Crawl space ventilation openings, do you understand the International Residential Code requirements?

The requirements for crawl space ventilation openings are cover in Section R408.  The crawl space is also referred to as "Under-Floor Space".

The ventilation opening  requirements are listed in section R408.2.  and are as follows; " The minimum net area of ventilation openings shall not be less than 1 square foot (0.0929 m2) for each 150 square feet (14 m2) of under-floor area. One ventilation opening shall be within 3 feet (915 mm) of each corner of the building. Ventilation openings shall be covered for their height and width with any of the following materials provided that the least dimension of the covering shall not exceed ¼ inch (6.4 mm):

1. Perforated sheet metal plates not less than 0.070 inch (1.8 mm) thick.
2. Expanded sheet metal plates not less than 0.047 inch (1.2 mm) thick.
3. Cast-iron grill or grating.
4. Extruded load-bearing brick vents.
5. Hardware cloth of 0.035 inch (0.89 mm) wire or heavier.
6. Corrosion-resistant wire mesh, with the least dimension being 18⁄ inch (3.2 mm) thick.

Exception: The total area of ventilation openings shall be permitted to be reduced 11,500 ⁄of the under-floor area where the ground surface is covered with an approved Class 1 vapor retarder material and the required openings are placed to provide cross ventilation of the space. The installation of operable louvers shall not be prohibited.

If you want to learn more about crawl space ventilation openings or the International Residential Code requirements for crawl space openings please visit our website, or click here and read the complete International Residential Code Section R408 Under-Floor Space.