Chinese Drywall Problem Important to Florida Homeowners Insurance

In some cases, Florida homeowners insurance policies, as well as those in other states, have not been covering the Chinese drywall problem because the issue is generally seen as a building flaw. Typically, building flaws are not covered under standard policies.

Some homeowners have been in the news this week expressing dismay that their policies are even being cancelled by insurers in light of the problem, furthering their financial woes.

The drywall problem is brought on by high levels of sulfur and possibly other contaminants in cheap drywall imported from China at the height of the housing boom. The drywall has been found to have higher levels of materials like sulfur, helping to fuel the damage.

The story took a new twist this week when U.S. government researchers indicated that they have been unable to link fumes from the drywall to various health problems that homeowners have reported, including nosebleeds and dizziness.

This actually ties into another issue not typically covered under standard policies - mold brought on by failure to perform general maintenance, which can be fairly common in a hot and wet climate like Florida.

Given such issues, those with Florida homeowners insurance would do well to make their homes as storm- and moisture-proof as possible while also determining as soon as possible if they have any Chinese drywall.