WATER CONTAMINATED ACOUSTICAL CEILING TILE
Water damaged tile - EPA Indoor Air Facts No. 4, Sick Buildings, and reads..."biological contamination may breed in...Where water has collected on ceiling tiles..." Both for environmental and aesthetic considerations, water damaged tiles should be removed and replaced.
ATTENTION - RECOMENDATIONS FOR WATER DAMAGED TILES.
If your contractor is recommending anything other than replacing the water stained tile, BEWARE. Covering up water stained ceiling tiles is not the correct procedure to insure environmental health. Let’s examine the reasons:
First water damage tiles are considered a potential biological contaminate and a breeding ground for bacteria, since the wet/stained tile came from the backside of the tile instead of the front, all your doing is covering up the front part of the stain on the surface of the tile, not addressing the bacteria ramifications on the backside of the tile. At this point, rather than take a team of experts to examine the damage (LOL), it's much better to be sure your ceiling is safe from potential contaminates and a safe work place. The correct answer is to replace the damage water stained tile.
When WATER has leaked into an area it does not belong, it is important that you put your safety first. Water can cause short circuits in the electrical system creating a potential for shock and fire. There is also a potential for biological hazards i.e. contaminants, bacteria, collapsing ceilings, walls, etc.
A water damaged ceiling is usually caused by a leaky roof. Water is a substance that always goes down the path where there is least resistance. The first sign of leaky roof water damage is usually a yellowish discoloration of the paint on the ceiling or damage to the ceiling tile. The results of the damage are extremely visible, because water will drip, and ends up on the top part of the ceiling material, whether it is drywall, wood or plaster.
The damage caused to the ceiling and walls by the water is downright ugly and unsightly. The ceiling becomes damp from the pool of water that begins to form over time. The material becomes weaker and starts to lose its integrity. The major problem with the water damage is that mold can form after just a few days. The mold can be the source of health problems and should be removed immediately.
So what do you do? REPLACE, REPLACE
