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Old 12-26-13, 08:04 AM   #1
Exalta-STA
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Default Ceiling Repair

I have an extra room downstairs that I would like to turn into something inhabitable. Unfortunately it is always damp there and now some parts of the gypsum ceiling fell.









It seems that I need to seal or waterproof those drain lines...those pipes are the sewer and sink/drain lines of the restroom on the second floor.

can i coat/wrap those pipes in concrete?or sealant?

then i plan on installing a polycarbonate ceiling that can resist moisture better than gypsum..but on top of it, I'll install Styrofoam to act as an additional waterproofing barrier and sound insulation so the occupant of this room would not hear the toilet flushing/sink water flowing..

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Old 12-26-13, 09:04 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Exalta-STA View Post
Unfortunately it is always damp there and now some parts of the gypsum ceiling fell...
You now have a liability...

In my opinion, none of the solutions you have suggested would make your basement suitable for human habitation.

The level of moisture that would make sheet rock disintegrate is so high that your basement room will quickly become a mold garden for anything organic that you put in it. From your photos, I can see mold growing on the paper that covers the gypsum ceiling. The mold spores can certainly do permanent damage to the respiratory system of anyone who occupies that space.

It might be possible to build a completely non-organic air-proof and water-proof envelope for that space and also run a dehumidifier and ventilator and run a HEPA air filter all the time.


On the other hand, you could turn your liability into an asset...

You could grow delicious mushrooms to sell to local restaurants.

Best,

-AC
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Old 12-26-13, 03:13 PM   #3
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My advice for you

Find the source of the drips and repair , most likely its leaking from a separated joint from a drain but it could be a steady drip from a water pipe..
Remove all of the remaining 4x8 drywall sheets from the damaged area as more than likely they will be damaged / moldy.

After the pipes are repaired you can insulate them with a flexible wrap. put a vapor barrier over the floor joists then re-drywall.
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Old 12-26-13, 04:10 PM   #4
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...Find the source of the drips...then re-drywall.
ecomodded,

I think your advice is quite correct, for Canada... but this guy lives in the Philippines, in the hot, humid tropical zone.

He has posted before, with photos of a door of his house that was on the main floor... a 'manufactured door' that was intended for temperate climates, but in his climate/humidity, it de-laminated and the glue & wood particle composite turned to mush.

He has an extreme situation.

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Old 12-26-13, 05:01 PM   #5
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Yep, you've got a decent mystery to solve here, sir. This is not one of those situations where you can throw on a quick patch or band-aid and cover the affected area and simply let it heal on its own. If not done perfectly this problem will come back to haunt you with regularity and increasing expense.

Since the area is under a bathroom, I would rip out all the drywall directly below any bathroom fixtures (sinks, tubs, showers, toilets,etc) and inspect the top sides of the removed sheets for moisture or staining from moisture. Just because your panels rotted apart at the seam doesn't mean that's where the water came from. Drywall is relatively inexpensive as far as building materials go, so don't be afraid of taking too much out.

Once you have removed the wet drywall and identified and repaired the source of the moisture, make sure the enclosed cavities in between floors has had ample time to dry completely and that there is no mold anywhere in there. If there is still evidence of mold growth, those areas should be treated to remove any possibility of regrowth. It only takes a few spores to repopulate the entire area, so be thorough in your eradication.

If you get in there and can't find any obvious leaks, you may have an infiltration or migration problem. Water can follow piping for a very long distance if the pipes have much slope in them. However, it always leaves a trail, so finding the source is not super difficult. OTOH, the actual repair may be incredibly difficult and frustrating for a novice to perform correctly. Don't be ashamed to call in a pro if the repair looks daunting.

Last edited by jeff5may; 12-26-13 at 05:04 PM.. Reason: words
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Old 12-26-13, 11:57 PM   #6
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Thanks for the replies looks like I really have to take out those boards. I used a mirror to see what's on the other side and saw that if even they look okay from down below, it looks like a jungle topside.

Once those boards are down, it'll be easier to access and observe those pipes...will have to lock down the upper restroom to avoid any additional moisture from seeping in while this area is being dried/repaired.

Just noticed that it is just some 2x2 wood beams holding those boards in place. What other material can I use aside from those? I'm afraid those things have been contaminated by rot/spores already and might give way soon also.

would encasing those pipes in concrete or polyurethane after thoroughly sealing them be a good idea?
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Old 01-01-14, 11:23 PM   #7
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The moisture level is very high, it would disintegrate everything that come in its path. It would be better to call some contractor as soon as possible.
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Old 01-02-14, 07:49 AM   #8
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Looks like the drainage pipes are made of PVC plastic - am I correct? If so, this brings a different perspective.

I am leaning hard to a slow leak. Condensation on plastic is unusual - even in hot humid areas.

Are there water supply lines up in there? If so, what material are they made of?

Lastly, I suspect you have a high ground water temp - about 70 F (20C)?

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Old 02-10-14, 09:10 AM   #9
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How did you fix this issue? Is it working?
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Old 07-05-14, 11:58 AM   #10
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Hi there, sorry for not updating. I had a contractor take a look-see and they sealed the pipes, dried whatever moisture was left with heat guns. vented the room and repainted the walls with elastomeric paint.




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