On Oct. 7, a failed valve in the University Library fire sprinkler system flooded some hallways and damaged the flooring during a required system test causing as strong mildew smell.
According to Scott Charmack, vice president of Physical Planning and Facilities Management, damage to some of the library’s parquet flooring occurred because a valve in the emergency fire sprinkler system failed and released water onto lobbies in front of the elevator bank.
Charmack said some of the water that leaked onto the floors became trapped between the flooring and the concrete decks below. He said because the water could not drain through the deck, it instead seeped back up through the wood, creating ripples on the floors.
He said custodians cleaned up the water on the floors, but the staff, though aware of the flood, was unaware that water had seeped underneath the flooring. The damage to the wooden floors did not appear immediately enough to notice until the next day.
As of Friday, the cost to replace the warped flooring has not been determined. He said replacing the warped floors will be the highest expense. Charmack said they are looking into getting proposals for replacement floors.
The fifth floor lobby, which was not damaged, has a different type of flooring than the other lobbies in the building. Charmack said they might consider purchasing the same type of flooring that is on the fifth floor.
“In the meantime, it’s safe,” Charmack said. “It’s just not pretty.”
