02-15-2022 Property-Building Committee Meeting Packet
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
ANY REVISIONS/ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
NEW BUSINESS
a. Gretna Library Project Update (Staff Contact: Richard N. Hicks)
b. Moses Building Maintenance Issues (Staff Contact: Richard N. Hicks)
c. CSA (CPMT) Building Lease Issue (Staff Contact: Richard N. Hicks)
MATTERS FROM COMMITTEE MEMBERS
ADJOURNMENT
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PROPERTY/BUILDING COMMITTEE
Tuesday, February 15, 2022 – 2:30 PM
Board Meeting Room
39 Bank Street, SE,
Chatham, Virginia 24531
AGENDA
Property/Building Committee
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INFORMATION ITEM
Agenda Title: Gretna Library Project Update (Staff Contact: Richard N. Hicks)
Staff Contact(s): Richard N. Hicks
Agenda Date: February 15, 2022 Item Number: 5.a
Attachment(s):
Reviewed By:
The February Business Meeting Agenda includes an item to award the bid for the Phase 1
Renovations of the Gretna Public Library (“Project”). This portion of the Project will focus on
the doors and renovations to the bathrooms at the front of the building. The cost of this portion
of the Project is just shy of $90,000. The Board has approved an initial funding of $200,000, and
preliminary estimates to complete the Project will require an additional $200,000. Kim Van Der
Hyde, Finance Director, has identified a source of funds for the increase. The construction
portion was probably under-funded, but that is what was available at the time. Construction
costs have also increased significantly over the past twenty-four (24) months.
Lisa Tuite and her Board of Directors have already raised over $453,000 of private funds
towards the cost of all internal furnishings, a reading garden, and a digital sign for the front of
the building. An additional $20,000 was awarded to hire a landscape architect for the exterior
landscape design. They feel confident that an additional $200,000 will be made available from
private funds to complete the landscaping.
5.a
Packet Pg. 2
Property/Building Committee
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INFORMATION ITEM
Agenda Title: Moses Building Maintenance Issues (Staff Contact: Richard N. Hicks)
Staff Contact(s): Richard N. Hicks
Agenda Date: February 15, 2022 Item Number: 5.b
Attachment(s): HPBS-Pitt County Admin and Moses-Diagnostic Assessment
Reviewed By:
Significant issues with water leaking into the Moses Building continues to occur. Plaster on the
walls is beginning to flake off, and there are concerns about mold and other issues. Most
windows are in poor condition and the existing window units are contributing to a lot of the
problems. County Staff hired a consultant to assess the condition of the building and a copy of
their report is attached for your review and information. Kim Van Der Hyde, Finance Director,
has identified some potential funds that could be used to address the issues, which could possibly
include replacement of the windows, address the water issues, and explore the possibility of
installing a central HVAC system.
5.b
Packet Pg. 3
High Performance Building Solutions, Inc.
Durham Office: 705 Watts Street, Durham, NC 27701
Headquarters: 1515 Mockingbird Ln Ste 7110, Charlotte, NC 28209
November 11, 2021
Pittsylvania County, Virginia
Attn: Richard Hicks
P.O. Box 426
Chatham, VA 24531
Re: Building Diagnostic Assessment for Pittsylvania County Administrative and Moses
Buildings
Dear Mr. Hicks,
High Performance Building Solutions, Inc. (HPBS) conducted an onsite Building Diagnostic
Assessment for the Pittsylvania County Administration Building and the Moses Building on
October 25, 2021. Both buildings have been experiencing moisture intrusion issues: including
bubbling paint and efflorescence on the interior side of the exterior walls. The moisture
problems have been occurring over the life of the buildings even though attempts have been
made to remediate the moisture problems. The investigation included a visual inspection to
investigate and document the onsite conditions, RILEM tube testing and thermography survey of
the building envelope components.
Administrative Building:
The County Administrative Building is located at 1 Center Street in Chatham, Virginia. The
exact age of the building is unknown but it was likely constructed in the late 1970’s. It is unclear
what renovations have occurred since the original construction because the County was not the
first owner of the building. It was reported that some of the interior walls have been removed or
added for individual offices. In 2016 one of the two roof top air handlers was replaced.
The exterior wall assembly is a “barrier wall” with “reservoir cladding” meaning that the exterior
wall assembly manages the intrusion of air and bulk water by relying on the integrity of the
outermost surface, however the porous masonry also absorbs and stores water that does manage
to enter the masonry. The challenge with this wall construction is that because the exterior face
of the wall is not decoupled from the interior face, moisture can migrate through the wall
assembly. Due to the age of the building, there is no insulation or capillary break in the exterior
wall assembly. The top portion of the exterior wall assembly has a precast band over a CMU
block wall – portions of the precast band have been painted or other portions are reported to have
been sealed.
The main concern in the Administrative Building is the “fuzzy growth” on the interior side of the
exterior wall assembly. This “fuzzy growth” is not mold but instead is efflorescence.
Efflorescence is a crystalline deposit of salts that can form when water is present in porous
masonry surfaces such as concrete block and brick. When water evaporates from the surface of
the masonry and salt crystals are left behind and grow as additional water evaporates.
5.b.a
Packet Pg. 4 Attachment: HPBS-Pitt County Admin and Moses-Diagnostic Assessment (3025 : Moses Building Maintenance Issues (Staff Contact: Richard
High Performance Building Solutions
Pittsylvania County – Administration & Moses – Chatham, VA – Building Diagnostic Assessment Page 2 of 20
Efflorescence is a symptom that water/moisture is moving through the masonry. These salt
crystals do not pose a known health risk and even though they appear to grow, efflorescence
crystals are inorganic and should not be confused with mold.
If moisture has entered a masonry wall the wall can dry both to outside and to the inside.
Waterproofing on the exterior side of the wall assembly blocks moisture from escaping to the
outside resulting in wetter masonry and more moisture moving towards the occupied inside
space. Air conditioning also contributes to efflorescence; the air-occupied space is drier which
results in a lower interior vapor pressure which also drives moisture towards the interior. As this
moisture evaporates on the inside, efflorescence is left behind. Spalling seen in the exterior brick
is another sign that moisture has been entering the wall assembly, and during the winter months,
freeze-thaw cycles have damaged the bricks.
The county facilities personnel indicated that a waterproof coating had been applied to the
exterior brick within the last five years – the exact product installed was not identified while
HPBS was onsite. It appears that water is bypassing the waterproofing and continues to enter the
wall, and that because drying to the outside has been decreased due to the waterproofing, more
water will move towards the inside causing increased levels of efflorescence.
A RILEM Tube test was conducted on the brick barrier wall of the Administration Building.
This testing provides a simple means for measuring the rate at which water moves through
porous materials such as masonry. The RILEM tubes were placed on the face of the brick and
the precast wall panel. During the RILEM testing tubes filled with water are situated to be
absorbed into the masonry and the levels in the tubes are checked over a 20-minute period. An
acceptable performance is achieved if the water level drops no more than 20% of the original
height during the 20-minute test period. Four random sample locations were tested. The only
RILEM tube test to fail was the location on the front of the building under the large overhang
where it was reported that the waterproof coating was not installed. This area of the building
does not show signs of current moisture intrusion, as it is shielded from weather events by the
large overhang. The results of the RILEM tube test support the theory that the moisture entering
the wall assembly is not from the barrier wall but rather from another source.
A visual inspection of the exterior wall assembly suggests that water could be entering the wall
assembly from the poorly maintained sealant joints. Sealant joints are observed at the transition
between the wall assembly and the window assembly – these joints are deteriorating which can
allow moisture into the wall assembly. In some locations, there is a sealant joint between the
precast band and the brick wall and in others there is no sealant joint. There is also a sealant
joint along the top of the precast wall panel. The coping on the parapet wall does not extend far
enough past the face of the precast wall panel to direct water away from this joint or from the
face of the building. The barrier wall system requires that all sealant joints are properly
addressed and maintained. The likelihood of moisture entering the wall assembly at the sealant
joints is high and interior efflorescence patterns around the window assembly suggests this is
likely.
A visual inspection of the roof assembly suggests that water could be entering the wall assembly
from under the metal coping. Gaps are observed and sealant appears to be missing at the corners
5.b.a
Packet Pg. 5 Attachment: HPBS-Pitt County Admin and Moses-Diagnostic Assessment (3025 : Moses Building Maintenance Issues (Staff Contact: Richard
High Performance Building Solutions
Pittsylvania County – Administration & Moses – Chatham, VA – Building Diagnostic Assessment Page 3 of 20
and at several seams in the coping. The coping does not extend far enough over the precast
panel in several locations to direct bulk water away from the exterior wall assembly. The coping
is not sloped inward to direct the bulk water away from the precast panel. Moisture is likely to
enter the wall assembly from these locations and this likelihood is supported by the patterns of
the interior efflorescence. Several of the patterns suggest a downward migration pattern –
specifically at the conference room and IT manager’s corner office.
From the interior of the building a visual inspection was conducted, including areas above the
suspended ceiling system. The visual inspection identified air leakage pathways that can allow
moisture to enter the conditioned space; entry of moisture laden air can increase the load on the
HVAC system and cause occupancy discomfort. Air leakage pathways were observed at the top
of the CMU block wall behind the precast band, at penetrations through the exterior wall and at
the soffit overhangs. Also, where the roof top unit was recently replaced, air leakage pathways
are observed even though spray polyurethane foam was installed around the curbing for the unit.
Spray polyurethane foam degrades when exposed to UV which over time will increase the air
infiltration at these locations.
HPBS conducted pressure monitoring while onsite with a calibrated digital manometer. Pressure
readings indicated the occupied portion of the building was under positive pressure throughout
the morning inspection while the building was occupied. The pressure monitoring was only
collected for the morning; however, it is not uncommon that buildings revert to negative pressure
under unoccupied periods, or during some weather conditions. Also, the space above the ceiling
tiles is a negative return plenum, this negative pressure will bring in outside air from any air
pathways through the exterior wall located above the ceiling.
The ideas that pressure imbalance is causing the efflorescence does not seem supported by the
facts. Only positive pressures were observed in the space where the efflorescence is visible.
Neither is the idea that the moving of interior walls has had any effect. Only a few of the interior
walls go all the way up to the underside of the roof deck to create isolated zones that would be
required to create negative pressure from an improperly balanced HVAC system. The light
fixtures throughout the building are air return troffer fixtures which allows for return air to
circulate without having a visible return grille; these “connect” most of the offices and minimize
any zone imbalances. Multiple individual offices have only a supply grille and the air return
troffer light fixtures which would not result in negative pressures from the HVAC system.
Negative pressure may occur when there is more exhaust air than supply air – on the day of the
onsite inspection this was not the case. Only one of the three exhaust fans located on the roof
was observed running during the inspection. These small, spot exhaust fans do not exhaust
enough air to create a negative building pressure.
Visible hail damage was observed on condenser coils of the roof top units and mini-splits. The
coil fins are damaged to the point where the equipment performance and efficiency will be
affected.
Recommendations:
• Hire a roofer to remove the coping cap at select locations to verify the top of wall
conditions. Depending on the findings from this invasive inspection there may be
5.b.a
Packet Pg. 6 Attachment: HPBS-Pitt County Admin and Moses-Diagnostic Assessment (3025 : Moses Building Maintenance Issues (Staff Contact: Richard
High Performance Building Solutions
Pittsylvania County – Administration & Moses – Chatham, VA – Building Diagnostic Assessment Page 4 of 20
additional recommendations, but at a minimum the existing peaked coping be replaced
with coping that extends beyond the entire top of the precast band and that slopes inward
towards the interior of the roof to direct bulk water to the roof drains and not to the face
of the barrier wall. Repair the top of the parapet and precast band as needed when the
coping is replaced. Assure that no water is able to leak into the wall at this location.
• Repair the sealant joints around the exterior glazing components. The old sealant should
be removed and new backer rod and sealant installed.
• Repair all sealant joints in the barrier wall system including above and below the precast
panels.
• Have the masonry system evaluated by a structural engineer or qualified mason to
determine if the spalling brick can be repaired.
• Use a fin comb to straighten the cooling fins on the HVAC units that have been damaged
by hail.
• Re-work the equipment curbing to ensure it is water tight and sized appropriately for the
roof top unit.
• Replace the recessed can lights in the soffit area with air-tight recessed can lights to
reduce air leakage at this location.
• When the roof is scheduled for replacement, also plan to remove all abandoned
equipment curbs.
Moses Building:
The Moses Building is located at 21 North Main Street in Chatham, Virginia and currently
houses the sheriff’s department and other offices. The building was originally constructed in
1938. The exterior wall assembly is a “barrier wall” with “reservoir cladding” meaning that the
exterior wall assembly manages the intrusion of air and bulk water by relying on the integrity of
the outermost surface; however, the porous masonry also absorbs and stores water that does enter
the masonry. The challenge with this wall construction is that because the exterior face is not
decoupled from the interior face, moisture that does enter can migrate through the wall assembly.
Due to the age of the building, there is no insulation or capillary break in the exterior wall
assembly and originally the building was not air conditioned. There are decorative manufactured
precast stones around the exterior main entrance, quoins and a cornice ledge at the top of the
building. The windows are operable with double hung wood frames and single pane glass.
The main concern with the Moses building is the deteriorating interior plaster in the 3rd floor
conference room. The location of damaged interior plaster correlates to the location of the
decorative cornice and dripstone. There is also additional deterioration occurring around the
exterior window assemblies. The wood windows are deteriorating allowing for moisture to enter
the barrier wall assembly.
A RILEM Tube test was conducted on the brick and decorative stone of the Moses Building.
This testing provides a simple means for measuring the rate at which water moves through
porous materials such as masonry. The RILEM tubes were placed on the face of the brick and
5.b.a
Packet Pg. 7 Attachment: HPBS-Pitt County Admin and Moses-Diagnostic Assessment (3025 : Moses Building Maintenance Issues (Staff Contact: Richard
High Performance Building Solutions
Pittsylvania County – Administration & Moses – Chatham, VA – Building Diagnostic Assessment Page 5 of 20
the stone sections. During the RILEM testing, tubes filled with water are situated to drain
through the masonry and the levels in the tubes are checked over a 20-minute period. An
acceptable performance is achieved if the level of water drops no more than 20% of the original
height during the 20-minute test period. Two random sample locations were tested. The RILEM
tube test located on the stone area failed – this indicates that moisture is entering the barrier wall
assembly at location of these stones. The results of the RILEM tube test support the theory that
the moisture entering the wall assembly is not from the brick but rather from the stones and from
the deteriorating wood windows.
A visual inspection of the exterior wall assembly identified multiple penetrations through the
barrier wall that were not sealed. These unsealed penetrations allow moisture into the wall
assembly. A waterproof coating should not be applied to the brick face of the building as this
will prevent moisture drive and wall drying towards the exterior of the building as the envelope
was originally intended to function.
A visual inspection of the interior of the building identified a vented attic space above the 3rd
floor ceiling system. An original plaster ceiling is located just above the suspended ceiling
system and is insulated from the vented attic space with a few inches of insulation. As the
building was renovated several interior walls were removed to allow for more open office
spaces. The removal of interior walls has resulted in damage to the plaster ceiling, leaving an
open space above the removed wall. The plaster ceiling on the 3rd floor is functioning as the air
barrier at this location and the lack of a continuous air barrier allows moisture laden air to enter
the space and adds to the moisture load of the building.
Adding air conditioning to a historic building with an envelope assembly not designed for the
inward moisture drive from air conditioning can be problematic. Adding window air
conditioning units or packaged terminal air conditioning units that dehumidify the interior will
increase the moisture drive towards the interior.
Recommendations:
• Install a durable waterproof coating on the top edge of the precast stone ledge to keep
water from being absorbed into the barrier wall system at this location. We recommend a
self-adhered or trowel applied membrane suited for continuous exposure all along the top
shelf of the stone and several inches up the brick wall.
• Continuously and durably seal all penetrations through the barrier wall system including
the parapet over the stone shelf.
• Plan to replace or repair the wood frame windows.
• When planning for a major renovation to this building the building envelope system
should be properly addressed to maintain the proper balance of air, heat and moisture
barriers. Providing a new mechanical system that both heat and cools the building should
not be installed without also addressing the air sealing and insulation requirements of the
building enclosure.
5.b.a
Packet Pg. 8 Attachment: HPBS-Pitt County Admin and Moses-Diagnostic Assessment (3025 : Moses Building Maintenance Issues (Staff Contact: Richard
High Performance Building Solutions
Pittsylvania County – Administration & Moses – Chatham, VA – Building Diagnostic Assessment Page 6 of 20
Please find attached to this letter selected annotated photographs and building envelope
comments for the construction drawings. If there are any questions, please contact me at (704)
299-1698 or meghan@hpb-solutions.com.
Sincerely,
High Performance Building Solutions, Inc.
Meghan R. McDermott
President/CEO
5.b.a
Packet Pg. 9 Attachment: HPBS-Pitt County Admin and Moses-Diagnostic Assessment (3025 : Moses Building Maintenance Issues (Staff Contact: Richard
High Performance Building Solutions
Pittsylvania County – Administration & Moses – Chatham, VA – Building Diagnostic Assessment Page 7 of 20
Annotated Photographs – Administrative Building
Photo 1: Exterior view of the Administrative
Building.
Photo 2: Signs of spalling on the exterior
barrier wall system. Spalling is the result of
water entering the barrier wall/reservoir
cladding system and freezing in repeated
freeze-thaw cycles.
Photo 3: Signs of spalling on the exterior
wall system. Spalling is the result of water
entering the barrier wall/reservoir cladding
system and freezing in repeated freeze-thaw
cycles.
5.b.a
Packet Pg. 10 Attachment: HPBS-Pitt County Admin and Moses-Diagnostic Assessment (3025 : Moses Building Maintenance Issues (Staff Contact: Richard
High Performance Building Solutions
Pittsylvania County – Administration & Moses – Chatham, VA – Building Diagnostic Assessment Page 8 of 20
Photo 4: Damaged mortar joints in the barrier
wall system appear to have been sealed with a
clear silicone sealant at some point in an
attempt to reduce the moisture infiltration.
Photo 5: Visible efflorescence is observed on
the exterior wall assembly throughout the
building, except at the soffit overhang.
Efflorescence is observed near windows,
exterior corners and sporadically along the
wall.
Photo 6: Visible efflorescence is observed on
the exterior wall assembly throughout the
building, except at the soffit overhang.
Efflorescence is observed near windows,
exterior corners and sporadically along the
wall.
5.b.a
Packet Pg. 11 Attachment: HPBS-Pitt County Admin and Moses-Diagnostic Assessment (3025 : Moses Building Maintenance Issues (Staff Contact: Richard
High Performance Building Solutions
Pittsylvania County – Administration & Moses – Chatham, VA – Building Diagnostic Assessment Page 9 of 20
Photo 7: Staining patterns on the precast
concrete band around the top of the building
indicate that water is draining down the face
of the system. In several locations a
deteriorated sealant joint is observed between
the precast and the brick wall and also above
the precast and the parapet coping. The
deteriorated sealant joints will allow moisture
into the barrier wall system.
Photo 8: The coping on the parapet wall does
not extend far enough past the face of the
precast wall panel to direct water away from
the face of the building. There is a sealant
joint (Red Arrow) along the top of the precast
wall panel. Further investigation should be
conducted in this area by removing the metal
coping.
Photo 9: Along the precast band there are
several seams where the sealant is not
continuous and may allow bulk water into the
barrier wall system.
5.b.a
Packet Pg. 12 Attachment: HPBS-Pitt County Admin and Moses-Diagnostic Assessment (3025 : Moses Building Maintenance Issues (Staff Contact: Richard
High Performance Building Solutions
Pittsylvania County – Administration & Moses – Chatham, VA – Building Diagnostic Assessment Page 10 of 20
Photo 10: Inspecting the coping from the roof
identified areas at the corners and laps in the
coping that are not properly sealed and may
be allowing bulk water into the barrier wall
system. Further investigation should be
conducted in this area by removing the metal
coping.
Photo 11: The operable window assembly
should be continuously sealed to the brick of
the barrier wall. It is obvious that the sealant
joints have been re-worked since the original
installation but the sealant has not been
properly maintained allowing for water to
enter the barrier wall system.
Photo 12: In the conference room
efflorescence patterns suggest that water is
entering the barrier wall system from above
the suspended ceiling system and at the
transition between window assemblies and
barrier wall system.
5.b.a
Packet Pg. 13 Attachment: HPBS-Pitt County Admin and Moses-Diagnostic Assessment (3025 : Moses Building Maintenance Issues (Staff Contact: Richard
High Performance Building Solutions
Pittsylvania County – Administration & Moses – Chatham, VA – Building Diagnostic Assessment Page 11 of 20
Photo 13: Behind the precast band around the
top of the building CMU block is observed.
CMU block is very porous and is not a barrier
for air or moisture.
Bar joists passing over the CMU may provide
an air pathway for outside air leakage,
Photo 14: The metal roof deck does not
extend over the top of the exterior wall
assembly. There appears to be cover board
but roofing tar is observed suggesting that the
top of the parapet wall could be open under
the coping. If the roof membrane did not
properly seal the top of the CMU block wall
and the precast panel, water could be entering
the barrier wall system at this location.
5.b.a
Packet Pg. 14 Attachment: HPBS-Pitt County Admin and Moses-Diagnostic Assessment (3025 : Moses Building Maintenance Issues (Staff Contact: Richard
High Performance Building Solutions
Pittsylvania County – Administration & Moses – Chatham, VA – Building Diagnostic Assessment Page 12 of 20
Photo 15: When the roof top unit was
replaced in 2016 the equipment curb was not
re-worked to properly receive the new
equipment. Air leakage sites are observed
around the entire perimeter. Some locations
were sealed with spray polyurethane foam
(SPF), but SPF is not UV stable and will
deteriorate if left exposed.
Photo 16: When the roof top unit was
replaced in 2016 the equipment curb was not
re-worked to properly receive the new
equipment. Air leakage sites are observed
around the entire perimeter. Some locations
were sealed with spray polyurethane foam
(SPF), but SPF is not UV stable and will
deteriorate if left exposed.
Photo 17: When the roof top unit was
replaced in 2016 the equipment curb was not
re-worked to properly receive the new
equipment. Air leakage sites are observed
around the entire perimeter. Some locations
were sealed with spray polyurethane foam
(SPF), but SPF is not UV stable and will
deteriorate if left exposed.
5.b.a
Packet Pg. 15 Attachment: HPBS-Pitt County Admin and Moses-Diagnostic Assessment (3025 : Moses Building Maintenance Issues (Staff Contact: Richard
High Performance Building Solutions
Pittsylvania County – Administration & Moses – Chatham, VA – Building Diagnostic Assessment Page 13 of 20
Photo 18: Old equipment curbs show visible
signs of air leakage. When the roof
membrane is replaced the old equipment
curbs should be removed and air sealed.
Photo 19: Severe hail damage is observed at
the condenser coils on the roof top unit
replaced in 2016. The hail damage to the fins
should be repaired.
Photo 20: Severe hail damage is observed at
the condenser coils on the mini-split system.
The hail damage to the fins should be
repaired.
5.b.a
Packet Pg. 16 Attachment: HPBS-Pitt County Admin and Moses-Diagnostic Assessment (3025 : Moses Building Maintenance Issues (Staff Contact: Richard
High Performance Building Solutions
Pittsylvania County – Administration & Moses – Chatham, VA – Building Diagnostic Assessment Page 14 of 20
Photo 21: The recessed can lights at the soffit
overhang allows for uncontrolled infiltration
which will increase the moisture load on the
building. The dirt pattern surrounding the
fixture indicates the building is under positive
pressure. The building being under positive
pressure was also documented with a digital
manometer.
Photo 22: RILEM tube testing was conducted
on the brick barrier wall. The brick passes the
RILEM tube test indicating moisture
migration through the brick is not likely the
source of the efflorescence.
Photo 23: RILEM tube testing was conducted
on the precast panel band around the exterior
wall. Even though deterioration of the sealant
joints is observed the precast panel passes the
RILEM tube test indicating moisture
migration through the precast panel is not
likely the source of the efflorescence.
5.b.a
Packet Pg. 17 Attachment: HPBS-Pitt County Admin and Moses-Diagnostic Assessment (3025 : Moses Building Maintenance Issues (Staff Contact: Richard
High Performance Building Solutions
Pittsylvania County – Administration & Moses – Chatham, VA – Building Diagnostic Assessment Page 15 of 20
Annotated Photographs – Moses Building
Photo 1: The exterior front elevation of the
Moses Building. The main concern area in
this building is the 3rd floor above the window
assembly where the dripstone on the cornice
is located (Red Arrow).
Photo 2: Close up of the dripstone and
cornice with staining.
Photo 3: View of the dripstone from the roof.
It is reported that the joints between the
precast stone sections and the stone and brick
were recently resealed.
5.b.a
Packet Pg. 18 Attachment: HPBS-Pitt County Admin and Moses-Diagnostic Assessment (3025 : Moses Building Maintenance Issues (Staff Contact: Richard
High Performance Building Solutions
Pittsylvania County – Administration & Moses – Chatham, VA – Building Diagnostic Assessment Page 16 of 20
Photo 4: View of the vented attic assembly.
“Low side” vents are observed on the
backside wall of the building to allow for attic
ventilation (Red Arrows). The fiberglass batt
insulation is located on top of the plaster and
lath ceiling.
Photo 5: Passive vents are located on the
“high side” of the roof (Red Arrows) to vent
the attic space.
Photo 6: Where interior walls have been
removed to rearrange the interior space,
leaving an open space above the removed
wall. These are air leakage pathways into the
vented attic space above. The lath and plaster
ceiling should be repaired wherever damaged
to maintain the continuous air barrier at these
locations.
5.b.a
Packet Pg. 19 Attachment: HPBS-Pitt County Admin and Moses-Diagnostic Assessment (3025 : Moses Building Maintenance Issues (Staff Contact: Richard
High Performance Building Solutions
Pittsylvania County – Administration & Moses – Chatham, VA – Building Diagnostic Assessment Page 17 of 20
Photo 7: Large conference room on the 3rd
floor where the deteriorating lath and plaster
wall system is damaged and has not been
repaired.
Photo 8: The wood windows throughout the
building are deteriorating allowing water to
enter the barrier wall system. When not
properly maintained openings and
penetrations in barrier walls allow moisture
entry into the wall assembly that can result in
the damaged plaster observed.
5.b.a
Packet Pg. 20 Attachment: HPBS-Pitt County Admin and Moses-Diagnostic Assessment (3025 : Moses Building Maintenance Issues (Staff Contact: Richard
High Performance Building Solutions
Pittsylvania County – Administration & Moses – Chatham, VA – Building Diagnostic Assessment Page 18 of 20
Photo 9: The wood windows throughout the
building are deteriorating allowing water to
enter the barrier wall system. When not
properly maintained openings and
penetrations in barrier walls allow moisture
entry into the wall assembly that can result in
the damaged plaster observed.
Photo 10: This window in the basement is
reported to be the worst wall damage
condition in the building. The wood windows
throughout the building are deteriorating
allowing water to enter the barrier wall
system.
5.b.a
Packet Pg. 21 Attachment: HPBS-Pitt County Admin and Moses-Diagnostic Assessment (3025 : Moses Building Maintenance Issues (Staff Contact: Richard
High Performance Building Solutions
Pittsylvania County – Administration & Moses – Chatham, VA – Building Diagnostic Assessment Page 19 of 20
Photo 11: Exterior photo of the same window
in Photo 10. Plant growth in the window
assembly shows that the deteriorating window
assembly is allowing moisture into the wall
assembly and building.
Photo 12: Multiple penetrations through the
exterior barrier wall assembly have been
added over the years for electrical and
mechanical upgrades. Only a few
penetrations are sealed. Because this is a
barrier wall system all penetrations need to be
continuously sealed to the face of the brick.
Photo 13: A RILEM tube test was completed
on the decorative stone at the main entrance.
The RILEM tube test indicated that the stone
is porous and easily absorbs moisture. This
same stone appears to be used at the dripstone
at the top of wall cornice – this supports the
theory that moisture is entering the barrier
wall assembly at this location on the 3rd floor.
5.b.a
Packet Pg. 22 Attachment: HPBS-Pitt County Admin and Moses-Diagnostic Assessment (3025 : Moses Building Maintenance Issues (Staff Contact: Richard
High Performance Building Solutions
Pittsylvania County – Administration & Moses – Chatham, VA – Building Diagnostic Assessment Page 20 of 20
Photo 14: A RILEM tube test was completed
on the decorative stone at the main entrance.
The RILEM tube test indicated that the stone
is porous and easily absorbs moisture. This
same stone appears to be used at the dripstone
at the top of wall cornice – this supports the
theory that moisture is entering the barrier
wall assembly at this location on the 3rd floor.
Photo 15: A RILEM tube test was completed
on the brick exterior wall. The RILEM tube
test indicated that the brick barrier wall is not
porous and does not easily absorb moisture.
Photo 16: The continuously running exhaust
fan for the water heater closet was not
running. There was no access to this room
during the site visit.
5.b.a
Packet Pg. 23 Attachment: HPBS-Pitt County Admin and Moses-Diagnostic Assessment (3025 : Moses Building Maintenance Issues (Staff Contact: Richard
Property/Building Committee
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INFORMATION ITEM
Agenda Title: CSA (CPMT) Building Lease Issue (Staff Contact: Richard N. Hicks)
Staff Contact(s): Richard N. Hicks
Agenda Date: February 15, 2022 Item Number: 5.c
Attachment(s):
Reviewed By:
CSA/CPMT Staff is currently occupying office space on the bottom floor of the Lodge on Main
Street across from the County Administration Building in Chatham, Virginia. The rent was
recently increased for various reasons and County Staff was able to negotiate a one (1)-year lease
extension, which is on the Board’s February Business Meeting’s Consent Agenda for approval.
There does not seem to be a strong interest by the owners to negotiate a long-term lease for
CSA/CPMT. County Staff is requesting that the Property and Building Committee begin
discussions on a more long-term solution for CSA/CPMT office space, prior to the end of the
new one (1)-year lease.
5.c
Packet Pg. 24