1 IEQ and Building Investigations Case Study Rowhouse, Trenton NJ J. Ponessa, Ph.D.

2 3 Story Brick Rowhome

3 First Floor Living room Moderate water damage to ceiling at wall; otherwise in good condition Where was water coming from?

4 First Floor (cont.) Kitchen Stove, sink clean; walls dirty, areas behind stove filthy

5 First Floor (cont.) Bathroom Epic mold

6 First Floor (cont.) Bathroom (cont.) Rotted sill at back of tub- shower

7 Second Floor–Above Living Room Bedroom Severe water damage to wall, ceiling

8 Where is this coming from? Let’s take a look outside

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

10 More Exterior Clues

11 Recall the Floor Plan

12 Exterior, Side Alley (adjacent to damaged rooms)

13 A Closer Look… Flashing missing Mortar erosion in wall, sill missing

14 And Below Broken concrete, depression (also note missing mortar)

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

16 Other Common Places To Find Moisture Problems Sink cabinets Behind tub & shower walls