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Building Codes

Moisture Control for the Crawl Space 2012 Building Codes

Controlling moisture in the crawl space underneath a house is important to prevent structural damage caused by rot and the development of dangerous molds. Proper planning on new home construction or careful analysis on existing homes will prove invaluable. Moisture in Crawl Spaces Moisture makes its way into crawl spaces primarily by two means. During heavy rains […]

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Calculator

Jack Rafter Calculator | Works with different Pitches

This jack rafter calculator works in any situation every time. Simply use the drop down to enter the pitch of the main roof, the pitch of the complimentary roof, and the length of the long rafter to get reliable results. For any questions, see the directions at the bottom. What are Jack Rafters? Jack rafters […]

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Building Codes Learning Center

Pressure Treated Mudsill Constrution

The pressure treated mudsill is the beginning of the framing process. This is where the wood meets the concrete. It is usually separated by a vapor barrier and bound tightly with anchor bolts. Before the Mudsill can be Installed First things first when it comes to starting the framing process.  Check the dimensions of the […]

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Building Codes

Means of Egress | Windows – Doors – Halls – Stairs

Means of Egress Means of egress is basically an escape route from a dwelling in the event of a fire or other catastrophe according to most building codes. These general guidelines are based in the 2012 IRC. Door Egress There should be a clear path from everywhere in the dwelling to a door without going […]

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Calculator

Stair Calculator with Landings for 7 3/4″ Max Risers

Use this automatic stair calculator for applications requiring the risers to be 7 3/4″ maximum. Use the number boxes to enter a value for the vertical rise. The results returned are the number of steps along with the risers and the angle of the stringer. Includes a landing section for finding the individual step height […]

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Calculator

Online Rafter Length Calculator

Calculate the length of common rafters with this free and easy online tool by entering a dimension for the roof width, selecting a pitch for the roof, and the thickness of the ridge. The results are organized in an easy to read form.  They include : The length of the rafter. The rise of the […]

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Building Codes

Floor Joists Span Chart for 2012 IRC

The floor Joist span chart and building code requirements are based on data from the 2012 International Residential Code using number 2 lumber. Types of Floor Joists Joists for use in residential framing applications fall into two different categories; tree sawed and engineered. This page focuses on the tree sawed variety. Kiln dried number 2 Pine is the […]

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Learning Center

Girders and Beams in House Construction

Learn how to build girders in new house construction according to the 2012 International Building Codes. Find out how to position them exactly, straighten them to perfection, and fasten their plies permanently. Flush Beam or Drop Girder? Drop girders are positioned in such a fashion so that the floor joist sit directly on top of […]