Consider the following when writing your plan for ongoing IAQ management and designing for mold and moisture management:
Outline design elements and operational procedures to help prevent condensation. These could include a building envelope designed to prevent infiltration, mechanical systems that will deliver increased air volumes, dehumidification or humidity control through HVAC design, regular walkthroughs to inspect for condensation as part of regular operations and maintenance, and plans for action upon finding excessive moisture build-up in interior spaces and HVAC equipment.
Address periods when the building or space will be unoccupied, during weekends or summer months. Remember that for credit compliance, relatively humidity must be limited to 60% or less during occupied and unoccupied times.
Preventive maintenance is key, including system inspections and prompt replacement of failing or broken system components. Make sure that all exterior drainage systems are clear and working properly, keep gutters and storm drains clear and in good working order. Replace leaky pipes and drains on the building interior and make sure floor drains, condensate lines and other equipment drainage systems are in good working order. A building doesn’t have to flood to have water damage and unwanted moisture build-up. Small areas of standing water or drainage systems that are not working properly can generate enough condensation and moisture build-up to feed mold growth in confined or poorly ventilated areas.
Building design can go a long way toward preventing mold growth. Make sure that walls, roofs, and foundations have drainage and flashing details to prevent rain—even wind-driven rain—or snow melt from leaking into walls. Confirm that site grading and roof pitch will sufficiently direct water away from the building and prevent penetrating the foundation walls. Design landscaping and irrigation to prevent the accumulation of moisture near the building and foundation by keeping a distance between shrubbery and the building.
Make sure that mechanical rooms, storage areas, bathrooms and locker rooms, labs, natatoriums and any other program areas that may have potential for moisture and condensation are well ventilated with appropriate, moisture resistant materials specified for those areas. Indentify appropriate flooring materials for entryways, bathrooms and kitchens.
Confirm that set points, humidity levels and air volumes are all consistent with preventing mold growth and establish a plan of action for monitoring and readjusting those levels.