Bathroom Ceiling about to fall down

WIAWSNB

Did you 'Small Claims' him for the previous £800 balance? If not, you should have. It might have focussed his mind.

Pingu1

I have emailed my neighbour with the same photo I uploaded here. He has checked his shower and doesn't think there is a new leak. He has put down some extra sealant just in case, and will be around next week to have a look at my hall ceiling. I didn't need a court case last time, he paid the remaining £800, eventually. I'm thinking if the ceiling does come down, he would have to cough up and pay for it to be fixed. I would take him to the small claims court otherwise, especially as I have photo evidence. There is carpet in my hall, so I imagine that would be damaged as well. Not utterly convinced he has been checking diligently.

WIAWSNB

Also have evidence that you have informed him, and when.

Pingu1

My neighbour had a look at my hall ceiling and seemed to think the water marks were dry. He suggested painting over them and getting back to him if it gets worse. This Christmas I have covered them up with some stain blocker (Zinsser Cover Stain) and it looks a lot better. I think I should go over with white paint. Can I use a white primer/undercoat by itself? Its only a small area.

bjorn_toby_wilde

The Cover Stain is a primer. A coat of emulsion over the top should do it if you have any left from previous decorating.

Pingu1

I don't have any emulsion. Would white wood paint work?

bjorn_toby_wilde

It depends on what sort of paint it is but probably not. Most paints for woodwork are either gloss or satin finish whereas ceilings are normally painted with a matt finish. Sometimes they’re silk finish. Do you know what yours is?

The Cover Stain is slightly off white but you could use a bit more of that if it’s a reasonable match and not too obvious. Failing that a small cheap pot of Matt emulsion wouldn’t be expensive and would do the trick.

Pingu1

I went to my local B&Q and they sold me a small tester pot of Valspar Colour Sample Matt Base A. I did explain I was after white emulson. Beyond that, the smallest size pot was 2.5L, when I need a fraction of it. Slightly worried I have ended up with more primer though?

bjorn_toby_wilde

Why would you be worried you have ended up with more primer?

Pingu1

Well it says Base A, I don't fully understand what it is.