careful where you mount your screen!!!!

[av-man]

Thought I would share a recent horror story.
We install a fair amount of projection systems, and most have fixed screens. About 10 months ago we installed one at a home in a media room above the garage. The screen was mounted on an exterior wall. There is a window on each side. Above is attic. To the left is attic. To the right is attic. What we did not know was there was a bow in the wall which made the screen almost touch the wall in the center.

About 2 weeks ago, I got a call from the customer wondering if we glue our screens to the wall. I assured him we didn't, so he suggested I come take a look at his. The screen had formed enough condensation behind it to wet the wall at the center of the screen and bond the screen to it. I guess that because the screen is pretty air tight, the temp difference made it condensate. I would never have guessed this would happen. I figured others might want to be aware of the possability.

We hope we fixed the problem by mounting the screen to 3/4 in. strips to give it some air flow behind it.

 

[Audioholics]

Wow - that's wild (but informative).

 

[brian32672]

Very good to know, and a thing I will watch out for... Thanks..

 

[mtrycrafts]

Thought I would share a recent horror story.
We install a fair amount of projection systems, and most have fixed screens. About 10 months ago we installed one at a home in a media room above the garage. The screen was mounted on an exterior wall. There is a window on each side. Above is attic. To the left is attic. To the right is attic. What we did not know was there was a bow in the wall which made the screen almost touch the wall in the center.

About 2 weeks ago, I got a call from the customer wondering if we glue our screens to the wall. I assured him we didn't, so he suggested I come take a look at his. The screen had formed enough condensation behind it to wet the wall at the center of the screen and bond the screen to it. I guess that because the screen is pretty air tight, the temp difference made it condensate. I would never have guessed this would happen. I figured others might want to be aware of the possability.

We hope we fixed the problem by mounting the screen to 3/4 in. strips to give it some air flow behind it.

Yes, thanks for this unforseen event.

Did you have to replace the screen? Who payed?

I suppose the back of the screen touched the wall and is impervious to water vapor. Any other water damage to the wall around it?

 

[RLA]

Good info
I guess we will have to consider microperfs in humid locations

 

[av-man]

There is a patch of paint the size of a beach ball stuck to the back of the screen. I use the screens with the black backing from da-lite, so it does not effect the screen now that it is not stuck to the wall.

On a lighter note, I had already struck a deal with him to trade that one in for the new Mirage screen from Screen Innovations. So except for the cost of the wall repair I'll come out cheap enough to keep it off my insurance.