wrote in message
m
Nicola O. wrote:
I'm sure this has been covered before, but I didn't see it with a
quick search-- if you'll forgive a noob--

I've got a wet bathroom wall, tiled surround, outside wall. I've
pulled off some of the tile and backer board and the studs are also
wet/damp to different degrees, worst around the nails which were so
corroded they practically crumbled. There is roll-style insulation
with foil backing-- I can see by poking around the edges of it, that
the insulation is blackened and the outside wall has some black on it
too.

The studs don't appear to be badly rotted but it is softened. It's
worst around the nail holes, soft and black.

So if I pull out the insulation, spray down the walls with bleach,
let dry, then replace everything, does that seem adequate? Is there
a good test of how wet is "too" wet?

The wet wall is tiled surround? Shower? Most likely the tile grout
had cracks or pin-holes that allowed water intrusion, which has
happened to other units in our condo. I don't know "how wet is too
wet", but it wouldn't hurt to sister in a couple of 2x4's since you
have to open up the wall. For sure, spray with bleach and allow to
dry very sell.
For sure, look at attic and exterior of wall, including fascia and
soffits, to see if any signs of leaks before you close up the wall.
I've seen a lot of water come in through small gaps in fascia. A
leaky roof can shed water far from the leak, such as if the water
follows a rafter or wiring across from where the water comes in.

Agreed. Doesn't that sound like possibly a problem with multiple vapor
barriers too? That should be a prime consideration when closing up the
job, at any rate.

Just a thought,

Twayne`