How to repair paint coming loose from concrete ceiling?

[freddyflintoff]

I have an interesting case in a ~70's apartment. It's a recent purchase, and hadn't been well maintained. The walls are incredibly dirty, and there are a couple of areas in the main bedroom that had a hairline crack in the paint. I pulled some of it away, and it appears that there are sections where the paint (~3mm thick) has come loose from the concrete ceiling. There was no dampness in the paint that came off and no water stains/discolouration, but am now obviously worried about water ingress. The apartment is on the middle floor, and the one above has the same layout, so would have a bedroom above. Any thoughts/ideas? The room receives westerly sun, and clearly hasn't been painted in many years, so hoping it could just be age or humidity? Is repair a DIY job I could tackle or time to call in the experts?

[Jason]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @freddyflintoff and congrats on your new purchase. 

In your first photo it certainly looks like there has been water ingress issues in the past. Whether this was a one-off incident (for example, a burst tap) or is an ongoing issue would certainly be difficult to ascertain from photos. The first step would be removing all the loose paint so you can get a better look at the concrete. You'll also need to remove as much as possible so you have a stable surface when it comes to repainting. 

Let me tag our resident Bunnings D.I.Y. expert in @EricL for his thoughts as well as other helpful community members like @TedBear and @Jewelleryrescue.

Jason

[EricL]

Hello @freddyflintoff 

The assessment regarding the damage to your concrete ceiling is spot on. Moisture damage has lifted not only the paint but the plaster cover as well. I recommend engaging the services of a painting specialist who is familiar with moisture sealing and repair. Replastering and painting over the damaged area is not recommended as the same thing will happen again unless the moisture problem is resolved.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[freddyflintoff]

Thanks Jason and Eric! Sounds like its time to get in a painting specialist, I'll get onto that in the new year. If there hasn't been a leak from a tap or anything similar, what are some of the other causes of moisture? And how generally will they resolve the problem if there isn't an obvious leak etc?

[EricL]

Hi @freddyflintoff 

Basically, the painting specialist will try to track down the source of the moisture damage. It could be a leaking pipe, water coming in from the patio or compromised waterproofing. If no source is found the specialist will make recommendations on how to seal the concrete surface before plastering and painting it.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric