Identify deficiencies that may impact IEQ and/or sources of odor concerns. Typically includes the following depending on the nature of concern, but not limited to:
- interview/questionnaire of concern individual(s)
- inspection above drop ceiling (condition of roof deck, pipe insulation, return air plenum)
- inspection of ventilation system (operation of variable air volume box and outdoor air dampers, check controls, measurements of carbon dioxide, temperature and relative humidity, sources near outdoor air intake, measure return and supply air volume, cleanliness of coils, liner and condensate pan)
- inspection of exterior
- inspection below drop ceiling (housekeeping, sink and floor drain traps, signs of past and present moisture concern via visual and/or moisture meter, mold growth, ensure connection of current and capping of abandoned sanitary vents, odorizers, excessive plants and fabric items, identify potential pathways, and measure volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and lighting)
Date(s) of Assessment: September 9, 16, 26, and October 14, 2024
Initial Assessment
The gymnasium and gymnasium offices were assessed for visible mold growth on surfaces. No visible mold growth was observed.
No malodors were identifed during the assessment.
Minor dust was observed on the bleachers.
The drain traps in the locker rooms and gym office (shower) were assessed. No odors were coming from the drains, however the Office of the Environment could not confirm if the traps were charged with water.
The supply diffusers in the locker rooms appeared dusty.
A water stain was observed on the gymnasium floor (near the gym office).
The drywall ceiling in the locker rooms was scanned with a thermal infrared camera. No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were observed.
The drier vent was observed to be connected (between locker rooms).
The return vents in the gym were dusty.
The wall-mounted fan coil unit within the office was assessed. No excessive dust or visible mold growth was observed on/in the unit.
The Roof Top Unit (RTU) that serves the gym was also assessed. The filters were in good condition. The outside air dampers were open and no concerns were identifed with the coils.
School staff indicated that a previous water intrusion incident had occurred in the gymnasium. The Office of the Environment reached out to Building Maintenance who reported high moisture readings within the gymnasium in June of 2016, however no documentation as to the cause was available.
On September 16, 2024 Building Maintenance (Carpentry) assisted in assessing the flooring in the vicinity of the aforementioned stained, by removing a volley ball socket. The volleyball socket had rust within it. Based on that observation, it was decided to remove several planks of flooring so that the undersides of the flooring could be observed.
On September 26, Building Maintenance and the Office of the Environment coordinated to have the flooring removed in select locations to determine the condition of the floor from underneath and to determine the extent of potential damage. The following was noted:
- Water staining/discoloration was observed on the undersides of the flooring and on the corresponding insulation located underneath the flooring.
- The undersides of the flooring were probed with a moisture meter. No elevated moisture was detected.
- An area of insulation was also removed for assessment. No impact was observed on the bottom of the insulation (portion against slab).
- Rust was also observed on the metal supports under the flooring.
- No moldy/musty odors were identifed on the underside of the flooring.
- Visible mold growth was not apparent.
Custodial Services was to address the following:
- Clean minor dust around bleachers.
- Clean on supply diffusers and wall-mounted return.
- Fill the remaining drain traps (floor and shower) in the locker rooms with water.
Building Maintenance (HVAC) addressed the dirty ceiling mounted returns and the rattling exhaust fan. Work was completed on September 21, 2024.
Evidence that a portion of flooring was impacted by a historic moisture intrusion event was identified. Because the Office of the Environment was unaware of how long the flooring may have been wet, it was recommended that impacted flooring be removed. The impacted flooring and foam insulation was removed. The undersides of the flooring were checked during the removal process. Removal continued until no water staining/discoloration was observed on the undersides of the flooring or on the insulation.