After years of complaining, the horticulture department in J.C. Miller Hall finally will get a much-needed new roof. However, it will do so in exchange for welded shut windows.
Quality assurance personnel from Facility Services noticed a severe mold problem caused by moisture in J.C. Miller Hall. The moisture also caused excessive paint peeling from the ceiling.
Facility Maintenance Director John Spustek said he recognizes that some people want fresh air but believes open windows defeat the purpose of air- conditioning systems.
In addition, around 90 percent of J.C. Miller Hall had a problem with moisture and mold growth.
Spustek said it is Facility Service’s job to maintain the quality of the building environment, even if it means welding windows shut.
Facility Services officials believe the problem stems from roof leaks and open windows. After discovering mold growth, the custodial staff cleaned the walls with bleach to kill the mold, Spustek said. The welding prevents further growth, he said.
However, Facility Services failed to inform the horticulture department of its plans to control the mold, causing frustration for the building’s occupants.
“I wish someone would have asked us before spending the time and money,” said David Himelrick, horticulture department head. “Facility Services personnel did not ask the people it would directly affect.”
Spustek said he wishes he had time to explain the rationale and the processes before working but prioritized the building occupants’ health over consent.
Still, the horticulture department workers are concerned about their safety because many rooms are labs, which may need extra ventilation if a chemical spill occurs. Also, the building is two stories, which could be a problem during a fire.
However, welding is not anything new to Facility Services. The fire marshal does not require buildings to have operable windows, Spustek said.
Moist air often enters through windows, causing mold growth on windows and ceilings. Many windows are not shut properly, causing severe leaking.
Facility Services is caulking the cracks outside many campus windows to prevent air from entering buildings. Moist air travels from windows to the air conditioner, which pushes moisture to the ceiling, Spustek said.
The air conditioning cannot work properly if windows are open, Spustek said.
For now, Facility Services is searching for contractors to install a new roof for J.C. Miller Hall.
The project will take six to eight weeks to design, followed by 30 days for bidding. Construction should begin in three to four months, said Emmett David, campus planning assistant director.
“Once money hits us, we jump on [the project] immediately,” David said.