Concern: Elkridge Elementary School: January 5th, 2023 (CXXEES202300026A)

Location
Principals Office
Date of IEQ Report Form
Date of Report
Concern
A sprinkler head leaked within the closet of the Principals Office, wetting carpet and possibly wetting drywall.
IEQ Investigation Process

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)
Findings

Date(s) of Assessments: January 3 and 5, 2022

On January 2, 2023, Building Maintenance reported a sprinkler head leak had potentially wetted the wall outside of the storage closet within the Principal's Office. 

The carpet was probed with a moisture meter. No elevated moisture was detected. 

The section of wall (between the storage closet door and front of school) was determined to be dry. 

A section of wall (adjoining the Principal's Bathroom) and within the storage closet was determined to have elevated moisture.

The remaining walls within the storage closet consisted of block and were not impacted.

Building Maintenance (Carpentry) returned on January 4th to drill holes in the drywall and place fans to facilitate drying. During this process it was identified that fiberglass insulation was located in the wall cavity. 

The fiberglass insulation was removed (0-2"). After removal it was determined that the backside of the bathroom wall (opposite the wall in question) was also wet. Additionally, Building Maintenance reported staining that resembled mold growth (1-2 square feet). It should be noted that the bathroom wall could not be assessed from the bathroom due to the wall being covered with ceramic tile. 

The Office of the Environment could not respond immediately and instructed Building Maintenance (Carpentry) to remove the layer of paper impacted by suspect mold growth from within the wall cavity, dry the impacted wall with fans, and then encapsulate with a mold inhibiting encapsulant.

On January 5th, the Office of the Environment assessed the wall cavity. No visible mold growth was present, the existing drywall was dry per a moisture meter, and an encapsulant had been applied.  The Office of the Environment informed Building Maintenance the area was ready for "put-back."

Corrective Actions
January 2nd, 2023

The leaking sprinkler head was replaced by Building Maintenance (Plumbing).

Closed
Yes
Date Closed
Tracking Number
CXXEES202300026A