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IEQ and Building Investigations

Case Study

Rowhouse, Trenton NJ

J. Ponessa, Ph.D.

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3 Story Brick Rowhome

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First Floor

Living room

Moderate water damage to ceiling at wall; otherwise in good condition

Where was water coming from?

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First Floor (cont.)

Kitchen

Stove, sink clean; walls dirty, areas behind stove filthy

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First Floor (cont.)

Bathroom

Epic mold

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First Floor (cont.)

Bathroom (cont.)

Rotted sill at back of tub-shower

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Second Floor–Above Living Room

Bedroom

Severe water damage to wall, ceiling

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Where is this coming from?

Let’s take a look outside

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An outside walkaround is always a good idea, especially when there is a

moisture problem

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More Exterior Clues

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Recall the Floor Plan

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Exterior, Side Alley(adjacent to damaged rooms)

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A Closer Look…

Flashing missing

Mortar erosion in wall, sill missing

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And BelowBroken concrete, depression (also note missing

mortar)

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Conclusion

This building is on a serious downward spiral and will soon become uninhabitable if corrective action is not taken soon

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Other Common Places To Find Moisture Problems

Sink cabinets Behind tub & shower walls