2012 I-Code Revisions

During this year’s International Roofing Expo held in Orlando, I attended a seminar regarding the 2012 International Codes and how they will affect the roofing industry. There are several revisions throughout the codes that need to be addressed, not only in the International Building Code (IBC 2012), but also the International Fire Code (IFC 2012), the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC 2012), and the International Residential Code (IRC 2012).

Summary

• IBC 2012 – minor changes
• IFC 2012 – new requirements
• IRC 2012 – minor changes
• IECC 2012 – new requirements

I will touch on several of these in this post, but suggest you look at ALL of the codes to familiarize yourselves with the changes.

IBC 2012

• Section 1503.6 – Crickets and Saddles
• Unit skylights       installed in accordance with Section 2405.5 and flashed in accordance       with the manufacturer’s instructions shall be permitted to be installed       without a cricket or saddle.
• Section 1504.5 – Edge securement for low-sloped roofs
• Wind load design       requirements are clarified as to the ANSI/SPRI ES-1 test methods.
• Wind maps revised for       each building category, i.e. Risk category I, II, III, IV.
• Wind speed tables       revised, Table 1609.3.1.
• Section 1505.2 – Class A roof assemblies
• Includes copper sheet       over combustible decks
• Section 1507.2.8.1 High wind attachment
• Clarifies underlayment       attachment in high wind areas. Table 1609.3.1.
• Section 1507.14.3 Application
• Adds ASTM standards for       SPF roof systems.
• Section 1507.15 – Liquid Applied Roofing
• Changes wording from       “coatings” to “liquid” applied roof systems. This could mean that       re-coating will be deemed an additional roof which could not be re-coated       several times.
• Section 1510.3 – Recovering versus replacement,      Exception
• Added ice barrier.
• Section 1507.16 – Roof gardens and landscaped roofs
• Added reference to the       IFC and structural loading notes.
• Section 1505 Fire Classification and Section 1509      Rooftop Structures
• Added rooftop photovoltaic       systems information like wind resistance, fire classification,       installation, and the panel and modules themselves. This is due to the       fact that electricity is generated in these systems that do not have an       on/off switch.

IFC 2012

• Added complete sections on rooftop photovoltaic      regarding permits, access and pathways, residential buildings, smoke      ventilation. (Too much to outline here).

IRC 2012

• Added all the same revisions as in the IBC except:
• Hail exposure (asphalt       shingles) requirement deleted in IRC 2012.
• Rooftop PV not       addressed in IRC 2012 (but is in IFC).
• Liquid-applied roof       membranes not addressed in IRC 2012.
• Roof gardens and       landscaped roofs not addressed in IRC 2012.
• Kick out flashing and       eave drip requirements were added to the IRC 2012.

IECC 2012

• Clarified Climate Zone on map
• Added compliance requirements for commercial buildings:
• Section C401.2       Application – Commercial buildings shall comply with the following: (SEE       CODE).
• Added Chapter 4 – Commercial Energy Efficiency
• MINIMUM thermal       insulation requirements.
• Clarifies skylight curb       requirements.
• Added Table C402.2       Giving Minimum Insulation by Climate Zone, which clarifies how tapered       insulation is calculated (basically, one cannot average the R-Value for       tapered insulation; one must start with the minimum R-Value requirement       approximately 4’ from low point where the R-Value is taken at low point       +1”).
• Gives minimum solar       reflectance requirements for design in Climate Zones 1, 2, and 3.
• Added Section C402.4       Air Leakage (Mandatory) and description of when, where, and how to comply       (except in Climate Zones 1, 2, and 3).

I would highly recommend that all readers take the time to review each of the I-Codes to be familiar with them.

This entry was posted by Bill Boyer on Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012 at 6:50 am and is filed under Roofing Industry News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Mrs. Christianson, of Naples, Florida contracted Kelly Roofing to repair her tile roof.  At the completion of the tile roof repair, Mrs. Christianson called Kelly to pay her bill and this is what she said: “even though it was a small job I really appreciate how well you handled everything from the beginning through the end. I love how you use technology to communicate.  I never thought that such an experience would be so pleasant.  I received great service!  The crew was very kind and even removed a piece of soffit that was just hanging in the way. I appreciate your service and would most definitely recommend us. To learn more about Tile Roof Repair clickhere: http://www.kellyroofing.com/pages/tile_repair_overview.html 

Kelly Roofing was contracted by the Lallamend’s of Naples, Florida, to replace the flat roof system on their home. They called Kelly for a free estimate to repair, what they thought was just a leak.  It had been determined that their entire flat roof system need to be replaced.  Once the old roof system was removed it was discovered that more than half of the roof decking had water damage.   Kelly’s crew replaced all the old damaged wood with new plywood. The Lallamend’s were very pleased that Kelly Roofing was able to remove and reinstall the new roof system in a timely manner.  Thank you, Kelly Roofing- Great Job!  To learn more about Duro-Last Roof Systems: http://www.kellyroofing.com/pages/flat_replacement_overview.php

Eileen sent a follow up email to Mr. & Mrs. Harrington of Naples, Florida, asking about their experience with Project Manager, Joe.  This is what they wrote: “Joe did a water test with a hose which is EXACTLY what my husband wanted the other guy to do and he would not. The three of us worked and waited and hollered yes leaking no leak until God took over and gave us his own roof test with thunder and lightning and a heavy downpour. Once and that started I DEMANDED that no one was going on the roof so the job of finding the leak is not quite complete. Joe will be returning with a colleague to further test our roof for leaks and is determined to find and repair the leak. We absolutely loved working with such a professional and caring young man and look forward to Joe figuring out where the leak is and fixing it.  Davie”.   To learn more about TIle Roof Repair click here: www.kellyroofing.com/pages/tile_repair_overview.html

Mrs. Masson called Kelly Roofing to a make a final payment for the repair of her Metal Roof.  She told Vicky that Kelly’s crew was there yesterday and they did a great job.  She said “she is very happy she chose Kelly Roofing.  The want to thank Joe Kelly for reassuring them, they we in good hands with Kelly Roofing and the crew proved it to be true.  Thank you, Kelly Roofing for all your help and hard work. To learn more about Metal Roof Repair click here: http://www.kellyroofing.com/pages/metal_repair_overview.html