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Frequently Asked Questions About Garages and Carports

Monday, January 13, 2020

It might seem that a garage is just an empty room where a car is parked, but it’s not that simple. Flammable chemicals and insecticides are often stored in the garage, plus there’s a big tank of gasoline sitting in the middle of the room in a car that emits lethal carbon monoxide when idling, an improperly installed garage door can be deadly to children or pets, and all of it is usually under the same roof as the house. 

    While the code restrictions for a carport are not as complex, “carport" has a narrow definition for building codes purposes, for which not all carports qualify. Here’s a collection of answers to our most often asked questions abouts garages and carports:

Why is a garage floor sloped?  

What is the difference between a carport and a garage? 

Why is my garage ceiling sagging? 

Why are there score line grooves in the concrete floor of the garage? 

What are the common problems when a homeowner converts a garage to conditioned living space, such as a family room?
 
 • What are the code requirements for fire separation between an attached garage and the house?

Can a bedroom door open into the garage?

Does an attached garage that is only used for storage or as a workshop, and not for parking a car, still have to comply with building code requirements for a garage?

How far apart should electric receptacle outlets be placed in a garage? 

Why if the garage door track a white tube?

 What is the raised metal plate on the floor under the garage door?

 Why do I have to hold down the button to close the garage door? 

How can I check my garage door to make sure it is safe?  

What does a home inspector check on an electric garage door? 

• Can the a garage door header bracket and torsion springs be mounted through drywall? 

How can I tell if cracks in the garage floor are a problem or not? 

Is tempered/safety glass required by the building code for windows and doors? 

Why can't I use my home's central air conditioning system to cool the garage? 

 What is the unusual garage door opener mounted on the wall above the door and marked "Wayne Dalton”?

When were GFCI receptacle outlets first required in the garage?

• Why are most pull-down attic ladders not approved by building code for installation in a garage? 

• Is the wood anchor pad for a garage door rail and torsion spring supposed to be nailed or bolted to the wall? 

• Is a ceiling receptacle outlet for a garage door opener required to be GFCI protected?

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