Results 1 to 22 of 22
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    so so, California
    Posts
    1,867

    Default What teh heck is this?

    So I saw this discoloration today. I scanned the area and there was an obvious significant difference in surface temp both spot Radiometer and IR as show here in pics.
    After testing via moisture meter, it was determined that the area was dry with no elevated moisture content whatsoever.
    What I don’t get is..., if there is missing insulation behind there okay I get that, but where did the stain come from? Creepy...

    Similar Threads:
    ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images
    Last edited by Marc M; 12-14-2012 at 10:56 PM.
    Inspection Referral

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Snowbird (this means I'm retired and migrate between locations), FL/MI
    Posts
    4,086

    Default Re: What teh heck is this?

    A bad paint (or lack thereof) paint job.

    The amature painters missed a spot while they were rolling the ceiling. Doesn't appear to be a stain in the photos you posted but an area what was not coated. Some of todays paints have some significant reflection and insulation properties, esp. those all-in-one coat ceramic enhanced ones.

    Are the 80s style full-height euro-cabinets original to the home? perhaps the original were shorter height installed under a sofit, since removed, and the area is lacking insulation at the ceiling transition or unblocked joist cavity and the missed re-painted area highlights this more significantly.

    Is there an exaust duct for a hood or microhood present (was there once one in the area and improperly abandoned or its decomissioning incomplete, re restoring insulation and remediating air/vapor retarder at its former termination) or bi-pass above.

    Is there a floor register, air handling duct or trunk immediately above?

    The inside wall opening increased to expand or open the kitchen or closet knocked out?

    Last edited by H.G. Watson, Sr.; 12-15-2012 at 12:40 AM.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    so so, California
    Posts
    1,867

    Default Re: What teh heck is this?

    Quote Originally Posted by H.G. Watson, Sr. View Post
    The amature painters missed a spot while they were rolling the ceiling. Doesn't appear to be a stain in the photos you posted but an area what was not coated. Some of todays paints have some significant reflection and insulation properties, esp. those all-in-one coat ceramic enhanced ones.Are the 80s style full-height euro-cabinets original to the home? perhaps the original were shorter height installed under a sofit, since removed, and the area is lacking insulation at the ceiling transition or unblocked joist cavity and the missed re-painted area highlights this more significantly. Is there an exaust duct for a hood or microhood present (was there once one in the area and improperly abandoned or its decomissioning incomplete, re restoring insulation and remediating air/vapor retarder at its former termination) or bi-pass above inside wall or closet knocked out?
    That was what i was thinking also. Most especially with the IR test.


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Plano, Texas
    Posts
    4,245

    Default Re: What teh heck is this?

    Removed fir down (soffit, bulkhead) above old cabinets. Missing insulation above. I'm guessing you could not get to the attic above.
    The stain could be a bad patch and paint job but also could be due to temperature difference and fumes plating out on ceiling due to the temperature difference.

    Jim Luttrall
    www.MrInspector.net
    Plano, Texas

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Charlotte NC
    Posts
    2,304

    Default Re: What teh heck is this?

    I believe you can see where the painter used a shield along the straight wall that extended into the room (sharp line) with over spray at the other edges of the holiday (missed spot). Painter meant to come back and paint the inside corners but forgot.

    The beatings will continue until morale has improved. mgt.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    St Paul, MN
    Posts
    1,630

    Default Re: What teh heck is this?

    If that was in MN I'd say it was a past condensation stain due to the missing attic insulation.

    MinnesotaHomeInspectors.com
    Minnesota Home Inspectors LLC
    ASHI #242887 mnradontesting.com

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Southern Vancouver Island
    Posts
    4,607

    Default Re: What teh heck is this?

    I had similar patterns which was soot from scented candles, missing insulation. I'll try to dig up the pics.

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  8. #8

    Default Re: What teh heck is this?

    Possible heat duct area??


  9. #9
    Garry Blankenship's Avatar
    Garry Blankenship Guest

    Default Re: What teh heck is this?

    Pretty good sleuthing there boss. The IR photo complete with a temp gauge is very cool. Based on that distinct temp outline, I'd say it's not the paint. Radiant heat in the ceiling and that area once had cabinetry or ? now removed ? Or - - - there is a fixture, roof vent or similar above creating that temp. foot-print ? Are you willing to share what IR equipment you are using ?


  10. #10
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Southwest US
    Posts
    585

    Default Re: What teh heck is this?

    What Jim said. I think it's referred to as "ghosting" (technical term, no doubt). Often you can clearly see the outlines of the ceiling joists.

    END GLOBAL WHINING

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Wisconsin
    Posts
    274

    Default Re: What teh heck is this?

    I agree with Ken, if it was in WI I would say the same. I've seen stains like this where the moisture was high in the home and water condensed on the surface during cold nights where insulation was missing. After it dried the area was stained a different color from the rest of the area.


  12. #12
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    so so, California
    Posts
    1,867

    Default Re: What teh heck is this?

    I ran through all these possibilities. The only thing is that is was "everwhere" in the house. i mean all over. Spots on walls, ceilings...just weird. And in all places, the temps was different. Even on ceilings that were insulated (above).
    Garry, These images were taken with my FLUKE TI 32.


  13. #13
    Garry Blankenship's Avatar
    Garry Blankenship Guest

    Default Re: What teh heck is this?

    Quote Originally Posted by Marc M View Post
    I ran through all these possibilities. The only thing is that is was "everwhere" in the house. i mean all over. Spots on walls, ceilings...just weird. And in all places, the temps was different. Even on ceilings that were insulated (above).
    Garry, These images were taken with my FLUKE TI 32.
    Based on your "everywhere" post above, I don't know if it's a recommendation or a condemnation of your FLUKE.


  14. #14
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Southern Vancouver Island
    Posts
    4,607

    Default Re: What teh heck is this?

    This house I did in the spring had similar staining. Black squares, black marks around pot lights, black dots on a bedroom ceiling that lined up with soffit vents. I noticed candles all around the place. In the attic I saw missing insulation. I believe cool patches on the ceiling become damp with condensation, causing soot to collect there.

    ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images
    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    so so, California
    Posts
    1,867

    Default Re: What teh heck is this?

    Quote Originally Posted by John Kogel View Post
    This house I did in the spring had similar staining. Black squares, black marks around pot lights, black dots on a bedroom ceiling that lined up with soffit vents. I noticed candles all around the place. In the attic I saw missing insulation. I believe cool patches on the ceiling become damp with condensation, causing soot to collect there.
    Well played John, sounds good to me.


  16. #16
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Charlotte NC
    Posts
    2,304

    Default Re: What teh heck is this?

    Quote Originally Posted by Marc M View Post
    I ran through all these possibilities. The only thing is that is was "everwhere" in the house. i mean all over. Spots on walls, ceilings...just weird. And in all places, the temps was different. Even on ceilings that were insulated (above).
    Garry, These images were taken with my FLUKE TI 32.
    Mark, were you able to inspect the attic area above the pictured space in the op pic?

    The beatings will continue until morale has improved. mgt.

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    so so, California
    Posts
    1,867

    Default Re: What teh heck is this?

    Quote Originally Posted by Vern Heiler View Post
    Mark, were you able to inspect the attic area above the pictured space in the op pic?
    no, that area wasnt accessible.


  18. #18
    Alan Ditsworth's Avatar
    Alan Ditsworth Guest

    Default Re: What teh heck is this?

    Thermal tracking? Air/moisture loss through ceiling due to the lack of insulation in that area.


  19. #19
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    Rocky Ford, Co.
    Posts
    5

    Default Re: What teh heck is this?

    Is there a wood stove or wood fireplace in the house? Cooking can also cause this. This is what I call the "tepee effect". Contaminates are pulled through and filtered by the drywall where the insulation is missing. Note the narrow clean strip between the two squares. The contaminates cannot pass through the 2 x 4 ceiling joist. If there is an attic fan it can cause a negative pressure area in attic. This is my take on the observation..


  20. #20
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Fredericksburg, VA
    Posts
    895

    Default Re: What teh heck is this?

    The above statements are expressed solely as my opinion and in all probability will conflict with someone else's.
    Stu, Fredericksburg VA

  21. #21
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Caledon, Ontario
    Posts
    4,982

    Default Re: What teh heck is this?

    Ghosting - Michaels Engineering
    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.


  22. #22
    Garry Blankenship's Avatar
    Garry Blankenship Guest

    Default Re: What teh heck is this?

    Quote Originally Posted by Raymond Wand View Post
    Ghosting - Michaels Engineering
    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.
    Great informantion - - - THANKS


Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •