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Conference 7.286::home_work

Title:Home_work
Notice:Check Directory (6.3) before writing a new note
Moderator:CSLALL::NASEAM::READIO
Created:Tue Nov 05 1991
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2100
Total number of notes:78741

159.0. "Basement ventilation" by GUTZ::COOPERMAN () Thu Jun 02 1988 16:23

    I have a basement that gets condensation in the warmer months and
    always smells musty.
    
    I remember reading Peter Hotton in the Globe about ventilating basement
    space and spoke to a carpenter recently about installing casement
    windows in the basement to aid its ventilation.  He said that the
    basement "atmosphere" was probably ideal, like a cave, 51-53 degrees,
    etc.  He also said that ventilating it would expose its cooler surfaces
    to the warmer, moister air from outside, and that condensation would
    probably increase.
    
    So, what gives?  I've tried calling Hotton at the Globe (Tuesday
    afternoon only, but always busy).  Does anybody have some insights
    on this issue?
    
    Thanks.  mike cooperman
    
T.RTitleUserPersonal
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159.1Dehumidifier might work!!!MAKROL::OLSONC. JOHN OLSON DTN: 297-5344Thu Jun 02 1988 16:3817
    The only thing that I know of that really works is putting in a
    Dehumidifier.  I've used one in both a finished and unfinished
    basement.
    
    The cost of operation is similar to an A/C window unit.  I have
    used a 24 and 36 quart versions of dehumidifier.  I had to empty
    it twice a day, once in the morning and once just before going to
    bed.  Some models have the option to be connected to a hose that
    drains constantly to either a sump hole or drain system.
    
    This made a definite inprovement in the smell and the condensation
    problem.  The only problem is that if the basement/cellar gets below
    60 degress F, then there is a possibility of the condenser coils
    to freeze up with the condensing water on the coils.

    It may not be a cheap way to do it but it is very effective.
    
159.2See P.S.BEING::WEISSTrade freedom for security-lose bothThu Jun 02 1988 18:4421
This note has been temporarily write-locked pending approval of the author.

To the author:  This subject is already under discussion in this file, under the
topics listed in the title.  Please look at these notes; you may find that your
question is already answered, or you may find a note where your question would
be an appropriate continuation of the discussion.  These topics were found
using the keyword directory (note 1111), and you may find other notes relating
to this subject by examining the directory yourself. 

If for any reason, after examining these notes, you wish to continue the 
discussion here, send me mail and this note will be un-writelocked immediately 
and without question.

Paul [Moderator]

P.S. Normally when posting this note I just put the appropriate note numbers in 
the title.  But in this case there's too many possibilities, and none of them 
say specifically "ventilating a basement".  If you check out the keyword 
BASEMENT (note 1111.6), you'll find several notes dealing with making a
basement more livable, like 670, 671, 764, and 1349.  Also, almost all the
notes in HUMIDIFIERS_AND_DEHUMIDIFIERS (1111.44) could be applicable.
159.3This topic re-opened at the request of the authorBEING::WEISSTrade freedom for security-lose bothFri Jun 03 1988 17:400
159.4WHAT IS THE CORRECT VENT SIZE ?58323::ERSKINEFri May 20 1994 17:0720
    
    I haven't been able to find a similar situation. So, I hope someone
    can provide some help.
    
    We have a 3 story house, with an existing bath on the second floor.
    
    We want to add a 1/2 bath on the first floor.  Tie the toilet and
    sink into the 4" drain in the basement and add a new vent pipe.
    The 1/2 bath is directly below the bathroom, so the drain in the 
    basement is within 3 feet of the 1/2 bath.
    
    The new vent pipe is 1 1/2", and would go up 20' and would then
    tie into the 4" stack in the attic or 3rd floor.
    
    My question is.... Is the 1 1/2" vent pipe sufficent for the 20' run,
    or does it need to be larger ?  
    
    Thanks,
    
    rke
159.5I doubt 1-1/2 inch will do itBANKS3::DUKEMon May 23 1994 15:405
    If it is an outside wall 1-1/2 will not do. Outside walls I believe
    require 4 inch. My guess would be at least 2 inch on an inside wall. As
    usual the local code enforcement person can tell you or sure.
    
    Peter Duke