How Can I Tell if I Have Chinese Drywall?

Here is a list of things to look for when trying to determine whether or not you have Chinese drywall.

Homeowners whose houses were built or remodeled between 2005 and 2007 may be victims of the Chinese drywall problem. If you are worried that your home may contain defective Chinese drywall, there are a number of things you should look for:

• Drywall is stamped with the words “Made in China” or “Knauf”
• The smell or stench of sulfur or rotten eggs
• Electrical problems
• Electrical wiring that has corroded and turned black
• Plumbing that has corroded and turned black
• Silver jewelry, picture frames, or tableware that has turned black
• Air conditioners, specifically the HVAC components (e.g. air conditioner coils) that have corroded
• Electronic devices and computers that stop working

The best way to determine whether or not your home contains the defective Chinese drywall is to have a home inspection done. A home inspection can confirm your suspicions about the presence of Chinese drywall in your house, and inspection documentation can be useful if you decide to become involved in legal proceedings.