Note: The Office of the Environment has recently transitioned to a new Online IEQ platform (as of August 2018). The new platform does not allow the back-dating of IEQ concerns. This concern is inappropriately dated October 31, 2018. The concern should be dated August 8, 2018.
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: Various dates from August 8 to October 1, 2018
The portable wing consists of nine classrooms.
Each classroom has a wall chase formed by drywall along the exterior wall. The chase serves as the ventilation unit's return air duct.
Surface mold growth on the paint of the drywall was noted at the bottom portion of the chase in classrooms 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Some of the bottom portions of the chase were dry with mold, wet with no mold, or wet with mold. Mold growth was not observed on the back side of the impacted drywall.
The exterior walls of the classrooms were assessed for moisture (use of moisture meter calibrated for drywall) to possibly explain the finding within the chases. Moisture was found randomly under certain classroom windows. Mold growth was not present on the back side of the drywall and wood framing was dry and free of staining.
The services of Building Dynamics was rendered to determine possible cause(s) of the wet and/or moldy chases and random wet areas within the exterior wall of classrooms. Building Dynamics' report is attached.
Prior to the September 4, 2018, a restoration company dried, cleaned, disinfected, and painted the drywall within the chase. In addition, wet portions of the exterior wall were removed and/or dried then repaired.
After repairs, the Office of Environment and Building Dynamics performed periodic inspections of the chase and exterior wall for recurring mold growth and/or moisture issues. No mold growth or moisture concerns were observed. The Office of Environment intends to check once per season until the beginning of next school year.