I need help figuring out how to get some airflow in my attached garage, which currently has zero ventilation—no vents, no windows, not even attic access. In the summer, it becomes incredibly stuffy, making it impossible to work on any painting or finishing projects without the fumes lingering for ages. The garage is finished with drywall, and I'm planning to install an exhaust fan on one side that opens to the exterior. The tricky part is figuring out how to bring in fresh air for proper exchange. Initially, I thought about putting a passive vent on the wall opposite the exhaust fan, but there's an interior wall on that side. My garage sticks out only 5-6 feet past my front door, so adding an intake vent there would be visible from the front of the house, which I'm not a fan of. I've also looked for louver vents suitable for going through stucco and drywall, but most are only 1-2 inches deep, which isn't ideal. Another idea I had was to add vents to the garage door, but I can't seem to find those products easily. Also, keeping the garage door open is out of the question since bugs come flying in, and I absolutely hate that! Here's a rough sketch of my garage: https://imgur.com/a/nw64dXn
3 Answers
Have you thought about using large volume duct fans? I mounted two on a piece of plywood and set it in a window, and they pull about 1600 CFM, which really helps with airflow!
An air broom can be a simple solution if you're just looking for something temporary to clear out the fumes and stuffiness.
Here are a few options to consider: A) You could cut a hole in the exterior wall and put in an exhaust fan. B) If you're worried about overspray and fumes, maybe build a little booth inside for those projects. C) You could also install a strong industrial fan in the back corner and leave the garage door slightly cracked to help circulate air without keeping it wide open.