Even minor leaks to pipe work in ignored can over time build up into a big problem. I have inspected and military gymnasium where a seemingly small water leak caused a major mould problem in the changing rooms. The affected building was period single storey building with brick external walls and pitched roof. The building has been converted from its original use as a chapel into a gymnasium by addition of internal plasterboard partition walls and elevated plywood flooring. The building was suffering from surface material deterioration, fungal rot and odours for several months prior to my visit. I have also inspected another building used as a storage/office building which was developing strange wart-like structures on internal walls.
Firstly I have inspected the storage building which was affected by significant signs of decorative coating deterioration, paint flaking and mineral deposition. The moisture content in the materials was low and could be considered normal for this type of building and construction. The presence of mineral deposition on wall surfaces was indicative of slow water movement through the wall material. I have identified the wart-like structures as simple mineral deposits caused by water evaporation. The issue was mostly of aesthetic nature and there was no risk to health for anybody working in the building.
After the inspection of the first building I have moved on to the former chapel building which has showing signs of significantly elevated moisture level in the Chapel gym’s male shower. There appeared to be a water leak in partition wall construction in close proximity to one of the shower cubicles. The water leak has caused water saturation of the partition wall plasterboard extending to the corridor and adjacent toilet. The water leak hd caused significant deterioration of construction materials such as plasterboard partition walls and plywood flooring. Furnishings in the male shower and adjacent corridor have also been affected.
Visible mould contamination was observed in the Gym toilet, central corridor and male shower areas and the entrance foyer. The material surfaces are contaminated by microscopic moulds and also by macroscopic wood rotting fungi.
mushrooms on skirting board
Assessment of the air contamination by mould spores showed that air inside of the changing rooms was saturated by toxic back mould (Stachybotrys), Aspergillus and huge quantities of wood rot fungal spores.
Indoor concentration of fungal spores in the air in the Chapel gym’s male showers was significantly higher than the comparative background sample. The indoor air quality with respect to fungal contamination can be described as seriously degraded. The moisture content in construction materials is significantly elevated. The wall and floor decorative finishes shows signs of deterioration, fungal contamination and rot. The indoor air in the shower is contaminated by significant amount of allergenic mould (Penicillium) potentially pathogenic moulds (Aspergillus) and mould known to be strong producers of fungal mycotoxins. Based on the results of moisture mapping, visual observation and microbiological sampling and identification it is our opinion that the indoor air quality in the Chapel gym’s showers poses a risk to health.
I have recommended further destructive inspection of the whole male changing area, including all partition walls and floor to identify the source of the water leak. I have recommended that all contaminated materials (Plasterboards, cavity insulation, plywood flooring) should be disposed of to prevent further exposure of the personnel, to carry out all necessary repairs and dry out all construction materials.
By Tomas Gabor
