
School Mold Removal : Remediation Case Study
Situation
We attended a mediation where eight contractors were being sued
for negligent work on a school less than three years old. One of
these contractors hired us to present a reasonable solution to mitigate
the damage. The Fresh Air Group was able to help define a protocol
to remedy the problem for one third the cost that was being sought.
The process was presented to all parties in and including the plaintiffs;
the school board; and a settlement was reached with us providing
the work.
Analysis
The 10,000 square foot building consisted of eight modular units.
These units were placed directly on the ground trapping moist air
under the units. This along with poor drainage and runoff from the
building provided excess moisture in and around the indoor environment.
The modular units were not completely sealed at the maitlines and
vapor was settling in-between walls connecting the units. There was
also a problem with the roofing system since new, a new roof was
installed over the old roof within one year’s time. At time
of inspection the roofing substrate was spongy in multiple areas
and the interior still had leaks that would change in areas from
time to time.
Solution
• Provide a workable roofing system with an insulation board
to stop
the thermo-bridging that was taking place
• Replace the roof drains with commercial scuppers and down spouts
• Remove package HVAC units; replace 4” curbs with 12” curbs;
reset
HVAC units
• Dig trench around perimeter of building below crawl space, seal crawl
space with a breathable mesh and install round rock and planters
in new beds. (This allowed proper air flow under structure without
allowing rock to fall under building)
• Remove any mold ladened material or manage material in place
• Seal all penetrations on maitlines between modular units
• Restore all materials as designed or better
Testimonial
“We met at mediation; a contractor we were suing brought them
to the
meeting - along with another company. [They] gave a very persuasive
argument of what needed to be done – [they were] very sincere…
Communication overall and the level of service – it was a good
working
relationship…They didn’t scrimp on our project even
when it costs them more
– if it weren’t for them, we would be in a terrible situation.
We are very
pleased with the results.”
– Kym Elder
Executive Director of Charter School
|