BC Building Code 2012 Section 9.32. M1502.6 Duct length. Results. Over 360 technical changes have been incorporated in this new edition. Combustibles: Clothes to help catch and spread any sparks. This would reduce the risk of fire associated with the build-up of lint. You must terminate your dryer vent outside the building, according to section M1502 of the IRC. This static electricity attracts lint and creates an extra “glue” for the lint to attach to the inside of the vent line. There are over 140 OBC changes to the 2012 Building Code released in 2019. The maximum developed length of a clothes dryer exhaust duct shall not exceed 35 feet from the dryer location to the wall or roof termination. Depending on the jurisdiction we work in we see different interpretations of the IBC concerning the penetration of the dryer pipes from the laundry area to the exterior wall. Questions & answers about plumbing vent piping and systems: code, installation, distances, sizes The OHBA has created these “Top 5 Lists” for both Part 9 and Part 3 changes to the Ontario Building Code. It also applies to the alteration, change of use and demolition of existing buildings. Canadian building codes apply in numerous situations including new construction and renovations. for buildings in the circumstances described in Section 1.1. of Division A of Book I (General) of this Code>. Additionally, a PVC pipe causes static electricity to form as the dryer circulates air to move lint outside. Under section 9.32.1.2 (Ventilation of Rooms and Spaces), the following requirements were added as follows: 9.32.1.4. I find that homeowners have improper materials not on purpose but because of a lack of knowledge on the subject. The discharge of contaminated and moisture-laden air into a building environment can create poor indoor air quality, a fire hazard and excessive humidity. In the United States, most home inspectors refer to the International Residential Code (IRC) M1502 for dryer venting. Application 1) This Section applies to the ventilation of rooms and spaces in residential occupancies by natural ventilation and to self-contained mechanical ventilation systems serving … 2) This Code specifies the minimum requirements for a) drainage systems for water-borne wastes and storm water for buildings to the point of connection with public services, b) venting systems, c) water service pipes, and Rather, the material features grooves on the inside, which allows lint to accumulate and clog the vent, creating a fire hazard. This also means that you can't blow the dryer exhaust into the attic or the crawlspace. 1. Vinyl: Vinyl is also flammable and does not have a smooth interior finish. It is especially important to understand how harmful gas dryers can be to your home or office environment if gas by-products are not properly ventilated away. Please note that code answers below reference the most current B149 code book. Control of the source of the contaminants would also reduce the occurrence of fire and the deterioration of the building assembly. Clothes Dryer Exhaust Vent Codes Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. are aware of the provisions within the Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code CSA-B149.1 for venting gas-fired appliances. Lint buildup provides additional flammable material. A dryer pulls in fresh air from the room, circulates it through the dryer, moves it into the dryer vent and then pushes the air outside the home. The International Mechanical Code (IMC) 504 also includes extensive clothes dryer requirements. 3. doors and windows). The smooth interior inhibits lint buildup in grooves, and it is not easily crushed or broken. The building code has formulas for determining the maximum length of a dryer vent, however the flexible transitional duct that connects to it behind the dryer does not count. He or she will know the local code requirements and can help you address any issues or concerns. Please check the current Provincial Building Code, National Building Code, and your Local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for applicable requirements, or consult with your qualified, local chimney sweep. However, codes exist to keep you safe and your dryer vent in proper working order, so it’s crucial to abide by them. 2. Think about it this way: The inside of a dryer contains all three elements for a healthy fire. Proper vent materials create better airflow. Oxygen: Continuous airflow in and out of the machine, 3. Clothes dryer exhaust ducts shall not be connected to a vent connector, vent or chimney. If flexible metal (semi-rigid or foil-type) duct is installed, it must be UL-listed and These situations may cause a fire hazard. Identifying compliant versus noncompliant materials can be tricky because many of these materials look similar. One of the biggest code offenders is the wrong kind of dryer venting material. Insulated chimneys, stove pipe, chimnney liners, pellet vent, rain caps, flue pipe, Dryer Vent Code. Tel: (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 Email: info@carsondunlop.com.The firm provides professional HOME INSPECTION SERVICES and also extensive HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION and home inspection-related PUBLICATIONS.Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American … Clothes dryer exhaust ducts shall not extend into or through ducts or plenums. The collective venting of multiple installations of laundry drying appliances, which could be possible in multi-unit residential buildings (common laundry room), may cause a build-up of lint in the exhaust ducts when one or more laundry drying appliances are not in use. The maximum length of a clothes dryer exhaust duct shall not exceed 25 feet (7620 mm) from the dryer location to the wall or roof termination. (c) where required by Article 9.32.3.8, be provided with make-up air. Identifying code compliance: Although these materials are not code compliant and a fire hazard, I’ve come across them many times, as have other Dryer Vent Wizard technicians, when completing inspections. Dryer venting systems are covered in the International Residential Code (IRC) at M1502 - Clothes Dryer Exhaust. Codes and Standards. (c) constructed of a smooth corrosion-resistant material. Proper venting material: A code-compliant dryer vent is constructed of a rigid pipe of nonflammable material with a smooth interior finish. The maximum length of the duct shall be reduced 2.5 feet for each 45-degree (0.8 rad) bend, and 5 feet for each 90-degree (1.6 rad) bend. How to avoid sparking a fire: Air must circulate regularly to cool the appliance. 1. Additionally, foil does not have a smooth interior finish. General 9.32.1.1. The majority of amendments come into effect January 1, 2020. In an effort to reduce the number of dryer fires (over 15,500 per year in the US alone) most building code has strict guidelines for properly venting a dryer. Terminations shall be a minimum of three feet from property line and 12" above the ground and not exhibit any type of screen. I’ve found this to be especially true when it comes to dryer vent materials. Some jurisdictions are requiring dryer wrap and others are not. The following codes in the building discipline are currently in force: 1. (3) Where collective venting of multiple installations of laundry-drying equipment is used, the ventilation system shall. Innovation. Here’s a summary of the requirements: • Dryers must be exhausted in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions (IRC M1502.1). We’ve got accessories like ducts, pipes, hoods and more! This proposed change harmonizes requirements with the model National Building Code of Canada. • Dryer exhaust systems must be independent of other systems and convey moisture to the outdoors. Type 1 clothes dryer installation- – Residential-family style. 2015 … The change would also allow for proper maintenance of the exhaust vent. Let’s take a look at the codes related to dryer vent exhaust systems, or the part that goes from the back of your dryer to outside your home. Clean and free-flowing dryer vents reduce heat buildup and the risk of dryer vent fires. Ventilation 9.32.1. Exhaust should not be connected to or vent into any type of chimney, gas vent, crawl space, attic or concealed area, must be independent and vent to the outside. Plumbing Vent Distances & Routing Codes - distances from plumbing vent to fixtures, distdances from plumbing vent to building features like chimneys, windows, roofs, walls. Find everything you need to install, repair and replace your dryer vents. Dryers cause 92 percent of all reported appliance fires, according to the National Fire Prevention Association. Requiring a common exhaust duct with a central exhaust fan creates a continuous negative pressure in the plenum, preventing any back draft or short-circuiting of the air to non-operating drying appliances. Screens shall not be installed at the duct termination. The better the airflow, the slower the lint builds up inside the machine, which lowers the risk of sparking a fire. Dryer lint removal and cleaning kit can help increase dryer performance and reduce drying time by improving dryer vent airflow. Carmen asked us the building codes in Ontario generally say about the proper location on a house (the roof or fascia/soffits) for venting bathroom fan air to the outside. Canadian Chimney Venting Products. Proper venting material: A code-compliant dryer vent is constructed of a rigid pipe of nonflammable material with a smooth interior finish. Under section 9.32.1.2 (Ventilation of Rooms and Spaces), the following requirements were added as follows: (1) Exhaust ducts or vents connected to laundry-drying equipment shall discharge directly to the outdoors. ... Dryer Venting A well-designed vent includes a removable hood which allows a homeowner or contractor access to the duct behind it without having to disturb the building envelope. Includes 36" lint trap brush, vacuum hose attachment and 10" dryer vent duct brush. Of the two options, I prefer to use aluminum pipe as it does not rust. A summary of the typical codes relating the dryer venting is as follows: Dryer vent systems shall be independent of all other systems and shall convey the moisture to the outdoors. Shop online at Canadian Tire; pick up at any of 500+ stores. PVC: This material is not compliant with standards because the material itself is flammable. For example, exposure to particulates at certain levels can cause various health effects such as eye irritation and respiratory illnesses as well as trigger asthma and allergy related symptoms. The goal is to ensure dryer vents are installed and functioning properly to help keep you, your family and your home safe. Ontario Code for clearance above a gas range cook top for either the range hood or cabinets is listed below, also check the spec’s for the gas range and the range hood Clause 7.32.4 – Except where permitted by Clauses 4.13.2 and 7.32.5 to 7.32.7, a residential type range shall have the following minimum clearances to combustible material: The smooth interior inhibits lint buildup in grooves, and it is not easily crushed or broken. This would reduce the amount of particulates and the level of humidity in the indoor building environment, therefore increasing the indoor air quality of the building. This means a few bends can easily reduce the distance for the dryer to work efficiently. The Dryer-Ell was specifically designed to … (18) Where collective venting of multiple installations of laundry-drying equipment is used, the ventilation system shall, (a) be connected to a common exhaust duct that is vented by one central exhaust fan, (b) incorporate one central lint trap, (c) include an interlock to activate the central exhaust fan when laundry-drying equipment is in use, and Improper venting material: These are common venting materials that are non-code compliant, as determined by the guidelines of the International Residential Code and International Mechanical Code. In 2016, the Ontario Building Code was amended to add a new article for general provisions for laundry-dryer equipment venting in residential occupancies. The proposed change controls the source of the contaminants by requiring the venting of laundry drying appliances to the outdoors. Every foot of duct run reduces airflow efficiency and small radius elbows have an even greater impact. All Rights Reserved. National Building Codes – 2019 Alberta Edition and National Fire Code – 2019 Alberta Edition 2. Note: You should always check your local city building codes to make sure you are using compliant materials and installation methods for your dryer vent exhaust system. Dryer Vent Code information NFPA 211 & NFPA 54. This could cause adverse health effects on the occupants due to the particulates and other contaminants (Volatile Organic Compounds – VOC) and due to possible mould growth. The maximum length of the duct shall be reduced 2.5 feet (762 mm) for each 45-degree (0.8 rad) bend and 5 feet (1524 mm) for each 90-degree (1.6 rad) bend. National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2017 Second Code Violation: The Dryer Vent Does Not Safely Terminate Outside Of the Home- Dryer duct must exhaust on the exterior of the home at least 3 feet from any openings (i.e. Foil: Foil is a non-code-compliant venting material because it is extremely flammable. Ensuring a dryer vent is constructed of proper material is one important step in reducing the risk of a dryer-related fire. © 2020 Canadian Home Inspection Services. (1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), the unobstructed vent area shall be not less than 1/300 of the insulated ceiling area. If you can't find the answer you are looking for please email restechsupport@uniongas.com.. The information posted herein is intended for educational use only. Deadly carbon monoxide residue is toxic to humans and animals in unventilated spaces. VENTING GAS APPLIANCES NFPA 54 CODE Better Buildings: Better Business Robert Parkhurst March 3, 2017 The better the airflow, the slower the lint builds up inside the machine, which lowers the risk of sparking a fire. Building Code. The flimsy material puts the dryer vent at higher risk to be crushed, which will restrict airflow and cause lint buildup, creating a fire hazard. In addition, over time, vinyl will dry out and crack, which will compromise the vent line. For answers to your code questions click on one of the categories below. Also, excessive humidity can accelerate a chemical reaction that triggers an increase in the off-gassing from materials and fabrics, and can encourage the growth of viable organisms such as mould and bacteria. To many homeowners, building codes are arbitrary, confusing and expensive. Collective venting may also cause short-circuiting of the air to non-operating drying appliances. • Install the clothes dryer according to these instructions and local codes. • Clothes dryer installation must be performed by a qualified installer. Venting of Laundry Room In 2016, the Ontario Building Code was amended to add a new article for general provisions for laundry-dryer equipment venting in residential occupancies. While building codes differ around the country, two code-compliant vent material options are solid aluminum pipe that is at least 0.4 millimeters thick or galvanized steel pipe. (2) Exhaust ducts connected to laundry-drying equipment shall be, (b) accessible for inspection and cleaning, and. Safety first: Most building code requirements are safety related, and this is certainly true of dryer vent codes. The Ontario Building Code | Vent Requirements. (a) be connected to a common exhaust duct that is vented by one central exhaust fan and incorporates one central lint trap, (b) include an interlock to activate the central exhaust fan when laundry-drying equipment is in use, and. Experience. Ignition source: The heating element within the machine, 2. This is to assist installers in selecting the appropriate method of venting and use the applicable vent-sizing table, so that the vent complies with the minimum Code requirements. Building code determines that the maximum length of a dryer vent should not exceed 25 feet, however each 90 degree elbow is classed as 5 feet and each 45 degree is 2.5 feet. Ducts shall not be connected or installed with sheet metal screws or other fasteners that will obstruct the exhaust flow. In addition to the type of material used, there are also specific regulations on the thickness of the pipe, the kind of tape used to connect joints, proper suspension of the line and other installation factors. Bathroom fan expert Glenn Curtis, Soler Palau Canada, has the answer. The National Building Code of Canada 2015 (NBC), published by NRC and developed by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes, sets out technical provisions for the design and construction of new buildings. There are currently no explicit requirements for laundry-dryer exhaust vents. The code also defers to manufacturer’s specifications, which exceed the length allowed by the building code in some cases, especially for “LONG VENT” rated dryer models with a high-volume air output. There are no provisions to require the venting of laundry drying appliances to the outdoors. However, some states may have additional regulations. • DO NOT install a clothes dryer with flexible plastic venting materials. Technical Support - Code Facts. All dryers must be vented outside, period. Why exactly is it so important? I am not sure exactly when the code came into place, but in the Ontario Building Code Act 1992, Section 9.32.3.10.2 it clearly states that “Exhaust ducts shall not discharge into heated or … [contact-form to=”info@coppermechanical-ltd.ca” subject=”Dryer Vent Issues or Concerns”][contact-field label=”Name” type=”name” required=”1″][contact-field label=”Email” type=”email” required=”1″][contact-field label=”Message” type=”textarea”][/contact-form], Tags: BlogDryerDryer VentHVACLaundrySafety, One of the Biggest Building-Code Offenders in the Laundry Room. Find help, if needed: If you are unsure whether your dryer vent system is code compliant or you are looking to replace it, consult a local dryer vent installation or repair professional.