3, 2010, the Consumer Product Safety Commission ("CPSC") released Interim Remediation Guidance for Homes with Problem Drywall recommending that homeowners remove and replace “all possible problem drywall”; all fire safety alarm devices (including smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms); all electrical components and wiring (insulated and uninsulated), including outlets, switches and circuit breakers); and all gas service piping and fire suppression sprinkler systems.

Homeowners need to understand that this is not a remediation protocol - it is an interim guidance. There are many items that were not addressed by the CPSC which may need to be replaced, such as air conditioners, but do not necessarily impact health and safety and, thus, no recommendations were made by the CPSC.

Deconstruction & Rebuild

Our restoration goal is to offer a "turn key" solution for your Chinese drywall problems. This means that you, the homeowner or business owner, can hand DRIRITE your keys and in a few weeks we'll hand those keys back to you with everything in it's place as before.

Not all restortation companies are made equal. Where many cut corners, DRIRITE of Tampa's restoration specialists practice complete de-construction and micro cleaning. This means all of the insulation, all electrical wiring, garage door opener, along with each and every electrical appliance (refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishwasher, washer and dryer), the security system goes... right down to the bare studs.

Deconstruction & Rebuild Process

1. Completely replace your HVAC system, including the ductwork - in most cases.
2. DRIRITE will arrange a choice of a comparable grade of carpeting.
3. DRIRITE will dispose of all contaminated product removed in approved manners.
4. Our Certified Environmentalists will HEPA filtration vacuuming all bottom plate to subfloor connections. We have seen new electrical wiring installed after demolition tarnish because the cleaning was not done correctly! NOTE - A regular Shop-Vac with a HEPA filter DOES NOT qualify as true HEPA filtering! Why have a demolition company do your cleaning? Wouldn't you rather use a company that specializes in micro cleaning and has been performing remediation for over 20 years?

Recommended Replacements

If you have chinese drywall in your home or business, here are the items that are strongly suggested to be replaced.

• Replacement of all drywall in the home
• Replacement of all electrical wiring (insulated and uninsulated)
• Replacement of all copper pipes
• Replacement of the entire HVAC system
• Replacement of most appliances (particularly refrigerators)
• Replacement of electronics, such as TVs and computers
• Replacement of all carpeting
• Replacement of hardwood and vinyl flooring
• Replacement of tile floor unless it can be protected during remediation
• Replacement of cabinets, countertops, trim, molding and baseboards
• Replacement of all bathroom fixtures
  

Pricing can greatly vary depending on the amount of drywall installed on the property. Call DRIRITE for a free scheduled estimate to determine the level of service needed.