After finding the perfect bank branch location an unexpected problem was discovered. The general contractor removed the existing drop ceiling as part of the renovation plan. Pretty soon everyone on the construction site was noticing an annoying odor. The odor would not be acceptable to the Bank or their customers since it was swallowing up the site.
The project superintendent quickly started an investigation which included testing the newly exposed fireproofing for asbestos (it wasn’t). The thick sprayed-on fireproofing exposed after the drop ceiling was removed seemed to be the strong odor culprit.
The open space between the drop ceiling and the sprayed roof deck served as an open return plenum for the air handling system. Since the space had been a restaurant for decades, even when smoking was allowed in buildings including restaurants, the fireproofing material absorbed not only the nicotine and smoke odor, it also captured the grease and cooking odors. When pieces of the fireproofing were examined, the first inch of the exposed 3” material showed a yellowish decolorization due to the decades long exposure to the return airstream.
Wellington Environmental was called upon to quickly remove the odorous fireproofing and get the project back on track. Crews on lifts were sent to the site equipped with special tools and vacuum systems to remove the odorous material all the way back to the deck.
