subject: A Look Into The Future Of Chinese Drywall [print this page] The past year has been like drinking through a fire hose. Each and every day, new information about Chinese drywall has been released. Each and every day, new companies are offering new services that they claim address the Chinese drywall issue in a new way.
Most recently, many saw that tests have revealed that the defective drywall contains bacteria, but these tests were put together by a company that offers a fumigation that targets this bacteria. Then, the CPSC says that, during their tests, they found no significant levels of bacteria.
The CPSC has released interim guidance on how to identify and remediate Chinese drywall. The guidance largely reflects what I have been advising for several months - all of the drywall needs to be removed. Then, every affected component needs to be removed. This includes electrical wiring, panels, breakers, etc. In addition, HVAC should be removed.
The CPSC went on to say that they have no evidence that systems that are applied to the face of the drywall are effective at fixing the Chinese drywall problem.
Although they did not evaluate the suitability of reusing certain elements in the home. I feel confident in saying that hard surface materials can be reused. I also feel confident in saying that porous items need to be diffused. This includes framing members in the affected homes. Reinstalling drywall on studs that were exposed to hydrogen sulfide gas or reinstalling flooring over substrate that was exposed is likely to lead to a continued, although reduced, problem with hydrogen sulfide gas.
So what should we expect?
I am sure that the CPSC will continue to release their findings and will eventually release final protocols for drywall testing as well as remediation. I question whether that will be enough, however. Frankly, the CPSC reports are important mostly because they provide unbiased research into the issue. The CPSC has no bias and no reason to manipulate the truth. This information is invaluable, but when their protocol is released, it is likely to have little impact on the reality of the situation. In the event that the CPSC protocol does not accurately define the issue, there will be little to no recourse for those affected. New home owners who purchased a home because it passed the CPSC's identification protocol will not be reimbursed for their losses. Those with health issues that have continued as a result of living in homes that were remediated to the CPSC protocol will have no recourse.
Testing and remediation protocols must be insurable in order for them to be accepted. Without the guarantee of an insurance company with the resources to underwrite and guarantee a specific protocol, drywall testing and remediation protocols are too risky.
Home owners concerned about the health of their families are relying on these tests as a determining factor in whether they remain in their home or not. Why would they put their family at risk based on a test that has no guarantee?
Potential home owners are considering the purchase of homes that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. Why would they move forward with that purchase based on a test that is not guaranteed?
Home owners whose homes contain Chinese drywall are planning to spend tens of thousands of dollars to remediate their homes. Why would they do that based on a remediation protocol that is not guaranteed to fix the problem?
The future of Chinese drywall is based on insurable and guaranteed protocols. The financial and health risks involved are too significant to be based on anything less.
