Erby Posted November 16, 2014 Report Posted November 16, 2014 7500 square foot building with soffit vents around the exterior and one large cupola in the center of the roof with vents on the side of the cupola. I'm thinking ridge vents would be a better solution. Your thoughts? Overview 64.38 KB Cupola 42.69 KB Attic opening into cupola 43.5 KB
kurt Posted November 16, 2014 Report Posted November 16, 2014 Ridge vents would be "better", but it might work just fine as it sits. A lot depends on other moisture management considerations elsewhere in the building.
Jim Katen Posted November 16, 2014 Report Posted November 16, 2014 How old is it? Is it a dwelling or what? How has the existing venting worked so far?
Marc Posted November 16, 2014 Report Posted November 16, 2014 I think that because the openings in the cupola are slightly higher than the ridge, a ridge vent would not make an improvement. Think of the effect of flue height in regard to draft. Marc
Erby Posted November 16, 2014 Author Report Posted November 16, 2014 Commercial office building with six bathrooms and one kitchen as moisture sources. I guess it seems to be working okay. It's location within a complex has some architectural requirements for matching other buildings. They're all done the same way. Click to Enlarge 73.04 KB
Mike Lamb Posted November 17, 2014 Report Posted November 17, 2014 If it aint broke don't fix it. For sure. Especially attic/roof ventilation which can confound. If a system has been in place 10+ yrs and looks nice and dry, but does not meet code or make sense by general building science understanding. So what? Leave it alone.
Jim Katen Posted November 17, 2014 Report Posted November 17, 2014 Commercial office building with six bathrooms and one kitchen as moisture sources. I guess it seems to be working okay. It's location within a complex has some architectural requirements for matching other buildings. They're all done the same way. There'll be no significant cooking or bathing and no laundering. Really no moisture to speak of. In the picture, it looks like the cupola spans a rated wall in the attic. If so, there might be a concern about fire.
Jim Baird Posted November 17, 2014 Report Posted November 17, 2014 I think it looks great. If there is a problem with heat building up a thermostat power assist might help at that opening up...commercial bldg attic that big should have one hour separations with fire-dampered louvers to break space into <3000 SF areas.
Erby Posted November 18, 2014 Author Report Posted November 18, 2014 Where do you get the < 3000 SF Area from, Jim Baird.
Erby Posted November 18, 2014 Author Report Posted November 18, 2014 Never mind, Jim. I found it. However IBC 708.4 (3) applies as there is a sprinkler system installed throughout the attic.
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