Replies

1. 
   Bob_Walker | Dec 20, 2001 08:47pm | #1

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   It's soot, maybe from candles, maybe from your furnace - if furnace, have it checked
   b immediately.

   This isn't common, but its far from rare. I took a seminar on it last winter!

   Two theories as to why: both based on temp differentials. 1st says you get condensation at the colder spots, so soot sticks to it. The second is that temp differentials create air currents and eddies so there is more impactg of soot particles at those locations.

   I like the second theory myself, but ....

1. 
   Kerr | Dec 20, 2001 08:49pm | #2

   *are you burning candles?is your furnace flue drawing properly?after your took out the chimney, did you stop using the fireplace? (kidding)sounds like soot collecting at the cooler parts of your wall (studs provide thermal break thru your insulation). This has been discussed here before, and if I recall correctly, the main countermeasure was to stop buring candles (major source of home fires).This seems to be more prevalent these days due to our tighter houses.

1. 
   Kerr | Dec 20, 2001 08:50pm | #3

   *dang, Rob, you are faster than me!I will have to post with more rapidity next time.

2. 
   Colin_R_Mclure | Dec 20, 2001 08:50pm | #4

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   Last summer I completed ,(who am I kidding, I've never really completed more than a sentence in my entire life) ok, started, phase four, or was it five, of an extensive remodel of my own home. Phase one was the second floor additon, two the break through from floor to floor and re configuration of the stairs. Phase three was the compltely new kitchen, relocated from right rear to left rear of what was once a Long Island summer bungalow. Four, a nice little hardwood deck. Phase five included removal of the old under built and overdue front porch roof and masonry stoop, and toppling of the sad excuse for a masonry chimney. Finally, this phase included a gut and remodel of the remaining heretofore untouched right side of the first floor. This part of the job entailed new framing of the front and rear walls,new headers and framing at the side wall and all new windows and doors. Phase one had shown me that the house was 2 1/2"
   out of level from corner to corner, so I decided to level the living room /dining room ceiling using steel studs, sistered level to the existing framing. The remaing exterior wall framing was 60 years old full 2" and nearly clear old growth lumber. I planed the wall flat to an 1/8" in 24'.
   The exterior walls were then air sealed and insulated, and the rock glued and screwed, then spackled and painted to perfection. What then ,could possibly be the problem here. Several months later I began to notice a dark
   ghost of a shadow line at each stud location and dark dots at each screw location. I just don't get it. 18 years in the trade and I've never experienced this one before. Please give me your theories.
   copenstick@aol . com