Building Codes and Standards Overview

Building Codes and Standards

• Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings: Maximum sill height is 44 inches.
• Ice Barriers: Regions prone to ice formation require two layers of underlayment.
• Window Wells: Minimum horizontal area is 9 square feet, and width is 36 inches.
• Ground Slopes: Ground surface around a building's perimeter (first 10 feet) should slope 6 inches.
• Exterior Caulking: Silicone rubber and urethane caulks generally provide the best performance.
• Basement Finishes: Avoid low permeability vapor retarders (like polyethylene, vinyl) on the interior of basement finishes in some climates due to moisture trapping.
• Floor Finishes on Slabs-on-Grade: Carpet and wood-based finishes can be applied directly to slabs-on-grade if the slab or finish surface temperature is near room temperature.
• Composition Shingle Roofs: Minimum roof slope is 2:12.
• Deck Loads: Decks distribute load through posts and deck-to-house connections, not just posts alone.
• Deck Posts: Minimum post dimensions are 6 inches by 6 inches, with cross-bracing; higher posts are allowed with additional support.
• Air Conditioner Temperature Drop: The air temperature drop across the evaporator coil should be 20 degrees when running.
• Gas Piping: Black iron is a common gas pipe material.
• Dew Point: The dew point is the temperature at which air must be cooled to reach saturation; below the dew point, moisture condensation occurs.
• Intermediate Rails/Balusters: Must withstand 50 pounds distributed over 1 square foot of area.
• Residential Frame Construction: Platform framing is the common residential method.
• Roof Types: A roof without a gable is called a hip roof
• NACHI Member Restrictions: InterNACHI members cannot perform repairs on structures they've inspected within 12 months.
• Chimney Storm Collars: Storm collars divert rainwater away from the chimney flue.
• Chimney Height (3-2-10 Rule): Masonry chimneys must extend 3 feet above the roof and 2 feet above any nearby.
• Chimney Flue Size: Determined by the area of the fireplace opening, not the chimney height or material.
• Air Conditioning System Operation: Do not operate air conditioners below 60°F.
• Dishwasher/Sink/Grinder: Dishwasher, food grinder, and kitchen sink can use a 1.5-inch waste drain, but must use separate pipes if exceeding that size.
• Flat Roof Venting: Flat roofs use passive venting systems, which can be prone to ponding.
• Sloped Roof Venting: Combination of soffit and ridge vents is best for asphalt shingles.
• Furnace Efficiency: Mid-efficiency furnaces typically have an AFUE rating of 78-82% and use intermittent-pilot ignition.
• Plumb Bob: Used to create a vertical reference line.
• Egress Door Minimums: Minimum egress door size is 2 feet wide by 6 feet tall.

Test your knowledge on essential building codes and standards regarding emergency escape openings, ice barriers, window wells, and more. This quiz covers critical requirements for safe construction practices and materials in various environmental conditions. Perfect for students and professionals in architecture and construction.