Philip R. Watters, P.E., MBA, LEED AP Senior Vice President Date: July 28, 2009 Location: San Francisco HB Litigation Conference Chinese Drywall Effects on
Chinese Drywall Effects Three Topics 1. What s being damaged? 2. How and why? 3. What questions are open? 2
What is Damaged? Air conditioner coils turn black and leak 3
Original Conditions Shiny Copper HVAC Coils 4
After Sulfide Gas Exposure Blackened Copper HVAC Coils 5
What is Damaged? Air conditioner coils turn black and leak Copper wires blacken 6
Copper Wires Blacken 7
Copper Wires Affected 8
What is Damaged? Air conditioner coils turn black and leak Copper wires blacken Fixtures get pits 9
Pitted Bathroom Drawer Handles 10
Pitted Bathtub Stoppers 11
What is Damaged? Air conditioner coils turn black and leak Copper electrical wires blacken Fixtures get pits Silver and jewelry blacken 12
Silver Service Tarnished Silver 13
Jewelry Stained Jewelry 14
What MAY BE Damaged Alarm systems fail 15
Alarm Systems Blackened Security System Wiring 16
What MAY BE Damaged Alarm systems fail Mirrors lose backing 17
Mirrors Mirrors Lose Reflective Backing 18
What s Reportedly Damaged Other appliances fail Refrigerators Dishwashers Washing machines Ceiling fans Arcing in electrical devices Smoke detectors fail Nails and fasteners degrade Wood products absorb hydrogen sulfide 19
Why is this Happening? Copper + Air => Copper Oxide protective layer 20
Copper Oxide Protective Layer Copper Oxide Protective Layer Bare Copper 21
Why is this Happening? Copper + Air => Copper Oxide protective layer Hydrogen Sulfide + Copper Oxide => Copper Sulfide + Water 22
Black Copper Sulfide Typical Black Deposits 23
Why is this Happening? Copper + Air => Copper Oxide protective layer Hydrogen Sulfide + Copper Oxide => Copper Sulfide + Water Copper Sulfide: Wipes off easily - Not protective 24
Copper Sulfide Wipes Off Copper Sulfide Wipes Off Easily 25
Why is this Happening? Copper + Air => Copper Oxide protective layer Hydrogen Sulfide + Copper Oxide => Copper Sulfide + Water Copper Sulfide: Wipes off easily - Not protective Hydrogen Sulfide: Water soluble Reaction may continue and progress Especially wet environments----copper cooling coils! 26
Reaction Progresses 27
Open Questions How and where are cooling coils failing? 28
Open Questions Why Are Fins Still Bright? And Copper Tubes Are Turning Black? 29
Open Questions How and where are cooling coils failing? Does coating the coil help? 30
Open Questions Coils and Frame Are Coated With a Black Phenolic Resin 31
Open Questions How and where are cooling coils failing? Does coating the coil help? Why do only some fixtures pit? 32
Open Questions No Pits on Bathroom Faucet in Same Room Pits on Bathroom Drawer Handle 33
Open Questions How and where are cooling coils failing? Does coating the coil help? Why do only some fixtures pit? How are outlets and switches affected? 34
Open Questions Screw-in Wiring Connection Push-in Wiring Connection 35
Open Questions How and where are cooling coils failing? Does coating the coil help? Why do only some fixtures pit? How are outlets and switches affected? How are electronics affected? 36
Open Questions Blackened Cable Connection 37
Low Voltage Light Gauge Wire Some Wire is Affected Under Insulation 38
Some Wire is NOT Affected Low Voltage Light Gauge Wire Under Insulation 110 Volt 12 Gauge Wire 39
Open Questions How and where are cooling coils failing? Does coating the coil help? Why do only some fixtures pit? How are outlets and switches affected? How are electronics affected? How are motors affected? 40
Open Questions Typical New Electric Motor Commutator Could Commutators Wear Out Prematurely? 41
San Francisco Los Angeles Las Vegas Phoenix New York Chicago Baltimore Denver Indianapolis St. Richmond Louis Charlotte Oklahoma Nashville City Jackson Atlanta Dallas/Ft. Worth Pensacola Jacksonville Austin Lafayette Orlando San Tampa Antonio Houston New Orleans Fort Lauderdale McAllen When you need to go beyond the obvious 42