30 Energy Savings Plus Health | INDOOR AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR MULTIFAMILY BUILDING UPGRADES
PRIORITY ISSUE 7.0 GARAGE AIR POLLUTANTS (continued)
ASSESSMENT
PROTOCOLS
(AP)
MINIMUM ACTIONS (MA)
EXPANDED
ACTIONS (EA)
MA 7.2 Compartmentalize Garage from Occupied Spaces:
Isolate the garage from adjacent occupied spaces. For large openings, use sealed
gypsum wall board in conformance with the 2012 International Building Code
requirements for fire and smoke separation (i.e., at least ½" thick on the walls and at
least ⅝" thick on the ceiling separating the garage and the occupied spaces above).
Tightly seal all penetrations, including electrical, plumbing and duct penetrations
through common walls, floors and ceilings separating occupied spaces from garages.
• In occupied conditioned spaces above the garage, seal all connecting floor and
ceiling joist bays.
• In occupied conditioned spaces next to the garage, apply weather stripping to all
doors, and seal all cracks at or between the mud sill, rim joists, subfloors and/or the
bottom of gypsum board.
• Ensure a carbon monoxide alarm is installed in every room that shares a floor, ceiling
or wall with the garage.
If possible, include a vestibule that provides an airlock between the garage and adjacent
occupiable spaces, or provide self-closing gasketed doors with deck-to-deck partitions or
a hard lid ceiling.
Note:
When air sealing, the air barrier assembly must have been evaluated by the ABAA and
installed according to manufacturer specifications. Fire-rated assemblies must be sealed
using approved fire-rated materials. The fire rating requirements supersede the ABAA
evaluation requirement.
Provide an exhaust fan in the garage, vented directly to the outdoors. The exhaust rate
shall be at least 0.75 cubic feet per minute (cfm) per square foot of garage floor area,
with no air recirculation, provided continuously. Add gaskets to any doors or ports that
allow access for exhaust fan servicing.
Exception:
Garages that meet the requirements for open parking garages, as defined by
2012 International Building Code, Section 406.5.2 Openings.
Advise the building owner or property manager that the use of engine-operated
equipment other than automobiles or trucks in the garage may generate pollutants that
can negatively affect occupied spaces.
References for Priority Issue 7.0 Garage Air Pollutants:
ABAA: Air Barrier Materials, Components, Assemblies & Systems
ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54: National Fuel Gas Code
ASTM E1186-03 (2009): Standard Practices for Air Leakage Site Detection in Building Envelopes and Air Barrier Systems
DOE: Standard Work Specifications for Multi-Family Home Energy Upgrades, Sections 3.1501.2, 3.1502.1 and 3.1502.2
International Code Council: International Building Code, 2012 Edition, Section 406.5.2
International Code Council: International Fuel Gas Code, 2012 Edition
UL: Fire-Resistance and Smoke Protection
UL 181A: Standard for Closure Systems for Use With Rigid Air Ducts
UL 181B: Standard for Closure Systems for Use With Flexible Air Ducts and Air Connectors
