are polystyrene ceiling tiles ok

[matz]

considering making an offer for a property that has poly ceiling tiles on all upstair ceilings. House is terraced circa 1960s

Is above an issue re. 1) mortgage survey 2) renting it out to a tenant. 3) builidng insurance.

I'm assuming best scenario is removing them and skimming over or worst is ripping all the ceilings down and reboarding.

Idaelly would like to leave as is

thanks.....

 

[Space cat]

Regardless of the regulations for renting etc (which I don't know), those tiles are an accident waiting to happen. It only takes a small fire - in a waste bin maybe - to bring the first few down. These then burn fast and hot, bringing more of their mates down to join them, and pretty soon the whole room is an inferno. Best to get rid of them.

 

[matz]

yes thats what I was thinking. What about fire resistant paint..?

though I would prefer to do it properly.

is this likely a re board job? I'm thinking the glue for the tiles will pull the facing off the board etc

 

[OwainDIYer]

I agree - I don't think there are regs for renting (other than in an HMO), but in terms of safety they're a disaster.

They also look really nasty and dated now and will, I'm sure, put off many decent tenants and adversely affect the rent you can achieve.

If you can scrape them off (hot air gun to soften adhesive, garden hoe can be quite good for levering them off) then a plasterer to board and skim will not cost that much and will make the place look a whole lot better.