Radiant Heat In Ceiling

clkesmsh

I'm looking to repair cracks in ceiling with electric radiant heat. They still use the heat, last time they where repaired it was done with mesh tape and spackle compound which did not hold up and I have tried repairing with elastopatch (Dap product) which isn't working as well as I hoped. Has anyone had any luck repairing these cracks

Tim0282

Is it thin coat plaster? I'm assuming it is. Can you dig the cracks out in a "v" and fill them with base coat and then finish coat? Using a pointed can opener works pretty good.

clkesmsh

I believe it is thin coat plaster, what would you suggest for base coat and finish coat and should use paper tape instead of mesh tape. (thanks for the response)

Brockster

I ran into that problem not too long ago too. It appeared the heat made condensation over the years, mold and rotted drywall needed to be cut out, backing put in and new drywall back in. I used a keyhole saw and as soon as I caught a wire I took it real easy and never severed a wire. Just be careful if you have to cut it out!

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Muddauber

Radiant ceiling heat was real popular here in the 1970s.there were 3 mehtods of installation.

#1 Ceiling and walls are hung and finished.Electricians install ceiling cables.After cables are installed,2 coats of a plaster product called RADEX is applied over the cables,then a texture is applied.

#2 Hang a layer of drywall on ceilings only.Tape flat joints.Electricians install cable.Hangers roll joint compound over cables and hang a 2nd layer of drywall on ceiling,then hang walls.

#3 Hang a drywall product on the ceiling called Panelectric,which is a 5/8" drywall panel with the cables installed within the core of the board.
The Panelectric co. does not recommend the use of mesh tape for their product.

Tim0282

Kal Kote makes a good base and finish, so does USG. Theirs is called Diamond. Both good. You could use regular plaster and add a little portland cement and Durabond to make it set a little faster and get a little harder. It's easier to just get the stuff already mixed. What does your finish texture look like? Is it smooth plaster or a sand finish texture. A lot of times we sprayed acoustical texture over the Radex. I would use mesh tape and bed it with the base coat plaster. Then match the texture.

Tim

clkesmsh

Thanks for the advice, will give it a try


Kevin