I own a condo in a beautiful, but old, brick building in MA. Recently we had some rain storms for which some water came through the windows. I cut a piece of the wall that was drywall and found some mold growing. I would like to clean this up. Here is what I’m doing and the issue:
– I would like to open up the walls around the window so I can clean off any mold and find all possible leaks
– Two of the windows are standard double hung, but open up to iron fire escapes (all windows are double hung and wood)
– One of the windows has the fire escape bolts showing below the window
– I was examining if I could cut open the walls hoping they are all drywall, it does not appear that all the windows have drywall all around, and the window with the bolts seems to have some sort of board instead of dry wall
I’d like to do most of this myself, but do the fire escapes provide a complexity in the interior wall design, and therefore should call a professional? Is it safe to remove the board around the window, or is this essential to the fire escape?
Thanks for any advice, I can provide pictures or any additional detail you may want.
Justin
Replies
I think this is one of those "If you have to ask ..." situations.
Fire Escape Window
I have to agree with the other post, depending on the location there are major codes that apply to fire escapes, I don't think it's a diy situation.
Assuming this fire escape isn't just about your condo ... I'd be careful about DIY until you learn about the possible structural aspects of the fire escape and this special construction you refer to. May be easy to find a drawing of the condos if they are newer (say 30 yrs).
Your description isn't enough for us to get a good handle on your situation.
Post those pictures
Of all angles and some varying distances so we night be able to figure out what we're looking at.
Have you figured the water source that has been one of the causes of this mold growth?
Bolts through brick/framing can be some easy slow leakers, as can windows..
thanks.
You have to be careful because it's a Condo too.
This can provide you with liability, where messing up your own home is just your own problem.
Many HOA associations have rules about working on condos. You may be violating your HOA rules by doing it yourself.
Without seeing it I would say be especially careful removing the wood that the fire escape is bolted to.... It's bolted to the wood for a reason.
I'd call in some help.
At least get a quote from a contractor, and maybe some free advice if you're friendly.
You could always split the job, and do the work you're comfortable doing. (Putting the drywall back up, etc.)
kevin
I see you are a semi new member to the forum. Well, over 3 months isn't exactly new but here's a friendly reminder when you reply to a post.
Use the reply button under their post so they might have a chance of being notified of it (if they enabled that feature).
thanks.