Early Childhood Center Moisture Intrusion

September 2021

 

In September  2021, Indoor Environmental Concepts (IEC) conducted a moisture assessment at an Early Childhood Center due to repeated concerns regarding moisture intrusion. The assessment specifically involved the stair corridor on the left side of the stage adjacent to an emergency exit and exterior window as a result of water damage to the walls and growth of mushrooms at the baseboard.

 

Amid the assessment, IEC recognized the stage left stair corridor was adjacent to an exterior wall. The water intrusion and mushroom growth extended approximately four feet along the baseboard in both directions from the corner. Moisture meter readings from the baseboard confirmed elevated water content of the wood, which is required for both mushroom and fungal growth. Inspection of the exterior identified a roof drain and downspout at the same location of the elevated moisture in building materials. While the building’s heating system was present in the wall cavity, the lateral piping supplying the radiator was ruled out as the source of moisture due to the spatial configuration.

 

Visual inspection of the underground discharge pipe servicing the roof downspout revealed dry conditions resulting in the hypothesis the roof drain/roof scupper was blocked. IEC was advised the roof is inaccessible without an aerial lift. Visual inspection of the roof deck in the 2nd floor room above the stage left stair corridor was exhibiting water staining and the ceiling space had miscellaneous debris present supporting the hypothesis.

 

IEC recommended accessing the roof to evaluate the scupper for debris and unblocking the downspout, which resolved the issue.