Post Construction Issue - IKE
Post Construction Issue – Eisenhower High School
Water Leaks on the East Courtyard wall.
With recent heavy rains in late October 2016, staff reported visible water dripping down and forming small pools on the interior of some windows as well as water stains around a few windows.
YSD Maintenance investigated the source of the leaks and determined the windows to be the cause and reported that 23 of the 26 windows on the east courtyard wall were indeed leaking (all at varying levels).
Two classrooms, 509 and 617, with higher levels of leaks and visible water stains on the walls near the windows, were identified for further testing to determine the extent of the water damage. Teachers and students were relocated to other classrooms during this investigative process. Air tests for moisture and fungus (mold spores) were conducted in the affected classrooms prior to penetrating and opening up the walls. Those air tests came back normal (actually low).
Visual inspection of the interior wall cavity and substructure indicated obvious water penetration of substructure material in both classrooms. Room 617 had obvious fungal growth in some areas. Upon gathering this information, it was now possible to devise a remediation plan.
Both rooms were put back in to service AFTER the following procedures were performed:
- Prior to the wall penetrations being sealed back shut, each room was tested for moisture and fungus;
- Room 509 results indicated normal levels;
- Room 617 indicated elevated levels;
- Room 617 was cleaned under the direction of PBS Engineering and Environmental Inc.;
- Room 617 was tested again and the results came back normal;
Fungal Particulate Air Sampling:
- Fungal Report - Nov. 19, 2016
- Fungal Report - Nov. 25, 2016
- Fungal Report - Nov. 29, 2016
- Fungal Report - Nov. 30, 2016
- Fungal Report (Bulk) - Nov. 30, 2016
As a result of this process, both classrooms were concluded to be safe for occupancy. The hallways near these classrooms were also tested during this process and never resulted in poor air quality results.
To address the issue permanently, the framing and material used in the construction is being thoroughly inspected. The windows are being inspected as to their proper/improper original installation and the cause of the water leaks. We appreciate the immediate involvement of the original architect as well as the original tile installer, all of whom have expressed a willingness to work on the permanent fix.
Window System throughout Eisenhower
All of the windows at Eisenhower were recently inspected (November 2016) following complaints from staff that some were leaking. Some leaks were confirmed and all windows at Eisenhower are being investigated by the original installer as to their proper/improper original installation and the cause of the water leaks. We appreciate the immediate involvement of the original architect and the original window installer, both of whom have expressed a willingness to work on the permanent fix.