Dryer vent in condos in Ontario, Canada?

Started by baconpotatos, August 09, 2016, 02:06:17 PM

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baconpotatos

My builder did not include a dryer vent with my unit and they tell me apparently it isn't mandatory to have one, although all other units have dryer vents. Can anyone tell me whether in Ontario, a dryer vent is mandatory in a one bedroom condo?

Admin

Who's the builder and what do they say when you point out the other units have dryer vents?  Is your model different?  Is there a laundry room designed in the condo and is it equipped with a 240V plug for a dryer?

Ask for a copy of their working drawings and post it here if you can.  If there's no laundry room on their design the builder will likely not do anything for you.

Did this condo come with a Tarion warranty?  See Section 7.6,

QuoteCONDITION
7.6 EXHAUST FAN DUCT TERMINATES IN ATTIC OR CRAWL SPACE

Acceptable Performance/Condition
Exhaust fans shall be ducted to the exterior in accordance with the Building Code.


Warranty
Two-Year - Ontario Building Code Health and Safety Violations
Damage resulting from improper maintenance or additions, deletions or alterations made by the homeowner is excluded from the statutory warranty.

Action
Exhaust fans not meeting the acceptable performance shall be repaired.

Remarks
Exhaust fans and clothes dryers should never be ducted into heated or unheated enclosed spaces such as basements, attics and soffits, or attached garages. Moisture buildup in these areas can cause damage.

Here are some building code references.

Quote6.2.3.8. Exhaust Ducts and Outlets
(7) Exhaust ducts connected to laundry drying equipment shall be,
(a) independent of other exhaust ducts,
(b) designed and installed so that the entire duct can be cleaned, and
(c) constructed of smooth corrosion-resistant material.

6.2.4.11. Exhaust Ducts and Outlets
(3) Exhaust ducts directly connected to laundry drying equipment shall be independent of other exhaust ducts.
(4) Exhaust systems shall discharge directly to the outdoors.

9.32.1.1. Application
(5) A clothes dryer exhaust duct system shall conform to Part 6.


9.32.3.12. Outdoor Intake and Exhaust Openings
(10) Except for clothes dryers, exhaust outlets shall be fitted with screens of mesh not larger than 15 mm, except where climatic conditions may require larger openings.

12.3.1.6. Energy Supply for Kitchen and Laundry Facilities After December 31, 2014
(2) In order to supply energy to cooking appliances and clothes dryers, every kitchen and laundry space shall be provided with,
(a) an electrical outlet,
(b) a natural gas line, or
(c) a propane line.

If the builder won't properly vent the dryer than use Tarion Section 4.30 and complain about mould,

QuoteCONDITION
4.30 MOULD OR MILDEW IS VISIBLE ON EXTERIOR PAINTED SURFACES

Acceptable Performance/Condition
When viewed from a perpendicular distance of 1,500 mm, painted or finished surfaces shall be free of visible mould and mildew.

Warranty
One-Year - Work and Materials
Damage resulting from improper maintenance or normal wear and tear is not covered by the statutory warranty.

Action
Exterior painted surfaces not meeting the acceptable performance shall be repaired.

Remarks
Mould or mildew is common in the natural environment. It can often form on painted surfaces and can usually be removed during normal home maintenance.

baconpotatos

My unit model is their standard one bedroom layout. The laundry area is designed into the unit (has hot/cold water hook ups and 240V outlet. When I pointed out the missing dryer vent hookup, they told me that having a dryer vent is not mandatory by code and somehow having one would interfere with their joists running along the ceiling. It is a new construction so I have Tarion warranty. The builder is Surface Developments, they are terrible!

So the real question is: if I have a laundry area with all the hookups, is it legal for them to just not include a dryer vent hookup?

Admin

No, they will need to provide a vent for the dryer.

OBC Article 9.32.1.1 says a dryer vent must conform to Part 6.

OBC Article 6.24.1.1 says that vent must exhaust outdoors.

Tarion Section 7.6 says all exhaust fans must be ducted to the exterior.  The dryer is an exhaust fan.

If they claim a dryer vent is optional, ask them to provide that Code.