Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 6/13/2009

Question
I have a concrete block house with a formed concrete roof.
Taking out the drop ceilings to expose the vaulted beamed ceilings there is some type of material on the concrete. In the bath room they have scraped it completely off. Is this a form of insulation? If so does it need to be replaced and what and where do I get it. Thank you

Answer
Hi Lana, if the material was several inches thick and foamy looking or looks like a bunch of spitballs made of paper it is probably an insulation.  If it is hard and cement like it may be some sort of plaster or drywall texture.  If it is insulation then you can contact a local insulation contractor who can respray the insulation for you.  There are also sheet foams available you can attach to the concrete if you prefer to do it yourself.  They can be found in various thicknesses from your local big box home improvement stores like Lowes and Home Depot.  If you chose to go this route and the insulation has a foil back on it?  Install it so that the foil faces toward the interior.  Most of the concrete roofed buildings I build today use a polyisoanurate foam insulation on the roof side of the concrete with a nail base attached to it for installing roofing materials. I hope this information helps, feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com