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Chinese Drywall in South Florida Part 1

Chinese Drywall is fast becoming the "New Mold" in South Florida.  There has been no one hit harder than builders these days, and now Chinese Drywall may end up forcing many large and small builders to go out of business. 

The term Chinese Drywall came from during the drywall shortage in 2004 to 2008, many builders were scurrying around to find other importers than the US and Canada as they could not build fast enough.  They went to China and found some.  The problem is that when manufacturing the drywall either from coming over on the boats or through the coal mines the minerals inside the drywall turned into sulfuric gas.  This effects all the copper wiring in the house along with the A/c and electrical.  It corrodes everything from silverware to coins.  They have not determined whether it is a health risk, but if it is corroding copper wiring, you can imagine what it does to your lungs.  There have been many reports of people and kids getting sick.  Pets have been reported as dying because of the Chinese Drywall.  Approximately 100,000 homes across the country may have it, and over $36,000 in Florida.  Mostly in South Florida, and West Florida where the construction remained rampid.

Part 1!

 

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

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Chinese Drywall a real problem

 Who would have ever thought of it?  Chinese Drywall?  What is that?  Well it is drywall that was imported from China during the drywall shortage that contains sulfuric acid that will corrode the copper wiring in your entire home, and possibly be a health hazzard by continuiously breathing this in.

Based upon estimates approximately 61,000 homes have imported this Chinese Drywall.  Over 36,000 homes have been estimated to have it in Florida.  The 4 communities I personally know that has this Chinese Drywall are:

  • Cobblestone Creek in Boynton Beach,
  • Canyon Isles in Boynton Beach,
  • Parkland Golf & Country Club in Parkland, and
  • Banyan Isles section of Heron Bay

This is so very unfortunate for these homeowners.  Many of these homeowners have no idea that they can have Chinese Drywall in their homes.  Plus to overcome the perception that every house has this type of drywall in their communities will not be easy.

To do a surface test look at your copper pipes coming from the A/C and hot water heater tanks then check the attic to see if you can find the exposed drywall with a label of where it was made.  An inspection would be a little more comprehensive as they would send out lab samples of air quality and the drywall. 

David Serle

Vice President/Managing Broker

RE/MAX Services

561-912-3500 Office

561-912-3502 Direct

561-756-3104 Mobile

Twitter Boca RatonFacebook Boca Raton