WHI3 Passes Chinese Drywall Screening Exam

The Center for Disease Control has warned American homeowners of possible toxic fumes from so called Chinese drywall. WHI3 is certified to conduct those inspections.

January, 2011, Birmingham, AL: WHI3 Home Inspection Services has served homeowners in the Birmingham, AL area for many years. Anthony Westbrook, owner, is certified to perform preservation of evidence inspections for Chinese drywall.

Chinese drywall refers to tainted sheetrock imported from China between 2001 and 2007 which contained undetected toxic fumes. Not all drywall from mainland China is toxic. But between those six years, many were produced in plants on mainland China which used chemical laden factory water to make the gypsum. Most of the sheets were imported through Florida docks, so the Chinese drywall was mainly sold in the South. However, some of the Chinese drywall has traveled as far as Canada.

Not all home inspectors are trained to detect the presence of Chinese drywall and the damage it has caused. WHI3 has passed the specific screening exam to perform such tests. If you are a homeowner in the Birmingham metropolitan area who either remodeled their home between 2001 and 2008 or whose home was built during that time period, it might be wise to consider having your sheetrock inspected. It can take years before the signs emerge showing your drywall is tainted. Most times, once homeowners do notice, the damage is already severe and costly to fix.

Now, even years later, many homeowners have discovered what they or their builder purchased has become a ticking time bomb. The toxic fumes build up inside of the sealed wall and can seep through insulation to erode metal pipes, electrical wires and AC systems. Sometimes it gives off a toxic odor, but not always. Certain homeowners have complained of chronic health issues such as headaches, dizziness, sore throats, etc. However, experts disagree on the potential lasting effects of exposure to the toxins in Chinese drywall.

Nevertheless, Anthony Westbrook of WHI3 states, “It is better to be safe than sorry. A thorough inspection of your drywall will give you peace of mind. Or, if Chinese drywall is detected, a less costly solution than if discovered later on down the road.”

For more information about the potential hazards of Chinese drywall, or to schedule an appointment in the Birmingham, Alabama area, log onto http://www.whi3.com or call 205-378-9443. WHI3 serves Jefferson, Shelby, Cullman, Blount, Walker and St. Clair counties.

Contact Information

Anthony M. Westbrook

Owner / Inspector

WHI3 Home Inspection Services

Contact via E-mail