Ventilation Requirements for Repair Garage
Ventilation Requirements for Repair Garage
(OP)
Hello all,
I have a repair garage that requires ventilation to meet code. The code requirements for a repair garage are 1.5 cfm/ft2 as per ASHRAE 62.
This works out to 11,000 cfm of OA and a pretty large make-up air handler for the size of the building (around 7300 ft2)
ASHRAE 62, and the Canadian National Building Code, do allow for natural ventilation of spaces where the occupancy is less than one person per 430 ft2, which is the case for the repair garage in question.
Again, ASHRAE 62 states that if operable openings with a total area of or 4% of the floor space are provide the space can be considered naturally ventilated (I'm summarizing). The large overhead door will have an area of over 8% of the floor space so we should have no problems with that requirement.
The ASHRAE Standard's main concern seems to be controlling humidity (which is not a concern where I am) and not dealing with cold temperatures.
My question is (sorry it took so long to get here) is that although it seems to meet code, I'm uncomfortable providing natural ventilation only for a repair garage. I know that during winter (-40deg) no mechanic will open the garage door to ensure their space is well ventilated.
Has anyone else run into this situation? What has anyone else done to ventilate a repair garage?
I have a repair garage that requires ventilation to meet code. The code requirements for a repair garage are 1.5 cfm/ft2 as per ASHRAE 62.
This works out to 11,000 cfm of OA and a pretty large make-up air handler for the size of the building (around 7300 ft2)
ASHRAE 62, and the Canadian National Building Code, do allow for natural ventilation of spaces where the occupancy is less than one person per 430 ft2, which is the case for the repair garage in question.
Again, ASHRAE 62 states that if operable openings with a total area of or 4% of the floor space are provide the space can be considered naturally ventilated (I'm summarizing). The large overhead door will have an area of over 8% of the floor space so we should have no problems with that requirement.
The ASHRAE Standard's main concern seems to be controlling humidity (which is not a concern where I am) and not dealing with cold temperatures.
My question is (sorry it took so long to get here) is that although it seems to meet code, I'm uncomfortable providing natural ventilation only for a repair garage. I know that during winter (-40deg) no mechanic will open the garage door to ensure their space is well ventilated.
Has anyone else run into this situation? What has anyone else done to ventilate a repair garage?





RE: Ventilation Requirements for Repair Garage
LPG vehicles now require extra vigilence due to the gases high density which can cause a dangerous atmosphere. Low level vent is recommended (As well as high level)
Motorised louvres might be used here.
Floor mounted gas fired heaters are a no no again due to low lying gas vapours so high level radiant are best option or even underfloor htg.
Go to HSE in uk for assistanve in garage ventilation design (Free advice on web site)
Vent rate needs to be high, usually works out at least 3ac/hr though figures are available in CIBSE and ASHRAE guides based on engine size etc.
Friar Tuck of Sherwood
RE: Ventilation Requirements for Repair Garage
RE: Ventilation Requirements for Repair Garage
www.ngvs.com
The above is the website of a company called National Garage Ventilation Systems. Very useful information.
**If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the precipitate.**
RE: Ventilation Requirements for Repair Garage