Metallurgical Investigations Into Corrosion Damage in Homes Constructed with Problem Drywall

Published

August 17, 2011

Author(s)

Richard E. Ricker, David J. Pitchure, Maureen E. Williams, Sandra W. Claggett

Abstract

The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, Sandia National Laboratory (SNL), and NIST collaborated in an investigation into the effects of "problem drywall" on the integrity and function of critical household systems including fuel gas pipes and fittings, smoke detector alarms, and fire sprinklers. This report covers the metallurgical investigations conducted in the Metallurgy Division of NIST as part of this investigation. This includes examinations of metals components in homes with problem drywall, laboratory examinations of components removed from these homes, and the examination of components and coupons artificially aged in accelerated corrosion testing environment at SNL.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 7809

Report Number

7809

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.7809

Keywords

copper sulfide, corrosion, electrical contact corrosion, fire sprinklers, hydrogen sulfide, problem drywall, silver sulfide, smoke detectors

Citation

Ricker, R. , Pitchure, D. , Williams, M. and Claggett, S. (2011), Metallurgical Investigations Into Corrosion Damage in Homes Constructed with Problem Drywall, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.7809 (Accessed October 14, 2025)