Why Dust Streaks on Ceilings and Upper Walls Occur
By Mark J. Donovan
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Dust streaks on ceilings and upper walls is a fairly common phenomenon. Cathedral ceilings are often more prone to this type of problem then flat ceilings, and most particularly at the outside wall edges. The dust pattern often has a scalloped type look where the ceiling intersects the exterior walls.
Wall and ceiling dust streaks occur due to insufficient insulation in the attic area of the home. Due to inadequate insulation in the attic, the ceiling and upper wall surface temperatures are much cooler than the air and wall surfaces near the lower levels of a room. |
When warm moist air rises from the radiators or hot air registers, the moisture in the warm air condenses and forms microscopic water droplets on the ceiling and upper walls where the surface temperatures are much colder. In addition to the warm air rising, small particles of dust also get lifted upwards towards the ceilings.
| As the dust comes in contact with the cold moist surfaces of the ceiling and walls, it sticks to them. As the dust builds up on the ceiling and upper wall surfaces, over time slightly shadowed or dark looking areas form.
Consequently the only way to really prevent dust streaks on ceilings and walls from occurring is to install enough insulation in the attic and walls so that they do not become cold. If they are prevented from becoming cold, the warm moist air will not condense on them and cause dust to stick to them. |
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To remove dust streaks on ceilings and walls the best solution is to repaint the surfaces after first washing off the dust with warm water and a detergent. In some cases, you may be able to forgo the repainting, but in most cases it’s the only true way to permanently mask the shadowed dust streaked ceiling stains.
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Related Information
- How to Remove an Asbestos Based Popcorn Ceiling
- How to Drywall a Basement Ceiling
- How to Repair a Water Stained Drywall Ceiling
Additional Drywall Installation Resources from Amazon.com
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