Update on Aderhold Hall flooding

Thank you to everyone who has been affected by the flooding that occurred in Aderhold Hall on Feb. 24. We appreciate the flexibility shown by those whose offices and classes have been displaced and the willingness of others in the building to welcome them into your space.

The University has hired a professional disaster recovery firm to lead the effort to restore spaces to working condition. The process involves drying and pulling up carpet, using fans and dehumidifiers to remove moisture, removing about 2 feet of sheetrock on walls and baseboards, and replacing damaged ceiling tiles. Some of the existing carpet is placed over asbestos tile, so areas of the fifth and sixth floors are being sealed off as carpet and tile are pulled up. The contractor removing the tiles uses multiple techniques to ensure that no fibers are released during their removal, installs plastic sheeting to enclose areas being abated, and monitors the air in the affected areas clearing them as safe before being reopened for occupancy. You may have seen some wiring exposed in the ceilings where tiles are missing. This wiring is computer network cabling or telephone wires; all electrical wires are inside conduits and are not exposed to traffic.

As of the end of the day on Wednesday, March 4, the fifth and sixth floor carpet and tile removal have been completed. Removal and replacement of sheetrock has begun. We expect to occupy the Academic Advising and Student Engagement spaces later this week and the Speech and Hearing Clinic early next week. Progress on work in individual offices is being communicated to department heads, who are communicating with faculty, staff, graduate assistants, and others.

Facilities Management Division will be replacing the filter to the building’s main air handler to help capture more of the dust from the air. The Office of Environmental Safety will also be visiting Aderhold to review the areas and potentially perform air testing to measure dust samples and ensure that mold did not have a chance to develop.

Andy Garber and Denise A. Spangler