Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/655416
46 Energy Savings Plus Health | INDOOR AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR MULTIFAMILY BUILDING UPGRADES PRIORITY ISSUE 16.0 COMPARTMENTALIZATION TO PREVENT ODOR OR UNWANTED AIR TRANSFER (continued) ASSESSMENT PROTOCOLS (AP) MINIMUM ACTIONS (MA) EXPANDED ACTIONS (EA) that can be air sealed to reduce transfer as part of the building upgrade. ASTM E1186-03 (2009) Standard Practices for Air Leakage Site Detection in Building Envelopes and Air Barrier Systems can be used to guide the air sealing assessment work. • Inspect and identify all joints, seams and leaks in the ventilation duct system that can be sealed. Minimum Actions of the sections referenced above. If necessary, provide mechanically supplied make-up air to spaces with mechanical exhaust to prevent excess negative pressure. The total net exhaust flow of the two largest exhaust appliances (including kitchen fan and clothes dryer) shall be limited to 15 cfm per 100 square feet of occupiable floor area when in operation at full capacity, or compensating outdoor airflow must be provided. Note: Effective compartmentalization can be difficult to achieve with a central exhaust ventilation system because the system experiences significant pressure fluctuations due to seasonal conditions affecting the stack effect pressures within the building. • If the existing ventilation system relies on make-up air provided from pressurized corridors to each dwelling unit via leaks around entry doors (e.g., door undercuts and doors that are not weather-stripped), then the compartmentalization principle can be compromised by air drawn from neighboring spaces. Prevent unwanted air transfer and cross contamination from adjacent spaces by implementing compartmentalization air sealing as described below. 3. Air Sealing 3a. Air Sealing – General • Where leakage of odors or unwanted air transfer between adjacent areas has been identified, reduce the transfer by using sealants or caulking to create a continuous air barrier. Seal all penetrations in the adjoining surfaces including joints between walls, ceilings and floors; electrical outlets and switches; wiring, plumbing and duct penetrations; and chase ways. • Seal openings between mechanical rooms and occupied spaces: o Air seal ventilation ductwork. o Provide tight-fitting windows and self-closing doors fitted with gaskets in the spaces that are likely to be sources of irritating or noxious odors. o Seal the enclosure at receiving areas or docks. o Make as airtight a connection as practical between the bottom of the trash chute and the compactor and dumpster assembly. Limit makeup air provided to trash rooms to below exhaust airflows to maintain a negative pressure relative to adjacent spaces, which will reduce odor and pollutant release to upper floors during corridor trash door use. o Provide all combustion air and makeup air for equipment in the mechanical room from the outdoors. 3b. Air Sealing – Dwelling Units • Where leakage of odors or unwanted air transfer between adjacent dwelling units has been identified, and the dwelling unit compartmentalization can be accomplished as part of the building upgrade project, all penetrations between adjoining dwelling units and where fire walls are located must be air sealed with suitable air sealing or fire stop materials. Where possible, air sealing shall be directed to openings in interior surfaces without tightening the exterior. According to the 2012 International Building code, walls