Dark Coloration on Ceiling

Originally Posted By: rkuntz
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I would like opinions on the following condition: Dark coloration on the ceiling of a ranch house directly below the attic rafters. The coloration was faint but noticeable. Ceiling and walls are plaster. Attic had gable vents but no ridge vent and limited sofit vents. House also had water entry problems in the basement.


Thanks

Ron


Originally Posted By: jmyers
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Sounds like you have a mildew problem from a poorly vented attic.


Joe Myers


Originally Posted By: Robert Patterson
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I have to agree with Joe icon_eek.gif . But I would also include a check of the heating system.


Bob


Originally Posted By: rkuntz
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Bob


Heating system is baseboard electric heat.

Ron


Originally Posted By: chorne
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Hey Ron,


The dark color could also be from an old roof leak, that has been painted over.

was there any moisture stains onthe roof sheathing or rafters?

Carla


Originally Posted By: rmeyers
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Ron,


If the dark areas follow the joist spacing and tend to fade out as they move to the interior there is probably batt type insulation in the attic. The insulation may have been installed after the ceiling was applied and it does not lay down into the corners tight next to the ceiling joist. This allows cold air from the soffit vents to work along the joist. The cold transfer along the joist is causing just enough surface condensation to collect dust or in severe humidity conditions to cause mildew as suggested earlier.


--
Russ Meyers

Originally Posted By: jmyers
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Russell,


Good point.

Joe Myers


Originally Posted By: rkuntz
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One other note. The dark coloration is more concentrated on the ceiling near the outside walls of the house.


I need to go back tomorrow so I will check the insulation.

Thanks

Ron


Originally Posted By: rmeyers
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.



Ron,


If you get this before you go to the site, check under any blown insulation for old batts. What was the age of the house? Was it always electric baseboard heat? Let us know the results of tomorrows visit. Thanks!

Still looking for clues! ![icon_biggrin.gif](upload://iKNGSw3qcRIEmXySa8gItY6Gczg.gif) Good luck! ![icon_biggrin.gif](upload://iKNGSw3qcRIEmXySa8gItY6Gczg.gif)


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Russ Meyers

Originally Posted By: rkuntz
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.



Thanks Russ


The house is about 30 years old. The attic is insulated with 6 inches of fiberglass batts. Sofit and fascia is wood with small round sofit vents. The attic does have two gable vents.

I will keep you posted.

Thanks

Ron


Originally Posted By: ecrofutt
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Thermal bridging, due to the causes listed above, will not only collect the dust but soot from burning candles.



Erby Crofutt


B4U Close Home Inspections


Georgetown, Kentucky



www.b4uclose.com

Originally Posted By: ismetaniuk
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This membership was a big waste of my time!



Igor


Top To Bottom Inspections


Glen Spey, NY

Originally Posted By: jmyers
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.



Igor,


Oh crap...I better go get my tinfoil hat....I think they are reading my thoughts again! ![icon_biggrin.gif](upload://iKNGSw3qcRIEmXySa8gItY6Gczg.gif)

BTW....good find.

Joe Myers