GBA Logo horizontal Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram YouTube Icon Navigation Search Icon Main Search Icon Video Play Icon Plus Icon Minus Icon Picture icon Hamburger Icon Close Icon Sorted

Community and Q&A

ceiling drywall bowing up

user-1112892055 | Posted in General Questions on

what could be causing the drywall in  a small house with an ERV that is very tight to bow up between the ceiling joists ?

GBA Prime

Join the leading community of building science experts

Become a GBA Prime member and get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

Replies

  1. Expert Member
    Michael Maines | | #1

    Likely too much moisture on the back side.

    1. user-1112892055 | | #2

      Spot on. I discovered the dryer vent was ducted into a very tight attic. You rock! Thank you 🙏🏼

      1. Malcolm_Taylor | | #3

        coz24,

        Great the solution was so simple!

      2. Expert Member
        Michael Maines | | #5

        You're welcome! I like a challenge but in this case I'm glad the problem was so easily solved.

        1. user-1112892055 | | #6

          thanks so much Michael, so rock always bows towards the wet side ?

          1. Expert Member
            Michael Maines | | #7

            Porous building materials always bow toward the wetter side; when they absorb moisture, they expand. It's likely the paper facing, not the gypsum core that expands.

            You often see the same effect it in exterior wood such as on decks, where the top dries out from the sun while the bottom side stays cool and damp, leading to cupped boards.

  2. user-1112892055 | | #4

    Grateful for this forum!

Log in or create an account to post an answer.

Community

Recent Questions and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |