NOAA ENVELOPE INSPECTION.pdf

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The provided document appears to be a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a structural engineer assessment of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office for Coastal Management (OCM) building.

The RFP indicates that NOAA OCM has a requirement for a structural engineer to perform an assessment and inspection of their building. The solicitation number is 141017-24-0023, and the expected service is a Structural Engineer Assessment. No further details are provided about the specific scope of work or objectives for the assessment. The document does not contain any information about response dates, award dates, pricing terms, set asides, incumbents, or other salient contractual details. As this appears to be the full RFP document, there are no appendices or additional sections that address required products or services.

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IMES LLC ORG 2023

Facility Envelope Condition Assessment

INSPECTION

REPORT

JUN 2023 // PREPARED BY IMES LLC BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TEAM

INTRODUCTION

Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Rich Townes 2234 S. Hobson Ave North Charleston, SC 29405

Dear Rich Townes, Industrial Maritime Engineering Services LLC (IMES LLC) is proud to present the following Envelope Assessment Report to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for review.

This assessment has been conducted based on the Scope of Work provided to IMES LLC and has been broken down into three sections:

- Exterior

- 1st Floor Interior

- 2nd Floor Interior

During this assessment, several key methods of inspection were used to provide the best possible recommendations to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric administration based on best industry practices. These methods include but are not limited to the following:

- Thermographic Imaging

- Moisture Content Mapping

- Visual Inspection

- Non-destructive Testing

- Comparative Photography (Used in the photo reports to give relative location)

The following documentation will provide photographic evidence of our findings and recommendations on how to correct observed short comings. Should there be any questions regarding this Report, please do not hesitate to contact us.

NOAA Building – EXTERIOR PHOTOS

This portion of the Assessment will focus on the Exterior of the Structure and provide photographic evidence of our findings. The primary areas of concern throughout this assessment were the windows, window treatments, exterior decorative courses, compromised stucco, foundation and structure integrity, attic, and crawlspaces. The following photos have been taken to provide a better understanding of our findings.

Location: South face of Western wing. The two circled areas are locations where the stucco has cracked and is now compromised. Evidence of a previous repair is present.

Location: South face of Western wing. The two circled areas are locations where the stucco has cracked and is now compromised. Evidence of a previous repair is present.

Heavy deterioration of windowsills throughout the structure is allowing for water intrusion. Metal sills are also beginning to warp at edges.

Some window frames were also noted to have heavy deterioration occurring.

Location: East face of main entry. Decorative cornicing around the conference room above the main entry has several areas of heavy deterioration. Evidence of former repairs are present and have created a slope towards the building, causing water intrusion.

Location: South face of Main Entry. Additional water damage and stucco deterioration found along cornicing on the rear side of the entry structure.

Location: North facing wall of the Rear, Center wing. Shows signs of multiple former repairs.

Windows were also found with deteriorated sealant, allowing moisture behind the stucco and water intrusion into the interior.

Location: Rear side of main entry. Separation of the limestone decorative course near the elevator service room is allowing water intrusion into the mechanical room.

Location: Rear of main entry, western face. Deterioration of cornicing noted, allowing for water to pool against building.

Location: Rear exit door near offices 126 & 127. Lack of proper sealant on upstairs windows allowing for water intrusion. Also, the brick frame around the opening to the door shows signs of building collapse.

North Facing wall of lower equipment room. Signs of moisture intrusion through cracks in stucco.

Location: North facing wall of offices B115 & B114. Cracks in stucco are allowing water intrusion. Signs of building settling noted in this area.

Location: South face of hallway between buildings. Lack of proper sealant noted on windows causing minor water intrusion in several areas.

Location: South face of server room. Rust marks along windowsills and down sides of the building from deteriorating windows above. Lack of proper sealant is causing water intrusion.

Location: Rear exit door near offices 126 & 127. Lack of proper sealant on upstairs windows allowing for water intrusion. Also, the brick frame around the opening to the door shows signs of building collapse.

Location: Windows along offices 139 & 140 showing heavy corrosion and deterioration.

Improper sealing allowing for water intrusion.

Multiple locations observed along gabled roof line where sagging is present. Attic inspection showed no signs of buckling or breaking at time of inspection.

Heavy buckling of stucco on South face of 1st level woman’s restroom. Signs of previous window location are present.

Multiple locations around the structure show areas where former windows were removed behind bathrooms. Patch lines are visible in stucco and beginning to sperate.

Stucco is cracked allowing for water intrusion on the South face of the employee lounge.

Multiple windows found around the 2nd floor conference room with heavy damage to stucco and sealant surrounding causing heavy water intrusion. This is in conjunction with the cornicing damage.

All photos pictured above have been provided to show the larger areas of concern found during the exterior inspection of the facility. In addition to this, the following areas were also noted to have mild to moderate damage or concerns:

Windows and Openings

- 90% of all exterior windows were found to have issues with improper sealant or had sustained physical damage. Others were found to be deteriorating due to age.

o Improper sealing of windows and openings can lead to water intrusion due to holes in the sealant medium.

o Windows and openings without proper insulation or sealant on the interior of the wall cavity can also allow for warmer air and humidity to become trapped in the space. This can cause condensation within the wall cavity itself and create the ‘sick building’ effect. This leads to the possibility of microbial activity in unseen areas.

Multiple windows found around the 2nd floor conference room with heavy damage to stucco and sealant surrounding causing heavy water intrusion. This is in conjunction with the cornicing damage.

- Several other areas of the gabled roof were also found to have slight dipping features.

o No buckling or breaking was found on the roof decking during the attic inspection.

- Locations where former windows or openings were covered up were found to have improper insulation or have sustained water/moisture intrusion.

o As has been referenced above, openings or windows that have been removed and covered back over with improper or makeshift methods can lead to wall cavities being improperly insulated. This can allow for the outside atmosphere to heat up the cavity from the exterior and the controlled atmosphere to cool it from the inside, creating humidity and trapped moisture.

This again can lead to the ‘sick building’ effect, hiding potential secondary damages.

Exterior Treatments and Finishes

- Several photos of the Cornice surrounding the Main Conference room were shown above showing deterioration. Evidence of former repairs and multiple layers of stucco were found and have created two slopes to this construction. While most of the water is directed downward and away, years of repair have created a reversed slope in most areas allowing water to become trapped and flow inward to the windows.

o This has caused deterioration of the stucco and silicon-based seals, allowing water to travel into the wall cavities undetected.

- Stone treatments adorning the top of the brick surround were also found to be separating or cracking in some areas, allowing water and moisture to flow into areas behind undetected.

o This was most prominent in the lobby elevator mechanical room. On site engineers had stated that during moderate to heavy rainfall, water could be seen flowing into the room from a location directly left of the exterior door.

Structural Integrity Issues and Concerns

- During our envelope inspection, several other areas of concern were found regarding the Structural Integrity of portions of the facility. These issues, if not dealt with quickly, can lead to further rapid deterioration or even collapse of upper floors into the lower floors.

o The North facing exterior wall adjacent to offices 126 & 125 shows signs of integrity failure around the exterior door opening. Weight of the above construction is slowly cracking and pushing the brick outwards, away from the building. This is also seen in the brick foundation to the left of the doorway when looking at the facility.

o Cracking of the slab was found in three offices in the Eastern most wing built in 1953. These were noticed by black staining on the carpet lying above. It was also stated by the engineer on site that during heavy rains when the water table is higher, water can be seen soaking the carpet.

Exterior & Structural Recommendations

After a complete inspection of the exterior of the facility and noting areas of concern, the following recommendations are recommended. These have been broken down by category according to what they pertain to.

Exterior Trims and Finishes

Several areas were noticed to have water intrusion due to failing exterior finishes. Some of these areas did show signs of past repairs that have over time begun to work against the structure itself as any moisture that had penetrated the materials was then trapped behind the new sealants. This was seen in large amounts on the exterior stucco and around windows.

While the damage to the exterior may be patched or covered over, many times the secondary damage behind is overlooked. This continues to cause further damage if left wet or attracts insects that will further deteriorate the structure.

It is recommended that areas that have sustained heavy damage such as the cornicing around the Main entry structure be fully removed and replaced. This will allow for a proper installation with new sealant and waterproofing measures.

Cracks in the stucco should be grinded out to 12” on either side and the entire area redone and feathered out into existing stucco. Follow this up with stucco and painting blend.

Decorative stone courses atop the brick foundations should have the old failing sealant removed and redone to ensure a proper seal is in place.

NOAA Building – INTERIOR PHOTOS 1ST LVL

This portion of the Assessment will focus on the Lower Level of the Structure’s Interior and provide photographic evidence of our findings. The primary areas of concern throughout this assessment were the windows, window treatments, ceilings, and any other exterior openings.

Along with this, interior atmospherics were measured to assess the effects of atmospheric imbalance on the facility. It was observed that most offices had independent HVAC units, separate from the primary Central System. Atmospheric testing results varied from areas well below the normal range of 45% - 55% relative humidity and other areas registering as high as 70% Relative Humidity. While different humidity levels are not detrimental in controlled circumstances, the effects of closed doors and sealed areas for prolonged periods can cause condensation and higher surface moisture contents.

Below are a series of photos documenting affected rooms found during our inspection. Rooms where no signs of damage were found have not been shown in the photo report but will be annotated at the end.

1st Floor HVAC Control Closet – Slightly elevated moisture content readings on drywall. No signs of water intrusion were found, but humidity readings were elevated.

Office 143 had elevated moisture content readings within the window opening and the surrounding drywall.

Atmospheric readings were normal and within standard ranges.

OFFICE 143

OFFICE 142

COASTAL LEARNING

SERVICES

Elevated moisture content readings were detected around the window opening. No evidence of water intrusion was found; however, Relative Humidity was slightly elevated.

OFFICE 141

Elevated moisture content readings were taken within the window opening. Humidity was slightly elevated in the office, no signs of water damage detected.

OFFICE 140

content readings around the window opening. No signs of water intrusion, but room humidity readings were higher than normal recommended

OFFICE 139

readings around the window openings in the office. Signs of water intrusion from the window.

OFFICE 138

readings found around the window opening. Signs of water damage were present on the ceiling tiles above the window.

Further inspection of the ceiling cavity showed possible microbial activity.

OFFICE 133

Elevated moisture levels were detected in the drywall opening of the window as well as around the opening. Atmospheric levels were slightly elevated.

OFFICE 134

Elevated moisture readings were found in the drywall in the window opening. Humidity levels in the room were also elevated.

OFFICE 136

found in the drywall opening to the window. Water damage to the ceiling tiles was also noted.

OFFICE 139

Moisture was detected during the inspection around the window opening. Atmospherics in the room were within normal

OFFICE 137

Moisture was detected in the drywall within the window opening during the inspection.

Atmospheric conditions were normal.

ROOM 146

MECHANICAL

Right: Atmospherics in the room were elevated.

66.4% RH / 77.8 degrees F.

Below: Heavy water damage staining seen on the ceiling. No moisture detected in spots.

Below Right: Moisture detected in the drywall of the window opening.

ROOM 146

JANITORIAL

Minor microbial growth was found on the HVAC register.

Atmospherics were normal.

OFFICE 147

readings were recorded in this office. Atmospherics were

OFFICE C200A

Noticeable water damage was present on all windows and concrete block below.

Atmospheric readings were slightly elevated.

OFFICE C200

Signs of past water damage were present on the walls and directly under the windows.

Paint was damaged and peeling.

Atmospherics in the room were

RESTROOM –

DOWNSTAIRS

1953 STRUCTURE

No signs of water damage were detected in this restroom.

However, microbial growth was found on the wall. Atmospherics were elevated in this room.

ROOM 150

MECHANICAL

taken in this room.

Atmospherics were within normal range.

ROOM 154

LOUNGE

Moisture was detected at all windows in this room.

Atmospherics were within normal range.

OFFICE 153

PORT OFFICE

No moisture was detected at any location in this room;

however, signs of prior water damage were present.

Atmospherics in this room were

OFFICE A112

Moisture was detected around the window opening. Water marks were noted on the wall below the windowsill.

OFFICE A103

the window opening.

OFFICE A111

drywall below the window. No visible signs of water damage.

OFFICE A104

the window opening. No signs of physical water damage were detected. Atmospherics I this room were slightly elevated.

OFFICE A105

the window opening. No signs of water damage were present.

OFFICE A110

all window openings. No visible signs of water damage.

OFFICE A107

all window openings. No visible signs of water damage.

OFFICE A108

all window openings. Moisture was also detected below the window and at the baseboard level below the windows.

OFFICE A109

all window openings. Moisture was also detected below the window and at the baseboard level below the windows.

HALLWAY EXIT

DOOR, OUTSIDE

OFFICE A109

Moisture was detected around the door opening from four feet and higher. This presents possible intrusion from the top of the exterior frame. Hallway atmospherics were slightly

A WING

HALLWAY

Moisture was detected around both window openings and in the openings themselves.

Hallway atmospherics were

OFFICE 110

Moisture was detected below the windowsill down to the baseboard. No signs of water damage were present. Office atmospherics were normal.

OFFICE 111

one of the windowsills down to the baseboard. All window openings registered elevated when checked with a moisture meter. Room atmospherics were

OFFICE 112

Engineering had stated that water would penetrate this elevator room during a heavy rain. Further inspection had shown that the source was directly adjacent on the exterior where the seal has failed on the decorative top to the brick.

OFFICE 104

Signs of older water damage was present on the ceiling drywall directly above the window.

Atmospheric levels in this office were slightly elevated.

OFFICE 119

the windowsill moving towards the baseboard. Moisture was also detected around the window opening. No visible signs of water damage.

OFFICE C100B

the windowsill with no visible signs of water damage.

Atmospherics were slightly

WAREHOUSE

Peeling of paint in multiple areas showing primary cause to be high humidity. Atmospherics in this area were elevated. No visual growth was seen;

however, a strong odor of microbial activity was detected.

Paint in this area is suspected to contain lead and should be tested.

OFFICE B110

Moisture was detected under the windowsill moving down towards the base board. No visual signs of water damage were present. Atmospherics in the room were slightly elevated.

OFFICE 130

Moisture was detected in several areas in this office.

Under the windowsill, visible water damage could be seen by the bubbling of the paint.

Readings in this area were saturated. Atmospherics in this room were elevated.

OFFICE B115

the windowsill in this office. No visible signs of water damage were present. Atmospherics in this room are slightly elevated.

ELEVATORS

Elevator shafts were dry and clean. Inspection of the shaft showed no evidence of moisture intrusion. Humidity levels in both shafts was elevated.

ENGINEERING

This area was pointed out by engineering personnel who stated that there was an area of carpet that during heavy rainstorms, the floor would begin to wet out. Inspection of this area showed black stains where water had penetrated the carpet. With the assistance of engineering personnel, the carpet was slowly pulled back to reveal a large spot of sediment that is being deposited as the water rises and recedes.

The backing of the carpet tiles has begun to deteriorate as well as the underlayment beneath the tiles. The breaking down of these materials can create bacteria and began to develop an odor if the issue is not addressed.

NOAA Building – 1st Level Conclusion

The offices and rooms shown in the photo report above were found to be the only affected rooms at the time of inspection. This is not to say that others have not been affected prior to this assessment, however, no visible signs of water damage were detected in all those offices.

Some rooms that did have signs of significant past intrusions are listed below:

1st Floor Woman’s Restroom:

- No visible water staining below the ceiling tile; however, staining was seen on the brick above the grid. This is directly behind the damage to the stucco on the exterior.

- The grout below the window was cracking and showing signs of separation.

1st Floor Rear Sitting Area in the Main Entry Hallway

- Water-stained ceiling tiles show present an area of concern. Further investigation showed cause to be condensation from HVAC ducts in the attic space.

1st Floor, Middle Wing, Rear Office Area

- Water staining was visible on the ceiling tiles against the North facing wall. Staining was also present on the block above the ceiling grid. This wall was pointed out during the initial walk through to have substantial intrusion problems. Multiple areas of repair were visible here.

NOAA Building – 1st Level Mitigation and

Remediation Recommendations

Several areas of concern were noted on the 1st level of the facility during our inspection that would require further mitigation and or remediation process’s. These areas include the entirety of the newer building built in 1953 as microbial growth was recorded on the HVAC supply registers as well as the return grates. Growth was also seen in the bathroom located on the wall of the same building as the visible growth on the registers. Humidity levels were also elevated throughout this entire area.

Other areas of concern are all areas of drywall around and under all windows and exterior openings on the 1st floor. Water / moisture intrusion was evident in most areas and while not all these locations were wet at the time of inspection, investigation of the cavities behind the drywall should be done to ensure no hidden damages.

It is recommended that a full environmental assessment include air quality testing and swab testing to further evaluate the presence of any airborne particulate be done.

These tests are imperative to the accuracy of the remediation process as they provide a baseline level of contamination and therefore an accurate clean target can be set.

Should this testing come back with any positive results, proper procedures will be set in place in accordance with IICRC S520 Standards for Proper Microbial Mitigation. All cleaning and demolition procedures should be conducted under negative pressure with the use of containment barriers, decontamination chambers, HEPA filtered vacuums, and HEPA filtered vacuums. Any cleaning should be done using EPA approved green antimicrobial agents.

NOAA Building – Interior Photos 2nd Level

This portion of the Assessment will focus on the Second Level of the Structure’s Interior and provide photographic evidence of our findings. The primary areas of concern throughout this assessment were the windows, window treatments, exterior openings, and ceiling/attic thresholds.

Along with this, interior atmospherics were measured to assess the effects of atmospheric imbalance on the facility. It was observed that most offices had independent HVAC units, separate from the primary Central System. Atmospheric testing results varied from areas well below the normal range of 45% - 55% relative humidity and other areas registering as high as 70% Relative Humidity. Higher humidity was noted in the Western end of the building as well as in the North facing offices. While different humidity levels are not detrimental in controlled circumstances, the effects of closed doors and sealed areas for prolonged periods can cause condensation and higher surface moisture contents.

Below are a series of photos documenting affected rooms found during our inspection. Rooms where no signs of damage were found have not been shown in the photo report but will be annotated at the end.

OFFICE 240

Elevated moisture readings were detected in the drywall at the lower portions of the window openings. Humidity was slightly elevated.

OFFICE 235

Moisture detected in the sill of the window as well as in the drywall on both sides of the window opening.

OFFICE 223 Rear Conference Rm.

Above: Standard photo of cathedral ceiling in room.

Left: Thermal imagery of the peak area shows areas of insulation that have shifted or were not installed. Seen by sections of higher temps.

Continued evaluation of the cathedral ceiling shows more concerns with the insulation.

Above: Digital photo of the North facing wall showing no signs of damage.

Right: Thermal imagery of the wall showing heat infiltration at the top. Signs of former arch window being covered up.

f

Above: Moisture detected at the base of drywall openings around several of the windows.

Right: Moisture detected in multiple windowsills along North facing walls.

Above: Digital photo of windows 13 and 14 (from left to right).

Right: High moisture content detected in the lower walls beneath windows 13 and 14.

OFFICE 224

Library

Moisture detected in lower drywall in window openings.

OFFICE 218

Moisture was detected in both the drywall and windowsill.

OFFICE 214

Moisture was found in the windowsills in most windows in the room. Atmospherics were

OFFICE 221

Moisture detected in drywall at lower portions of the window opening.

OFFICE B218

windowsill. Water staining was visible on the drywall adjacent to the elevated moisture readings.

OFFICE B216

drywall at the base of the window openings. Atmospherics in the room were normal.

OFFICE B200

Moisture was detected on both sides of the window within the drywall up to 12” from the windowsill. Humidity in the room was slightly elevated.

OFFICE B202

Moisture was detected at the base of the drywall on both sides of the window. Room

OFFICE B203

Moisture was found at the base of the drywall on both sides of the window. Room

HALLWAY

This hallway is the connection between the old and new buildings, looking down to the structure built in 1953. There are four windows in this area, all with moisture findings.

OFFICE 242

Office 242 is South facing and shows signs of moisture on the windowsill. Atmospherics in the room were slightly elevated.

OFFICE 234

Office 234 is a South facing office that moisture was detected in. Moisture was found in the drywall around the window openings and in the windowsill.

ROOM 243

CONFERENCE

drywall around the window openings. Atmospherics were

ROOM 244

Moisture was found in the drywall around the window opening. Humidity levels were

ATTIC

Inspection of the attic was conducted in the morning to obtain more balanced readings prior to high temperatures affecting the atmospherics. Inspection of the roof decking showed no active leaks or breaks in the seams.

ATTIC

It was noted that the protective paint coating was in bad shape and is peeling in 95% of the entire attic. The reason for this is unknown, however, it is likely caused by elevated temperatures during the peak of the day in conjunction with fluctuating humidity levels.

OFFICE 238

Signs of water damage on the ceiling were confirmed to be from over condensation of the HVAC ductwork above. Elevated moisture content was found in the windowsill with visible damage to the paint.

201B

Inspection of the primary conference room showed that all windows in the room had moisture content readings ranging from the high 20’s to the low 80’s. Humidity levels in the room were also elevated beyond normal ranges.

201B

Windows on the South and West faces reflected higher moisture content readings than others.

Storms had passed through the area the night prior impacting these two sides. This in conjunction with noted damage to the windows confirms the leaking windows.

OFFICE C200A

Atmospherics in this office were within normal ranges. Visible water damage could be seen at all the windows with peeling paint and water staining.

NOAA Building – 2nd Level Mitigation and

Remediation Recommendations

Several areas of concern were noted on the 2ndt level of the facility during our inspection that would require further mitigation and or remediation processes. These areas include the cathedral ceiling in office 223 as Thermographic imagery showed poor insulation in the ceiling cavities. The North facing wall also showed signs of heat intrusion in the uppermost cavities where signs of a former arch window were found.

Most North facing windows as well as West facing windows without shielding also measured higher moisture contents concurrent with the direction of the storm that had passed prior to the assessment. Other windows throughout the 2nd floor also showed signs of trapped moisture around windows and exterior openings and should be opened for further evaluation.

It is recommended that a full environmental assessment include air quality testing and swab testing to further evaluate the presence of any airborne particulate be done.

These tests are imperative to the accuracy of the remediation process as they provide a baseline level of contamination and therefore an accurate clean target can be set.

Should this testing come back with any positive results, proper procedures will be set in place in accordance with IICRC S520 Standards for Proper Microbial Mitigation. All cleaning and demolition procedures should be conducted under negative pressure with the use of containment barriers, decontamination chambers, HEPA filtered vacuums, and HEPA filtered vacuums. Any cleaning should be done using EPA approved green antimicrobial agents.

MOISTURE MAPPING AND THERMOGRAPHY

CONCLUSION

Scanning the surfaces throughout the structure using Thermographic Imaging was unable to provide solid findings as to sources of moisture or water intrusion but was able to provide a solid understanding of potential outside atmosphere intrusion into the building envelope. All areas where former windows or exterior openings were blocked off when viewed through the IR showed marked signs of failing insulation or improper thermal / vapor barrier protection.

This was mostly noted in the 2nd floor office 223 where cathedral ceilings showed heavy signs of exterior atmosphere intrusion.

Moisture mapping of the facility was conducted in every office and room, and it was able to be determined that the primary source of water intrusion into the building was through windows and failing exterior treatments. All windows with physical damage or incorrect sealant showed matching water intrusion patterns on the inside as well as damage to ceiling tiles or drywall in some locations where water progressed down from the above opening.

ABATEMENT NEEDS

During the assessment, it was revealed to inspectors that the facility had undergone a large project in the past to remove known Lead and Asbestos containing materials from the building.

However, several remaining materials have been identified to be potentially containing lead and/or asbestos. These materials are in the newer second building built in 1953 and were 9”x9” floor tiles with carpet overlaying as well as some paint that appears to be lead based. The recommendation on this matter is to have these items in question tested and sent off for analysis.

Should any of these items come back positive, it is recommended that they be properly removed by certified personnel. During the removal process, all areas should be contained, and negative pressure should be set and monitored.

STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY

During our inspection, several structural issues were also identified. The first of these issues was in the Engineering department where it was stated that water was seen coming through a small crack in the slab during heavy rains. Members of the engineering team were able to remove a portion of the carpet tile to reveal fractures in the slab. Water intrusion was evident at this location as seen in the staining on the carpet itself as well as with the sediment deposit left on the concrete.

The second and primary area of concern was in the rear of the building above an exit door where visible damage was seen.

The weight of the structure is beginning to compress the lower structure in this area and has began dislodging and cracking the support structure below. This can be seen by the bricks and door header beginning to break and push away from the building.

This should be looked at by a Structural Engineer as soon as possible to ensure proper measures are taken to repair this.

IN CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this assessment has been able to identify the primary source of water intrusion into the facility as well as areas of potential secondary damage. Windows, exterior openings, and exterior finishes should be repaired, resealed, or removed and replaced entirely.

Atmospherics in the building were elevated and have a large span from 42% to 71% Relative Humidity reading between different offices, hallways, and wings. This can be corrected with the installation of several permanent dehumidifiers to help maintain lower levels.

This assessment has also been able to provide an understanding of what is suggested to be done in accordance with IICRC Standards for Water Mitigation and Microbial Remediation. Any concerns for advanced microbial activity should be tested and sent for lab analysis. Lead and Asbestos follow a similar process and should also be tested prior to any work beginning.

Structural concerns that were found should be addressed as well prior to any other work being done to ensure all building materials are safe and compliant. All work in the building should be conducted with the use of HEPA filtered Air Purifiers to provide a safer and healthier environment for contractors and staff alike.

It has been a pleasure to work alongside the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration regarding this matter and we hope that IMES LLC may continue to be of assistance in the future. Should there be any questions or concerns regarding this Assessment, please do not hesitate to contact:

Industrial Maritime Engineering Services 10981 Harmony Park Dr. Ste. 2 Bonita Springs, FL, 34135 Business.development@IMESLLC.org 850-586-3074

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .