Thread: Ghosting or mold - not sure

We are pending home inspection any day now and since we had a picture of the suspected issue with the house (Fannie Mae REO house) I wanted to ask for more opinions.
There is no any type of smell in the house when we walked through and everything looks good, but only thing I noticed was somewhat shadows / ghosting (pic attached) that I am not sure could it be mold or just ghosting.

We really like the house (you definitely heard that line before) and hope this is not big issue but still inspection will tell I guess:

What do you think?

Note: This section on the picture shows darker shadow / ghosting and there are no marks of water leak; just visible dirt. Above this formal living room/formal dining is higher ceiling which is flat - there is a little bit of attic above which is faced north. Not sure if Ice could have caused this over the past years but figured to share and see what you think.

Thankful in advance for all the help!

imm.io - photo 10.jpg

imm.io - photo 20.jpg

UPDATE:
We were inside the house today again to have a relative see it and took another picture - it looks like along the edge of the wall-ceiling junction ghosting shows - again, no smell, no issues.

I should say that FMae asked for only $1000 earnest money as it looks like they are pretty sure they will sell this house no problem - fingers crossed (waiting to hear on home inspection date).

imm.io - photo 500.jpg

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Those lines on the ceiling are ceiling joist "shadows". I believe they are formed (never confirmed this) by poor insulation in the attic. The joists get very cold in the winter. The warm moist interior air condenses slightly where the joists are not well insulated from the cold attic. Over time, this chronic condensation discolors the area. Often, the shadows will bleed through new paint. I recommend using a stain killer primer like "Kilz" before repainting. And add some insulation to the attic.

They are just a cosmetic condition and are not a reason to not buy the house, imo.

Originally Posted by Lon Henderson

Those lines on the ceiling are ceiling joist "shadows". I believe they are formed (never confirmed this) by poor insulation in the attic. The joists get very cold in the winter. The warm moist interior air condenses slightly where the joists are not well insulated from the cold attic. Over time, this chronic condensation discolors the area. Often, the shadows will bleed through new paint. I recommend using a stain killer primer like "Kilz" before repainting. And add some insulation to the attic.

They are just a cosmetic condition and are not a reason to not buy the house, imo.

I agree, Lon described it well. The "ghosting" can also be caused by burning candles on a regualr basis, which has become more popular over the last few years. The soot from the candles is attracted to the cooler surface where studs are located. Also be aware that it's common for homes have lower insulation depth in attic near the outside wall.

Ghosting -

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q...QnU4uOH376YJCQ

Brownian Motion
The problems are related to four deposition mechanisms: filtration, electrostatic attraction, thermal deposition due to Brownian motion and impaction. These deposition mechanisms cause tiny microscopic airborne particles to:
• "filter out" in carpets;
• "plate out" on charged surfaces due to electrostatic attraction
• "plate out" on cold surfaces due to "Brownian motion"; or
• "plate out" on surfaces due to impaction.

InspectAPedia has a lot of info on the subject. Weak insulation and burning candles are the likely cause.

Thermal Tracking, Bridging, Ghosting: How to Diagnose Indoor Wall or Ceiling Ghosting Stains, Building Air Leaks, & Heat Loss

Originally Posted by Mike Lamb

Weak insulation and burning candles are the likely cause.

Or a small gap in the Sheetrock between the wall and ceiling.

Originally Posted by Mike Lamb

InspectAPedia has a lot of info on the subject. Weak insulation and burning candles are the likely cause.

Thermal Tracking, Bridging, Ghosting: How to Diagnose Indoor Wall or Ceiling Ghosting Stains, Building Air Leaks, & Heat Loss

Thanks for the link to InspectaPedia. awesome informational site.