In reference to IRC course writing assignment #15
“What special condition applies where a water heater having an ignition source is installed in a garage?”
Garage located water heaters having an ignition source must be elevated 18 inches above the floor as noted in IRC P2801.7. Water heater units listed as “Flammable vapor ignition-resistant” are not required to be elevated.
In reference to IRC course Writing assignment #3
Where must illumination be located in relationship to interior stairways? Exterior stairways?
Interior stairway shall be provided with an artificial light source to illuminate the landing and treads.
Lighting should not be less than one foot candle as measured at the centre of treads and landings. Exterior stairwells require a light source at the top landing, considering basement stairwells from the outdoor grade level, artificial light source is required at the bottom landing of the stairway.
In reference to IRC course Writing assignment #1
The purpose and scope of the code is to establish minimum requirements for one and two-story family dwellings and townhouses not more than 3 stories. This shall comply to construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal and demolition.
In reference to IRC course Writing assignment #4
What is the minimum size required for a landing? Under what conditions is a landing not required on each side of an exterior door?
There shall be a landing or floor on each side of each exterior door. Landing shall have a dimension of not less than 36" measured in the direction of travel. The width of each landing shall not be less than the door served. Landing is not required on each side of an exterior door when it opens directly to a deck or patio at ground level. Exterior balconies less than 60 sqf and only accessed from a door are permitted to have a landing less than 36" in the direction of travel.
- When is a water heater required to be installed in a pan? What type of pan is mandated? How big must it be? How shall it be drained?
P2801.6 Required Pan The pan shall be not less than 11/2 inches (38 mm) deep and shall be of sufficient size and shape to receive dripping or condensate from the tank or water heater. The pan shall be drained by an indirect waste pipe of not less than 3/4 inch (19 mm) diameter .
- What fixtures are permitted to be vented by an island fixture venting system? Where is the connection to be located?
P3112 Island Fixture Venting
Island fixture venting shall not be permitted for fixtures other than sinks and lavatories . Kitchen sinks with a dishwasher waste connection, a food waste disposer, or both, in combination with the kitchen sink waste, shall be permitted to be vented in accordance with this section.
- Where must the service disconnecting means be located? What is the maximum number of disconnects?
The service disconnect must be at a readily accessible location either outside the building or structure, or inside nearest the point of entry of the service conductors** . There shall be not more than six sets of disconnects per service grouped in any one location** . For the purpose of this section, disconnecting means installed as part of listed equipment and used solely for the following shall not be considered a service disconnecting means: (1)Power monitoring equipment.
When there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.
In reference to IRC course writing assignment #16
“How must a vent terminal be located in relationship to a door, openable window, or similar air intake? To an adjoining building?”
A drainage vent terminal must be located not less than four feet directly beneath or ten feet horizontally from a door, openable window or air intake opening of the building and any adjacent building. If the vent terminal has three feet or more of clearance above such openings then the horizontal clearance is not required as noted in IRC section P3103.5.1.
In reference to IRC course Writing assignment #5
How must the lots be graded? What is the min. required slope of the grade away from the foundation?
Surface drainage shall be drain surface water away from foundation walls. diverted to a storm sewer conveyance or other approved point of collection. The grade shall fall not fewer than 6 inches within the first 10 feet.
In reference to IRC course writing assignment #17
“Where must the service disconnecting means be located? What is the maximum number of disconnects?”
The electrical service disconnect must be located in a readily accessible location either outside of the building or inside nearest the service conductor entrance to the building. The disconnect must not be located in a bathroom and each dwelling unit shall have individual means of disconnect as noted IRC section E3601.6.2. Each service shall have only one disconnect means unless there are two separate enclosures, an enclosure with up to six panelboards or a service with up to six disconnect means in separately metered enclosures as noted in IRC section E3601.7.
In response to the question: What is light-framed construction.
That is construction whose vertical and horizontal elements are primarily formed by a system of repetitive wood or cold-formed steel framing members.
In reference to IRC course writing assignment #6
Can deck guard posts be notched?
No. Wood post at deck guard can not be notched. According IRC 507.10.2 , Where 4” x 4" wood posts support guard loads applied to the top of the guard, such posts shall not be notched at the connection to the supporting structure.
In reference to IRC course writing assignment #7
What is the minimum required thickness of masonry walls? Parapet walls?
The minimum thickness of masonr bearing walls more than 1 story high shall be 8". Solid masonry walls for 1 story dwellings and garages shall be 6" thickness where not great than 9’ in height provided that where gable construction is used, an additional 6’ is permitted to the peak of the gable. R606.4.1.
required.
Unreinforced solid masonry parapet walls shall be not less than 8 inches thick and their height shall not exceed four times their thickness. Unreinforced hollow unit masonry parapet walls shall be not less than 8 inches thick, and their height shall not exceed three times their thickness. R606.4.4
In reference to IRC course writing assignment #8
How must the roof drainage water be discharged?
In areas where expansive soils or collapsible soils are known to exist, all dwellings shall have a controlled method of water disposal from the roof that will collect and discharge roof drainage to the ground suffice no less than 5 feet from the foundations walls or to an approved drainage system. IRC R801.3
- When is a permit required? What types of work are exempted from permits?
In my professional experience, a permit is required when any type of structural work is performed on a property. These include structural, mechanical, electrical and HVAC. Certain repairs are exempt such as outlet repairs, painting, siding repair. Mainly minor type repairs.
- Where is fireblocking required? What materials are acceptable for fireblocking purposes?
Fireblocking is required in any portion of a wall that separates living areas from areas such as garages or in duplexes. Type X firerock and fire caulking to seal all penetrations.
- What is the minimum required size of the largest habitable room in a dwelling unit?
70 sq ft is the minimum size of a habitat room per ICC code regulations.
In reference to IRC course writing assignment #9
How must a masonry fireplace be supported and reinforced?
Footings for masonry fireplaces and their chimneys shall be constructed of concrete or solid masonry not less than 12" thick and shall extend not less than 6" beyond the face of the fireplace or foundation wall on all sides. Footings shall be founded on natural, un-disturbed earth or engineered fill below frost depth. In areas not subjected to freezing, footings shall be not less than 12" below finished grade. R1001.2
2021 International Residential Code® (IRC®) Exam Study Course
Writing Assignment #2
Dead loads remain virtually the same throughout the lifetime of the structure, as they are made of the structural components.
Live loads vary greatly and often, due to consisting of varying factors, such as occupants, snow, vehicles, and weather factors.