- What is the general limitation for cantilever spans of floor joists? What spans are permitted for cantilevered floor joists supporting a bearing wall and a roof? Supporting an exterior balcony?
Floor cantilevers spans shall not exceed the nominal depth of the wood floor joist. For example, the maximum cantilever span for an exterior deck witha ground snow load of 50 psf should be spaced 12 inches OC AND 39 inches. It varies.
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Writing assignment #9 - * At what minimum height is a masonry chimney required to terminate? - R1003.9 Termination. Chimneys shall extend not less than
2 feet (610 mm) higher than any portion of a building within
10 feet (3048 mm), but shall be not less than 3 feet (914 mm)
above the highest point where the chimney passes through
the roof.
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Writing Assignment 10 - * How large a passageway must be provided to an appliance installed in a compartment, alcove, basement, or similar space? How must access to an attic appliance be addressed? For appliances installed in under-floor spaces?
M1305.1.1 Appliances in rooms. Appliances installed in
a compartment, alcove, basement or similar space shall be
accessed by an opening or door and an unobstructed
passageway measuring not less than 24 inches (610 mm)
wide and large enough to allow removal of the largest
appliance in the space, provided there is a level service
space of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and the
height of the appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762
mm), at the front or service side of the appliance with the
door open.
M1305.1.2 Appliances in attics. Attics containing appliances
shall be provided with an opening and a clear and
unobstructed passageway large enough to allow removal
of the largest appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762
mm) high and 22 inches (559 mm) wide and not more
than 20 feet (6096 mm) long measured along the centerline
of the passageway from the opening to the appliance.
The passageway shall have continuous solid flooring in
accordance with Chapter 5 not less than 24 inches (610
mm) wide. A level service space not less than 30 inches
(762 mm) deep and 30 inches (762 mm) wide shall be
present along all sides of the appliance where access is
required. The clear access opening dimensions shall be
not less than of 20 inches by 30 inches (508 mm by 762
mm), and large enough to allow removal of the largest
appliance.
M1305.1.3 Appliances under floors. Underfloor spaces
containing appliances shall be provided with an unobstructed
passageway large enough to remove the largest
appliance, but not less than 30 inches (762 mm) high and
22 inches (559 mm) wide, nor more than 20 feet (6096
mm) long measured along the centerline of the passageway
from the opening to the appliance. A level service
space not less than 30 inches (762 mm) deep and 30
inches (762 mm) wide shall be present at the front or
service side of the appliance. If the depth of the passageway
or the service space exceeds 12 inches (305 mm)
below the adjoining grade, the walls of the passageway
shall be lined with concrete or masonry extending 4
inches (102 mm) above the adjoining grade in accordance
with Chapter 4. The rough-framed access opening dimensions
shall be not less than 22 inches by 30 inches (559
mm by 762 mm), and large enough to remove the largest
appliance.
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Written assignment #11 - * Which sources of outside or return air are prohibited?
4. Return air shall not be taken from a closet, bathroom,
toilet room, kitchen, garage, mechanical room, boiler
room, furnace room or unconditioned attic.
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For fire safety, gas or oil water heaters and any appliance with a flame must have the flame elevated at least 18 inches above the garage floor. The exception would be for Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant (FVIR) rated units.
Sewer venting is necessary to allow the free flow of sewer waste and to keep dangerous sewer gases out of buildings. Properly designed and installed venting is required for sewer waste systems to operate correctly.
Panelboards require an unobstructed space of at least 30" or the width of the panel, 36" in front of the panel, and a minimum of 6’ 6" from the floor. In addition, plumbing and heating pipes or ducts can not be in the space 6’ above the panel or to the ceiling, whichever is lower.
In reference to IRC STUDY cores : * When there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, which provision shall be applicable? The strictest application shall apply
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IRC study section 2) * What clearance is mandated between combustible insulation and recessed luminaires? 3 inch clearance
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What is the purpose and scope of the International Residential Code?
According to R101.3:
The purpose of this code is to establish minimum requirements to safeguards the public safety, health and general welfare through affordability, structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment, and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
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What is the definition of light-framed construction?
Construction whose vertical and horizontal structural elements are primarily a system of repetitive wood or cold-formed steel framing members.
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What is the minimum ceiling height permitted for a living room or bedroom? A hallway? Bathroom? Basement? Where can a reduction in such heights be acceptable?
Habitable rooms shall be not less than [7] feet (2134 mm) in any horizontal dimension.
Exception: Kitchens
Portions of a room with a sloping ceiling measuring less than 5 feet (1524 mm) or a furred ceiling measuring less than 7 feet (2134 mm) from the finished floor to the finished ceiling shall not be considered as contributing to the minimum required habitable area for that room.
[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 of not less than 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm).
Exceptions:
- For rooms with sloped ceilings, the required floor area of the room shall have a [ceiling height] of not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) and not less than 50 percent of the required floor area shall have a [ceiling height] of not less than 7 feet (2134 mm).
- The [ceiling height] above bathroom and toilet room fixtures shall be such that the fixture is capable of being used for its intended purpose. A shower or tub equipped with a showerhead shall have a [ceiling height] of not less than 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) above an area of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) by 30 inches (762 mm) at the showerhead.
- Beams, girders, ducts or other obstructions in [basements] containing [habitable space] shall be permitted to project to within 6 feet 4 inches (1931 mm) of the finished floor.
- Beams and girders spaced apart not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in clear finished width shall project not more than 78 inches (1981 mm) from the finished floor.
Portions of [basements] that do not contain [habitable space] or hallways shall have a [ceiling height] of not less than 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm).
Exception: At beams, girders, ducts or other obstructions, the [ceiling height] shall be not less than 6 feet 4 inches (1931 mm) from the finished floor.
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Great post.
Where are smoke alarms required to be located?
Smoke alarms shall be installed in the following locations:
- 1.In each sleeping room.
- 2.Outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms.
- 3.On each additional story of the dwelling, including basements and habitable attics and not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics. In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels and without an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level provided that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level.
- 4.Smoke alarms shall be installed not less than 3 feet (914 mm) horizontally from the door or opening of a bathroom that contains a bathtub or shower unless this would prevent placement of a smoke alarm required by Section R314.3.
Do they need to be interconnected?
Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit in accordance with Section R314.3, the alarm devices shall be interconnected in such a manner that the actuation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual dwelling unit. Physical interconnection of smoke alarms shall not be required where listed wireless alarms are installed and all alarms sound upon activation of one alarm.
Exception: Interconnection of smoke alarms in existing areas shall not be required where alterations or repairs do not result in removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available that could provide access for interconnection without the removal of interior finishes
How must they be powered?
Smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring where such wiring is served from a commercial source and, where primary power is interrupted, shall receive power from a battery. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for overcurrent protection.
Exceptions:
- 1.Smoke alarms shall be permitted to be battery operated where installed in buildings without commercial power.
- 2.One-family and two-family dwellings and townhomes undergoing a repair, or a Level 1 alteration as defined in the Florida Building Code, may use smoke alarms powered by 10-year nonremovable, nonreplaceable batteries in lieu of retrofitting such dwelling with smoke alarms powered by the dwelling’s electrical system. A battery-powered smoke alarm that is newly installed or replaces an existing battery-powered smoke alarm as a result of a Level 1 alteration must be powered by a nonremovable, nonreplaceable battery that powers the alarm for at least 10 years. The battery requirements of this section do not apply to a fire alarm, smoke detector, smoke alarm, or ancillary component that is electronically connected as a part of a centrally monitored or supervised alarm system, that uses a low-power, radio frequency wireless communication signal; or that contains multiple sensors, such as a smoke alarm combined with a carbon monoxide alarm or other multisensor devices, and is approved and listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
What must be done when alterations or repairs take place?
Where alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or where one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with smoke alarms located as required for new dwellings.
Exceptions:
- 1.Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the replacement of roofing or siding, the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a porch or deck.
- 2.Installation, alteration or repairs of plumbing or mechanical systems
Very good.
Writing assignment #12 - * What special conditions apply to the installation of a solar energy system?
Solar-ready Provisions—Detached One- and Two-family Dwellings and
Townhouses
This appendix provides requirements for preparation of a house for future installation of solar equipment
for electrical power or heating. Given the growing popularity of solar power and the possible
need for the equipment in the future, this appendix, if adopted, would require an area be provided on
the building roof that would accommodate solar equipment. In addition, pathways for routing of
plumbing and conduit need to be provided.
IRC study answer * What clearance is mandated between combustible insulation and recessed luminaires? There should be 3in of clearance
IRC Study * What is the minimum ceiling height permitted for a living room or bedroom? A hallway? Bathroom? Basement? Where can a reduction in such heights be acceptable? 305.1) Habitable space, hallways and portions of basements containing these spaces shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet. Bathrooms, toilet rooms and laundry rooms shall have a ceiling height of not less than 6 feet 8 inches. A reduction in the height is acceptable in rooms with sloped ceilings, where beams or girders or ducts are located in nhabitable spaces
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Under what conditions is an unvented crawl space permitted?
Ventilation openings in under-floor spaces specified in R408.1 and R408.2 shall not be required where the following items are provided:
1.Exposed earth is covered with a continuous Class I vapor retarder. Joints of the vapor retarder shall overlap by 6 inches (152 mm) and shall be sealed or taped. The edges of the vapor retarder shall extend not less than 6 inches (152 mm) up the stem wall and shall be attached and sealed to the stem wall or insulation.
2.One of the following is provided for the under-floor space:
2.1.Continuously operated mechanical exhaust ventilation at a rate equal to 1 cubic foot per minute (0.47 L/s) for each 50 square feet (4.7 m2) of crawl space floor area, including an air pathway to the common area (such as a duct or transfer grille), and perimeter walls insulated in accordance with SecN1102.2.11 of this code.
2.2.Conditioned air supply sized to deliver at a rate equal to 1 cubic foot per minute (0.47 L/s) for each 50 square feet (4.7 m2) of under-floor area, including a return air pathway to the common area (such as a duct or transfer grille), and perimeter walls insulated in accordance with SecN1102.2.11 of this code.
2.3.Plenum in existing structures complying with [Section M1601.5] if under-floor space is used as a plenum.
2.4.Dehumidification sized to provide 70 pints (33 liters) of moisture removal per day for every 1,000 square feet (93 m2) of crawl space floor area
What is the minimum permitted thickness for concrete slab-on-ground floors?
Concrete slab-on-ground floors shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the provisions of ACI 332 and this section. Floors shall be a minimum 3 1/2 inches (89 mm) thick