Softboard ceiling deterioration

Causes

Moisture absorption

Leak(s) in the ceiling

The softboard is at the end of its serviceable life

Listed under: Interior, timber and wood-based, softboard, health and safety, ceilings, roof space, linings, walls, moisture, leaks, mould, mould health and safety

Cause

Moisture absorption

Repair

  • identify and address the source of the high moisture levels:
    • if it is a leaking pipe in the roof space, identify and repair it or call a licensed plumber to locate and make the repair. For other types of leak (for example, in claddings or flashings) consult a registered building surveyor
    • if damp subfloor air is moving into the roofspace via a brick veneer cavity, block off the open subfloor area at the bottom of the wall. Address the damp subfloor problem – see Subfloor – damp soil
    • if kitchen and bathroom extractor fans are discharging into the roof space, install ducting to extract the damp air to the outside
    • if there are older-style recessed downlights in the kitchen or bathroom, they may be allowing steam into the roofspace. Replaced them with IC or IC-F labelled downlights which can be covered with insulation. Alternatively, fill the holes and install new fittings mounted on the ceiling
    • if there are high moisture levels within the house, install a rangehood over the cooktop and vent the cooking steam outside; install an exhaust vent near the shower in the bathroom and vent the steam outside, or install a shower dome above the shower; avoid using unflued gas heaters inside; avoid drying clothes inside
  • when the moisture source has been addressed and the roofspace is dry, replace the deteriorated softboard with a new ceiling
  • if the moisture is so extensive that it has left the bulk thermal insulation above the ceiling saturated, the effectiveness of the insulation will be greatly reduced. It should not be reused – replace with new insulation.

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Cause

Leak(s) in the ceiling

Repair

  • identify and repair the leak(s). If a leaking pipe or water tank/cylinder seems to be the problem, call a licensed plumber to locate and make the repair. If the leak is likely to be in a cladding or around a flashing, or the location of the leak is difficult to find, or there may be multiple leaks, call a registered building surveyor to investigate and recommend solutions

  • when the leak has been addressed and the roofspace is dry, replace the deteriorated softboard with a new ceiling

  • if the moisture is so extensive that it has left the bulk thermal insulation above the ceiling saturated, the effectiveness of the insulation will be greatly reduced. It should not be reused – replace with new insulation

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Cause

The softboard is at the end of its serviceable life

Repair

  • replace the deteriorated softboard with a new ceiling, installing thermal insulation at the same time if the room is inside the home’s thermal envelope

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