Building Construction Standards and Practices

Building Construction Standards and Practices

• Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings: Sill height maximum 44 inches.

• Ice Barriers (Eaves): At least two layers of underlayment cemented together, in areas prone to ice build-up.

• Window Wells: Need a horizontal area of at least 9 square feet & 36 inches minimum width/projection.

• Ground Sloping: Minimum 6 inches slope within first 10 feet of building perimeter.

• Exterior Caulking: Silicone rubber and urethane caulks are ideal for exterior building applications.

• Basement Vapor Retarders (Some Climates): Avoid low permeability materials (polyethylene, vinyl wallpaper) on interior basement walls. They trap moisture.

• Carpet/Wood on Slabs on Grade: Can be applied directly if slab or surface temperature is near room temperature.

• Composition Shingle Roof Slope: Minimum 2:12 slope (2 inches rise : 12 inches run).

• Deck Load Distribution: Weight is carried and distributed by posts and the deck-to-house connection.

• Deck Post Dimensions: Minimum 6 inches by 6 inches; Maximum 12 feet, unless cross-braced then 14 feet allowed.

• Air Conditioning Evaporator Coil Temperature Drop: Around 20 degrees Fahrenheit during operation.

• Gas Piping Material: Black iron is commonly used.

• Dew Point: Temperature at which air cools to reach water vapor saturation, causing condensation.

• Intermediate Rail/Baluster Load: Can withstand 50 pounds on a 1 square foot area.

• Residential Framing Method: Platform framing is typical.

• Gableless Roof: A hip roof.

• NACHI Member Repair Restriction: No repairing or offering related services to inspected structures for 12 months.

• Storm Collar Function: Directs rainwater away from the chimney flue, preventing water damage.

• Chimney Height (3-2-10 Rule): At least 3 feet above highest roof penetration and 2 feet above any building part within 10 feet horizontally.

• Chimney Flue Sizing: Based on fireplace opening area.

• Air Conditioning System Minimum Outdoor Temperature: Do not operate below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Multiple Sink Discharge: Dishwasher, food grinder, and sink can discharge into one 1.5-inch drain.

• Flat Roof Venting: Passive venting systems are recommended, but ponding can be a problem.

• Sloped Roof Venting (Asphalt Shingles): Combination soffit (intake) and ridge vents (exhaust) are most effective.

• Mid-Efficiency Furnace Ratings: Typically 78-82% AFUE; intermittent pilot is a main feature.

• Plumb Bob Use: Creating a vertical reference line for straightness.

• Egress Door Minimum Dimensions: 3 feet wide by 6 feet 8 inches tall.

• Slab Floor Barrier: Vapor barrier (6-mil poly) or equivalent moisture barrier needed below slabs.

• Basement Insulation Covering: Semi-permeable rigid foam insulation in basements must be covered with fire-resistant material (e.g., gypsum) to prevent combustion.

• Roof Deck Ventilation: To reduce roof deck temperature and improve shingle performance, especially during hot weather.

• Notch Length on Lumber: Maximum length of notches in joists, rafters, and beams is one-third of the member's depth.