Community: Building Code Questions

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Does green building seem to be at odds with the code?

Please encourage your building inspector to come here and participate in this Code Q&A; in the meantime, jump in with your experiences -- both positive and negative.

5 Answers
Spacing of studs in Advanced Framing more than 2 stories

I am building a 1 1/2 story home and am using advanced framing. I hope to stack all my framing using 2x6" studs 24" on center. Only problem is we have a walk out basement. The framing on the downhill side is: basement 82" high, 1st floor 8', 2nd floor 5' 2". If I read the IRC code right (mine is 2003), section [602.9] says cripple studs in the basement greater than 4 feet high are considered an additional story. And then in Table 11 for stud spacing [602.3.1], don't I have to consider my home as Roof & ceiling + 2 floors? That requires 2x6" framing to be 16" on center.

Asked By tom ruben | Jan 30 12
1 Answer
We have installed a new replacement tile floor in our training center

The new tiles, the glue to set them and the finishing polish are offgassing. What ventilation rate is recommended to maintain good IAQ and for what time period?

The rooftop units are set for 10% fresh air at the Economizer and we have the fans on Manual. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Asked By Dick Rome | Jan 10 12
12 Answers
When insulating a portion of a structure such as an addition or re-roof, how can code compliance via the performance analysis method (ref MEC 402.2) be demonstrated without doing a whole-house analysis?

Architect and code official are obsessed with the prescriptive method. I want to use a solid foam nailbase system with better overall performance and a thinner profile. How can I satisfy 402.2 for a small area of the roof without doing a full structure modeling analysis?

Asked By Al Cobb | Nov 23 11
7 Answers
Building professional in the Colorado area

Is there a list of residential building engineers in the Denver, CO area that could analyze my home for a balanced ventilation system?

What is the title for such an engineer who could work with our local HVAC contractor?

Thanks in advance for all advice.

Asked By Arvin Gilman | Dec 30 11
2 Answers
Electrical additions

Portland, Maine. In remodeling I have gutted the interior of a 1950 cape cod.The electrical has been removed and new going in. All boxes will be in interior walls only and there will be no ceiling light fixtures. Two questions. Can I run wires in floor beam spaces (just above 1st floor cieling drywall) both perpendicular and horizontal to the bays and meet code without drilling holes in the floor beams? I have to add CO and fire alarms. Can these be put at the top edge of the wall or do they have to be on the ceiling?

Asked By dean manoogian | Nov 27 11
4 Answers
Rain screen use in Coastal areas?

I live in Corpus Christi, TX, a hot & humid area that occasionally gets hurricanes. In order to get windstorm insurance, we must purchase it from the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). The Texas Windstorm Insurance Agency (TWIA) is the organization tasked with determining the "approved" installation methods for both roofing & siding.

It supersedes all local building codes. The local building inspection department requires the homeowner to furnish an inspection report from the TWIA that installation is in accordance with their "approved" methods.

Asked By Ken Ackerman | Nov 14 11
1 Answer
Labour coefficient for fixing glass blocks?

The glass panel I chose is 20cmx20cm and 75mm thick. I want to fix this with aluminum extrusions. As I am outsourcing to the contractor, I want to know the labour coefficients of fixing these blocks.
How much can a worker (carpenter or mason) fix the area in a day (8 hours)? Thank you.

Asked By Ugyen Gyeltshen | Oct 30 11
4 Answers
VOCs -- toxic levels at homes versus suppliers and manufacturers

Just stepped out of a newer Ace Hardware. The carpet and carpet glue smell was nausea creating. Agway stores and Tractor Supply stores are as bad or more than bad for me.

So, I just don't get our laws and our group use of the word TOXIC!!!

At our homes we need 100% pure perfect air, but at Agway we can rename the store Gagway?

Bad enough for my ten minutes, what about a store manager putting in 25 years?

And toxic.... The word toxic to me is now toxic!

So, what say all?

Asked By aj builder, Upstate NY Zone 6a | Oct 29 11
6 Answers
What are the hard costs to go from a HERS 90 to a HERS 70 in Climate Zone 5B

Our county is considering creating a Energy Efficiency requirement of a HERS 70 on all new residential construction. If we follow the IECC 2009, which our state has adopted, the prescriptive path is presumed to achieve a HERS index of 89. The question posed is how much more it will cost a builder, including HERS analysis, testing, and verification, to get to a 70.

Asked By kim shanahan | Oct 5 11
1 Answer
Attaching furring thru Foamboad

Referencing GBA diagram "Plan detail // cement board lap siding // 1 1/2" rigid insulation" as a starting point, If I am attaching the furring thru the foam to the studs, what is the fastening requirements, specifically screw size, spacing and stud penetration depth? Thanks

Asked By Jim Orasky | Sep 21 11
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