Monday 6 August 2012

Inside job: Jeff Rutt warns homeowners about their drywalls

Jeff Rutt is the founder of Keystone Custom Homes, a leading independent home builder in Pennsylvania.

Jeff Rutt Image Credit: Alpinepainting.com


A drywall is a wallboard made of gypsum plaster pressed between two thick sheets of paper, normally installed on interior walls and ceilings. Drywalls were extensively used during the construction boom that followed the hurricane disasters in Florida in 2004 and 2005. Most of them were imported and were installed in large scale. However, serious problems regarding their use emerged soon. Just months after they were installed, sulfur fumes escaped in the air and copper wires and pipes attached to them were damaged.

“For many people, a home is the single largest purchase they will make in their lifetimes. Making the wrong choice can have negative consequences for years to come.” — Jeff Rutt.


Jeff Rutt Image Credit: Houselogic.com


While drywalls make a good alternative to the traditional lath and plaster, not all come in brands that deliver the quality homeowners need. In addition to producing fume and wiring issues, drywalls can also support the growth of mold due to their porous and lightweight substance. Hence, greedboard and cement board are often installed in areas that have high humidity, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

Choosing high-quality drywall is important to avoid hazards and expensive rehabilitation. The Consumer Product Safety Commission and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s remediation guidance is a helpful resource that provides an effective approach to address potential health and safety issues for the remediation of houses affected by problem drywall.

Jeff Rutt Image Credit: CBC.ca


For more information about Jeff Rutt and the services offered by Keystone Custom Homes, log on to www.keystonecustomhome.com.