How to fix this "water" damage on a plaster wall?
#1
07-12-11, 07:54 PM
How to fix this "water" damage on a plaster wall?
I have two issues with this wall. First, I'm still trying to identify the source of the what I presume is water damage. There is obviously a chimney on the exterior of this wall. I cannot find any obvious water leakage and have sealed the area when the roof meets the chimney well (the flashing appears to be in good shape). Can the water/moisture possibly come in via the bricks themselves or rain coming down through the chimney? I've gone into the attic during the worst rain and can't ever see water coming in but it's hard for me to get back in there, the roof gets pretty shallow due to a normal "walkable" roof pitch.
Also, I'm trying to tack the best way to restore the wall. It appears "solid", the plaster and lathe behind it (has mortar over a gypsum lathe with a skim coat of plaster). I'm thinking some of this might just be reoccurring from the old moisture that may not even be a source anymore.
Thanks for any help!
Biederboat
Also, I'm trying to tack the best way to restore the wall. It appears "solid", the plaster and lathe behind it (has mortar over a gypsum lathe with a skim coat of plaster). I'm thinking some of this might just be reoccurring from the old moisture that may not even be a source anymore.
Thanks for any help!
Biederboat
#2
07-13-11, 04:51 AM
To fix the plaster, you need to remove what's failing, prime if chalky and then recoat with a setting compound like durabond. It's more diy friendly than actual plaster.
BUT you need to make sure the leak is fixed or the repair won't last! It is possible for moisture to leach thru the brick or run down the flue if the chimney doesn't have a cap.
BUT you need to make sure the leak is fixed or the repair won't last! It is possible for moisture to leach thru the brick or run down the flue if the chimney doesn't have a cap.
#3
07-13-11, 07:12 AM
Thanks for the Durabond tip. In regards to the moisture, I can check into a cap but what about it coming "through" the brick? Can I use Thompson's or some kind of water seal to keep it from coming through that way?
Thanks,
BB
Thanks,
BB
#4
07-13-11, 09:36 AM
Water seal should stop water from going thru the brick but I've heard that using the wrong type of sealer on a chimney can shorten it's life...... so I check for more info before I went that route. I'd also check for missing or cracked mortar on the chimney.
