Energy Savings Plus Health | INDOOR AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR MULTIFAMILY BUILDING UPGRADES 17
Section 2: Assessment Protocols
and Recommended Actions
Contaminants and Sources
PRIORITY ISSUE 1.0 MOISTURE CONTROL AND MOLD
ASSESSMENT PROTOCOLS (AP) MINIMUM ACTIONS (MA) EXPANDED ACTIONS (EA)
AP 1.1 Inspect for Moisture
Problems and Document Results
Inspect the interior and exterior
of the building and the building's
mechanical systems for evidence
of moisture problems. Examples
of moisture and mold problems
include the following:
• Water damage or stains (e.g., on
walls, ceilings or floor coverings)
• Foundation cracks that leak
water
• Signs of seepage or wicking
(e.g., efflorescence, peeling
paint, delaminating materials)
• Visible mold growth
• Mold growth in ductwork and
plenums
• Wet or damp spots
• Musty odor
• Groundwater, surface water and
rainwater intrusion
• Plumbing leaks
• Leakage though penetrations
in the building envelope (e.g.,
utility entry points)
• Condensation or moisture
damage on and around windows
• Other condensation (consider
surface temperature, relative
humidity and dew point
temperature when evaluating
the potential for condensation
problems)
Document the extent and location
of the problems and the proposed
repairs.
MA 1.1 Repair Moisture Problems
Repair moisture problems identified during the
assessments (e.g., plumbing leaks; rain leaks,
including leaks around windows and flashing; roof
leaks; foundation leaks). It is important to correct a
moisture problem at its source.
MA 1.2 Conduct Required Mold Remediation
Conduct any required mold remediation
following professional guidance, such as EPA's Mold
Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings
guide and Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and
Restoration Certification (IICRC) Mold Remediation
Standard S520. Do not disturb mold growth without
following professional guidelines.
MA 1.3 Address Standing Water Problems
Address standing water problems (e.g., surface
water pooling near the foundation, water that does
not drain from flat roofs and gutters). Ensure that
there is adequate slope and drainage away from
the building. Correct standing water problems near
foundations and crawlspaces before insulating and
weatherizing.
MA 1.4 Manage Rainwater
Manage rainwater in assemblies that are included in
the scope of work (e.g., using drainage planes and
flashings). Ensure that there is adequate slope and
drainage away from the building, particularly for
downspouts that carry rainwater from the roof.
MA 1.5 Ensure Proper HVAC Condensate Drainage
Ensure that condensate collects in drain pans
under cooling coils and exits via a deep seal trap.
Standing water will accumulate if the drain pan
system has not been designed to drain completely
under all operating conditions (sloped toward the
drain and properly trapped). It is important to verify
that condensate lines are properly trapped and
charged with liquid.
EA 1.1 Retrofit Crawlspaces
Where permitted by building
codes, retrofit crawlspaces so
that they are sealed, insulated,
ventilated with conditioned
air, properly drained and
waterproofed (see EPA's Moisture
Control Guidance for Building
Design, Construction and
Maintenance, and the 2012
International Building Code,
Section 1203.3.2). Install a
high capacity, energy-efficient
dehumidifier in the crawlspace if
the climate conditions warrant.
EA 1.2 Perform Additional Mold
Remediation Activities
Perform additional activities,
beyond those required for the
building upgrade project, to
remediate any observed mold
growth. Follow EPA or other
professional guidance.
See Appendix A: Worker Protection Appendix B: Property Management and Occupant Education
