A wile back I remember reading an article in FHB mag. about mysterious stains on a ceiling. They seemed to be everywhere the ceiling joists were or trusses. I have come across this problem at a customers house and don’t remember what causes this. Does anyone remember this article or have an idea what causes this? I’m sorry but don’t have any pictures. From what I can remember about the article it was called snaking or something like that. Thanks for any help in advance. Ed
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There is a temperature difference in the ceiling/wall where there are joists or trusses. This affects the microscopic air currents near the surface and may also somehow affect static electric charges. The net result is that smoke/dust in the air will tend to settle preferentially near where the studs/joists are. The problem is most pronounced in homes with heavy smokers, where lots of candles are burned, or where a wood stove/fireplace is used a lot.
I've heard it called "ghosting".
sorry it took so long to get back. thank you for your reply! after seeing "ghosting" that is actually what i remember, not snaking. thanks again
telegraphing on ceilings
we saw this on ceilings that were poorly insulated. Batt insulation leaving gaps between the trusses. Air gets under the trusses and the moisture shows up as darker color directly under the trusses.
We found this (and corrected the problem) when we saw this on cornerfireplaces where a beam was installed diagonally to support a hiprafter. When the ceiling got insulated the insulator could not reach this small corner and consequently it had no insulation. In the wintertime the dark line appeared directly under the beam.
The other time when we saw telegraphing lines was when the bottom cords of the trusses were not equally level and the drywall installation followed the bumpy road (poor quality control of the truss manufacturer)
thanks for reply! both are very helpful.