2021 IRC Exam Study Course, Writing Assignment #8
Q: * How must roof drainage water be discharged?
A: Roof drainage requirements are found in Section R903.4 Roof drainage. “Unless roofs are sloped to drain over roof edges, roof drains shall be installed at each low point of the roof”.
There are further provisions for roofs that may entrap water. These provisions are found in Section R903.4.1 Secondary (emergency overflow) drains or scuppers.
writing assignment # 4: Not less than one egress door shall be provided for each dwelling unit. Where the dwelling unit or townhouse unit is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with section P2904 and sleeping rooms in basement do not have emergency escape and rescue openings, two means of egress complying with section R311 are required. An egress door shall provide a clear width of not less than 32" and a clear height of not less than 78"
I found R310.1 exception 2 (2.2) where 2 egress doors required. i dont know if there are any others
A minimum 0.019-inch (0.5 mm) (No. 26 galvanized sheet gage), corrosion-resistant weep screed or plastic weep screed, with a minimum vertical attachment flange of 31/2 inches (89 mm), shall be provided at or below the foundation plate line on exterior stud walls in accordance with ASTM C926. The weep screed shall be placed not less than 4 inches (102 mm) above the earth or 2 inches (51 mm) above paved areas and shall be of a type that will allow trapped water to drain to the exterior of the building. The weather-resistant barrier shall lap the attachment flange. The exterior lath shall cover and terminate on the attachment flange of the weep screed.
Writing Assignment #5: Lots shall be graded to drain surface water away from foundation walls. The grade shall not fall fewer than 6 inches within the first ten feet.
Where lot lines, slopes, walls or other physical barriers prohibit 6 inches of fall within 10 feet, drains or swales shall be constructed to ensure drainage away from the structure. Impervious surfaces within 10 ft. of the building foundation shall be sloped not less than 2% away from the building.
Surface Drainage shall be diverted to a storm sewer or other approved point of collection that does not create a hazard
Writing Assignment #9
Q: * At what minimum height is a masonry chimney required to terminate?
A: Masonry Chimneys are required to be 3 feet at roofline and 2 feet at 10 feet. As found in Table R1001.1. Summary of Requirements for Masonry Fireplaces and Chimneys.
Writing Assignment #10
Q: * In what seismic design categories must water heaters be anchored or strapped to resist horizontal displacement due to earthquake forces? What prescriptive method is set forth?
A: As found in Section M1307.2 Anchorage of appliances. Applies to seismic design categories D0, D1, and D2, and in townhomes in category C.
Prescriptive method can be met by anchoring and strapping designed to resist a horizontal force equal to one-third of the operating weight of the water heater. Also the strapping shall be in accordance the appliance manufacturer’s recommendation.
Writing assignment #6: Maximum allowable Spans for floor joists are determined in accordance with tables R502.3.1(1) and R502.3.1(1). Design live-loads for floors supporting sleeping rooms and for attics accessed by a permanent staircase are 30psf. Design live-loads for other residential living areas are 40psf. These are found in Table R301.5 Minimum Uniformly Distributed Live Loads.
Writing Assingment #1 - * When there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, which provision shall be applicable?
In a situation where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, the specific requirement shall be applicable. Furthermore, wherein the specific requirements, different sections specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.
Writing assignment #2 - What is the definition of light-framed construction?
According to the IRC, light-framed construction is a type of construction whose vertical and horizontal structural elements are primarily formed by a system of repetitive wood or light-gage steel framing members.
Topic: Permits Required ans Exempted.
Reference: R105.1, R105.2
Any owner or owner’s authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair,move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, Shall first make an application to the building official and obtain the required permits.
Except in those few instances specifically listed, such as minor repairs, maintenance, finish work and limited equipment replacement, all construction related work requires a permit and is subject to subsequent inspections.
Writing assignment #3 - * Where must illumination be located in relationship to interior stairways? Exterior stairways?
Interior stairways shall be provided with an artificial light source to illuminate the landings and treads. Exterior stairways shall be provided with an artificial light source located at the top of the landing of the stairway.
Light framed construction. Construction whose vertical and horizontal structural elements are primarily formed by a system of repetitive wood or cold formed steel framing members.As per the IRC 2021 Code
Individual glazed areas, including glass mirrors in hazardous locations such as those indicated as defined in section R308.4 shall pass the test requirements of CPSC 16 CFR1201. Glazing shall comply with the test criteria for Category II unless otherwise indicated in Table R308.3.1 (1)
Q. Under what conditions is an unvented crawl space permitted?
A. Unvented or conditioned crawl spaces are not common in our area. First a class 1 vapor barrier is applied with joints lapped 6” and taped and extended up the foundation wall 6” and secured to the foundation. Next, a system to condition the air in the crawl space must be installed, such as a dehumidifier or an extension of the home HVAC system.
Q. How much bearing is required for the ends of floor joists supported by wood or metal? Supported by concrete or masonry? What other methods are acceptable?
A. The minimum bearing for wood or metal is 1 ½ inches, and 3 inches for concrete or masonry. However, heavy loads may require additional jack studs, so the beam may bear on 1 or more jack studs. In addition to jack studs or direct bearing on concrete or masonry, joist hangers or 1x4 ribbon strips if the joist is nailed directly to the stud.
Writing assignment #7: The maximum allowable spacing of wood studs Shall be in accordance with table R602.3(5) with 3 exceptions. A double top plate shall be overlapping at corners and intersections with bearing partitions. The end joints of top plates shall be offset not less than 24"
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