exposed ceiling

saraann21

hi,ive had problems with dry rot so had to remove lathe and plaster ceiling and having some joists/floorboards replaced.im wary of putting a ceiling back up straight away in case rot comes back so id rather leave it off for a bit.however it does make the room quite dark.im after ideas as to what to do with it.paint or not?any ideas welcome.its my front room ceiling in an old victorian house.thankyou

Doozergirl

There are lots of myths surrounding dry rot. Even dry rot needs water to feed it. It can't spread without moisture.

Do you know what the source of the rot was? If you do and that has been resolved then it will not come back. It would also take an age anyway for anything new to become affected.

saraann21

Doozergirl wrote: »

There are lots of myths surrounding dry rot. Even dry rot needs water to feed it. It can't spread without moisture.

Do you know what the source of the rot was? If you do and that has been resolved then it will not come back. It would also take an age anyway for anything new to become affected.

yes been treated however house still has damp issues so im in no rush to put ceiling back as think a good airing can do no harm.so what are your thoughts on painting exposed ceiling?im thinking paint the exposed floorboards white to help make the room lighter?thanks

stator

You've got no ceiling at all? So you can see all the electrics and pipes under the upstairs floorboards from your living room?
To be honest I'd just put up a new ceiling.
Get the dehumidifiers out for a few weeks first.

saraann21

stator wrote: »

You've got no ceiling at all? So you can see all the electrics and pipes under the upstairs floorboards from your living room?
To be honest I'd just put up a new ceiling.
Get the dehumidifiers out for a few weeks first.

got dehumidifier on lol.yes one wire going to ceiling light and a pipe for upstairs radiator are on show,thats all.

FreeBear

If you want something cheap and in keeping with the period property, limewash would be good.

Track down a local building supplier of lime products (B&Q won't do), and purchase a tub of lime putty*. Scoop out a good size dollop, and thin it down (three parts water, one part lime putty). Give it a real good mix so that you have a thin cream or milk consistency. Brush it on to the exposed beams thinly - Don't be tempted to slap on a thick coat - Multiple thin layers are best.

One tub of lime putty will be more than enough to do the whole house inside & out - All for £12-£15.

Why limewash ?
It has a fairly high pH which will prevent mold & bacteria from breading. It is also "breathable" so won't lock moisture in to the timber & surrounding brickwork. If you mix your own, it is also dirt cheap.



*) If you were local to me, you would be welcome to a scoop from one of my tubs.