Georgia Correctional Officer (CO) Practice Exam

For a structure that is 65' long by 30' wide without a vapor barrier, how many standard vents are needed according to building code?

1. 10

2. 15

3. 20

4. 25

The correct answer is: 15

The requirement for the number of standard vents for a structure without a vapor barrier is typically based on the total area of the structure and the amount of ventilation needed to maintain proper air quality and moisture control. To calculate the square footage of the structure, you multiply the length by the width. In this case, the structure is 65 feet long and 30 feet wide, resulting in a total area of 1,950 square feet. Building codes often stipulate that a certain amount of vent area is required per square foot of unconditioned space to prevent moisture buildup and to ensure adequate air circulation. When applying general building guidelines, it is common to provide one square foot of vent area for every 150 square feet of floor area in spaces without a vapor barrier. This means for a 1,950 square foot building, approximately 13 vents would be required (1,950 divided by 150). However, ventilation requirements can vary based on local codes and specific building conditions, sometimes leading to a rounded suggestion of more vents to ensure compliance and optimal airflow. In this case, choosing 15 vents aligns with common practices and offers a buffer to accommodate moisture and air quality needs, making it the most consistent answer according to general building standards.