Molds, water leaks prompt SSCB repairs

Ashley Webb

The Signal Staff

Within the next six to 12 weeks, SSCB is expected to undergo renovations due to improper architectural and construction practices, which UHCL is addressing through litigations.

“The university has been vigorously pursuing its claims against the architect and contractor through the lawsuit and intend to do so through trial,” said Daniel Wilson, director of planning, design and contract administration.

Currently the trial has been scheduled for late March 2010. The Student Service and Classroom Building will undergo repairs to address problem areas in its construction.

Built in 2004, the six-year-old building is experiencing a mold and leakage problem. During heavy rains, towels are placed on the floor around the windows near the sliding door entry to soak up the water leaks.

Ward Martaindale, associate vice president of Facilities Management and Construction, stated the upcoming repair work will involve removal of all windows and panels to facilitate the installations of flashings and waterproofing membranes around the perimeter of the building.

Special precautions will be taken to protect the windows and interior of the building at this time. The leaking water has created a mold problem in some of the offices.

Most types of molds do not harm healthy people, but people who have allergies or asthma may be more sensitive to molds. People with these conditions may experience skin rash, running nose, eye irritation, cough and nasal congestion.

People with an immune suppression or underlying lung disease, may be at increased risk for infections from molds. Any students who feel threatened by any of these symptoms should see their physician.

A small number of molds produce toxins called mycotoxins. When people are exposed to high levels of mold mycotoxins they may suffer toxic effects including fatigue, nausea, headaches and irritation to the lungs and eyes.

“The university has been monitoring the air quality and has been taking all necessary precautions to protect the students, faculty and staff utilizing the SSCB,” Wilson said.

Katie Hart, writing center business assistant, reported some of the walls in the Writing Center have been conditioned with “Kilz,” a primer to keep the molds from expanding, and repainted to prevent the molds from growing. The office was also provided with an air purifier.

The construction on SSCB is to be confined to small areas at a time to avoid shutting down the building. UCHL classes are not expected to be cancelled, but administrators are not sure what effect the noise will have.

The UHCL Police Department will work in conjunction with Hardin Constructions to develop a security plan for the pharmacy and the cashiers’ offices and any other areas requiring special protection.

Contractors are scheduled to set up their mobile offices in the faculty and staff parking lot A.  The repairs are expected, but not guaranteed, to be completed in 2011.