Paint flaking/black mould spots on bathroom ceiling

Hi all you knowledgeable people ,

Just wondering if anyone can give some advice about the paint constantly flaking off the bathroom ceiling because of the steam from the shower. We have a constant air flow and extractor fan but neither seem to solve the problem.

With 4 showers/more per day the steam from the electric shower is heavy and for many years now we have had to constantly repaint.

Read an article in the Southside Express some years ago and they recommended VC175 but it only keeps the black mould spots away for a while and the problem returns.

Any tips/advice?

P.S. I see these people recommend [broken link removed] but at this stage we have bought so many products I'm beginning to wonder if anything will work.

What type of paint is up there at the moment and what types have you tried in the past (just trying to preempt some replies which will not be relevant) I personally used Vinyl Silk no probs.

Sorry was rushing off earlier and should have stated which type it was. Its either vinyl silk or matt - we normally go for vinyl silk.

sueellen, did you by any chance try Aqua Seal's Damp Stain Block? It certainly keeps away condensation mould. Is your extractor fan over the shower or is it some distance from the unit?
Roundstone

Hi Roundstone,

"did you by any chance try Aqua Seal's Damp Stain Block? It certainly keeps away condensation mould. Is your extractor fan over the shower or is it some distance from the unit?"

Can't quite remember if we used that particular product but would have to say that it does sound familiar. As mentioned above over many years we've tried numerous different products!

The extractor fan is immediately above the shower and is vented.

Thanks,

Sueellen.

Sueelen, maybe the ceiling is cold hence the condensation. have you considered putting polysterene tiles on?
Happy Easter
Roundstone

Hi Roundstone,

Happy Easter to you too [broken link removed]

I came up with that bright idea myself some time ago but him indoors insists that the original ceiling would then just hide a multitude of mould etc. and if the situation got bad enough the tiles just like the paint would probably come away from the ceiling?

Sueellen.

Cold ceiling

Well if it is condensation, you could check and see what your insulation is like in the attic above your bathroom for starters - before you consider polytiles on the ceiling. Also, you may find that if you have tiled walls & tiled floors, the room is very cold, I notice when the heat is on in our bathroom, we have no condensation and the walls don't get damp, otherwise it gets "drippy"
The aquaseal paint is great I have to say. From previous experience, it is something that needs to be done at a maximum of 18 month intervals. Which is a bit of a pain, but does stop the black spots appearing.
HTH

I think the poly tiles would prevent the steam getting to the original ceiling
Cloch na Rón

Try Dulux WeatherShield it's an oil based brilliant white exterior paint and will go a long way to protecting the ceiling from steam/dampness should also stop any mould/blackspots from appearing there is no law against using this inside to remedy such a problem it's exterior paint because its tougher and can withstand the elements I got this tip when I moved into my house and tried it....well low and behold 1.5 years later still a lovely brilliant white ceiling in my bathroom with no signs of dampness/blackspots. Good Luck

According to the New Scientist book, 'The Last Word', this fungus is more than likely "stachybotrys aira" . "...it's airborne spores are allergenic and powerfully toxigenic." This contributing scientist worked for a lab that carried out a housing survey in Scotland. He goes on to say this "really black fungus, in about 15% of houses in Scotland, is of particular concern in North America where it has been implicated in episodes of building related illness ranging from chronic fatigue syndrome in adults to fatal pulmonary haemosiderosis in infants.

Anyways, I don't want to alarm anyone but just to pass on the information.

There was another letter published in this book that suggested that the use of a solution of Potassium Permanganate mixed to a light purple concentration worked in both the removal of said fungus and prevention of recurrence. BTW, Potassium permanganate is poisonous, so be carefull.

Another suggestion was the use of an aqueous solution of 10% zinc sulphate which, we're told, prevents the re-emergence of the fungus.

Hope that helps.
I think I'll try and get hold of some potassium permanganate myself. I'll let all know how it goes.

Gunnerbar

You can also check that you can't install a more powerful fan(cheaper ones are less expensive-you may need an electrician)and that the fan runs for a minimum of 15mins after the light switch is turned off assuming its one linked to the light switch operation. Also open the window if you have one!