Mountain Brook High School Fine Arts Center: Moisture Control Case Study

Abstract

Upon returning to school in the fall, significant problems became evident in the Fine Arts Center of Mountain Brook High School, located near Birmingham, Alabama. In the band department, black mold was found on ceiling tiles, marching band uniforms were damaged beyond repair by mold and mildew and even sheet music that had been stored was ruined. In the choral department, costumes worn by school choruses were badly affected by mold and mildew requiring costly cleaning. Most significant, however, was the damage done to the grand piano in the choral department by excessive moisture in the air. Estimated overall costs due to the moisture-related damage to the Fine Arts Center were estimated to be between $35,000 and $45,000. The conventional air conditioning system was not sufficient to control the humidity levels in this building. A new solution had to be found.