Tech Talk

Tech Talk provides accurate and timely information on topics of interest to the fire protection community. Topics are selected based on inquiries and suggestions that USFA receives from readers. To suggest a topic for a future edition of Tech Talk, please contact us.

Problem Drywall in Homes

This edition of Tech Talk looks at problem drywall in homes. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently issued joint guidance that recommends the replacement of possible problem drywall, fire safety alarm devices, electrical components and wiring, gas service piping, and fire suppression sprinkler systems in homes that have problem drywall. Until the replacements recommended by CPSC and HUD have been completed, the U.S. Fire Administration recommends that homeowners be alert for possible electrical or pipe problems, and that they take additional precautions to ensure that their life safety alarms are working properly.