Managing Water Damage in a Dorm
The Problem
 The
University Center is an 18-story “Superdorm” that houses 1700
students from four colleges, Columbia College, DePaul University,
Roosevelt University and Robert Morris College. It is a $151 million
multi-college residence hall, the largest in the nation, located in
the heart of Chicago’s educational corridor.
During the construction phase, a shipment of fan-coil units
arrived at the site before the building exterior was completed. They
were subjected to the elements, and unfortunately became wet during
a storm. Chelsea Group was called in to determine if the units could
be salvaged. Concern was also voiced regarding the possibility that
the interior lining would support microbial growth after it had been
exposed to rain.
After students moved in, a water-line break caused flooding in an
occupied part of the building. Chelsea Group returned to assess
damages and provide a plan for remediation.
Chelsea Group’s Intervention
 Over
200 fan-coil units that had been exposed to the storm were inspected
for remaining moisture and the condition of the fiberglass lining.
Chelsea Group collected tape-lift samples to determine the presence
of microbial growth. The lining of the units with microbial growth
and excessive water were removed. The units that were only slightly
wet were allowed to dry based on the Principals of Drying set forth
by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration
Certification) Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water
Damage Restoration (S500).
Immediate results: All 200 fan-coil units were
salvaged either by drying or replacement of damaged lining,
saving the subcontractor from replacing the units and keeping
them on the construction schedule.
Chelsea Group provided a customized plan to properly protect and
store the undamaged units, which included storing the units off wet
concrete with palettes, and covering them with tarps that allowed
them to breathe but protected them from the weather on floors that
were unfinished. As the shipments of fan coils-units were received
by the subcontractor, Chelsea Group randomly inspected the condition
of the lining and ensured that they were properly stored.
Immediate results: Further shipments of units were
installed undamaged. The general contractor retained Chelsea
Group to oversee the future shipments and storage of the units.
In following the customized plan the Chelsea team made sure that
no other units were damaged.
Chelsea Group was called back after the building was occupied by
students. The water lines to two fan-coil units on the third floor
ruptured due to thermal expansion when the system was switched from
chilled to hot water in the winter. Although the facility management
team caught the leak fairly quickly, the water flooded four dorm
rooms on the third floor and leaked down to the cafeteria area on
the second floor. Surface moisture measurements and tape-lift
samples were taken to determine the extent of water damage to
drywall and carpeting.
Chelsea Group provided a plan to dry salvageable material and
remove water-saturated insulation. Since this was Category 1 – Clean
Water, materials that usually have to be removed were salvageable.
There was no padding under the carpet, so the carpet was
successfully dried. During the inspection the Chelsea team found
that the drywall was hung a half-inch off the floor slab. This
installation protected most of the drywall from absorbing water and
supporting microbial growth and minimized the amount of drywall that
had to be replaced.
Immediate results: The rupture happened during winter
break so there was minimal disruption to the students. Chelsea
Group was able to complete the oversight of the restoration and
repair in time for students to return to their rooms after the
break. We were able to document that there was no mold growth,
alleviating parents’ concerns.
Final Results
- University Center realized a financial savings by not having
to replace fan units.
- Chelsea Group intervention helped the subcontractor stay on
schedule.
- Drying out materials rather than replacing them after the
water-line break allowed for a faster recovery time, so students
could return to their dorm in time for the beginning of classes.
- Based on the quick response by building management and
Chelsea Group’s support, students’ and parents’ concerns
regarding mold and health were effectively handled.
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