Porch Ceiling.. what would you do?

[mrFinpgh]

We had this exact situation on our porch and did something different. We covered it with triple thick primer called "Peel bond". I think we put up three coats of it. It still has some character but drastically reduced the alligatoring and looks pretty good with the paint in my opinion and was much easier/cheaper than replacing. I consider encapsulation to be just as good as removal with respect to lead paint especially on an outdoor porch but that's just me.

I looked at doing this, but I think it comes back to the problem of the cost/time to scrape and prep the ceiling (taking precautions for lead) and encapsulating the paint. It didn't feel like the payoff was so good. 

Cover it with vinyl bead board.

+1 on covering it with vinyl.  With the pictures you posted, it seems pretty solid.  If there are some areas that have water damage by all means remove and inspect.  The added bonus of covering is it will be easy to place cup hooks for chimes or hanging planters etc.

When you guys talk about vinyl, are you talking about beadboard planks or vinyl beadboard panels?

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

Although I’m not bad with a paint brush etc, I really do not like painting. So for me, the painting isn’t an option. I would remove and replace.
I always get concerned when people over clad timber with vinyl or PVC, simply because it can cause the under layer to sweat or condensate, accelerating rot.
Whenever we replace soffit or fascia boards, we remove all of the existing, and often fit venting where applicable, to keep good air flow.

Remove and replace is my vote.

 

[peter halle]

Late to the party, I would leave existing in place and look for pvc bead board to install over the existing.  If the size of the available sheets causes joint concerns then get creative.  Create a design for placement and then cover the joints with a solid piece of pic.

In theory, think about a coffered ceiling.  You can have panels of any shape and design with the joints made up decoratively.  I am not suggesting a coffered ceiling for a front porch, but rather suggesting looking at alternative thinking and being able to be creative.

Peter

 

[Paul G]

I would replace. YMMV

 

[DeformedTree]

Although I’m not bad with a paint brush etc, I really do not like painting. So for me, the painting isn’t an option. I would remove and replace.
I always get concerned when people over clad timber with vinyl or PVC, simply because it can cause the under layer to sweat or condensate, accelerating rot.
Whenever we replace soffit or fascia boards, we remove all of the existing, and often fit venting where applicable, to keep good air flow.

Remove and replace is my vote.

My house is a case in your point.  Some point someone covered painted wood trim with aluminum.  Under the aluminum the wood rotted and paint fell off.  Lovely mix of moisture+heat+no drying.  It was all replaced, but now it's aluminum over cedar, so rot resistance, no paint and properly water protected.

I don't think enough people understand the mess that forms under that vinyl / aluminum.  Out of site, out of mind.

 

[Bob D.]

"It was all replaced, but now it's aluminum over cedar, so rot resistance, no paint and properly water protected"

Any ventilation to allow the space between the cedar and aluminum to breathe.
Moisture finds a way to invade almost everything.

 

[DeformedTree]

Yes, it's vented very well now, but also done in a way water won't get in. But if it finds a way, it can get out and it all breaths.

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

Exactly that DT, in the past we have priced to remove and replace, sometimes to be met with a reply that they’ve had cheaper quotes. So I never buy work, and leave the client to decide.
Sometimes I later see somebody has over clad the job, and think to myself, you can’t help some people.

I have seen extensive damage and rot many times, often eating into joists because of bad practice.
Air flow and anything else to combat sweating and condensation, as you well know is paramount.