August 29, 2008
A tub leak could cause a ceiling to go to pieces
My contractor put in a white suspension ceiling several years ago, and although it looks beautiful, pieces of the previous ceiling keep falling. The falling debris collects near the light fixtures, and when the lights are on, the pieces are illuminated. It looks awful. Other than removing the suspension tiles and spackling the former ceiling, is there anything that can be done? -- Mary McDonald, Hempstead
After exchanging e-mails, we determined that the room above the suspension ceiling very likely is causing the problem. This ceiling hangs in the kitchen, and the room above is a second-story bathroom. My hunch is that the bathroom has a small leak, and moisture is being trapped between floors. As it spreads along the joists, this dampness is loosening the plaster or drywall. The loosened material eventually falls down in chunks.
Now, where should you look for the leak? Try the tub or shower area first. There is a seam between the tile and the tub or shower pan that is a common source of leakage. In many cases, this seam should be scraped of loose grout and caulk. Use a grout knife and a utility knife to scrape the area clean, then regrout and recaulk. There are experts who claim the seam does not need caulk; however, my experience is that a clean line of caulk helps prevent water seepage.
Other areas to check for seepage include the floor and side walls along the outside of the tub or shower pan. Warning signs could be drywall or plaster that is loose or bubbled. Scrape away the damaged areas and patch with drywall compound. A fresh bead of caulk along the floor line also might prevent moisture from getting behind the wall.
Finally, check the water-supply lines and drains to the vanity and tub faucets. Look for water stains inside the vanity or near the bathroom sink. As for the tub faucet, there should be an access panel on a wall in an adjacent room. Using a work light or flashlight, examine the supply lines for leaks and the base of the tub for any damp spots.
Because the original ceiling has been damaged apparently over a long period, you still might get an occasional chunk dropping on the suspension ceiling. If you ever remove the suspension ceiling, you'll likely have to make major repairs in the original ceiling.
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