We have lived in our 1920 farmhouse in Michigan's Thumb area for 4 years now, and suddenly we have this sort of bitter-smelling, translucent brownish ooze coming from a ceiling crack. The crack is discolored in one spot but not brownish - only as though it had been patched in the past. There is no plumbing at all on that side of the house, and it is the ceiling on the first floor. There is nothing on the floor above that could have leaked. We see no signs of bees, no nests or holes outside on that side of the house, so nothing to indicate it may be honey as has been mentioned on other forums. It seems to be resin leaking from boards used in the building of the house all those years ago, from what I see on other forums. It started out as just about a 3 inch leak; it has spread now to one leak about 4" and one about 7-8". My question is: What do we do about it? How can we stop the leak, or seal it, or do whatever repair is necessary? I hope the picture is clear enough. And thanks in advance for all answers and advice! Oh, ps - I have ruled out the need for an exorcise although I do have access to a paranormal investigation group should the need yet arise ;) :D
Sudden ooze from ceiling crack
Aug 29, 2017
6 Replies
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I'd open the ceiling to see just how bad it is and determine what it is. Looks sort of like honey but what are the chances of a honey bee infestation? Dripping from a drain line, but you stae no plumbing. Roof leak? what is above? I'd open it up for sure.
What is in the floor above the crack? Have you tried a tiny taste to see if it is honey??
All anyone here can do is speculate about the cause. You probably should open up the ceiling so you can determine the source. Once we know what the substance is and where it is coming from, we can advise you how to go about repairing it.
If the house was built in 1920 and it hasn't been renovated, the ceiling is likely made out of plaster, which will not be a lot of fun to work with.
Is that anywhere near a chimney? Could be creosote.
Good point. If it is, all the more reason to open and repair.
Has it rained recently? A roof leak can find its way down and show up in some unexpected areas. The surface tension can cause the water to follow joists and other parts of the structure until gravity or an obstruction finally forces to show up. The brown could be all the stuff it picks up along the way, including stuff from the wood itself. When an ice dam cause leaks inside a house, the streaks are often brown.
How's the weather been where the problem is?
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