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Our Helpful Blog on Building Code Related Topics

73 articles

  1. Building Code Articles

    Accessible Ramp | Code Requirements EXPLAINED

    When it comes to construction related accessibility standards associated with buildings, facilities, and their sites, the International Building Code (IBC) contains provisions that set forth accessibility requirements.

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  2. Residential Code Articles

    What Building Codes Apply to a Tiny House?

    The Tiny House movement has been pressing forward very quickly yet many people seem to hit a road block when they come across building code regulations since Tiny Houses have not been addressed in the Building Code, until now…

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  3. Building Code Articles

    Free Building Codes Online

    The International Code Council (ICC) publishes a variety of model codes. These codes are available for purchase however did you know that they also offer free access to these codes online? I want to share with you a few links to the…

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  4. Residential Code Articles

    What is the Minimum Roof Pitch for Every Roof Type?

    The design and construction of roof assemblies for residential structures are found in Chapter 9 of the International Residential Code (IRC). As for buildings subject to the International Building Code (IBC), the roof assembly…

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    Minimum Roof Slopes
  5. Residential Code Articles

    Minimum Residential Ceiling Heights Per Code

    When it comes to determining the minimum ceiling height for a residential dwelling, it can differ depending on the use of the space. The International Residential Code (IRC) establishes the minimum ceiling height requirements by space…

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  6. Residential Code Articles

    Residential Guardrail Height Requirements

    Guardrails are installed to protect occupants from falling from various types of walking surfaces. The International Residential Code (IRC) establishes the requirements for guardrails to ensure a standard of safety for the user.

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    Residential Guardrail Height
  7. Building Code Articles

    What is a Certificate of Occupancy?

    In order for a building or structure to be occupied, or a change in use/occupancy is to be made to an existing building, it must first be issued a Certificate of Occupancy. A Certificate of Occupancy is the final step to ensure a…

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  8. Residential Code Articles

    How to Calculate Crawl Space Ventilation? | Explained!

    When it comes to residential construction there are typically two main types of foundations a house sits on. One is a concrete slab on grade foundation and the other is a raised floor foundation. These are the two main common types of…

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  9. Building Code Articles

    What is the Difference Between the IBC and IRC?

    The International Code Council (ICC) publishes a variety of model codes. Two of these code books I would like to talk about is the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC).

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    IBC VS IRC
  10. Building Code Articles

    When Are Fire Sprinklers Required

    When designing a new structure, one must take into account whether an Automatic Sprinkler System is required. Section 903 within Chapter 9 of the International Building Code (IBC) establishes the requirements for automatic sprinkler…

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  11. Residential Code Articles

    Is a Weep Screed Required?

    Per Chapter 7 of the International Residential Code (IRC), a continuous weep screed is required to be installed at the bottom of exterior plaster (stucco) walls to allow moisture to escape.

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    weep_screed
  12. Building Code Articles

    Mezzanine Code Requirements

    Section 505 of the International Building Code specifies the requirements for two types of elevated floor areas. These elevated floors are known as mezzanines and equipment platforms.

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    mezzanine_code_requirements
  13. Residential Code Articles

    Standard Front Door Size Per the Residential Code

    When it comes to the standard size of a front door for a residential dwelling, we must understand that the International Residential Code (IRC) outlines the requirements for the minimum door size of a home used for exiting.

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    Residential Egress Door Size
  14. Building Code Articles

    Commercial Stair Codes: EXPLAINED

    When it comes to commercial stair standards, the International Building Code (IBC) establishes the minimum requirements for stairs to insure a level of safety to the public. Several components are looked at such as stair width,…

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  15. Building Code Articles

    15 Essential Reference Books Every Code Official Needs

    Lets face it…as code officials the code books we use on a daily bases can sometimes seem overwhelming with all the text and tables. Sometimes it can be helpful to look at a reference book to help provide some commentary on a specific…

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  16. Residential Code Articles

    Minimum Hallway Width Per Code

    Section R311.6 of the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) specifies what the minimum width of a hallway needs to be within your home.

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    Minimum Hallway Width
  17. Residential Code Articles

    When is Window Fall Protection Required? | Explained!

    When it comes to windows located throughout your home, you might be somewhat familiar with the maximum sill height dimensions required for egress windows, but did you know there is also a minimum dimension applied to sill heights?

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    window_fall_protection
  18. Residential Code Articles

    Ridge Board Size | Code Requirements Explained

    Ridge board requirements for residential structures can be found in Section R802.3 of the 2018 International Residential Code. This section will outline what size a ridge board needs to be and what purpose it serves.

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    ridge_board_requirements
  19. Green Building Code

    Is My Project Subject to CALGreen? | Explained!

    The California Green Building Standards Code, also known as the CALGreen Code, is the first state-mandated green building code in the United States. This code is Part 11 out of 12 parts that make up the California Code of Regulations,…

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    calgreen_compliance
  20. Residential Code Articles

    Winder Stair Requirements | Explained!

    A winder stair is another type of tread within a stair system that the code allows in-lieu of a traditional tread. When a winder tread is installed within an individual dwelling unit, it must comply with the International Residential…

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    winder_stair_tread
  21. Residential Code Articles

    Are Ship Ladders Code Compliant?

    A ship ladder is another type of stair system that the code provides guidance on. However when provided it is very clear that the code does not allow ship ladders to be used in-lieu of conventional stairs as a means of egress.

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    ship_ladder_code
  22. Residential Code Articles

    Are Alternating Tread Devices Code Compliant?

    An alternating tread device is another type of stair system that the code provides guidance on. However when provided it is very clear that the code does not allow alternating tread devices to be used in-lieu of conventional stairs as…

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    alternating_tread_device
  23. Residential Code Articles

    Is My Spiral Staircase Code Compliant?

    A spiral stairway or staircase is another type of stair system that the code allows in-lieu of conventional stairs. When a spiral stairway is installed within an individual dwelling unit, it must comply with the International…

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    spiral_staircase_code
  24. Building Code Articles

    Where Must Exit Signs be Located? | Solved!

    Code requirements can be unclear at times, especially when it comes to exit signs. Therefore, it is vital that construction industry professionals understand the exit sign code requirements as outlined in Section 1013 of the 2018…

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    exit_sign_location
  25. Residential Code Articles

    Are Vapor Barriers Required Under Concrete Floors?

    The code requirements for vapor barriers, also known as vapor retarders, in residential construction can be found in Section R506.2.3 of the 2019 International Residential Code (IRC). But before we get into the code requirements for…

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    vapor_barrier_requirements
  26. Building Code Articles

    Door Opening Force | Building Code Explained

    When it comes to the International Building Code (IBC), means of egress doors within a building must comply with Section 1010. There are many requirements within the code for doors that serve as a means of egress but one of the ones…

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  27. Roofing Code

    What Is The Rake of a Roof? | Explained!

    Sloping from one end of the building to the other, a roof’s rake adds tremendous value to a building. It adds form and function, transforming an ordinary-looking home into something special. The rake also provides shadows as well as…

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    Rake Roof
  28. Residential Code Articles

    How To Tell If Your Circuit Breaker is a Bad Breaker?

    Circuit breakers are like a safety net for our electronic devices. They glance over most of the everyday hazards and guard us against the bigger catastrophes. They enable us to understand how much of a strain our equipment can take…

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    bad_breaker
  29. Building Code Articles

    How to Calculate Occupant Load

    Chapter 10 of the International Building Code (IBC) provides minimum requirements for designing the Means of Egress system in all buildings and structures.

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    How to Calculate Occupant Load