Building Consistency Meeting
Residential
Date: 9/7/2005
Recorder: Danny Wooten, minutes prepared by: Jeff Griffin
Staff present: Jeff Griffin; Gene Morton; Danny Wooten; Harold Sinclair; Steve Kellen;
David Morton; George Rogers.
Public present: Frank Burke (Grimmer-Kempf & Assoc); David Schwiemon (Public);
Hans Kasak (Ryland Homes); Bob Mckee (Ryan Homes); Evan Weiss/Terry Cleary
(Meeting Street); Chad Nelson (Shea Homes); Wayne Carter (Evergreen
Homebuilders); Shawn Polakiewicz (Saussy Burbank); Dave Reynolds/Toby Brundage
(Builder 1st Source); Cory Cronin (CP Morgan); Bob Otto (R.E. Otto & Sons-NARI);
Adam Kuhn/Dave Patterson (Craft Homes); Rick Lauer (Turnberry Homes); Jack
Glunt (Westfield Homes); Bill Green (Barefoot Company).
Topics/Subject
Decisions/Conclusions/Actions
Old
Business
Girder bearing
on piers
Attic Access
This issue was discussed again, it’s important to understand that this is
proposed with the next version of the Code and although final approval
is expected it is not currently allowed until next Code which is
scheduled to come out June/July 2006. The issue is a footnote under
table R403.1a footnote #3 on page 59 of current 2002 Code. Proposed
change is that girders will no longer have to bear in the center 1/3 of the
piers and can bear anywhere across the top of the pier. Pier must bear in
the center 1/3 of the footer (this is the critical issue to prevent rotation of
the pier). Girder must be on the pier (nothing hanging off) and any
column load must be solid blocked across the entire pier surface.
Question was asked about the new language going before the NC
Building Code Council on attic ventilation requirements. This is being
re-worded to almost take all attic access requirements away except if
there is a need for mechanical equipment access. This issue was
discussed previously but again at this meeting the intent was
readdressed how this will affect builders in the field. See attached
language that is proposed in the 2006 Code.
New
Business
Vapor Barrier
installation
Last month issue was discussed that a code change has already been
approved that will no longer require a vapor barrier on exterior walls in
most of NC. Although a vapor barrier is no longer required if one is
used and installed it will not be prohibited but must meet mfg
requirements to install correctly. Batts with paper face towards the
exterior walls will not be acceptable. Issue came up behind a fireplace
area where all the paper faced Batts were installed backwards.
Non-vented
attics
Petition for non-vented conditioned attic assemblies has been approved
by the NC Building Code Council and rules committee. Attached to the
minutes is a copy of the petition and Code language approved. If
requested by a contractor this application can be approved at this time
based upon new Code language. Also attached is a section of a letter
submitted to the BCC restating the language of the Code and an on line
website for additional information, you’ll note that currently 2 shingle
manufacturers have approved installation with their product.
Bay area roof
venting
Question raised about if there is any change to the bay area option
discussed several months ago for that small attic ventilation. The nonvented attic space listed above is an option for foam applied directly to
roof deck and doesn’t affect the previously discuss venting allowance
for small bays that have fiberglass insulation batts with full vapor
barrier on the ceiling (to reduce vent requirement) and continuous soffit
venting only. The 2006 Code will allow this also but will not require in
the language if it passes BCC the vapor barrier.
Questioned asked about the use of structural fiberboard. This continues
to be an issue that comes up due to rising cost of OSB/plywood. Method
#4 as listed in section R602.10.3 for braced wall panels. So this would
be allowed and is not an alternate. Table R602.10.3 reads almost the
same as method #3 (plywood corners). 1 story house would have to
have 1 piece at each corner and every 25’ on center and not less than
16% of the wall line. In a 2 story and above there is more % of the wall
required to have structural fiberboard. Builder can us but must design
per this table on page 118 of the 2002 NC Residential Code.
Structural
fiberboard
Engineered
Issue keeps coming up in the field in regards to engineered designs and
footers or Slabs if a County inspector needs to inspect. It is a requirement that all
engineered slabs or footers such as caissons or pile’s be inspected by
this Department and documented. The following is required for each
inspection.
Caisson footer- The hole for the caisson footer doesn’t need to be
viewed prior to concrete pour and can be filled to base of footer trench
prior to County inspection/review of footer layout. This doesn’t have to
be pre-poured and can be poured with the footer or mono slab after the
footer inspection. An engineer’s plan must be on site for footer
inspection and all trenches dug, steel tied and in place, and all caisson
positions verified per engineers design sheet. Footer will be turned
down without a penalty if all is per design, pending a final engineers
letter on installation sign off including the layout. This needs to be
ready by next inspection. Inspector will document caisson footer and
engineer of record.
Pile footers- Similar procedure as with caisson footers. Wood piles can
be driven and when inspector arrives on site a pile placement plan along
with footer plan should be provided, trenches cleaned out and all steel in
place. Footer will be turned down without a penalty (if no other issue
are noted) pending engineer’s final approval report that includes a pile
report (location and depth of each pile). This should be provided by next
inspection. Inspector will document pile footer and engineer of record.
Engineered slab- (waffle slab, post tension, etc..) Slab must be
completely ready and all required steel in place. An engineers design
must be provide for review by field inspector prior to any concrete
placement. Engineered slab will be turned down without penalty (if no
other issues noted) pending final engineers letter on design and sign off
on installation. Engineer’s letter should be supplied by frame inspection.
Inspector will document type of slab construction and engineer of
record.
Next meeting is on October 5th Ed Woods room 1st floor at 8:00am, 700 N. Tryon St.