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Defective Drywall Lawyers
Mobile, Alabama
Some homes have been affected by the use of defective drywall imported from China and become filled with smelly sulfurous fumes. The smell is so bad that it causes people to leave their homes, and many people suffer nuisance health effects like respiratory irritation. Long-term exposure may be related to more serious conditions. The sulfur also attacks metals in the home, and a common first sign is air conditioning condenser coils that fail and need replacing.
Although most of the complaints related to the drywall are in Florida, it is unknown just how far the epidemic may spread. If you believe you have defective drywall from China, the product liability lawyers at Long & Waite, Attorneys at Law, P.C., can help. Schedule a defective drywall consultation today to learn more.
Origins of Defective Drywall
In 2004, a building boom was in progress throughout the South and a drywall shortage occurred. To fill the growing demand, some builders turned to a supply company that imported drywall manufactured in China. The company was Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Oc. Ltd, a Chinese subsidiary of the German-based Knauf company. Two known builders who purchased the drywall in large amounts are Lennar Homes and Taylor Morrison.
Apparently, some of the drywall manufactured in China suffered from a manufacturing defect because it used naturally-mined gypsum that contained high levels of sulfur compounds. The exact compounds present have not been identified. Tests exist to detect these compounds, but were not used before the gypsum was deemed appropriate for drywall construction.
Effects of Defective Drywall
At this point, it is unknown what serious health effects may result from long-term exposure to the fumes coming from the drywall. What has been documented is that the compounds emitted from the drywall cause an unpleasant rotten egg odor, and it attacks all metals present in a home, including:
- Air conditioning condenser coils
- Wiring
- Plumbing
- Jewelry, especially silver
If left unchecked, electrical problems in the home may occur, starting with broken circuits, but potentially leading to an increased risk of electrical fires. Plumbing leaks may occur, which can lead to secondary damage.
What to Do about Defective Drywall
It is the builder's responsibility to remedy the problems in your home, which may include replacing the drywall and repairing any secondary damage. In addition, if you have suffered health effects or damage to other property, you may be able to recover compensatory damages with a product liability lawsuit.
To learn more about what remedies are available, schedule a defective drywall lawsuit consultation with Long & Waite, Attorneys at Law, P.C. today.
