The HealthyHouse Spring 2020 Farbod Mirzamehdiesfahani Olalekan Aboderin
Green Architecture Graduate Certificate Healthy Buildings (BSC1520) Professor: Mike Coll
1
Table Of Content Objective Building System Basement Floor Ground Floor Second Floor Conclusion • Phase 1 • Phase 2 • Phase 3 Reference
Page 3 Page 4 Page 8 Page 14 Page 16 Page 20
Page 21
The Client The family, is a family of 5 that has two children who have asthma. A home daycare is operated in the house. There is a caregiver and 4 children in the house during the hours the daycare is in operation.
2
Objective Therefore, this article is a report of a series of measures taken to address the above challenges. Moreover, since the family does not prefer to face so much expenses at the same time by doing all the renovations, we will provide and propose a suitable sequence of work in order of urgency. As a result we will solve the problem regarding to the basement flood and implement the renovation process and after that we will implement the required methods to eliminate some current materials and according to that improving the indoor air quality to provide a healthier indoor environment for two kids, who have asthma and the other occupants as well. Finally, we will propose and implement some alteration base on the owner’s needs and use appropriate strategies to solve the mold issue in the Ensuite.
The Issue Firstly, the basement has recently suffered a minor flood during a power failure. The sump pump stopped, and water overflowed the sump pit. The flood occurred in April 1, 2008 and Water back up the from the sump pit to the floor drain in the Mechanical / Storage Room. Also, the family has two children who have asthma. According to current materials of the building, which will be elaborated in this report, we need to consider some changes and renovations to improve the indoor air quality to minimize the consequences of above-mentioned issue. On the other hand, there is an issue about mold growing in the Ensuite, which need to be addressed. Besides, the client would like to eliminate the walking closet, which is located in the master bedroom and replace it with the wardrobes and as a result, add the additional space into the existing Ensuite. Also, since the cabinets in the kitchen look old, the owner intend to change them, therefore we need to consider and choose a healthy cabinetry, which is VOC free to prevent off gassing. Furthermore, as a daycare business, there is a caregiver and 4 children in the house during the hours the daycare is in operation. We need to consider some related requirements for this subject as well to make sure that the minimum standards have been applied.
3
Building System Heating System
Natural gas fired forced air system. Installed 3 years ago to replace an electric forced air furnace. Recommendation Given the health of the two asthmatic chhildren, natural gas heating can release chemicals such as nitrogen dioxide which can be a trigger for asthma. therefore, Electric heating methods (such as panel heaters, radiant heaters and hydronic heaters) may be better forms of heating for people with asthma as they don’t emit or circulate smoke, gases or dust. (The estimated cost of installation for a building this size is $7000)
Hot Water Tank
Natural gas fired hot water tank. Installed 8 months ago to replace an existing electric hot water tank. Recommendation The gas fired tank is suitable although its life ycle is 13 years when it wood require replacement.
Existing Doors and Windows The ground and second floor windows are Pella wood frame windows with double glazing and a paint finish inside and out. The windows are 25 years old. The basement windows are double glazed vinyl framed windows. The patio door is double glazed vinyl door installed 2 years ago The exterior man doors are all insulated metal doors.
4
Recommendation 1. The windows are already at their warantty age of 25 years, and are due for replacement. This is necessary as there will be leaks which can easily lead the interior humidity to be affected, as well as the envelope perfomance can be compromised. Energy Star criteria listed five major factors that makes the win-
dow energy- efficient, these are: Quality frame materials, Multiple panes glazing, Low-E Glass, Gas Fills and Window edge spacer. Also, according to this table, for the window framing we have different options:
Aluminum
Wood
Aluminum-clad wood
PVC
Fiberglass
Vinyl PVC frames: Environmentally, they are made of synthetic materials that contribute to the gas and VOCs emissions and they are not healthy for occupants specially for people, who have asthma. Furthermore, the basement windows are double glazed vinyl framed, which will be changed in this phase because of mentioned issues with this type of framing. Fiberglass frames: Are strong, durable, they resist swelling, rotting and warping with low maintenance, but they are expensive. Aluminum frames: are very durable and need low maintenance. Wood frames: are the traditional type of window framing. They are strong, good insulator, and aesthetically pleasing. Among the mentioned different frames, we will propose the new style of framing which has both durability and high levels of R-value. Combination of wood and aluminum frame, which comes with double panes glazing and non-toxic gases such as argon used between the panes to increase the energy- efficiency of windows. The wood frame clads with aluminum from outside making use of the thermal properties of wood inside and the Aluminum resistance to extreme weather conditions from outside. It combines the best of wood thermal characteristics to the best of Aluminum durability, especially, if the recycled Aluminum is used to lower the embodied energy to a moderate level. Beside protecting the wood and minimizing the need for maintenance, aluminum-clad wood frames are strong and highly energy efficient for residential use with the least maintenance
5
Doors The exterior main doors are all insulated metal doors. Therefore, we will not change them. But, the weather stripping on the door is old and does not seal well. As a result, we will replace it with new one. Normally they are available as a Double-Sided Foam Tape or Magnetic stripping Kit. The patio door is a double-glazed vinyl door. Because of the problems regarding to this type of material we will change this door in phase 4, along with windows. Moreover, door to garage from stairs to basement does not conform to the Ontario Building Code because it does not have a closer. According to Ontario Building Code: 9.10.13.15. doors Between garages and houses or Dwelling Units (1) A door between an attached or built-in garage and a dwelling unit shall be tight-fitting and weatherstripped to provide an effective barrier against the passage of gases and exhaust fumes and shall be fitted with a self-closing device. So, we will provide this device for the door. Also, like the main door, the weather stripping on the door is old and does not seal well and we need to replace the stripping for this door as well. Furnishings It is important to choose easy-to-clean chairs, dressers and nightstands made of leather, wood or metal. We need to avoid upholstered furniture. Curtains and blinds It is better to use washable curtains made of plain cotton or synthetic fabric or washable roller-type shades.
6
7
Basement Floor
B01 – Stair • Carpet – burber less than 3 years old. • Walls – paint finish • Ceiling – Spray on texture on gypsum board B02 – Mechanical / Storage • Floor – concrete slab painted • Walls o Interior partition walls are 2x4” exposed with gypsum board on the Family Room and Bedroom face. o Exterior wall are 9” cast in place concrete with 2x4” framing, batt insulation to 24” above conc. Slab, 6 mil poly vapour barrier and wood paneling. • Ceiling – exposed floor joists B03 – Bedroom • Carpet – burber less than 3 years old. • Walls – gypsum board with paint finish. • Ceiling – gypsum board with paint finish. B04 – Family Room • Floor – concrete painted.
8
• Walls o Interior partition walls are 2x4” exposed with gypsum board on the Family Room and Bedroom face. o Exterior wall are 9” cast in place concrete with 2x4” framing, batt insulation to 24” above conc. Slab, 6 mil poly vapour barrier and gypsum board with paint finish. • Ceiling – gypsum board with spray texture finish. B05 – Sump Pump Room • Floor – exposed concrete • Walls o Interior partition walls are 2x4” exposed with gypsum board on the Family Room and Bedroom face. o Exterior wall are 9” cast in place concrete with 2x4” framing, batt insulation to 24” above conc. Slab, 6 mil poly vapour barrier and gypsum board with paint finish. • Ceiling – exposed floor joists. Room contains a redundant water softener and filtration system.
The current condition and the different steps and proceedings to repair and renovate the basement of this residential house, due to the flood. Since the current condition of the basement it is favorable to mold growth, prompt action is required. Therefore, it would be our first step in the process of the house renovation. Also, we will propose new materials for the basement to improve the indoor air quality and wellbeing of the occupants. Generally, Basements have their own issues when it comes to indoor air quality, and moisture control and in this case, the issue needs to be solved immediately. As we mentioned before. Flood occurred because of the sump pump failure, which caused damage to the walls, flooring and the carpet and made a potential environment for mold and mildew starting to grow.
Figure1: The location of sump pump room and the schematic direction of the water
Among the actions that have been done as preliminary measures, the following can be mentioned: 1. All the carpet has been removed 2. The bottom 4’ of gypsum board have been removed to allow the wall and floor to dry 3. Blowers and a dehumidifier have been deployed for 3 days to remove the moisture from the wood framing and floor
9
Sump pump The main issue began from this spot, the sump pit, where the failure of sump pump caused so many problems. Therefore, we need a reliable brand-new sump pump for this part of the basement. By this, the owner can be sure that this problem will not happen again in the future. In this section we will provide some general information about the standards and requirements of sump pump system and finally we will propose a suitable and efficient brand to reinstall the old pump. While it may have one of the least desirable locations in the house, a sump pump not only contributes to the homes water management strategy, it keeps owners and their possessions dry and reduces risk of mold, mildew and the various health and breathing issues they contribute to. Having a fully functioning sump pump should be a priority, and the best way to make sure it is working is to find out how they can stop working.There are many reasons why a sump pump not pump. Loss of power, switch failure, clogging, large volumes of water, failure of the check valve and blockage of the discharge pipe are the most common. Regular maintenance helps avoid problems. We propose Having a backup system for sump pump. It can help reduce the chances of failure and keep you dry. Secondary pumps in the same sump crock are set slightly higher than the primary. If the primary pump fails for any reason the secondary, in most cases slightly smaller pump automatically starts and also sounds an alert so now it is in operation. It also helps the owner know that there is a problem. Sump pump alarm systems alert much like the smoke or carbon monoxide detector. Various models can sound buzzers or even call the owner cell phone when they detect moisture where it shouldn’t be. But alarms only tell that a problem exists now. After this, the immediate actions required. The electric motor in a sump pump needs two things; water and electricity. No power means no pumping. Battery backup systems are available for many sump pump systems. Not only can they notify others when the power is out, but also
10
provide continual charging of the battery when electric service is just fine. The one thing to remember about a battery backup system is that it uses a separate smaller pump that is moving significantly less water than the primary, namely 10 gallons per minute as opposed to the 30 to 60 gallons of a primary pump. According to sumppumpguides website, this chart shows 10 submersible pumps of 2019-2020. WAYNE CDU980E 3/4 HP Submersible Cast Iron and Stainless-Steel Sump Pump with Integrated Vertical Float Switch Price: $205.89 Dehumidifier Excessive moisture is an issue that typically affects basements more so than upper levels of a home. Basements are damp because moisture may seep through the foundation, enter through water leaks, or due to high humidity levels within the main home. The Basement Health Association warns that relative humidity levels above 80 percent in basements causes mold and mildew to develop. Using a basement dehumidifier helps to capture the excess water moisture and keep humidity levels below 50 percent, which in general, a basement dehumidifier is a conventional dehumidifier that is equipped with more features to perform efficiently in severe conditions. According to homeair website, Ivation 70 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier is among the 7 best dehumidifiers for basement in 2019 and 2020. Price: $ 419.99 • Keeps Spaces Up to 4500 Sq. Ft. Cool & Comfortable by Removing 70 Pints of Moisture/Day • Powerful Dehumidifier Prevents Mold, Mildew, Dust, Allergens & Odors for Healthy Air • Low Maintenance & Easy Operation; Simply PlugIn, Select Settings & Empty 2.25 Gallon Reservoir • Highlights Include Eco-Efficiency (ENERGY STAR Certified), Casters, Auto-Defrost, & Auto-Restart
11
Insulating the water pipes Pipes sweating is a common problem, especially in older homes. Metal cold water pipes, including copper and galvanized steel, account for the most significant condensation issues, while plastic piping sweats less. Pipe condensation occurs when airborne moisture comes into contact with a cool surface, such as a cold-water pipe. Pipe sweating can be very annoying for homeowners, but it will eventually lead to more serious problems like damaged floors, damaged ceilings, damage to other structural components, building rot, and mold growth. To address this issue and to prevent mold growth, we will follow to steps: Leaks All leaks will be repaired before we want to have control over the condensation on the pipes. Ceiling stains, wall stains, and floor damage are indications that there might be a hidden plumbing leak. Insulation The easiest solution for condensation on pipes is pipe insulation which prevents moist air from reaching the cooler surface. We will insulate the pipes to prevent condensation and mold growth.
Basement Flooring After we addressed the best decision about the sump pump, we need to choose an appropriate flooring for the basement, which provides a healthy environment for occupants, who suffer from asthma and promote indoor air quality. We will choose two different flooring: the first one for Mechanical / Storage and also family room. The second material for family room area. Both flooring is water resistant, which is very important and necessary for some part of the house with high levels of moisture and dampness like basement.
12
Tarkett's FiberFloor Starters Collection for Mechanical / Storage and also family room
Tarkett’s FiberFloor Easy Living Collection for family room
13
Ground Floor
101 - Breakfast Nook • Floor – Ceramic Tile • Walls – gypsum board with paint finish • Ceiling – gypsum board with paint finish 102 – Kitchen • Floor – Ceramic Tile • Walls – gypsum board with paint finish • Ceiling – gypsum board with paint finish • Millwork – melamine boxes with oak doors and facing. There is evidence of past leaks under the sink. The millwork is the original cabinetry installed when the house was built. 103 – Dining Room • Floor – factory finished hardwood • Walls – gypsum board with paint finish • Ceiling – gypsum board with spray texture finish 104 – Living Room • Floor – factory finished hardwood
14
• Walls – gypsum board with paint finish • Ceiling – gypsum board with spray texture finish 105 – Foyer • Floor – Ceramic Tile • Walls – gypsum board with paint finish • Ceiling – gypsum board with paint finish 06 – Garage • Floor – unfinished concrete slab • Walls – exposed 2x4” studs on 24” concrete half wall. 107 – Powder Room • Floor – Ceramic Tile • Walls – gypsum board with paint finish • Ceiling – gypsum board with paint finish Note: exhaust fan is old and noisy
Recommendation 1. The prscence of the daycare during working hours introduces a alot of foreign elements into the building envelope. which can be of concern to the asthma kids. some measures that can be taken include installlation of CleanEffects Whole Home Air Cleaner (Manufacturer : Ingersoll Rand Inc) this aids in monitoring allergen levels after use to ensure reduction of allergens is a result of removal, not just redistribution & monitoring ozone levels to ensure they remain within the Code of Federal Regulations Guidelines, all this is necessary as the living and dining areas are high activity zones.
2. The powder room requires a less noisy and more efficient exhaust fan. A Quiet Bath Fans, Under 1.5 Sones & Approximately the volume of a whisper( such as. the 50 CFM Wall/Ceiling Mount exhaust fan available at home depot at $60) would be appropriate so as not to disturb the kids in the day-
care center. 3. To ensure that the factory finished flooring doesnt posses any risk by off-gassing, water-based polyurethane finishes that are strong and low-toxic, as well as natural plant-chemistry based floor finishes that penetrate deeper into the wood, giving a more matte finish can be used and retain its look. 4. The millwork is old and has signs of leaking this could lead to growth of mold, Kitchen cabinets are showing their age a total replacement of both will be required. Granite or IceStone (made from recycled glass) for the countertops. White oak veneer for the millwork, with AFM safecoat as sealant are recommended as replacements. to address the likelihood of leaking the plumbing systems should be waterproofed. 5. A vent should be installed in the garage to vent the fumes coming from the cars moving in and out of the space. the finishes material may not affect the occupants as longas the space is well vented, but a low VOC material and finsh can be adopted.
15
Second Floor
201 – Bath • Floor – Ceramic Tile • Walls – gypsum board with paint finish • Ceiling – gypsum board with paint finish • Walls around tub are ceramic tile to the ceiling.There is not an exhaust fan installed in this bath room.
• •
202 – Walk In Closet • Floor – Carpet • Walls – gypsum board with paint finish • Ceiling – gypsum board with spray texture
206 - Bedroom 1 • Floor – laminate flooring • Walls – gypsum board with paint finish • Ceiling – gypsum board with spray texture
203 – Ensuite • Floor – Ceramic Tile • Walls – gypsum board with paint finish • Ceiling – gypsum board with paint finish • Ceramic wall tile surrounding the sink
207 - Bedroom • Floor – laminate flooring • Walls – gypsum board with paint finish • Ceiling – gypsum board with spray texture
204 – Master Bedroom • Floor – Carpet
16
Walls – gypsum board with paint finish Ceiling – gypsum board with spray texture
205 – Hall • Floor – Carpet • Walls – gypsum board with paint finish • Ceiling – gypsum board with spray texture
https://greenlivingideas.com/2007/10/21/alternative-fibers-make-healthier-carpets/
Recommendation 1. All carpets should be removed pose huge health risks to the asthma kids. carpet fibers provide a breeding ground for mildew, allergens, and airborne toxins. Untreated wool carpets is an environmentally friendly productwhich uses jute backing instead of polypropylene and uses only natural dyes for coloring. Seagrass is another sustainable option, being a thicker fiber grown underwater in Asia and woven into tough carpets backed with latex or urethane. 2. To reduce the possibility of mold and fungi growth in the bath areas that are exposed to water, cement boards should replace gypsum boards on the walls. 3. Bath fans help remove odors and moisture, with the newly renovated ensuite bath a ceiling exhast fan. it improves insulation and reduces the transfer of outside air, making heating and cooling much more efficient. Due to the prescence of mold growth on the wall, ceiling in the en-suite areas, it is advisable to remove and dispose of materials not worth saving, decontaminate and dry materials that are to be kept. or during the process of renovation the affected areas can we replaced with new concrete board walls.
Renvovated en-suite floor plan
4. Mold, mildew and stains resistant finish can be applied to the bathroom walls like Sherwin-Williams Harmony paints. 5. A new watertight shower assembly is advisable for the new bathtub in the ensuite. (i.e. Schluter company, KERDI-SHOWER-KIT. This kit eliminates the risk of water and vapor penetrating the mortar and tile, which prevents growing of mold and mildew.
17
6. The ceramic tiles inherently inert, low-emitting, waterproof, durable, and easy to clean as such are adequate but should the grouts treated with mildew resistant grout mortar such as kerabond T. But in the case a material less energy intensive in manufacture is sought glass tiles would work for the walls and floor of both the bath and en-suite. 7. Installation of an humidistat to keep the newly installed exhaust fan on to control humidity level so that condensation on walls and windows can be avoided. 8. To create a healthy home the walls of all rooms should be painted with Water based products If solvent based products must be used for some reason, plenty of ventilation is mandatory to minimize exposures. Extra ventilation is also recommended with water based products. American clay can be used to cover the drywall
surface. It products zero-VOC they help control temperature, buffer moisture and humidity, and they are mold resistant.
Master Bedroom • Floor – Carpet Hall • Floor – Carpet Bedroom 1 • Floor – laminate flooring Bedroom 2 • Floor – laminate flooring
18
9. Flooring, like many building materials, can release high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during installation. Short-term exposure to VOCs can trigger asthma symptoms. Therefore, we will reinstall this type of flooring in living and dining room with another material to be CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly. For this purpose, it must pass independent testing and meet the following standards: Be easily cleaned, and as a result of cleaning, reduce allergens. The flooring should have a low capacity for retaining allergens. We will propose Tarkett’s FiberFloor Comfort Style Collection (Hypoallergenic, FloorScore certified, and Phthalate Free) with 10-year residential limited warranty. 10. Carpeting, padding, and the adhesive glue used to lay carpets can release irritating, potentially harmful chemicals and older carpets can pose health risks as well. Dust, dirt, dander, bacteria, mold, and mildew (especially if the carpeting has water damage or is frequently damp) can settle in and get buried down deep, making it difficult to get them out.For this reason the removal of all fixed carpeting is recommended in all areas affected. 11. Curtains and blinds - It is better to use washable curtains made of plain cotton or synthetic fabric or washable roller-type shades 12. Furnishings - It is important to choose easy-to-clean chairs, dressers and nightstands made of leather, wood or metal. We need to avoid upholstered furniture.
19
Conclusion Renovation Stages Breakdown
As we mentioned before. Flood occurred because of the sump pump failure, which caused damage to the walls, flooring and the carpet making the current condition of the basement favorable to mold growth, prompt action is required. Phase 1 Immediate reaction - The first phase should include addressing the situations in the basement. The sump pump recommendations and installation of the dehumidifier should be adhered to immediately. Insulating the water pipes The renovations in the Ensuite is recommended which includes the recommendations to th wall and installation of exhaust fans. Phase 2 Elimination of all the materials, which flare up the asthma such as the rugs and carpets. installation of new flooring. Installation of new shower system, cutains and furnishings as per recommendations Installation of Extract fans recommendations Installations of Window and door recommendations Phase 3 Renovation of kitchen cabinets as per recommendations. Installation of hot water systems and filters
20
References
https://aircetera.com/best-heaters-for-asthmatics https://www.greenhomeguide.com/askapro/question/what-is-truly-the-healthiest-wood-floor-optionand-what-are-the-safest-finish-products-to-use Reynolds, M. (n.d.). How to Choose Eco-Friendly healthy, durable & Beautiful Floors. Retrieved from https://www.ecohome.net/guides/2359/flooring-materials/ Www.facebook.com/mychemfreehouse/. (2020, January 9). A Healthy Non-Toxic Bathroom. Retrieved from https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2019/05/a-non-toxic-bathroo.html Popular Categories. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.lowes.ca/ Copeland, B. (2018, October 11). 5 Zero-VOC Interior Paints for a Freshly-Renovated, Healthy Home. Retrieved from https://www.treehugger.com/green-home/5-zero-voc-interior-paints-renovation-healthyhome.html Bath Paint - Sherwin-Williams. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/ products/bath-paint Drywall. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/hazards-exposures/drywall American Clay: Features and Costs. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.americanclay.com/features-andcosts PureBond. (n.d.). FAQ. Frequently Asked Questions: PureBond® Plywood. Retrieved from https://purebondplywood.com/library/information/faq/ https://modernize.com/windows/frames/vinyl-windows The best ways to back up your sump pump. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.drymich.com/blog/thebest-ways-to-back-up-your-sump-pump Best Sump Pump Reviews For [August 2019]-2020. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sumppumpguides. com/ Marco Plumbing. (2016, January 18). What To Do About Troublesome Condensation on Pipes. Retrieved from https://marcoplumbing.ca/blog/what-to-do-about-troublesome-condensation-on-pipes/ James T C Li, M. D. (2019, April 25). Asthma triggers: Are hard flooring surfaces better than carpet? Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-asthma/expert-answers/asthma-triggers/faq-20057785 Rodriguez, B. D., Louie, K., Kovac, S., & McCormack, C. (n.d.). Indoor Air Quality: The Trouble With Carpeting - Healthy Home Center - Everyday Health. Retrieved from https://www.everydayhealth.com/ healthy-home/indoor-air-quality/tips/is-your-carpet-the-culprit.aspx https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/formaldehyde/docs/formaldehyde_laminate_flooring-clinician_fact_sheet.pdf Allergy-proof your home. (2018, September 6). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/in-depth/allergy/art-20049365 Tarkett’s FiberFloor® Magnitude™ Collection. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.asthmaandallergyfriendly.com/USA/certified_products/tarketts-fiberfloor-magnitude-collection/ BuildingCode.Online. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.buildingcode.online/70.html References(Figures) Best Sump Pump Reviews For [August 2019]-2020. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sumppumpguides. com/ Ivation 70 Pint Energy Star Dehumidifier - Large-Capacity for Spaces Up to 4,500 Sq Ft - Includes Programmable Humidistat, Hose Connector, Auto Shutoff/Restart, Timer, Castes & Washable Air Filter. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.amazon.ca/Ivation-Pint-Energy-Star-Dehumidifier/dp/B01I5J19W0?ref_=ast_slp_dp Tarkett’s FiberFloor® Comfort Style® Collection. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.asthmaandallergyfriendly.com/USA/certified_products/tarketts-fiberfloor-comfort-style-collection/ Tarkett’s FiberFloor® Comfort Style® Collection. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.asthmaandallergyfriendly.com/USA/certified_products/tarketts-fiberfloor-comfort-style-collection/
21