ICC and NAHB Release New Tech Notes Series to Help Industry Navigate Code Requirements and Industry Best Practices

The International Code Council (ICC) and ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) are working with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) to distribute the TechNotes series developed by NAHB’s Construction Technology Research Subcommittee and Innovation Research Lab. The TechNotes series is designed to assist builders in understanding and applying latest code requirements as well as implementing best practices in order to avoid building performance issues related to interior humidity levels, condensation in wall and roof assemblies, and interior air quality.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to assist our Members and the building industry to apply the latest codes to ensure the safety and resiliency of our communities, we are proud to support the TechNotes series and make these resources available through our website,” said International Code Council Board of Directors President M. Dwayne Garriss, Georgia State Fire Marshal.

“NAHB has worked diligently in creating these TechNotes and we are confident that these consolidated and simplified guidelines will be beneficial to both home builders and building officials in creating safe and affordable homes,” said Construction Codes and Standards Committee chairman Chip Dence.

The TechNotes series will continue to expand and include new topics. Currently included and available free of charge are the following:

Whole House Mechanical Ventilation. A summary of IRC requirements for installing whole-house mechanical ventilation systems. System types, benefits, costs, and design considerations are covered.

Building Air Tightness. A summary of building code (IRC and IECC) requirements for building tightness, blower door testing and air barriers. Critical areas of a house needing proper air sealing are identified.

Floors above Crawlspaces. Recommendations and best practices for floor construction over crawlspaces in hot/humid climates. Considerations include vapor permeability of floor materials, type of floor insulation and proper ventilation.

Rain and Groundwater. Recommendations and best practices for exterior wall drainage and bulk moisture control to avoid water infiltration into basements and crawlspaces. Covered practices include overhangs, gutters, flashing and water-resistant barriers, foundation drains and waterproofing and site grading.

Window and Door Flashing. A summary of IRC requirements and best practices for window and door flashing. Covered are flashing material types, proper installation methods, standard details, and references to industry sources for additional guidance and details.

Vapor Retarders. Recommendations for proper selection of vapor retarders and best practices for proper placement within the wall assembly. Existing building code requirements are summarized and climate zone-specific recommendations provided.

Supplemental Dehumidification. Recommendations for controlling interior humidity levels in homes in hot-humid climates. Existing building code requirements are summarized and best practices for installation of both standalone and integrated dehumidifiers are provided.

For more information or to download your copies today, please visit www.iccsafe.org/TechNotes or www.nahb.org.