Building Codes

SC Firefighters Advocate Sprinklers to Reduce Deaths

February 19, 2018

South Carolina is a leading state for fire deaths, but after an apartment fire in Port Royal this weekend, firefighters say sprinkler systems could get the state out of the top ten.

ICC to Issue Correction Regarding Special Inspections of Trusses

February 19, 2018

Des Moines, Iowa is in the process of updating their building codes so they are aligned with the 2018 International Building Code. Rick Parrino, SBCA Board Member and general manager of Plum Building Systems, was gearing up to submit comments and speak with his local officials about Section 1705.5.2 – Metal-plate-connected wood trusses:

Upcoming Seminar Features Live NFPA 285 Test

February 5, 2018

Join Intertek at their facility in Elmendorf, TX from 10:30am to 2:30pm on Thursday, February 8th where they will be hosting a seminar that focuses on some of the building and construction issues most prevalent to the wood frame apartment community.

NY Governor Outlines Ambitious Energy Efficiency Initiatives

January 22, 2018

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) unveiled an aggressive new energy efficiency initiative in his State of the State address.

Analyzing Energy Efficiency Improvements Under ASHRAE Standard 90.1

January 22, 2018

Based on data from the preliminary energy savings analysis released by the DOE, the 2016 edition of Standard 90.1 results in 46.6 percent less source energy use and 43.6 percent less site energy use compared to the 1989 edition. A staggering reduction in 27 years.

Are Raised Floor Codes an Opportunity for Floor Trusses?

January 7, 2018

If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding—or will be soon—getting off the ground is the best way to avoid recurring, expensive, and heart-rending damage to your house. That’s why Harris County, TX overhauled its flood rules after Hurricane Harvey.

2018 IECC & ASHRAE 90.1-2016 Publication Now Available Online

December 18, 2017

With energy efficiency remaining high on the national and global construction agenda, ICC and ASHRAE have once again collaborated to release the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2016.

How Stretch Codes Can Drive Demand for Energy Efficiency

December 11, 2017

Stretch codes have emerged as a promising solution that jurisdictions can use to drive better energy performance in the built environment and set a long-term vision for efficiency stringency in buildings further into the future.

Public Comments Sought on Changes to NFPA 285 Testing Standard

December 4, 2017

The next (2019) version of NFPA 285, Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Non-Load-Bearing Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components, is currently in a second draft, and public comments are being accepted until December 8, 2017.

Pennsylvania Code Review and Adoption Cycle Lengthened

December 4, 2017

A new statute modifies the process in which the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) of Pennsylvania is reviewed and adopted within that State. The review cycle for codes moves from 36 months to a 54-month review cycle from the publication of the base code (I-Codes).