Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 6/29/2010

Question
I have read 2 of your posts on this subject and this is my story and question. We had an addition recently built onto the room above our garage. When the drywall subs finished texturing the walls I noticed the rank smell that came from it. When I asked the drywall contractor about the smell he got defensive and said "our texture was not spoiled...it would take days sitting in the hot sun for that to happen...it would also turn black". Well I now know it can happen a lot sooner than that. But now that we have also finished painting...the smell is still there. My question is...will it eventually go away? Or do we have to strip off the old texture and reapply? How hard is it to strip the old stuff off (we have painted already)? How do you strip it off? Thank you for your time.
Dennis

Answer
Hi Dennis, I would give it a wait and see.  Air the place out as much as possible.  Obviously it would have been better to try and lose the smell before painting but sometimes painting helps mask the smell until it goes away.  It is so important that drywall contractors never mix up more texture material than can be used on one job and no more than you can use in one day, especially in warm weather.  They must also keep their equipment clean.  The material that they use is a perfect environment for bacteria and once it sours it should be thrown away.  Another question I have to ask is: are you sure it's the texture that stinks?  There is some Chinese drywall out there that is has a caustic rotten egg smell and is actually dangerous to your plumbing pipes.  I hope this information helps please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com