Effective June 1, 2007 - The 2006 Residential Code has changed the requirements for windows in windborne debris regions. Impact glass is now required in all new construction and window replacement, with the following exception:

        1. Wood structural panels, minimum 7/16", with a maximum span of 8'. These panels must be pre-cut, labeled and with attachment hardware provided. Screws must be spaced as specified below:

Impact glass or a properly sized, labeled panel with attachment hardware is required for every new window, even if only one window is being replaced.

May 12, 2003

Per section 4505.8 of the International Residential Code, Insulation installed in floors in buildings elevated on pilings shall be held in place with plywood with exterior glue.  The Department of insurance has stated that vinyl is not an acceptable alternative.  Sheetrock may be used when located inside a garage and out of the Base Flood Elevation.

Section N1102.1.10 of the International Residential Code address's Air Leakage within the building envelope.  This sections states the following: "All joints, seams, penetrations; site-built windows, doors, and skylights; openings between window and door assemblies and their respective jambs and framing; and other sources of air leakage (infiltration and exfiltration) through the building thermal envelop shall be caulked, gasketed, weatherstripped, wrapped, or otherwise sealed to limit uncontrolled air movement."  This is a very comprehensive section.  It covers a large amount area.  This is a requirement that largely in part will be checked at the rough-in stage of construction.  This will require all holes in the wood sheeting be sealed, ie all electrical holes, light boxes, HVAC lines, plumbing, dryer vents, bath exhaust vents, overhead lighting between ceiling and attic, and etc., be sealed tightly to restrict air movement.  The International Code Council has produced a very comprehensive commentary on this section.  Feel free to stop by the office to see a copy.  It also requires that housewraps have all joints taped and all edges be taped to the top plate, bottom of wall, and around doors and windows.

Under the new code, openings within 5 feet of an exterior corner have been restricted.  Section R602.10 in the International Residential Code address's braced wall panels.  Since we are located in a high wind zone, we can skip straight to Table R602.10.5.  This table shows based on opening size and wall height, how long the braced wall panel has to be.  This is a significant change from previous years and will alter some typical floor plans.  You may stop by my office to see the table and I can answer any questions you may have on this subject.

Stairs with open risers have a change in their construction.  The open portion of a riser must not allow the passage of a 4-inch sphere.  This will require the use of a toe-board.

Contractors please note that the new International Residential Code and International Building Code prohibits the use of aluminum flashing in conjunction with decks and treated wood.

There is a change in the International Residential Code regarding gypsum board placed on ceilings with trusses, joists, or rafters 2 feet on center.  The code now prohibits the use of the standard 1/2" gypsum board to be fastened 2 feet on center for ceilings.  The code requires that 5/8" gypsum board be used or a new "Anti-Sagging" 1/2" gypsum board to be used.

There have been some changes within the insulation requirements of note.  Blown insulation within the attics require markers to be provided in every 300 square feet of attic area, attached to trusses, rafters, or joists, and indicate in 1-inch-high numbers the installed thickness of the insulation.  (Reference: International Residential Code N1101.3.1).  Also, any floor assembly with over 25 percent of is conditioned floor area exposed directly to outside air shall meet the R-value requirement for ceilings. (Reference: International Residential Code N1102.1.4).

An example of the insulation markers can be seen by clicking here.

Contractors, please consult with your HVAC installer regarding the new changes in the Energy Code which requires them to increase the size of the trunk lines in the floor truss area.  This will result in some redesign configurations.  The new size of trunk lines will increase from 1" board to 1.5" board.

The Building Permit must be posted on site immediately upon work beginning.  Blueprints must be available on site for all inspections.

Section 306.6, of the N.C. Administrative and Enforcement Code, regarding Building Framing Inspection lists items that must be in place and visible for inspection:
     1.  pipes;
     2.  chimneys and vents;
     3.  flashing for roofs, chimneys and wall openings;
     4.  insulation baffles;
     5.  all lintels required to be bolted to framing

***Note:  The code lists under item 4 that insulation baffles are required to be in place for inspection.

The total Building Height needs to be placed on the final elevation certificate.  The surveyor can take this elevation shot while getting the rest of the elevations on the structure.  Place the total building height on the back of the elevation certificate under comments.  The total Building Height must be referenced from sea level.

New Elevation Certificates are now available and required to begin immediate use.  We have the new forms available on our website.  You click here to go to the webpage to retrieve the new forms.

All breakaway walls, either new construction or remodel, if located within a VE zone must have a V-Zone Certification prior to final inspection.

Plan submittals should indicate the area of concrete to be poured onsite.  Highlight the perimeter of the pad underneath the home.  This should in most situations be done on the piling plan.  If a concrete drive is to be poured, be sure to show the exact location and size on a site plan and the total square footage of the driveway.

Insulation behind tubs and showers should be placed prior to setting the tub or shower.  Arrangements can be made with the insulation contractor, plumber, or framing crew to accomplish this.  I have spoke with many insulation contractors and have found that insulating behind tubs and showers can not be properly done without cutting away a portion of the batt or is not accomplished at all.

"All drawings, specifications and accompanying data shall bear the name, address and signature of the person responsible for the design."  This is setforth in Chapter 3 Section 302.1 of the North Carolina Administration and Enforcement Requirements Code.   

As of January 1, 2003 Flood-Resistant Construction is a requirement of the State Building Code (Appendix G) and the State Residential Code (Section 327).  In addition, FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program also require flood-resistant materials below the flood elevation.  FEMA technical bulletin 2-93 entitled Flood Resistant Materials Requirements for buildings located in Special Flood Hazard Areas identifies the eligible materials.  A copy of the FEMA Technical Bullentin is available on line by clicking here.