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Chapter C4 Structural Sealing and HVAC System Balancing
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When accessible cracks, penetrations, and joints in floors and walls in contact with the soil, or separating conditioned space from a crawl space, are sealed to reduce radon entry, they shall as a minimum be sealed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. In addition, when acceptable indoor radon concentrations are attained by the sealing of ducts and plenums, they shall be done in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
Cracks and joints with widths less than 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) shall be repaired by the application of an elastomeric material capable of withstanding at least 25-percent extension and extending at least 4 inches (102 mm) beyond the length and width of the crack, or by the method described in Section C402.2.
Cracks with widths larger than 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) shall be enlarged to a recess with minimum dimensions of 1/4 inch by 1/4 inch (6 mm by 6 mm) and sealed with an approved caulk or sealant applied over a sealant backer in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Cracks and joints with widths less than 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) may also be sealed in this manner if traffic, floor covering material or other conditions are inconsistent with the provisions of Section C402.1.
Where large openings through the slab exist, such as at a bath tub drain or a toilet flange, an acceptable method for sealing the exposed soil shall include fully covering the exposed soil with a solvent-based plastic roof cement or other approved material in accordance with Section C405.1 to a minimum depth of 1 inch (25 mm). Where voids between masonry foundation walls and the slab edge are accessible, and are sealed in order to reduce radon entry, nonshrinking cementitious material may be used.
Utility penetrations or other openings through hollow cavity walls that separate conditioned space from soil, or conditioned space from a crawl space, shall be sealed with an approved material on both the interior and exterior faces of the wall. Penetrations and openings through solid concrete floors or walls may be sealed on only the interior face.
Any sump located in a conditioned portion of a building, or in an enclosed space directly attached to a conditioned portion of a building, shall be covered by a lid. An air tight seal shall be formed between the sump and lid and at any wire or pipe penetrations.
Cracks and penetrations through concrete floors constructed over crawlspaces, and that are sealed in order to reduce radon entry, shall be sealed in conformance with all applicable provisions of Section C402.
All penetrations through the subfloor, including but not limited to plumbing pipes, wiring and ductwork, that are sealed in order to reduce radon entry, shall be sealed with an approved caulk in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Where large openings are created by plumbing, such as at bath tub drains, sheet metal or other rigid and durable materials shall be used in conjunction with sealants to close and seal the opening.
Openings which connect a crawlspace and the space between floor or ceiling joists, wall studs, or any other hollow chase adjoining conditioned space, that are sealed in order to reduce radon entry concentrations, shall be closed and sealed in accordance with the appropriate portions of this chapter.
Openings for electrical or plumbing connections in a wall between a crawlspace and a conditioned space, that are sealed in order to reduce radon entry, shall be closed and sealed with an approved caulk and/or gasket.
When a door is located in a wall between a crawlspace and the conditioned space, it shall be fully weatherstripped or gasketed.
Acceptable caulks and sealants shall conform with Standard Specifications for Elastomeric Joint Sealants, and ASTM C962, Standard Guide for Use of Elastomeric Joint Sealants. All sealant materials and methods of application shall be compatible with the location, function and material of the surface or surfaces being sealed.
Condensate drains and pipe chases for freon lines that provide a direct connection between the indoor air and the soil shall be sealed in accordance with the provisions of this section.
Condensate drains shall connect to air outside the building perimeter at a height of at least 6 inches (172 mm) above the finished grade ground level. Chases through which the condensate and refrigerant lines run shall not terminate in the air return plenum or duct. If a portion of the condensate pipe does not drop below the height of the condensate outlet, then a trap should be installed to prevent suction of outdoor air into the air handler.
Freon chases that terminate within the house or garage shall be sealed with closed cell expanding foam material. Pipe insulation shall be removed from the freon lines at the point of the seal to provide for complete bond between the freon line and the foam.
All ducts and plenums that are modified or sealed in order to achieve acceptable indoor radon concentrations, shall be made airtight in accordance with the current edition Chapter 13 of the Florida Building Code, Building. If ductboard is used, the seal must be on the foil side of the ductboard. Mastic sealing systems designed specifically for the conditions of use shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations to close and seal leaks in ducts or plenums. Modifications to ducts located in crawlspaces or service areas of attics shall incorporate support, cover or other protection from accidental damage.
If acceptable indoor radon concentrations are achieved in part by construction or modification of a return plenum, it shall be constructed with materials and closures which produce a continuous air barrier for the life of the building. Construction of the return plenum shall be done such that a continuous air barrier completely separates the plenum from adjacent building structures. If duct board is the primary air barrier, then the joints shall be sealed by fabric and mastic on the foil side of the board.