2021 IRC writing assignment #2
Light-framed construction is a type of construction whose vertical and horizontal struc
tural elements are primarily formed by a system of repetitive wood or light-gage steel
framing members.
2021 IRC writing assignment #1
The International Residential Code is intended to regulate the broad spectrum of construction activities associated with residential buildings and structures. The provisions
address building planning and construction, as well as energy efficiency, mechanical,
plumbing and electrical aspects.
2021 IRC writing assignment #3
Minimum height
Habitable space, hallways and portions of basements containing these spaces shall have
a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet (2134 mm). Bathrooms, toilet rooms and laundry
rooms shall have a ceiling height of not less than 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm). Portions of basements that do not contain habitable spaces or hallways shall have a ceiling height of not less than 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm). Basement sections without habitable space may have obstructions project down to a clearance of 6’4" from finished floor.
Writing Assignment #3
- Where must illumination be located in relationship to interior stairways? Exterior stairways?
Answer: R303.7 Interior stairways shall be provided with an artificial light source to illuminate the landings and treads. The light source shall be capable of illuminating treads and landings to levels of not less than 1 footcandle (11 lux) as measured at the center of treads and landings. There shall be a wall switch at each floor level to control the light source where the stairway has six or more risers.
Exception: A switch is not required where remote, central or automatic control of lighting is provided.
R303.8 Exterior stairways shall be provided with an artificial light source located at the top landing of the stairway. Exterior stairways providing access to a basement from the outdoor grade level shall be provided with an artificial light source located at the bottom landing of the stairway.
2021 IRC writing assignment #4
On a regular set of stairs the maximum riser height is 7 3/4", and the minimum tread run is 10".
The maximum tolerated difference in riser heights, as well as the tread runs is 3/8"
2021 IRC writing assignment #5
How must a lot be graded?
Surface drainage shall be diverted to a storm sewer conveyance or other approved point
of collection that does not create a hazard. Lots shall be graded so as to drain surface
water away from foundation walls. The grade shall fall not fewer than 6 inches within the first 10 feet .
2021 IRC writing assignment #6
Joist bearing
The ends of each joist, beam or girder shall have not less than 11/2
inches of bearing on wood or metal, have not less than 3 inches of bearing on masonry or
concrete or be supported by approved joist hangers. Alternatively, the ends of joists shall
be supported on a 1-inch-by-4-inch ribbon strip and shall be nailed to the adjacent stud
Writing Assignment # 1 When there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, which provision shall be applicable?
R102.1 Where there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement of this code, the specific requirement shall be applicable. Where, in any specific case, different sections of the code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most practical requirement to meet the intent of the code shall govern.
2021 International Residential Code® (IRC®) Exam Study Course
Writing Assignment 1
- What is the purpose and scope of the International Residential Code?
Purpose:
a. The purpose of this code is to establish minimum requirements to provide a reasonable level of safety, health, and general welfare through affordability, structural strength, means of egress, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards and to provide a reasonable level of safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations
Scope:
b. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal and demolition of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures not more than three stories above grade plane in height.
c. Exception: The following shall be permitted to be constructed in accordance with this code where provided with an automatic sprinkler system complying with Section P2904:
i. Live/work units located in townhouses and complying with the requirements of Section 508.5 of the International Building Code.
ii. Owner-occupied lodging houses with five or fewer guestrooms.
iii. A care facility with five or fewer persons receiving custodial care within a dwelling unit.
iv. A care facility with five or fewer persons receiving medical care within a dwelling unit.
v. A care facility with five or fewer persons receiving care that are within a single-family dwelling.
Inspections are required for the foundation, plumbing, mechanical, gas, electrical, floodplain, frame & masonry, fire resistance, and final inspection. Additionally, the building official can require any other inspection. The permit holder or their agent notifies the building official that work is ready to be inspected and the person requesting the inspection must provide access and means for the inspection to take place.
Fireblocking is used to separate living spaces from other spaces that may catch fire, giving occupants time to escape safely. Fireblocking is required at openings around vents, pipes, ducts, and cables & wires with approved materials.
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Writing Assignment #1 - What is the purpose and scope of the International Residential Code?
The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal and demolition of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures not more than three stories above grade plane in height.
The purpose of the IRC is to establish minimal requirements for the overall safety and health of various components in the home.
Illumination is required on stairs with more than six risers because stairs are one of the most dangerous areas of a habitable space. Without illumination, occupants may fall and injure themselves. A light switch must be provided at the top and bottom of the stairway unless the stairs are continually illuminated or unless the illumination is automatic.
Smoke alarms are important to give occupants a chance to escape during a fire. Smoke alarms shall be located in each sleeping room, outside of each sleeping area, at least one per story of the dwelling, including basements and habitable attics, and at least 3 feet from the door or opening of each bathroom containing a bathtub or shower.
IRC writing assignment #7
Masonry wall thickness.
The minimum thickness of masonry bearing walls more than one story high shall be 8
inches. Solid masonry walls of one-story dwellings and garages shall not be
less than 6 inches in thickness where not greater than 9 feet in
height, provided that where gable construction is used, an additional 6 feet is
permitted to the peak of the gable.
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.
IRC study course writing assignment #8
How are trusses to be connected to wall plates to address uplift?
Trusses shall be attached to supporting wall assemblies by connections capable of resisting uplift forces as specified on the truss design drawings for the ultimate design wind speed as determined by Figure 301.2(2) and listed in Table 301.2 or as shown on the construction documents. Uplift forces shall be permitted to be determined as specified by Table R802.11, if applicable, or as determined by accepte3d engineering practice.
IRC writing assignment #9
Chimneys shall extend not less than 2 feet higher than any portion of a building
within 10 feet, but shall be not less than 3 feet above the highest
point where the chimney passes through the roof.
Writing assignment #10
Appliances designed to be fixed in position shall be fastened or anchored in an approved
manner. In Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2, and in townhouses in Seismic
Design Category C, water heaters and thermal storage units shall be anchored or
strapped to resist horizontal displacement caused by earthquake motion. Strapping shall
be at points within the upper one-third and lower one-third of the appliance’s vertical
dimensions. At the lower point, the strapping shall maintain a minimum distance of 4
inches above the controls. As a alternative, anchorage strapping may be in
accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s recommendations.
Writing assignment #11
The air removed by every mechanical exhaust system shall be discharged to the outdoors in accordance with
Section M1504.3. Air exhaust openings shall terminate as follows:
- Not less than 3 feet from property lines.
- Not less than 3 feet from gravity air intake openings, operable windows and doors.
- Not less than 10 feet from mechanical air intake openings except where the exhaust opening is located not less than 3 feet above the air intake opening.
Air shall not be exhausted into an attic, soffit, ridge vent, or crawl space.
Writing assignment #12
Vents for natural draft appliances shall terminate not less than 5 feet above the
highest connected appliance outlet, and natural draft gas vents serving wall furnaces shall
terminate at an elevation not less than 12 feet above the bottom of the furnace.
Writing assignment #13
Appliance fuel connectors shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions and Sections G2433.1.2.1 through G2422.1.2.4. Connectors shall have an
overall length not to exceed 6 feet. See exception where rigid metallic piping
is used. A union fitting shall be provided for appliances connected by rigid metallic pipe. Such unions shall be accessible and located within 6 feet of the appliance.
Question: Where must illumination be located in relationship to interior stairways? Exterior stairways?
Answer: Interior stairways need an artificial light source that illuminates the landings and treads. It must light them to levels at least 1 footcandle (11 lux), as measured at the center of the treads and landings. There should also be a wall switch on each level for stairways with 6 or more risers except if a remote, central, or automatic lighting is installed. Exterior stairway illumination is required at the top landing. Stairways to basements from the outdoor grade level need lighting at the bottom of the landing.
Writing Assignment #4.
Question: Where are smoke alarms required to be located? Do they need to be interconnected? How must they be powered? What must be done when alterations or repairs take place?
Answer: Smoke alarms should be installed in each sleeping area, outside each sleeping area, on each story (including basements and habitable attics), split levels with intervening doors, at least 3 feet horizontally from “full” bathrooms (unless the distance would prevent the installation of a smoke alarm in an area from other requirements), and in the hallway and the room open to the hallway (servicing bedrooms) where the ceiling exceeds the height of the hallways by 24 inches. If there are multiple alarms required, then they should be interconnected so when one goes off, they all will go off. They do not need to be hardwired if they are listed as wireless alarms that are interconnected. They should be powered by permanent wiring served from a commercial source and have a battery backup. When repairs or alterations are a factor, the smoke alarm requirements for new dwellings apply.
Writing assignment #14
Water temperatures
Showers, bathtubs, and whirlpool bathtubs shall be equipped with a water-temperature device to limit the maximum setting of the device to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
A bidet shall have a water limiting device to limit the maximum temperature to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.