Air Circulation on Basement Bedroom
#1
05-29-00, 09:15 AM
I have a 22x16 room (bedroom) - all drywalled - in the basement. The only means of air flow is the door (34"). Any ideas/suggestions/requirements for air ventilation/circulation would be appreciated. Thanks.
#2
05-29-00, 10:38 AM
Jwilso11
You could put in a window, it is actually required if a basement room is being used as a bedroom.
Two means of escape are required and the window is special designed to meet that requirement.
The TV show HOMETIME had an excellent video on such a project. Bit involved, you dig down along the foundation, cut the required hole, install barrier drywell and then the window.
Then there are any special security considerations one may wish to make.
The first place to start is with the actual building code requirements. I don't have a good Web reference for that quick at hand, maybe someone else does.
A project like this is not totally above the ability of a DIY, You do need the right equipment, most which is easily rented.
If you can find a copy of that video is super too, they really cover all the bases. Might look at their Website.
You could put in a window, it is actually required if a basement room is being used as a bedroom.
Two means of escape are required and the window is special designed to meet that requirement.
The TV show HOMETIME had an excellent video on such a project. Bit involved, you dig down along the foundation, cut the required hole, install barrier drywell and then the window.
Then there are any special security considerations one may wish to make.
The first place to start is with the actual building code requirements. I don't have a good Web reference for that quick at hand, maybe someone else does.
A project like this is not totally above the ability of a DIY, You do need the right equipment, most which is easily rented.
If you can find a copy of that video is super too, they really cover all the bases. Might look at their Website.
#3
05-29-00, 11:59 AM
I have 3 windows - block style - that the builder dry-walled right around. 2 questions -- is it hard to now cut thru that drywall and expose a window -- and if that can't be done, are there any fan/air purifier alternatives to keep air fresh in the room? You mention that a window is a requirement -- builder also said there were none -- that we didn't require any inspection and that the room met "code". The room is directly at the bottom of a stairway. You also mention 2 means of escape - the block window wouldn't provide that anyway. Thanks for replying.
#4
05-29-00, 12:40 PM
No cutting through drywall is relatively easy, you just have to know the location fairly accurately.
I have no direct experience with air freshners.
That two escape requirement is a national code requirement if the room is listed on the submitted floor plan as a bedroom. It doesn't say that it directly has to be a window, in general there must be two direct ways out that meet the fire exit standards.
A window can be one of those exits if it meets the standards.
I have no direct experience with air freshners.
That two escape requirement is a national code requirement if the room is listed on the submitted floor plan as a bedroom. It doesn't say that it directly has to be a window, in general there must be two direct ways out that meet the fire exit standards.
A window can be one of those exits if it meets the standards.
#5
05-29-00, 12:49 PM
You've been great - thanks for the quick replies! Do you see my room being a problem? It is a 5th "bedroom" -- for an 18 year old. I am concerned mostly about air flow, but you've raised another concern with a 2nd escape alternative should there be a fire or other hazard. The lighting the builder installed is great - although there is no 'natural' light from a windows. Also, the windows are above where the ceiling is - the ceiling is drywalled also because of this. Half the window sits above the ceiling and the builder didn't have an easy way to configure the room keeping the window.
#6
05-29-00, 02:20 PM
It is difficult to tell if you meet the requirement of not. The general idea to keep in mind the standards are built around the concept of "direct".
Example: Come out the bedroom, walk across basement go out bulkhead basement door to outside. Second - Come out the bedroom, go up a set of steps directly leading to an outside door on upper level. There are two direct paths to the outside and no window is required.
What can not count is a path where you come out bedroom, go up a stairs to next level, that leads to the interior of that level and then continue a path across that level to an outside door. That path would not qualify as a second exit.
The gray area is how close to the outside door. In the Boston area in general it means into an isolated foyer, vestibule, air lock or directly opening door out. And the separating wall in both the pathway and the wall to the normal living area must have a code rating that meets the standard. (5/8" fire rated sheetrock, etc). In this area there is very strict enforcement.
All very complicated I know but that is life these days.
Goldern rule - Can not lead a person fleeing a danger into interior areas, always must be a direct path to safety.
Many buildings can not meet those requirements, hence the window option. The code spells out very clearly size, operation of devices, etc for a window to qualify.
Start with this Forum and try to find an illustrated building code site for more information. I don't have a quick one a hand.
If you look for both the window requirements and exit requirements I'm sure there is a site around somewhere that has both.
Hope this information has been helpful.
Example: Come out the bedroom, walk across basement go out bulkhead basement door to outside. Second - Come out the bedroom, go up a set of steps directly leading to an outside door on upper level. There are two direct paths to the outside and no window is required.
What can not count is a path where you come out bedroom, go up a stairs to next level, that leads to the interior of that level and then continue a path across that level to an outside door. That path would not qualify as a second exit.
The gray area is how close to the outside door. In the Boston area in general it means into an isolated foyer, vestibule, air lock or directly opening door out. And the separating wall in both the pathway and the wall to the normal living area must have a code rating that meets the standard. (5/8" fire rated sheetrock, etc). In this area there is very strict enforcement.
All very complicated I know but that is life these days.
Goldern rule - Can not lead a person fleeing a danger into interior areas, always must be a direct path to safety.
Many buildings can not meet those requirements, hence the window option. The code spells out very clearly size, operation of devices, etc for a window to qualify.
Start with this Forum and try to find an illustrated building code site for more information. I don't have a quick one a hand.
If you look for both the window requirements and exit requirements I'm sure there is a site around somewhere that has both.
Hope this information has been helpful.
#7
05-31-00, 02:41 PM
Your builder is almost right. He may have built it to code but it was not built as a bedroom. Without That other window it will never pass code as a bedroom. You also can't sell it as a 5 bedroom house. Just a 4 bedroom w/ finished basement. If istalling a window is not in your budget right now, you can use a dehumidifier and circulation fan. You can also install a louver vent in the "bedroom" door. If you have your HVAC enclosed in a room, you will also want to put one in that door too. By the way, I agree that you should install another window ASAP if for nothing else but the peace of mind.
John LaFramboise
NAK Remodeling
john@nakremodeling.com
John LaFramboise
NAK Remodeling
john@nakremodeling.com
quote:<HR>Originally posted by jwilso11:
You've been great - thanks for the quick replies! Do you see my room being a problem? It is a 5th "bedroom" -- for an 18 year old. I am concerned mostly about air flow, but you've raised another concern with a 2nd escape alternative should there be a fire or other hazard. The lighting the builder installed is great - although there is no 'natural' light from a windows. Also, the windows are above where the ceiling is - the ceiling is drywalled also because of this. Half the window sits above the ceiling and the builder didn't have an easy way to configure the room keeping the window. <HR>
#8
05-31-00, 06:46 PM
John - thanks for the information. If I were to be able to open up a window - how does that qualify as an "escape" route or second entry point when they are cemented, block windows? How would the room ever meet code and qualify as a 5th bedroom? Just curious and obviously want a safe room for my son.
quote:<HR>Originally posted by John LaFramboise:
Your builder is almost right. He may have built it to code but it was not built as a bedroom. Without That other window it will never pass code as a bedroom. You also can't sell it as a 5 bedroom house. Just a 4 bedroom w/ finished basement. If istalling a window is not in your budget right now, you can use a dehumidifier and circulation fan. You can also install a louver vent in the "bedroom" door. If you have your HVAC enclosed in a room, you will also want to put one in that door too. By the way, I agree that you should install another window ASAP if for nothing else but the peace of mind.
John LaFramboise
NAK Remodeling
john@nakremodeling.com
<HR>
