Building Code Changes Contractors Need to Know About

From a Q&A with Kevin McOsker, vice president of technical services at International Code Council.

Q: What are some of the latest building code changes and why are they important?

A: Kevin McOsker. The Code Council emphasizes the importance of adopting and effectively implementing modern building codes. Modern codes, when properly implemented and enforced, significantly enhance community resilience and safety in the built environment.

The 2024 International Codes (I-Codes) include several important updates that contractors should be aware of. For instance, the 2024 International Building Code (IBC) includes first ever tornado resistance provisions, while both the IBC and International Residential Code (IRC) include updated snow loads, that integrate the latest of research on climatic conditions and snowfall data. Both the IRC and International Fire Code (IFC) include new provisions to address hazards associated with rapidly advancing energy storage systems technologies, including protections concerning for storage batteries in garages, research, storage, and manufacturing of Lithium-ion battery technologies, and charging micro mobility devices. International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) improves energy efficiency by about 6.5% compared to previous versions. This not only helps reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions but can also promote cost savings.

Additionally, the 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) includes key considerations to facilitate the transition to A2L refrigerants, a more environmentally friendly refrigerant recognized by the EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP). These updates are especially important as A2L refrigerants will soon become more commonly used in residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat pump systems applications. The 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) boosts water conservation from shower heads by 20% and ensures support for buried piping beneath buildings where expansive soil conditions exist.

To read the rest of this story from For Construction Pros, click here.