Shear Bracing a Wall Wooden stud walls have to be properly shear braced with structural construction panels in accordance with the local code such as the International Residential Code. The basic rule of thumb is to have a minimum of 4′ of 7/16″ OSB on each corner and no less than 25′ apart. The panels […]
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Building Codes
Girders & Headers Building Codes with Span Tables
Span charts and 2012 IRC building codes for girders and headers. Includes span tables for all load bearing locations and the number of jack studs. These charts are for 30 pound per square foot snow load on the roof. All other data is available on page 121 of the 2012 International Residential Code. Girders are […]
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Building a Landing with Steps & Handrails on a Deck
Building a landing with steps, guardrails, and handrails on the side of a deck within the 2012 IRC requirements using pressure treated pine is easy with these DIY instructions. Although a landing is a part of a flight of steps, it is built just like a miniature deck. It is made up of posts, rim […]
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Drip Edge 2012 IRC Building Codes
Learn the 2012 IRC building code requirements for drip edge. These concerns involve the outside perimeter of every shingled roof including gables and eaves along with chimney caps. This page is based on information found on page 442 of the 2012 IRC. There must be a drip edge along all eaves beneath the underlayment. A […]
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Toilet, Sink, & Shower 2012 IRC Building Codes
2012 International Residential Code requirements for toilets, sinks, and showers in bathrooms. Includes headroom, size, and clearance specifications. The information on this page is taken from the official government code book in sections R305 – R307 beginning on page 54 of the 2012 IRC. Bathrooms with sloped ceilings must maintain 6′ 8″ at the center […]
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Building Codes for Handrails and Guardrails | 2012 IRC
These building codes for handrails on stairs and guardrails around walkways are based on information in section R311.7.8 on page 61 of The 2012 International Residential Code. It is important to note that all designs and any construction methods must be solid. It does little good to build fall protection if it will not hold […]
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When to use Pressure Treated Lumber
Learn when to use pressure treated lumber according to the 2012 International Residential Code. Based on information found in section R317 beginning on page 65 of the 2012 IRC book. Note that pressure treated pine is my building material of choice but can be substituted with naturally durable heart woods from redwood, cedar, black locust, and black […]
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Ramp Calculator and 2012 IRC Building Codes
This ramp calculator is ideally suited for planning and building a wheelchair accessible handicap ramp. It includes 2012 IRC building code requirements. 2012 IRC for Ramps These building codes are based on section R311.8.1 on page 61 of the 2012 International Residential Code. Ramps must have a maximum slope of one inch per foot. There is an […]
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Fire Blocking | 2012 IRC Building Code | Instructions
Fire blocking in stud walls is required in wood framed buildings to stop drafts in the cavities between framing members. These spaces can create drafts that will allow fire to spread readily if not dealt with. In other words, these cavities can act like the flue on a fireplace and actually promote the rate in […]
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Window Sill Height Specs for 2012 IRC
Minimum sill height for windows according to the 2012 International Residential Code. This building code provides a safety factor for small children. Code for Window Sill Height Section R312.2.1 of the 2012 International Residential Code located on page 91 explains that the lowest part of the actual window opening shall be no less than two feet […]
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