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I would like to construct a simple sun room attached to the back of my house. I have a number of Oak trees close to the would be foundation, therefor I chose a pier & beam type foundation. What is the minimum height clearance required between the ground and floor joists (ventilation clearance)? Would the code requirement be the same as if this was a typical room addition? Would appreciate any advise. Thanx.
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I don't know if there's a code on this - your building inspector can help you out here.
I like to go for 18" anyway. In our humid climate we need that and it's the old standard for keeping carpenter ants out of the house. And if you ever need to crawl under there....
*karl,you may want to get a tree guy to look at the trees. I was going to do a pier and beam also, but several tree companies told me the same thing- the root system will get disturbed either type of foundation. I ended up cutting one down and putting in full foundation. the remaining trees are fine, and are far enough away to not damage the foundation. also with pier and beam, you may get cold floor.
*Anytime you get into the drip line of a tree, you're gonna cut some roots. But if you like the tree, take the chance. It may survive. We always do a four block crawl which allows for 32" to the joists, 24" under the lintels. Really nice to work in. We have had customers request 5 block crawls on occasion. Good luck,John
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I would like to construct a simple sun room attached to the back of my house. I have a number of Oak trees close to the would be foundation, therefor I chose a pier & beam type foundation. What is the minimum height clearance required between the ground and floor joists (ventilation clearance)? Would the code requirement be the same as if this was a typical room addition? Would appreciate any advise. Thanx.