Ductwork at Riverview School could be harmful

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Wed 13-Feb-2002

Ductwork could be harmful

General contractor requests total replacement at Riverview

By AMY WEAVER

Herald Times Reporter

MANITOWOC - The ductwork at Riverview School could be a potential source for

problems, Manitowoc Public School District board members learned Tuesday

night.

Ray Haen of Bray Associates Architects, Inc., Sheboygan, said the fiberglass

duct board system at the school is more than 30 years old.

Although the longevity of ductwork is determined by the integrity of the

joint closures -- and the closures at Riverview appear to be in good

condition -- Haen said his concern is more with the dust build-up on the

rough and porous interior surfaces of the duct board.

That's where, he said, the potential exists for mold and microbiological

growth to occur, become airborne, and be distributed throughout the school.

With such potential harm, duct board now is manufactured with special

interior coatings. Haen said his firm is recommending a new, externally

insulated, sheet metal ductwork.

Although some areas can be re-used, he said Bray recommends total

replacement rather than modifying the existing system. The potential cost to

the district to replace the system would be an extra $169,600.

The board approved Bray's design last month to renovate Riverview to

accommodate the full-day kindergarten program. As long as the ceilings will

be replaced with the renovation, Haen said it would be an ideal time to

replace the ductwork.

" All of the ceilings are going to be down, " he said. " There is no better

time to do it. "

Bray plans to bid out such projects, including air conditioning, and hire

all contractors next month. The estimated $1.4 million project cost does not

include such options as providing air conditioning throughout ó $127,200 ó

or replacing the ductwork ó $169,600 ó but Haen said they still will seek

bids to see what the district could get for what they are willing to spend.

All funding will be appropriated from the district's fund balance.

Construction is expected to start the day after school is finished in June

and be completed two weeks before school starts.

In other matters, the board got a chance to see the carpet, tile, vinyl and

paint samples the architect and Riverview staff agreed on for the interior.

Amy Weaver: (920) 686-2968 or aweaver@...

http://www.wisinfo.com/heraldtimes/local/021302-1.html