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crawl space ventilation
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JBI
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A crawl space is a below grade or partially below grade space that doesn't qualify as a basement (ie, less than 6'8").
I did not find in the 2006 IBC any definition for a “crawl space”. A code search of the word crawl space listed the word used several times in the Code but not a definition. The post is dealing with the area in the following section.
1203.3 Under-floor ventilation. The space between the bottom of the floor joists and the earth under any building except spaces occupied by a basement or cellar shall be provided with ventilation openings through foundation walls or exterior walls. Such openings shall be placed so as to provide cross ventilation of the under-floor space.
The Dictionary of Architecture and Construction defines “crawl space” as; “1. Any interior space of limited height, but sufficient to permit workmen access to otherwise concealed ductwork, piping or wiring. 2. In a building without a basement, and unfinished accessible space below the first floor which is usually less that a full story in height; normally enclosed by the foundation wall. 3. A creep trench.”
Below grade or partially below grade is not part of the definition. Down south, using off ground construction for the first floor, we have the crawl space below the floor structure and it may or may not be enclosed with foundation walls.
Primary ventilation for crawl spaces, in wood construction, was to avoid conditions where stagnate air aided in deterioration of wood members supporting the floor and the growth of mold and mildew where the space above is heated or conditioned.
If I have an all concrete unheated and non-air conditioned space that is open to the outside air (open parking garage), would the “crawl space” require “under-floor ventilation for an OPEN PARKING GARAGE”?
1203.3 Under-floor ventilation. The space between the bottom of the floor joists and the earth under any building except spaces occupied by a basement or cellar shall be provided with ventilation openings through foundation walls or exterior walls. Such openings shall be placed so as to provide cross ventilation of the under-floor space.
The Dictionary of Architecture and Construction defines “crawl space” as; “1. Any interior space of limited height, but sufficient to permit workmen access to otherwise concealed ductwork, piping or wiring. 2. In a building without a basement, and unfinished accessible space below the first floor which is usually less that a full story in height; normally enclosed by the foundation wall. 3. A creep trench.”
Below grade or partially below grade is not part of the definition. Down south, using off ground construction for the first floor, we have the crawl space below the floor structure and it may or may not be enclosed with foundation walls.
Primary ventilation for crawl spaces, in wood construction, was to avoid conditions where stagnate air aided in deterioration of wood members supporting the floor and the growth of mold and mildew where the space above is heated or conditioned.
If I have an all concrete unheated and non-air conditioned space that is open to the outside air (open parking garage), would the “crawl space” require “under-floor ventilation for an OPEN PARKING GARAGE”?
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