Important Code Changes in the 2012 IRC

By November 23, 2016 Uncategorized
  1. 50% rule (flood) wording botched by State in last amendment corrected.
  2. Better explanation of when to issue a Certificate of Approval.
  3. Habitable attic definition changed to finished area.
  4. The term “windows” changed to “exterior glazing” as it applies to wind-borne debris regions.
  5. <5ACH50 air infiltration rate requires whole-house mechanical ventilation.
  6. Major language / organization clarification of glazing hazardous locations section.
  7. Winder tread clarification, winders now allowed within a flight.
  8. Quarter circle landings now allowed, no longer required to be 36″ x 36″ square.
  9. Wireless technology specifically NOT allowed for required smoke alarm interconnection.
  10. New standard NFPA 275 allowed as alternative to covering foam with 1/2″ sheetrock.
  11. Accessory structures without foundations required to be anchored to resist wind uplift.
  12. Filter membrane now required for surrounding or covering perforated footing drains.
  13. I-joist and <2×10 floors (including basements) now required to be 1/2″ sheetrock or 5/8″ plywood.
  14. Entire braced wall section reorganized and simplified.
  15. Pan flashing required for windows and doors if details are not provided by the manufacturer.
  16. Unvented cathedral ceilings specifically allowed – air impermeable insulation or coating must be Class II vapor retarder (NO UNCOATED OPEN CELL FOAM IN CATHEDRAL CEILINGS).
  17. Kick out flashing required where step flashing terminates at sidewall.
  18. Drip edge and rake edge now required for shingle roofs.
  19. IECC and IRC energy requirements are now identical.
  20. Ceiling prescriptive insulation goes to R-49, basement walls got to R-15 continuous or R-19 cavity (Note: up to 50 sq. ft. cathedral still allowed R-30, raised heel trusses allow entire ceiling to be R-38).
  21. Eave baffle (Accu-vent) required for air permeable insulation in vented attics.
  22. Blower door requires 3ACH50 to pass – exception allows visual inspection for additions and alterations.
  23. Duct tightness test goes to max. 8cfm / 100 sq. ft. leakage tested across entire system including air handler (Exception allows up to 40 ft of system extensions during renovation without requiring testing).
  24. New wood burning fireplaces shall have tight fitting dampers.
  25. Hot water pipe insulation mandatory: water heater to kitchen sink, to manifold, any 1/2″ pipe run >20 ft., any 3/4″ pipe run >10 ft., supply and return piping entire recirculation system, all pipe >3/4″.
  26. Dryer vent now required to be mechanically fastened – screws may not project >1/8″ into duct.
  27. All air exhaust terminations must be minimum 3′ from windows and either 10′ from or 3′ above air intakes.
  28. Mechanical ventilation required to be continuous or intermittent at airflow rates as per table (based on # of bedrooms and size of house; note HRV or ERV not required).
  29. LP gas supplier identification required on tanks.
  30. Testing of plastic DWV plumbing pipe with air is no longer allowed.
  31. Storage type water heaters installed where a leak would cause damage now require a pan.
  32. Plumbing vent terminals must be either >10′ away or >3′ above any door or openable window.
  33. All gas piping (including CSST) must be bonded to the grounding electrode system.
  34. At least one electrical outlet to be installed on balcony, deck, or porch of any size.
  35. Foyers >60 sq. ft. now required to have receptacles in each wall 3′ or greater in length.
  36. All receptacles within 6′ of a tub or shower now required to be GFCI protected.
  37. All receptacles in laundry areas now required to be GFCI protected.
  38. Outlets that supply kitchen dishwasher circuits now required to be GFCI protected.
  39. AFCI protection required for all 15 and 20 amp branch circuits supplying outlets.
  40. AFCI protection required when modifying, replacing, or extending a branch circuit.
  41. Grounded conductor (neutral) required to be provided at the switch location.
  42. Receptacles located >5.5′ above the floor not required to be tamper resistant.
  43. Newly constructed homes required to be provided with RADON mitigation preparation.
  44. New building or addition requires Building Official to receive document providing name of concrete suppler and name of concrete installer prior to issuing a Certificate of Occupancy.