American Aldes Aldes SIP Ventilation Design Guide

							Residential  SIP     
Ventilation     
Modification  
Design Guide
For Single- and Multi-Family Homes   
						

							Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1 – BACKGROUND
1.1VENTILATION INTRODUCTION 4
1.2 SIP VENTILATION RESEARCH FINDINGS 1996-2002 (MSP, MKE) 6
1.3 PROBLEMS WITH TIGHT BUILDINGS 8
1.4 VENTILATION STANDARDS IN THE UNITED STATES 9
1.5 CLIMATE ZONES 12
1.6 CENTRAL VENTILATION SYSTEMS 15
1.7 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN VENTILATION AND HVAC/AC UNITS 16
1.8 VENTILATING  WITH AN AHU 17
1.9 OTHER INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS FOR RETROFIT PROJECTS  18
SECTION 2 – MECHANICAL VENTILATION METHODS
2.1CONTINUOUS EXHAUST 20
2.2 CONTINUOUS SUPPLY 21
2.3 BALANCED VENTILATION 22
SECTION 3 – CLIMATIC DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS: CLIMATE ZONE 1 25
3.2 DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS: CLIMATE ZONE 2 29
3.3 DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS: CLIMATE ZONE 3 35
3.4 DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS: CLIMATE ZONE 4 42
3.5 DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS: CLIMATE ZONE 5 50
3.6 DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS: CLIMATE ZONE 6 55
3.7 DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS: CLIMATE ZONE 7 59
APPENDICES
IPRODUCT SELECTION GUIDE 63
II ASHRAE CLIMATE ZONES BY STATE & COUNTY 76
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SECTION 1 
BACKGROUND
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1.1 VENTILATION INTRODUCTION
Outdoor air ventilation is necessary for occupant comfort, occupant health, and to help assure the durability 
of the building structure. In older homes and small buildings, ventilation has traditionally been provided by 
air infiltration through building leaks such as windows, doors, vents, gaps, and cracks. Occupants have 
also relied on additional ventilation through open windows when they feel that their indoor air is stuffy or 
uncomfortable. 
Natural ventilation is inexpensive to implement and gives occupants direct control over the ventilation 
in their space. However, reliance on windows and infiltration has been proven by multiple studies to be 
unreliable, and it generally causes excessive energy consumption.
The drawbacks to the use of infiltration and natural ventilation include:
• Building  inhabitants  do  not  always  open  windows  in  response  to  elevated  contaminant  levels 
because they cannot detect many harmful contaminants such as carbon mono\
xide (CO).
•  In  the  cold  weather  climate  zones,  some  building  habitants  use  humidifiers  to  intentionally  add 
extra moisture, which can result in elevated humidity levels, mold, and structural damage.
•  In the warm weather climate zones, the natural infiltration of humid air can also result in unhealthy 
humidity levels, mold, and structural damage. 
•  The natural air infiltration rate is greatly affected by weather conditions and the level of weather-
induced  variation.  Often  the  actual  infiltration  rate  does  not  correspond  with  the  ventilation 
requirement.
•  Open windows allow an increase in interior noise levels within a building.
•  Elevated levels of infiltration increase the amount of energy needed to heat or cool incoming air .
The American National Standard Institute (ANSI) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating 
and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) have developed ventilation standards that address ventilation 
requirements and methods. • ANSI/ASHRAE 62.1 – Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality (for high-rise construction >3 
stories)
•  ANSI/ASHRAE 62.2  –  Ventilation  and  Acceptable  Indoor  Air  Quality  in  Low-Rise  Residential 
Buildings. ( 
						

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showed  that  acoustical  modifications  to  a  home/building  reduced  natural,  uncontrolled  air  infiltration  by 
25% to 45%. This sharp decrease in air infiltration (resulting from the addition of SIP acoustic modifications) 
provided  excellent  aircraft-noise  reduction  for  interior  living  spaces.  However,  the  modifications  had 
numerous negative impacts on indoor air quality:  increased moisture levels, spillage of carbon monoxide 
(CO)  in  the  gas  appliance  combustion  process,  reduced  exhaust  ventilation  flow,  and  worsening  of 
existing ventilation deficiencies. 
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1.2 SIP VENTILATION RESEARCH FINDINGS 1996-2002 (MSP, MKE)
After the introduction of the FAA Part 150 Sound Insulation Program (SIP) in the early 1980s, the 
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport – Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) began planning in 
1990  for  what  is  today  one  of  the  largest  residential  and  institutional  sound  insulation  programs  in  the 
United States. After the initiation of a “pilot” program in 1993, the MAC successfully treated 2,800 single-
family homes by 1996. As the completion rates increased, MAC began to receive ventilation-related 
complaints from FAA Part 150 property owners. These concerns related to elevated moisture levels, gas 
appliance back-drafting, and mold issues. Although many U.S. airports had started to implement sound 
insulation programs, no program sponsor had considered the negative impacts of SIP treatments on 
indoor air quality.
In early 1996, based on complaints received, Minneapolis newspaper  Star Tribune initiated an undercover 
investigation of homes acoustically treated by MAC in an effort to document the negative impacts of 
acoustical treatments. In April 1996, Star Tribune   published  an  award-winning  series  of  articles  that 
documented  the  negative  impacts  of  the  SIP  modifications  on  indoor  air  quality. The  Star Tribune story 
created  a  great  deal  of  public  concern  and  panic,  introducing  a  new  level  of  legal  liability  for  both  the 
FAA and all sound insulation program sponsors. In reaction, the MAC formed a Ventilation Research 
Committee, comprised of the Minneapolis Center for Energy and the Environment (CEE) and several 
building-science experts from the United States and Canada. The committee decided to conduct “blower 
door”  tests  on  944  homes,  which  represented  40%  of  the  homes  treated  to  date. A  “blower  door”  test 
measures air tightness in a building by using a fan capable of inducing a range of air flows to create both 
negative and positive pressure levels.
The  “blower  door”  test  revealed  that  88%  (833)  of  the  944  tested  homes  had  problems  relating  to  a 
significant reduction of air infiltration (increased tightness). Building science experts viewed this scenario 
favorably  since  it  saved  energy  and  reduced  noise  infiltration.  The  study  also  tested  the  for  evidence 
of the negative impacts that Star Tribune   had  reported:  elevated  moisture  levels,  gas  appliance  back-
drafting,  and  mold  issues.  As  a  result  of  these  findings,  MAC  returned  to  all  2,800  previously  treated 
homes and provided ventilation modifications designed to correct the documented deficiencies. 
From 1997 to 2002, MAC, CEE, and THC, Inc., (program management firm) conducted additional before-
and-after “blower door” tests on homes treated by the Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) and Milwaukee (MKE) 
SIP in an effort to identify pre-existing ventilation deficiencies, measure “pre” ventilation levels (before SIP 
treatment), and measure “post” ventilation levels (after treatment). In February 2003, THC and their legal 
counsel  (McGuire  Woods)  presented  their  research  findings  to  the  FAA  Headquarters  in  Washington, 
D.C.  THC’s  presentation  was  designed  to  emphasize  to  the  FAA  the  critical  importance  of  providing 
ventilation  modifications  as part of SIP treatment packages  and  to disclose  the potential  legal  liabilities 
related to the failure to do so by program sponsors. This presentation outlined several key conclusions 
of the six-year research:
• The addition of SIP acoustic modifications in a building can reduce the natural infiltration of inside/
outside air by 25% to 40%, providing significant sound reduction and energy savings.
•  This reduction can inhibit the natural exchange of air, introduce carbon monoxide (CO) spillage in 
gas appliances during the combustion process, reduce the effectiveness of exhaust venting, and 
elevate interior moisture levels. If not properly addressed and treated, all these negative impacts 
can increase safety concerns for building inhabitants. 
•  Most homes have pre-existing ventilation deficiencies. The addition of SIP acoustic modifications 
can worsen existing deficiencies, reduce indoor air quality, and increase sponsor legal liability.
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• If  identified  by  the  SIP  design  team,  it  is  critical  that  the  property  owner  corrects  all  pre-existing 
ventilation deficiencies prior to the addition of SIP modifications.
•  During the SIP design process, a quality ventilation inspection must be performed in each building 
slated for SIP treatment. The inspection should include the following: 
 
» Blower door test
 
» Gas appliance spillage test
 
» Gas appliance carbon monoxide (CO) test
 
» Moisture inspection
 
» Attic/wall insulation inspection 
•  Based on the inspector’s observations, the mechanical/ventilation engineer should prescribe 
additional  ventilation  modifications  (as  part  of  the  standard  SIP  acoustic  treatment  package)  to 
ensure that proper ventilation levels will be maintained in a tightened environment.
•  Depending on the climate zone, there are several ventilation modifications that may be required: 
 
» Gas appliance venting modifications
 
» Ventilation air exchange systems
 
» Addition of ventilation fans
 
» Fan venting modifications
 
» Addition of combustion air
 
» HVAC system replacement
 
» Replacement or addition of ductwork
 
» Conversion of gas water heaters to electric
 
» Dehumidification
 
» Sealing of HVAC rooms/closets
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1.3 PROBLEMS WITH TIGHT BUILDINGS
Tight  buildings  are  similar  to  air  in  a  sealed  plastic  bag.  Unwanted  pollutants  such  as  odors,  humidity, 
airborne chemicals, and gases are trapped inside. In fact, a tight building is worse than a sealed plastic 
bag since the building occupants are adding additional pollutants to the air constantly. Without controlled 
ventilation, pollutants build up in tight buildings, causing physiologic\
al harm to the occupants and structural 
damage to the building.
Sick  Building  Syndrome  is  a  term  used  to  describe  the  effects  experienced  by  occupants  of  buildings 
that are too tight and have poor ventilation. Occupants typically experi\
ence discomfort and acute health 
symptoms that are linked to the amount of time spent in a building. Many times, no specific illness can be 
diagnosed and no specific source can be identified.
Affected occupants experience symptoms such as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; neurotoxic 
or  general  health  problems;  skin  irritation;  non-specific  hypersensitivity  reactions;  infectious  diseases; 
and odor and taste sensations. These symptoms have been shown to negatively affect productivity and 
quality of life.
Damage caused to a building due to the combination of poor ventilation and a tight building envelope 
will often manifest as humidity. Excess humidity causes mold and fungus to appear in visible and hidden 
locations. Excess humidity also causes rot in wood and wall structures, leading to premature structural 
failure and decreased property value. Mold and fungus can cause acute health effects in building 
occupants.
Mold and fungus, often seen as dark or black growth, can be visible to the eye in attics, on the underside 
of roofs, near tubs/showers/toilets, and around windows. Mold and fungus can be found in wall cavities, 
but  wall  materials  must  be  removed  to  find  them. Anywhere  condensation  can  accumulate,  mold  and 
fungus can grow.
Whole-building  ventilation  –  the  exchanging  of  stale  indoor  air  with  fresh  outdoor  air  –  is  necessary  to 
maintain a healthy living environment. Continuous ventilation removes and dilutes p\
ollutants not captured 
by local (source) ventilation, as well as pollutants that occur in rooms other than bathrooms or kitchens. 
Common Pollutants Found in Buildings:
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) – Perfumes, hairsprays, furniture polish, cleaning solvents, 
hobby and craft supplies, pesticides, carpet dyes and fibers, glues, adhesives, sealants, paints, 
stains,  varnishes,  strippers,  wood  preservatives,  dry-cleaned  clothes,  moth  repellents,  air 
fresheners, stored fuels, automotive products, contaminated standing water , plastics, etc.
•  Formaldehyde  –  Particle  board,  interior-grade  plywood,  cabinetry,  furniture,  urea  formaldehyde 
foam insulation, carpet, fabrics, etc.
•  Pesticides – Insecticides, (including termiticides), rodenticides, fungicides, disinfectants, 
herbicides (from outdoor use), etc. 
•  Biological Contaminants – Humans, plants, animals, pillows, bedding, house dust, wet or damp 
materials, mold, etc.
•  Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) – Tobacco products
•  Other – Visit www.epa.gov and search for “Indoor Air Quality”.
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1.4 VENTILATION STANDARDS IN THE UNITED STATES
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is the technical 
body that develops and maintains ventilation standards for the United States. Most U.S. ventilation codes 
and energy-efficiency programs are based on ASHRAE 62 standards. ASHRAE 62 Standard committees 
develop and maintain ventilation standards for low-rise residential and other residential, commercial, and 
institutional applications in the United States.
There are two separate ASHRAE ventilation standards that pertain to different types of buildings:
• ASHRAE 62.1 – Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality (for high-rise construction >3 stories)
•  ASHRAE 62.2 – Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings 
(≤3 stories)
The two main requirements of ASHRAE 62 are (1) whole-building/unit mechanical ventilation to maintain 
acceptable air quality, and (2) local exhaust ventilation in each kitchen and bathroom to reduce the levels 
of  contaminants  and  moisture  in  these  spaces.  Local  ventilation  in  kitchens  and  bathrooms  removes 
(or  reduces  the  intensity  of)  many  pollutants  at  their  source;  whole-building/unit  mechanical  ventilation 
maintains the overall indoor air quality of the occupiable spaces.
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1 – Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality (>3 stories)
Whole-Building/Unit Ventilation
The  amount  of  whole-building/unit  mechanical  ventilation  required  for  high-rise  residential  ventilation 
is  determined  by  a  formula  that  considers  the  size  of  each  dwelling  unit  and  the  potential  number  of 
occupants:  
V
bz = (Rp*Pz) + (Ra*Az)
V
bz = Breathing zone outside airflow.
A
z = Zone floor area; the net occupiable floor area of the ventilation zone (ft2).
P
z = Zone Population; the number of people in the ventilation zone during typical usage. (1-bedroom 
dwelling assumes 2 people, with an additional person for each additional bedroom)
R
p = Outdoor Air for People; rate required per person as indicated in Table 6-1 of ASHRAE 62.1-
2010. (See table on page 10)
R
a = Outdoor Air for Dwelling; airflow rate required per unit as indicated in Table 6-1 of ASHRAE 
62.1-2010. (See table on page 10)
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cfm/personL/s*personcfm/ft2L/s*m2
Dwelling Unit 52.50.06 0.3F, G 1
Common Corridors --0.06 0.3 1
Note F
Note GDefaul t occupancy for dwel l i ng uni ts  s hal l  be two pers ons  for s tudi o and one-bedroom uni ts , wi th one 
addi ti onal  pers on for each addi ti onal  bedroom.
Ai r from one res i denti al  dwel l i ng s hal l  not be reci rcul ated or trans ferred to any other s pace outs i de of 
that dwel l i ng.
People Outdoor Air Rate  R
p
Area Outdoor Air Rate R
aNotesAir Class
Residential
Table 6-1 MINIMUM VENTILATION RATES IN BREATHING ZONE
Example:  2-bedroom apartment, 1000 ft2
Vbz = (Rp*Pz) + (Ra*Az)
V
bz = (3 People)*(5 CFM per person from Table 6-1) + (.06 from Table 6-1)*(1000 ft2)
V
bz = 15 + 60
V
bz = 75 CFM Continuous
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.2 – Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise 
Residential Buildings (≤3  stories)
Whole-Building/Unit Ventilation
The  amount  of  whole-building/unit  mechanical  ventilation  required  for  low-rise  residential  ventilation  is 
very similar but less complicated than ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1. The total airflow is determined by a 
simplified formula that considers the size of the building and the potential number of occupants:  
Q
tot = 0.03Afloor + 7.5(Nbr + 1)
Q
tot = total required ventilation rate (CFM)
A
floor = floor area of residence (ft2)
N
br = number of bedrooms (not to be less than 1)
Example:  3-bedroom home, 2200 ft
2
Qtot = 0.03Afloor + 7.5(Nbr + 1)
Q
tot = (0.03 * 2200) + 7.5(3 + 1)
Q
tot = 66 + 30
Q
tot = 96 CFM Continuous
Residential SIP Ventilation Modification Design Guide