The Ceiling Fell In And The Bottom Fell Out I Went Into A Spin. . . . .

[toggleswitch2]

I have found it much easier to replace cheap range-hoods (usually unvented) than wash them. And by cheap, I mean it in the proper sense of the word ==> poor quality/flimsy.

If there is a stainless-steel sink I tend to go with SS, in that it is fully washable and I don't have to worry about damaging the paint. So what if it's more money; It's peace of mind and ease of cleaning.

I happened to have a microwave / range-hood combination in storage (Only $149), so I used it over my stove in my latest/current apt. The requisite 30 inches from the bottom of the nuker to the stove-top was available/existant.

No one can de-grease and clean someone else's mess better than I can. But at some point you say "WHY?" and just shell out a few drachmas to avoid having your hands torn to shreds by chemicals, brillo pads, and bleaches or ammonias, and the sharp edges they will most-likey meet up with.

 

[volvoguy87]

Historic Preservationist to the rescue!

Give some Revere copper polish a try (the kind Revere sells for their copper-bottom cookware). It will tackle stuff Tarnex and Brasso won't even go near. Bar Keeper's Friend is great for the really nasty stuff, but it can scratch a little.

As for your ceiling, plaster over Sheetrock is a disaster waiting to happen. I'm glad neither you nor any pets were killed. Plaster should always be installed over wood or metal lath. It smushes between the wood strips or metal webbing and the smushes (called keys) hold it in place. My house was built in 1892 and has original plaster quite intact throughout most of it.

I would recommend using 1/2 inch drywall for your new ceiling. It isn't too expensive, it will look good, and it's pretty quick to install. I would also take advantage of the big hole in your ceiling to insulate for energy efficiency and sound. Also, if you want to run any new electrical lines, install more light fixtures, or move any utilities, now would be the ideal time to do it. If there are any water pipes that are now exposed, inspect them and insulate them. Copper pipes especially need insulating because they radiate heat so well.

Glad you're alright,
Dave

 

[danemodsandy]

Jim:

"I haven't gone to a doctor yet, my neck is feeling much better and I took some Tylenol and my headache is gone, the bump is a little tender, and I'm not dizzy anymore. I think I'm going to be fine."

Sounds good; watchful waiting should do the trick. However - if there is any return of the dizziness or headache, or if your vision blurs, or if the bump increases in size, God is trying to tell you something, and what He's trying to tell you is: "Doctor. NOW."

I do think you'll be okay, though. We're made hard-headed for a reason! ;-)

 

[danemodsandy]

Dave:

"Give some Revere copper polish a try (the kind Revere sells for their copper-bottom cookware)."

And where, pray tell, are you finding that? I agree that it's wonderful stuff, but it seems to have gone the way of Morton's tuna pot pies and the Bullwinkle Soaky. I thought that the new owners of Revere just didn't care any more; Lord knows they're clueless enough about everything else to do with the brand.

 

[volvoguy87]

Revere polish.

I have purchased it at Corning / Revere stores at Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge, VA and at the same store in Jeffersonville, OH. I hope they still make it. The new Revere pots and pans are thin junk, but the polish works well.
Dave

 

[volvoguy87]

Found it online!

Here's the stuff! Get it in the paste form in the canister. Don't be fooled by liquid imitators.
Dave

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www.shopworldkitchen.com

 

[frontaloadotmy]

Jim

Just do a "squeeze" of lemon over the hardware and sprinkle table salt on it, use the squeeze like a little brillo pad; copper restored!!!!

 

[frigilux]

OMG! That would have freaked the hell out of me. You sure you don't have a concussion? That all-day dizziness is sometimes a sign. If you have any return of symptoms, SEE THE DOC!

 

[circlew]

Hard hat zone!

Wow Jim, sorry to hear the ceiling attacked you! Maybe you should invest in a hard hat if any of the other ceilings are bad. As for the plaster over rocklath, the house I'm renovating - built in 1952 - had it (and still does in one room and some closets). It was in very good condition with only a few hairline cracks and no loosening anywhere, even in areas that had got wet. In fact, when I tore it out, most of the plaster stayed adhered to the panels, which are 16"X48". Talk about something heavy! I'm surprised it didn't knock you out. I estimated each piece to weigh at least 40 lbs. Did the whole panels come down off the joists above, or just the plaster coating? Wonder what caused it to break loose? Think I remember you saying something about big trucks on the road out front. Maybe too much vibration. Maybe it wasn't a good job in the first place. Rocklath is different than regular sheetrock, in that it has a special paper for the plaster to bond to. Plaster applied over regular sheetrock would be a problem. Today, veneer plaster is more commonly used. Again, a special plaster base - either blueboard, Durock, or fiberglass faced sheetrock - is used, with a plaster coating less than 1/8" thick. I'm planning to use that system for the new walls and ceilings, as it has a much nicer finish that taped sheetrock. Well, I hope you won't have any further problems with your head or neck.

 

[danemodsandy]

Dave:

Thanks! I'm adding that link to my "Silly" list - so-called because it feels silly to have to order something and have UPS bring it to me, when it used to be in every grocery store worthy of the name.

 

[westingman123]

Wright's Copper Cream

I've found this to be better than Revere polish, although similar. It's in all the groceries around here, but you can also order it, so Sandy you may add it to your "silly" list. 1-800-837-8140 or www.jawright.com.