How green is your code?
by
3po3
+11
So I just found out that my fair (and very eco-conscious) city had new building code requirements take effect on Jan. 1. Among them is an air barrier requirement, including an air tightness test, for new construction. Wondering if this is the norm now, and if you guys think it should be?
14 answers
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That is the new norm Steve. Some states even require duct testing for tightness. These codes have been around a while and there are many more like them. However its up to the townships to enact these codes and enforce them. Many towns very slowly adapt over time. They cannot simply just enforce every code in the book at once. Not only would the builders scream, but the code officials would be overwhelmed at the increased work load and costs it would inflict on the townships building departments. Not to mention the time it would take for them to come up to speed on learning about what they would be required to inspect. I am a 3rd party EIFS inspector. I get calls all the time from townships that have commercial buildings going up in their town. Federal regulations require any structure being built and using Federal dollars to build and are using EIFS siding on the structure to have a independent 3rd party monitor the install process. You would think that the township building department would be able to do this. But with the many application issues with this product they are simply not trained well enough to do this type of inspection. So they farm it out. If the builder gets caught doing this work without this 3rd party inspection. They an be fined and put into jail for violating these Federal regulations. What I suspect will begin to happen in a few years as more and more stringent requirements are put into the code and more towns adopt them that there will be a cottage industry of independent contractors simply evaluating the quality of the specialty trades as it will become to complex and to expensive for the local building official to perform. Much like the EIFS inspections I do on occasion.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Jan 18, 2012
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Very interesting. Thanks for the thorough answer. Not sure how you have time to do inspections or anything else with al the time you spend giving people essay-length answers to all kinds of Hometalk questions. Thanks.
3po3
on Jan 18, 2012
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Its midnight. Time, what time?
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Jan 18, 2012
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Steve...do a web search on HERS ratings or index ...this has been in place in boulder for some time. Blower door tests etc.
KMS Woodworks
on Jan 19, 2012
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Thanks KMS. Good to know.
3po3
on Jan 19, 2012
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Semi-related, it's nice when the interior doors are cut to nearly touch the floor. Mine are about 3/4 inch off the floor. That way each room is more sound and temperature controlled if needed.
Peace Painting Co., Inc.
on Jan 19, 2012
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GA's new code is actually pretty good. Every house has to get tested with a blower door and duct blaster now. We are also the first state in the union to adopt all low flow devices for plumbing. Just don't ask us how many teeth per capita we have.
SawHorse Design Build
on Jan 21, 2012
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That's good to hear. Glad Georgia is so progressive. Also, I have only spent a couple of days in Atlanta, but everyone seemed very well-dressed (and had full sets of teeth). Kind of put Denver to shame, to be honest. I think somehow this summer KMS and I have to somehow stage a peach-off with you Atlanta guys. I had a peach from a farm stand in Georgia once, but I'm not sure it was as good as our Palisade, Colorado, peaches. Seems tricky to ship peaches, but we can figure it out.
3po3
on Jan 21, 2012
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How about just sending each other some "canned" peaches. Really? How do you expect to win? We have a peach on our license plate! Forgot to mention that they rest of GA does not think of Atlanta as part of GA. Got to love state politics.
SawHorse Design Build
on Jan 21, 2012
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I also went to Athens for a music pilgrimage and loved it. Does that count? And I still think our peaches could stand up to your namesake fruit. You're on.
3po3
on Jan 21, 2012
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No- Athens is its own state of mind. Plus I am a GA Tech fan so no reason to go to Athens.
SawHorse Design Build
on Jan 21, 2012
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I have to agree...a fresh Palisade peach pie is pretty darn good....the trick is to time it just right where the peach is at its peak of ripeness. Once they hit that sweet spot any chance of shipping is out the window.
KMS Woodworks
on Jan 22, 2012
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Oh well. I can see how you are setting yourself up to back out now. GA wins by forfeit!
SawHorse Design Build
on Jan 22, 2012
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Yeah, the problem with Palisade peaches is that you really have about three days a year when they are perfect and ripe. I'm guessing Georgia has a longer peach season.
3po3
on Jan 22, 2012
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