What minimum clearances are mandated for overhead service conductors from doors, porches, decks, stairs, and balconies? Not less than 3 feet from the sides. Above roofs? Not less than 8 feet above the roof line and maintained for a distance of not less than 3 feet in all directions from the edge of the roof with the exception of 4:12 or greater pitched roofs the minimum clearance of 3 feet. Above pedestrian areas and sidewalks? Not less than 10 feet. Over residential property and driveways? Not less than 12 feet. Over public streets and alleys or parking areas subject to truck traffic? Not less than 18 feet.
In what locations are arc-fault circuit interrupter protection mandated? Branch circuits that supply 120V, single phase, 15 & 20 Amp outlets to kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sun rooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, laundry areas, and similar rooms or areas.
Writing Assignment #8
What are the installation requirements for asphalt shingles?
Asphalt shingles shall be fastened to solid sheathed decks. It can only be used on roof slopes of 17% slope or greater and double underlayment is required for asphalt shingles. The shingles must be tested to meet in accordance with ASTM D7158.
Writing Assignment #9
At what minimum height is a masonry chimney required to terminate?
2 ft; Chimneys shall extend not less than 2 feet (610 mm) higher than any portion of a building within 10 feet (3048 mm).
Writing Assignment #10
How much working space is needed in front of the control side of an appliance in order to service the appliance? How much of a reduction is allowed in front of a room heater?
A level working space not less than 30 inches deep and 30 inches wide (762 mm by 762 mm) shall be provided in front of the control side to service an appliance. Working space for heater should be not less than 18 inches.
In reference to writing assignment #1, 2021 IRC Exam Study Course
“When is a permit required? What types of work are exempted from permits?”
A permit is needed before beginning nearly all types of building construction, demolition, rehabilitation, and repair work; especially those requiring structural repair. The provisions and limitations that apply can be referenced in the IRC. An example of such a limitation would be if a retaining wall exceeds 4 ft. in height, it will require a permit.
Types of work exempt from permits are nonstructural repairs, minor alterations, and non-occupied structures. There are limitations applied here as well. For example, replacing a roof covering does not require a permit, but altering or replacing the roof sheathing does. Altering a home system (plumbing, hvac, electical, etc…) will require a permit, but maintenance and general repair on those systems does not.
Writing Assignment #11
Where must mechanical exhaust air terminate? What locations are strictly prohibited?
The air removed by every mechanical exhaust system shall be discharged to the outdoors in accordance with M1501.1. Air shall not be exhausted into an attic, soffit, ridge vent or crawl space. Exception: Whole house ventilation type attic fans that discharge into the attic space of dwelling units having private attics shall be permitted.
Writing Assignment #12
How far above the highest connected appliance outlet must a natural draft appliance vent terminate?How far above the bottom of a wall vent must a natural draft gas vent terminate?
According to M1804.2.3 vents for natural draft appliances shall terminate not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) above the highest connected appliance outlet, and natural draft gas vents serving wall furnaces shall terminate at an elevation not less than 12 feet (3658 mm) above the bottom of the furnace.
Writing Assignment #13
Where must gas shutoff valves be located? Where must appliance shutoff valves be installed? Equipment shutoff valves for a fireplace?
The shutoff valve should be in the same room as the appliance and not farther than 6-feet of the appliance. Equipment shutoff valves located in the firebox of a fireplace shall be installed in accordance with the appliance manufacturer’s instructions.
Writing assignment # 1 When there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, which provision shall be applicable? In accordance with R102.1 Where 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.
Writing assignment # 2 LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION is defined by the 2021 international residential code as “Construction whose vertical and horizontal structural elements are primarily formed by a system of repetitive wood or cold-formed steel framing members.”
Writing assignment # 3 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
What is the temperature limit for water supplied to a shower? A bathtub? A whirlpool bathtub? A bidet?
According to P2713.3 Bathtubs, whirlpool pool bathtub values shall be equipped with a means to limit the max setting of the device to 120F.
According to P2708.4 shower max setting shall be limited to 120F.
According to P2721.2 bidet max shall be limited to not greater than 110F.
Writing assignment # 4 How many egress doors from a dwelling are required? Under what conditions is an additional egress door required? What is the minimum required size of an egress door? In accordance with our 311.2 Not less than one egress door shall be provided for each dwelling unit. The egress door shall be side-hinged, and shall provide a clear width of not less than 32 inches (813 mm) where measured between the face of the door and the stop, with the door open 90 degrees (1.57 rad). The clear height of the door opening shall be not less than 78 inches (1981 mm) in height measured from the top of the threshold to the bottom of the stop. Other doors shall not be required to comply with these minimum dimensions.
Writing Assignment #15
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?
According P2801.6 where leaks from a storage-type water heater or hot water storage tank would cause damage to the building structure, the tank must be installed in a pan (also known as a “safe” pan or “drip” pan).
According to P2801.6.1 the pan shall be not less than 1-1/2 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.
Writing Assignment #16
What is the purpose of a vent piping system?
According to P3101.2 the plumbing system shall be provided with a system of vent piping that will allow the admission or emission of air so that the liquid seal of any fixture trap shall not be subjected to a pressure differential of more than 1 inch of water column (249 Pa).
What is the purpose and scope of the International Residential Code?
Answer: Minimum standards for the construction design and safety of 1 & 2 story homes and townhouses up 3 stroies regarding
Structural, Plumbing, electrical and fire safety.
Writing assignment #5 * How must lots be graded? What is the minimum required slope of the grade away from the foundation? In accordance with IRC 401.3 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 to drain surface water away from foundation The grade shall fall not fewer than 6 inches (152 mm) within the first 10 feet
Writing assignment # 6 * What ledger connection details are required for decks attached to exterior walls?
In accordance with IRC 507.8 Where supported by attachment to an exterior wall, decks shall be positively anchored to the primary structure and designed for both vertical and lateral loads. Such attachment shall not be accomplished by the use of toenails or nails subject to withdrawal.
Writing assignment # 7 * What is the criteria for the installation of weep screeds in exterior plaster applications? in accordance with IRC 703.7.2.1 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