A.H. from Broward County, Florida writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
I live in a 48-unit condo that has 2 washers and 2 dryers on each of the four floors. The dryers are vented outside through one exit with corrugated type exhaust pipes from each dryer that can be running at the same time. There is a regular fan that goes fast on the wall to move air. There is a door into the common laundry room which is an old jalousie-style door. Is there a code requiring an exhaust fan for the musty room we use for storage and items get mildew? Is keeping open the slats on that door enough to exhaust air to the catwalk? AND should the slats on door be open at all times?
Mister Condo replies:
A.H., thanks for the question but without seeing the actual set-up, it would be impossible for me to render a useful opinion. You need to bring the mildew and musty smell issue to the Board. In a 48-unit condo, I assume that the 5 or so Board members are using the same laundry facilities and must be aware of the problem. Regardless of fans, slats in doors, etc. the ventilation is inadequate if mildew is present. Corrugated exhaust pipes may become clogged over time and these vents may just need a good cleaning and/or replacement so that the exhaust moves through them freely. The Board is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of common elements like these laundry rooms so you need to bring it to their attention and then follow through until the problem is fixed. All the best!