Challenge
Piner High School faced a significant issue when 34 classrooms were found to be affected by mold. The school initially experienced water damage stemming from roof repairs conducted in October 2023, which inadvertently allowed rainwater to infiltrate the building materials, creating a conducive environment for mold growth.
When concerns arose regarding the health implications of mold exposure, the school’s insurance group contacted West Coast Fire & Water to assess the situation in June 2023. Initial testing revealed that out of six randomly selected classrooms, five tested positive for mold, necessitating immediate action.
Proposed Solution
West Coast Fire & Water collaborated closely with the school’s insurance group, consultants, and school officials to devise a comprehensive mitigation and repair strategy. The project was time-sensitive, with a deadline of seven weeks to complete all work during the summer break, ensuring classrooms would be ready for the staff and students’ return. The project was organized into three critical phases.
Phase 1. Contents Removal
A dedicated team of 12 professionals swiftly moved all contents out of the affected classrooms within just two days, clearing the way for the demolition team.
Phase 2. Asbestos Abatement
Following contents removal, the team conducted asbestos abatement, which took eight days. As each classroom was cleared, construction teams moved in immediately to begin the necessary repairs.
Phase 3. Repairs
This phase involved a comprehensive restoration process that included the removal of insulation, drywall, and flooring, as well as the replacement of cabinets, fixtures, and sinks. Once the repairs were completed, the team reinstalled all cabinets and fixtures and returned the contents to their respective rooms.
Results
By the project deadline, all 34 classrooms were successfully cleared and certified by the hygienist, ready for the start of the school year. The meticulous planning and execution of the project ensured that the school environment was safe for students and staff, effectively mitigating the mold issue and restoring the classrooms to a functional state. The collaboration between West Coast Fire & Water, the school insurance group, and the hygienist exemplified a proactive approach to environmental safety and health.
This case highlights West Coast Fire & Water’s commitment to delivering timely and effective solutions in challenging situations, reinforcing the trust of educational institutions in their services.
