No preview available
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 12/16/2003 - PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED CHANGES AND AMENDMENTS ITEM NUMBER 28 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY DATE December 16, 2003 FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL STAFF Felix Lee SUBJECT Public Hearing on Draft Changes and Amendments to the 2003 International Residential Code (IRC) O RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends no action on the draft changes and amendments at this time Public testimony will provide Council and staff with additional information on which to base a decision for later adoption EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this hearing is to provide Council a public forum in which to hear a variety of responses to the draft changes and amendments to the 2003Intemational Residential Code(IRC)(D (the latest version of the nationally-recognized model residential building code) and to obtain information on which to base an informed decision for adoption The draft changes and amendments to the IRCO have undergone a sixteen-month review by staff and aloint Fort Collms-Lanmer County task group This latest residential building code already in effect in much of the country replaces the now-obsolete Uniform Building Code currently adopted by Fort Collins It specifically covers only new one and two-family dwellings and contains some of the most significant potential changes to the Fort Collins Building Code in many years, including important new provisions for • Indoor Air Quality Radon-reducing venting systems and interior moisture control/ ventilation systems • Energy Conservation Updated energy conservation construction standards providing increased energy- conservation and performance and a new optional simplified compliance table • Architectural Features 1) Safer less steep stair geometry with lower risers and greater step depth 2) Lower minimum ceiling height • Structural and Exterior Elements 1) Structural connection from foundation to roof 2) Weather resistant membrane backing behind lap siding December 16, 2003 -2- Item No 28 FINANCIAL IMPACT Fees The draft amendments relocate building permit and plan review fees from the building code to the City Code Chapter 7 5 "Administrative Fees which is administered by the City Manager The change provides greater responsiveness and flexibility to adapt to changing economic conditions and service demands No fees changes are draft except for a new amendment that codifies the current policy for issuing Foundation and Framing (F & F) permits and increases the amount of the flat fee from $150 to$200 An F&F' is a limited conditional permit that allows builders to start and complete construction up to the unfinished structure and shell without paying the full building permit fee and associated Capital Improvement Expansion Fees and other related utility fees Increased Construction Costs The some provisions of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE (IRC) ® and amendments as draft will have impact on the cost of new housing construction See attached summary of estimated increased construction costs BACKGROUND (A) TASK GROUP The local volunteer group made up of building code officials from Fort Collins and Lanmer County City board members, builders private building specialists, and representatives from the Home Builders Association of Northern Colorado has been meeting for the past 16 months examining the model code plus local amendments See the attachment for a list of individual participants Although the Task Group s purpose is to represent a range of perspectives and not to achieve consensus general agreement was achieved on many issues Members were encouraged to, and often did express opinions/suggestions on the draft code update package The major remaining issues are Roof to Foundation Connection No significant net cost increase Cost of IRC requirement for a continuous roof-to foundation connection to resist wind uplift forces will be offset by more extensive wall-bracing provisions currently in effect Stairs The modest cost for actual stairway construction is not the significant issue More important are the constraints associated with compact home designs and the greater floor opening dimensions created by the added 20 inches of horizontal stair length This requirement would have the greatest effect on newer higher density developments containing homes have compact floor plans on smaller lots where a two foot increase in stair length can affect the entire exterior footprint See attached letter from Writer Homes explaining associated hardships Under floor moisture control A vapor retarder is now required on any exposed interior ground surfaces The draft amendments would require scaling and attaching the membrane to the foundation wall Additionally in the 10% - 15% of new homes with suspended structural December 16, 2003 -3- Item No 28 basement floor systems, the new provisions require special criteria for the under floor space below if the basement floor is wood and therefore subject to moisture damage and fungal growth In such cases the draft amendments specify enclosed-combustion or power vented heating and water-heating appliances to reduce the possibility of"down-drafting combustion products into the living space when they are located in basement space above and a moisture ventilation system with a continuously operating fan Radon-resistant construction The IRC® does not mandate radon systems but provides an optional appendix chapter for jurisdictions that opt to do so One of the following three mandatory draft options for only new construction are provided a) Passive system, b) a continuously-operating fan Active system or c)Active system for homes with basements and passive systems elsewhere Siding Weather Backing The IRC®specifies water-resistant membrane( house wrap' )attached to exterior sheathing behind fiber board or hardboard lap siding Energy Conservation IRC®increases wall insulation performance fromR-13 to R 18 IRC®increases windows thermal performance from U-0 5 (R 2)to U-0 35 (R-3)and specifies solar filtering factor (SHGC) of 0 4 HVAC IRC®requires sealing all ductwork Amendment requires frame cavities used as ducts be tested for leakage Amendment stipulates testing for manufacturers specification and for combustion safety Amendment specifies new AC equipment must meet the 2007 Federal efficiency standard upon adoption (B) SCHEDULED PUBLIC MEETINGS DATE/TIME PUBLIC HEARING TYPE • November 20 2003 100 p in Building Review Board • November 20 2003, 5 00 p in Air Quality Advisory Board • December 3, 2003, 6 00 p in Natural Resources Advisory Board • December 4 2003 4 00 p in Affordable Housing Board • December 16 2003 4 00 p in City Council —Public Hearing • December 18 2003 100 p in Building Review Board • January 21, 2004 5 00 p in Electric Board • February 10 2004 6 00 p in City Council Study Session • March (9) 2004 6 00 p in City Council - First Reading December 16, 2003 -4- Item No 28 (C) RANGE OF OPTIONS The draft code changes could have long-term effects in terms of both housing costs and public benefit An itemized overview of estimated home-buyer costs using a model "cost' home and summary table containing a range of possible code provisions with attributed costs are attached to illustrate the possible range of options (D)ATTACHMENTS 1 2003 IRC®Draft Changes &Amendments - Power Point Presentation 2 Task Group Participants 3 Estimated new home buyer costs 4 Range of options for 2003 IRC® REFERENCE MATERIAL 5 Draft code changes and amendments a 2003IRC b Residential Energy Code c Passive Radon Code d Active Radon Code e Basement Active Radon Code 6 Building & Zoning Flyer( mass mailing 11/03 to active homebutlders) 7 News Release City Council Public Hearing (Coloradoan & KCOL 12/9/03) 8 The Case for Conditioned Unvented Crawl Spaces"Building Safety Journal May 2003 pp24 7 9 Guidelines for Design and Construction of New Homes with Below Grade Under-Floor Spaces 10/30/2003 10 ' State of the Science on Molds and Human Health CDC 7/18/2002 11 BSC Final Report Lessons Learned from Building America Participation Feb 1995- Dec 2002 Building Science Corporation February 2003 12 Writer Homes letter dated 11/21/03 13 "Tenth Report on Carcinogens - Glasswool Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service, National Toxicology Program, December 2002 12/10/2003 2003 International Residential Code (IRC)® & Draft Amendments Contents A Purpose & Significance B Public Process C Overview of major draft code changes D Costs & Options A PURPOSE • City adopts latest model codes revised every three years • 1997 UBC in effect-now phased out • Respond to problems revealed in New Home Energy Study Fort Collins Contractor License Regulations Overview 1 12/10/2003 •Three US code organizations merged to publish 2003International Residential Code(IRC)@ • Contains all regulations to build homes including structural mechanical electrical plumbing and energy in ONE inclusive code B PROCESS •A volunteer task group is completing 16 months reviewing IRC and draft amendments •The Task Group Building code officials public board members various builders building specialists and representatives from the Home Builders Association of Northern Colorado TASK GROUP OBIECnWS •Represent range of perspectives via discussion with other participants on IRC and draft amendments • Consensus is not realistic&nor sought • Participants urged to present own recommendations and viewpoints Fort Collins Contractor License Regulations Overview 2 12/10/2003 C MATOR CHANGES &AMENDMENTS 1 ADMINISTRATIVE FEES 2 STRUCTURAL&EXTERIOR 3 ARCHITECTURAL 4 INDOOR AIR QUALITY 5 ENERGY CONSERVATION 1 FEES • Draft amendment relocates fees from building code to Administrative Fees in the City Code adnumstered by City Manager •Adds flexibility and responsiveness to changin economic conditions&service demandg •Current fees and related requirements retained except F&F permits o from$150 to$200 for added processing an inspections 2 STRUCTURAL&EXTERIOR a) IRC adds up-lift connections for continuous load path from rafters to foundation b) IRC—lap siding( hardboard or fiber cement')over approved water barrier— asphalt building paper house wrap etc— that covers exterior structural sheathing Fort Collins Contractor License Regulations Overview 3 12/10/2003 Lap Sidwg Moistm B=Iff •e Fi_b� qId #gbWftaW huldsdaMnpe bwjOn ache ma daMpa PI— dzov 3 ARCHTrECTURAL a)Nbrumum ceding height reduced UBC-90 in IRC-84 in b) Stairs changed-step height lowered and step tread depth increased UBC 8 m &9 rn IRC 7a/4 in &10 in 3 b STAIRS •Many builders now using IRC geometry based on buyer demand and safety •Affects mostly compact homes- adds-2 ft in run length and 6 sq ft to openings through floors Fort Collins Contractor License Regulations Overview 4 12/10/2003 s Nlm® PHEW IP-V �— IRC STAIR SECTION •TA t dI1E.W l N �L USC STAIR SECTION IRC UBC STAIR OVERLAY i A I TI Fort Collins Contractor License Regulations Overview 5 12/10/2003 4 INDOOR AIR QUALITY a) Moisture& Venblabon- IRC ameddmems based on Metro Denver Moisture Task Force recommendations for space under suspended basement wood structural ventilated by continuous fan to deter mold and mcasture damage to structure Structural basement floors now alternate methods & vamms en�uneered systems requned m 10/of basements use of expansive sods New provnsnons offer presmphve standard without engineering and may be less costly Rzpennve morgamc(steel,concrete)floor are allowed with no ventilation 6 members are designed for He of structure � �III iiO y I ILL f w_ _ 7 y , y ® e e e rrirrwYww�rer w.rrww 4bRADON 3 options to be mnsndered in all new homes -Passive radon system with provisions for optional fan installation -Require fan installed at time of construction Require fan only in new homes with basements and passive systems for homes without basements Fort Collins Contractor License Regulations Overview 6 12/10/2003 EXAMPLE COSTS SUMMARY 2ah bogie Ibbb sqn boe &mloe.a g+ aoh bmW aBKmr roaee[IMmcoellaaam veN lhroerb merR MF<syelesa UfrW—Rrbb R�aW COMTactor fontr�cM ConaulbM COMPOIFHf & B NHtitY s "ww 400 150 400 S-hm 300 375 225 Va epa 450 365 275 e pan ouM) 75 65 105 Total ins 1 955 Io05 5 ENERGY CONSERVATION Three mmphance methods 1 Presrnphve-simpler with new smgle table and no detailed calculations but most inflexible 2 Component Performance- Tradeoffs &some prescriptive regnurements 3 Stimulated overall energy performance analystis (energy rating)-performed and tested by certified rater for indiwdual home against standard reference design Thermal Envelope=Windows&Doors Air bamer+Insulation Eificaint Envelope Comfortable Durable Lower energy bills Smaller H+C equipment Fort Collins Contractor License Regulations Overview 7 12/10/2003 5 a Thermal Envelope Prescriptive wall R value increased from R-15 to R-18 •Prescriptive window R-value increased from R-2 to R-3 plus solar shading factor Windows asnccw� aeserrrent wwd 35Uf -R3 '. Sane wivdowu Salenc�u am.minM lU/ otherlersle r Perfomanre Ua r32 13 � .md m 0 51 �'.! i coodens . _ L®fidmg __—_ __ Smallchoonp/cooWglasd 5 b HVAC • All ductwork sealed—mastic or approved foil duct tape •Local—framed duct cavities tested •Local—A/C efficiency to exceed Fed mm from 10 to 12 SEER • Sized per std—over sizing limited •Local—systems tested to mfg specs&safe combustion Fort Collins Contractor License Regulations Overview 8 12/10/2003 Egmpmmt Su g from New Home Study nc trtnu s w ron o � 5 b Egmpmmt Over S=g Issues • Unnecessary first cost of equipment •Increased operating costs •Reduced equipment life more wear/tear 5 c MISC • Interior fiberglass basement insulation protected from damage&release of airborne glass particulates by permanent wall covering •Accessory buildings may be condtboned with reduced wall R value if HVAC is sized for max 600 heat and min 800-cool • Max shower head flow<2 5 gpm Fort Collins Contractor License Regulations Overview 9 12/10/2003 x - x - BMW �BI,PI _CHF�.rt mm� NweaM 20.20N,100pa Fp0do�Ramm dboN N. 20 2003 5 00pm Av QWdY Advmpry llaN D.e 3 M3.600" N anlRa aAdv UB M DaeaM0.2003,400 p.a Ad bk Roam;H Da®MI6,2003,d 000.o C�qCamcd-R�blk 9nneg DecmM10.2W3.I 00Pa l dM Revmr llwN Ja 21 2 5-0O Fle�km BOW FA 10 2001.6U p a aq c.d Sady SaokP OLah(7)2000.6-0 Ra. CkyC l FIwR ms Fort Collins Contractor License Regulations Overview 10 CITY OF FORT COLLINS 2003 IRC TASK GROUP PARTICIPANTS David Anastasio,ABBCO Builders Steve Andrews,EStar Colorado Arlan Barthng,KB Home Dan Bartran,Bartran Construction Ken Bronsert,Bronsert Construction Inc Steve Byers,Energy Smiths Jon Estabrook,B & Z Inspector Steve Foran, Stonefield Homes Isabel Garity,Affordable Housing Board Tom Garton,Lanmer County Building Dept Mike Gebo,B& Z Codes Administrator Bill Gursky KEM Homes Travis Grace, Gibson Heating&Air Terry Heyne, Progressive Living Structures Paul Higman,Thermal Concepts-MASCO Marcha Hill,B & Z Staff Support Michelle Jacobs,HBANCO Justin Jones, Centex Homes Kraig Kemp, KB Home Felix Lee,Director Building& Zoning 2003 IRC Task Group Coordinator Brad Massey,City Fort of Collins BRB John McCoy,Fort Collin BRB Gil Paben,Aspen Construction Bob Peterson,Assoc in Bldg & Dsgn Jim & Jamie Sabin,Aspen Homes of Colo Steve Sanford,Gibson Heating&Air Stage Soriano,B & Z Staff Support Doug Swartz,City Utilities Jun Weisser, Poudre Valley Air Chad Wiese,Centex Homes Brian Woodruff,City Natural Resources Jim Woods,Woods Heating& Cooling ESTIMATED NEW HOME-BUYER COSTS IN DRAFT 2004 BUILDING CODE CHANGES Fees Draft amendment relocates building permit and plan review fees from the building code to the City Code, Chapter 7 5, "Administrative Fees", which is administered by the City Manager The change provides greater responsiveness and flexibility to adapt to changing economic conditions and service demands No fees changes are draft except for a new amendment that codifies the current policy for issuing "Foundation and Frame" (F & F) permits and increases the amount of the flat fee from $150 to $200 An "F & F" permit is a partial permit that allows home builders to start construction and stop with the completed structural frame and shell, without paying the ftill building permit fee and associated Capital Improvement Expansion Fees, and other related utility fees Still an excellent value to the builder and awaiting home buyers with the $50-increase, the F&F process requires the City to process an additional second permit instead of the single complete permit, as many jurisdictions prescribe The $200-F&F fee is designed to cover the additional processing costs and the three to four inspections performed prior to authorizing the final complete ("full')building permit to finish construction and occupy a new home Initial Costs of Buying v Owning a New Home The initial purchase price increase for a new home built under the draft code is estimated in the range of about 2 % to 4 % However, the long-term costs of ownership alone, translated into greater durability and improved energy-efficiency is estimated to absorb perhaps half of the initial outlay through less maintenance over time and a smaller bite from increasingly-escalating energy costs The added benefits reaped in comfort and in a healthier indoor habitat are more difficult to quantify but no less tangible Also, drastically-reduced builder call-backs and consequent builder referrals have been reported by local area builders and as reported in `BSC Final Report Lessons Learned from Building America Participation", Feb 1995-Dec 2002", sponsored by the U S Department of Energy and prepared by Building Science Corporation released in February 2003 and which is included in the Council agenda packet Retail cost estimates shown here are based on information provided by builders, suppliers, and a contract contraction management and consulting firm Labor costs differed greatly and the resulting costs quotes vaned widely from source to source These selected estimated retail costs are associated with specific aspects of the draft IRC and amendments as noted that presumably would be passed on to the home buyer plus builder markup For purposes of comparison, a mid- priced, compact two-story home having 1,000 sq ft of floor area per story with basic finishes, a full basement with typical slab floor is used as the "standard" cost model Actual costs for a particular home will vary according to floor plan, material and product quality, builder profit, architectural complexity, etc 1 Roof to Foundation Connection No significant net cost increase The cost of the IRC requirement for a continuous roof-to-foundation connection to resist wind-uplift forces will be offset by more extensive wall-bracing provisions currently in effect 2 Stairs Estimated added costs for stairways under the IRC are not significantly different at about 10 % of each stairway cost —$200-$400 Perhaps more important are the constraints associated with compact home designs and the larger required floor opening dimensions created by the additional 20 inches of horizontal stair length This requirement will have the greatest effect on newer lugher-density developments containing homes having compact floor plans on smaller lots, where a two-foot increase in stair length can affect the entire exterior footprint Some builders for some house models also will incur the costs associated with re-designing new models to fit available lots Two stairways, estimated direct cost— $400 to $800 3 Under-floor moisture control These new provisions are based on recommendations contained in the report by the Metro Denver moisture-management task force's, "Guidelines for Design and Construction of New Homes with Below-Grade Under-Floor Spaces" of 10/30/2003, as referenced in the Council packet Although a plastic "vapor-retarder" membrane has been required to be placed on any exposed interior ground surfaces for several years, the draft amendments will require the membrane to be sealed and attached to the foundation walls with the addition of fan-powered moisture ventilation in specific cases specifying basement structural floor systems noted below Basement structural floor This specialized design condition is currently required in—10%to 15%of new homes to avoid damage by providing a structural basement floor system suspended over expansive soils below A wood basement structural floor system is probably the least expensive alternative over inorganic systems such as a commercial type corrosion-resistant steel floor or reinforced concrete structural floor Where structural wood basement floor systems subject to damage from moisture and fungal growth are installed,the added costs are for ventilating the under-floor space and for sealing and attachment of heavy-duty membrane material to foundation walls The added costs include— $3 50 to $5 00 per lineal ft of foundation($450 to $650) Also required but more energy-efficient, are either enclosed- combustion or power-vented heating and water-heating appliances that reduce the possibility of"down-drafting"combustion products into the living space when appliances are located in the basement, adding—$800- $1,200 Finally, an additional —$400 to $600 for moisture ventilation pipe and fan is needed if an "active"radon-venting system is not otherwise required Total added est costs for structural wood basement floor— $1,650 to $2,450 4 Radon-resistant construction The cost of a "Passive" system under a typical basement slab, depending on conditions encountered such as sub-slab gravel base provided, gravel imported, existing native fill base pipe loop collector, etc "Passive"Rn system— $1,000 to $1,600 Or"Active"Rn system— $1,200 to $1,900 5 Siding Weather Backing The IRCO specifies water-resistant membrane (house wrap, water-resistant sheathing, asphalt building paper, etc) attached to exterior sheathing behind fiber board or hardboard lap siding estimated at — $2 50 - $5 00 per lineal foot of exterior wall per story Siding weather backing— $650 to $1,350 6 Energy Conservation a) IRC®increases wall insulation performance from R-15 to R-18 — $0 75 - $1 50 per sq fl of exterior wall area A draft local amendment would also require vinyl-faced fiberglass insulation commonly used in unfinished basements to be protected from damage and release of airborne fiberglass particles with permanent wall covering or insulate the exterior foundation walls with more costly materials Adding an additional estimated cost of—$1,000 to $1,300 Increased wall insulation& covered basement insulation- $2,600 to $4,500 b)IRC®increases windows thermal performance from U-0 5 (R-2)to U-0 35 (R-3) and specifies solar filtering factor(SHGC) of 0 4, including sliding glass door Higher-performing windows— $400 to $800 c) HVAC ■ IRC®requires sealing all ductwork(current code requires ducts to be"substantially air-tight') Seal all ductwork— $200 to $400 • Amendment requires either ducted return or return-air frame cavities be tested for leakage Entirely-ducted system or tested return-air framing cavities— $400 to $800 ■ Amendment stipulates testing for mfg specs /combustion safety HVAC tested per mfg specs and combustion safety— $200 to $300 ■ Amendment specifies new AC equipment meets 2007 Federal efficiency standard now New AC equipment meets 2007 Fed Efficiency Standards— $400 to $500 Total estimated buyer costs of draft code changes— $6,250 to $11,350 Note 1 Costs for structural wood basement floor not included in cost model home Only 10%or less new homes use a structural wood basement floor 2 Low cost includes passive radon system 3 High cost includes active radon system f , ) w08E x x ) " $ ) / \ ( w x x x x xx x x / § J &/ e \\ 2 , x x x x x x x x x » ; ! 2CIL x x x x x xx x x a o u2I = § w k ! x x x x x xx x X ) m / B u $K ) , / { 24 ƒƒ§ § § x x x x x xx x xCq) / ) u \ 4k] 7 & 2 � § \ I , \ / k \ f f , f ) s \ \ . a « ~ k ; k \ ( • J� � e ■ u « £ a EEj \ kf77 } § � { a7 & ! * ■ eaf ; / f� � ( & o uuEa %= E= 7= E& I2Ea § «Ea \ &3J1 3 f/ CITY OF FORT COLLINS PROPOSED AMENDMENTS AND DELETIONS TO THE 2003 IRC QJUF, 12/09/2003 CHAPTERS 1- 10 Revised text is highlighted underlined, Explanation for revisionintext box Latest revisions are also bold CHAPTER 1 - ADMINISTRATION (1) Section R104 10 1 ►s amended to read as follows "R104101 Areas prone to flooding The building official shall not grant modifications to any provision related to areas prone to flooding as established by ((City Storm water stds}} " To be revised to include local flood plain regulabons and City Storm Water Utility standards (2) Section R105 "PERMITS"is amended in the following respects (a) Section R105 2 is amended as follows "R105 2 Work exempt from permit Permits shall not be required for the following Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction Building I Detached accessory buildings used for lawn and_garden WaWent storage, tool storage and snmlar uses provided such buildings do not exceed one hundred twgity(120)RgM= feet (I 115 m�)of floor area nor et* (8) feet( m) in height, do not hgMflflpmmable hatuds in quantities exceeding ten (10) gallons (31)_per binkhog and are constntcted entirely of noncombustible_ materials when located less than three (3) feet from an adloinmg property line 2 Fences not over 6 feet(1829 mm)high 3 Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge 4 Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1 5 Platforms and decks intended for human oq0A&Vcy or walkMg that are determuned not to be la and or p—lay eguipment. walks and driveways, all of which are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent gra a and are not over any basement or story below 6 Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countga Wps and similar finish work 7-Prefabricated and portable MMUM or wading po0,ts, hots or seas when the walls are entirely above grade and which cannot contain water migaUhan twenty-four (24) inches dd9m 8 Swings and other play or playground egmpment,-tueludmg elevated nla -h-o-t s not exceedma (124) square feet f 11 15 m�) of floor arm nor eightt(8) feet ( m) in height measured from We floor to the highest point of such Mon.n designed and used exclusively for piav 9 Window awnings on Group R Division 3 and Group_U Occupancies projiggAN not more than 54 inches 0372 mm) window replacement requmn no o _structural alteration and when such work is determined not to be IustoncaUv sigmfiop storm window, storm door and rain gutter installation 10 Roofing repair or replacement work not exceeding one square of Covering per bm7dmg i I Reg-laeement of nonstructural siding 12 Minor work valued at less than fivelred dollars ($500) when such rpmor work does not involve alteration of structural components. fire-rated assemblies piumbmg electrical mechanical or fire-extmgmshmg systems" Revisions retain current exemptions under the UBC and add language to cover elevated tree and play houses (b) Section R105 3 11 is amended to read as follows 1IR105 3 11 Substantially improved or substantially damaged existing buildings in areas prone to flooding For applications for reconstruction,rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of existing buildings or structures located in an area prone to flooding as established by ((City Storm water stds)}" To be revised to include local flood plain regulations and City Storm Water Utility standards (c) "Sechon R105 9"is added, reading as follows "11105 9 Premises Identification The approved permit number and street address number shall be displayed and be plauilv visible and legible from the_pubhc street or road fronting the property on which any new building is being constructed Retains the current property I D requirements and adds postmg of permit# now required by policy (d) "Section R10510"is added, reading as follows "R10510 Transfer of permits A current valid building perimt maybe transferred from one party to another upon written apnhcoon to the Buuldme Official When any Changes are made to the ongmal plans and swifications substantially differ fram the glans submitted with the permit, as determined by the Building Official a new plan review fee shall hgpaid as calculated in accordance with Section 108 A fee of fifty dollars ($50) shall be aid to cover administrative costs for all building permit transfers No change shall be made in the qNpiration date of the on ►g nai permit" A new provision that formally adds flexibility for both permit holders and property owners 2 y (3) Section R106, "Submittal documents '; is amended to read as follows R1061 Submittal documents Construction documents, special inspection and structural observation programs, and other data shall be submitted in one or more sets with each application for a permit The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed Where special conditions exist, the building official is authorized to require additional construction documents to be prepared by a registered design professional Exception The building official is authorized to waive the submission of construction documents and other data not required to be prepared by a registered design professional if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such that reviewing of construction documents is not necessary to obtain compliance with this code RI0611 Information on construction documents Construction documents shall be drawn upon suitable material Electronic media documents are permitted to be submitted when approved by the building official Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code and relevant laws, ordinances,rules and regulations, as determined by the building official R10612 Manufacturer's installation instructions Manufacturer's installation instructions, as required by this code, shall be available on the job site at the time of inspection R106 13 Information for construction to areas prone to flooding For buildings and structures in flood hazard areas as established by {{City Storm water stds}} R10614 9rgd= @er-fqrmaM vlaw and ceKUftate Every bwLdr�ggpemut anphcation for a new bwYdwe regulated by tbts code shall be accompanied by a site dEMqUe plan as Prescribed by City standards R1061.5 Exterior to envelope Coustruchon documents for ail hMmgs shall describe ft ea r wall g ve ge„la sufficient deta to dete a compliance with this codg er !lith Sin 402 of the Fart Collins �1�11tAL F VERGY CUNSF-RYAU N CEDE. When apnlieable as determieefl by the kn oft conshra tio� n documents sabMIU0 as Part of the bgdftg gfMt ap AMon shall provide details of the extenor wgll envelogg as g=HrA,, mcludinsflf fte. iinteagei gs wilh dtimahg matentll�, corners, end detiIL control Mob,hlterseedons at roof. eaves. or parapetb m f,�i {r gslge, w}ter-reahtrve a mbraim and details around opolM The construction documents dude gMufactuda instafffto IgstMeftions that provide=g1rdns documentation that the Proposed Penetration And gggin details described in the conSMMen ftyjIg is Ipaktaa lk weaHter EgUftM of the exterior wall envelope `The L%ggprtWm n shah pla fully desenire the extenor wall system which was tested,where applicable.as well as the test procedure used R106 2 Site plan The construction documents submitted with the application for permit shall be accompanied by a site plan showing the size and location of new construction and existing structures on the site and distances from lot lines In the case of demolition, the site plan shall show construction to be demolished and the location and size of existing structures and 3 construction that are to remain on the site or plot The site plan shall mtlude a grading performance plan as specified m R10614 To be revised to include local flood plain regulabons and City Storrs Water Utility standards Includes new moisture control provisions from the Denver Metro HBA MMTF recommendations (4) Section R107, TEMPORARY STRUCTURES AND USES", is deleted in its entirety No need for Temporary Structures and Uses related to Single and Two family dwellings (5) Section R108, "FEES". is revised to read as follows Fees relocated to Chapter 7 5 of the City Code Administrative Fees as administered by the City Manager Reviswns retain current fees and code requirements under the UBC except for F&F"permits which are now$150 by policy and the change that decreases the valid plan review period from 180 to 90 days "SECTION 108 FEES 1IR1081 Payment of fees A permit shall not be valid until the fees prescribed by law have been paid Nor shall an amendment to a permit be released until the additional fee, if any, has been paid R108.2 Schedule of permit fees. A fee for tAgh btWa On—gut AM Oka renm shall be card to the building official as set forth in Eton 7S-88 of the CODE OF THE CITY OF FOR COLLINS R108 j Work a ,no-e, tmg before permit issuNto Any t1MA Who commences M Hark on a buil structure pleomcal gas mdcltauteal or, nluutbmg mm= before obtaitima the necessary,per its snail be subject to an addLdonal fee eoual Lothe permitfec R108.4 Related fees The payment of the fee for the construction, alteration, removal or demolition for work done in connection with or concurrently with the work authorized by a building permit shall not relieve the applicant or holder of the permit from the payment of other fees that are prescribed by law R1 8.5 Expiratiau of plan review ApghoUons for which no jgMA is h%%W within jM 90 days following the date of a 00-11on shall expire,h5+ hmrtation_Od RIM MbMftd for code- comphiance review may thereafter be rtturried to the amfhcard or destroyed by the building official The building official may extend the time for action by the apphF"for a po1wnot exceedmg 4-N 90 days upon written Mguest by the apphcant showing that circumstances beyond the control of the aonhcant have prevented action from bating men In order to reriew action on an application after expiration,the applicant shall resubmit plans and plan review fee as proyided in this Code 4 E on EIM Eogew-edor affordable is S 6-6 1 of the Code of City of Fort Collins, such eicpna#itm'WW occur when no 2mmt is issued within 180 days Mewmp the date of ggggit application R108 6 Fee refunds The City Manager may authorize the refunding of any fee pazd hereunder that was eironeously patd or collected The buildmg_gfficial may m9horige the refunding of 80% of a nlan review fee or buddmg permit fee to %e annhcaut Wbp pAd such.fee pursuant to Sections RI08.2 go R108 6.pr vlded the plan review or work M9b, � n er a penxi t issued m a cordaace with this.Code is withdrawn or cancelled and has not commended and provided such plan review or permit is valid and not expired as set forth in Sections 105.5 and 108 5 Prior to authoW_ip ft refunding of any fee trail to tie ong�nal Whom or Wrim g,.. a written request from such party must be submitted to the City within 190 days of t ie date of the fee payment" (6) Sechon 109, "INSPECTIONS". is amended to read as follows "SECTION 109 INSPECTIONS R1091 Types of inspections For on-site construction, from time to tune the bwldmg official, upon notification from the permit holder or his agent, shall make or cause to be made any necessary inspections and shall either approve that portion of the construction as completed or shall notify the permit holder or his or her agent wherein the same fails to comply with this code R109 1 1 Foundation inspection Inspection of the foundation shall be made after poles or piers are set or trenches or basement areas are excavated and any required forms erected and any required reinforcing steel is in place and prior to the placing of concrete The foundation inspection shall include excavations for thickened slabs intended for the support of bearing walls, partitions, structural supports, or equipment and special requirements for wood foundations R10912 Plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical systems inspection Preliminary inspection of plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical systems shall be made prior to covering or concealment, before fixtures or appliances are set or installed, and prior to framing inspection Exception Ground-source heat pump loop systems tested in accordance with Section M2105 1 shall be permitted to be backfilled prior to inspection R10913 Floodplain inspections For construction permitted in areas prone to flooding as established by Table R301 2(1), upon placement of the lowest floor, including basement, and prior to further vertical construction, the building official shall require submission of a certification, prepared by a registered professional engineer or land surveyor, of the elevation of the lowest floor, including basement,required in Section R323 To be revised to include local flood plain regulabons and City Storm Water Utility standards R109 14 Frame and masonry inspection Inspection of framing and masonry construction shall be made after the roof, masonry, all frammg, firestopping, draftstopping and bracing are in place and after the plumbing, mechanical and electrical rough inspections are approved 5 R10915 Fire-resistance-rated construction inspection Where fire-resistance-rated construction is required between dwelling units or due to location on property, the building official shall require an inspection of such construction after all lath and/or wallboard is in place,but before any plaster is applied, or before wallboard joints and fasteners are taped and finished R1091 b Site§VM MoiMed A SM41 of mvement location ga icate of the site on which a new or additi bw'Idw„ir on be is to cata§UMccVd may be rgut dtr, —by the btn14"offiicaal to verify that the structure is located in accordance with the approved plans and any other regulations of the City R109 1 7 Final inspection Final inspection shall be made after the permitted work is complete and prior to occupancy R109 1 S Other inspections In addition to the inspections above, the building official may make or require any other inspections to ascertain compliance with this code and other applicable laws enforced by the building official R109 2 Inspection agencies The building official is authorized to accept reports of approved agencies,provided such agencies satisfy the requirements as to qualifications and reliability 109 3 Inspection requests It shall be the duty of the permit holder or their agent to notify the building official that such work is ready for inspection It shall be the duty of the person requesting any inspections required by this code to provide access to and means for inspection of such work R109 4 Approval required Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the building official The building official, upon notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall either indicate the portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed, or shall notify the permit holder or an agent of the pernut holder wherein the same fails to comply with tlus code Any portions that do not comply shall be corrected and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the building official Revised to include provisions for site survey or Improvement Location Cerlificate as currently required M Section R110, "CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY", is amended to read as follows "SECTION R110 CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY R1101 Use and occupancy No building or structure shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof shall be made until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy therefor as provided herein Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction Certificates presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid 6 Exception Work exempt from pemuts under Section R105 2 and accessory buildings and structures as noted in Section R1012 R110 2 Change in use Changes in the character or use of an existing structure shall not be made except in conformance with the general building code enacted by the City R110 3 Certificate issued After the building official inspects the building or structure and finds no violations of the provisions of this code or other laws that are enforced by the department of building safety, the building official shall issue a certificate of occupancy which shall contain the following 1 The building permit number 2 The address of the structure 3 The name and address of the owner 4 A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued 5 A statement that the described portion of the structure has been inspected for compliance with the requirements of this code 6 The name of the building official 7 The edition of the code under which the permit was issued 8 If an automatic sprinkler system is provided 9 Any special stipulations and conditions of the building perrmt R110 4 Temporary occupancy The building official is authorized to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit, provided that such portion or portions shall be occupied safely The building official shall set a time period during which the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid R110 5 Revocation The building official shall, in writing, suspend or revoke a certificate of occupancy issued under the provisions of this code wherever the certificate is issued in error, or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or where it is determined that the building or structure or portion thereof is in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this code" Revised to retain current exceptions for C 0 s (8) Section R112, "BOARD OF APPEALS", is amended to read as follows "SECTION R112 BOARD OF APPEALS 112.1 General. The Building Review Board(hereafter "Board") as established in Section 2-117 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby empowered m accordance with the ores set forth in this Section to hear and to decide appeals of ordeM decision& or determinations made by the bMldmg official relative to the application and inte . on of tin code and to the suitability of ahernate matelj.4ts or alternate methods of construction The building official shall bean ex officio member of the Board without vote and shall serve as tie Secretary of the Board The Board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its busum and shall render'all decisions and findings in writing 7 112 2 ApnlicationdReaivigr When a budding_pemut a mkO or a ho142off a budding smut desires rehef from any decision of the btnldmg_oflicial related to the enforces cgJ of flus code except as is otherwise hmited m Sechon 105 4, such building permit appheant, buddmg pen mt holder, or W esentaUve thereof way_appeal the decision of the but dmmg official to the Board stating that such decision by the building offigal was based an an erroneous mterrrretaUon of the building regulations or that an alternate design, alternate matenals and/or the alternate methods of combuctton proposed by the appellantt ate eawvalent to those Oescnbed by this code considenng gMctural strength effectiveness fire resistance, durabrhty, safety and any other p@rtmentfactors The Board shall hear and decide all appeal made to it and shall have thq anOt to rule m favor of the appellant when the Board determines that the m9Mretation of the bud4mg regulations of the city by the bmldmg official was erroneous or when the Board detWgmes an alternate design, alternate materials and/or the altemate methods gro 0, d by the alVellatrt are eawvalent to those prescribed by this code considering_stnaetural strength, effectiveness fire resistance durability, safety and any other pertinent factors The Board shall require that sufficient evidence be submitted to substanttate any clamis made regar_a g the proposed alternate desigm- alternate matenals andlar altemate methods of constmction A quorum of four (4)members shall be necessary for any meeting of the Board 112 3 Fees and Notification Persons desmng to appeal to the Board any decision of the bwldmg official proyided in this section shall.at the Writ of fiME such appeal icy to the city ail g fee m the amount of fifty dollars ($50) Wptto notice of hmmas shall be given to the AmxUant and with resp�t to requests for e— eptions or vanances authonaxd pursuatrt to Section 1101 1 of the UNIFORM BLfI RL G CODE as enacted by the City, to the secretary to the Commission on Disability, at least three (3) days prior to the heanng by madmit the same to such party's last kttown address by regular U S mail 112 4 Limitations The Building Review Board shall have no authonty with respect to any of the following functions 1 The administration of this code, 2 Waivmg_mgW—gments of this code except as prgvided for,pursuant to this Section 3 Modifvmg the wykcabIg provisions of or rg_a tma variances to this code, or approyinit the use of alternate designs alternate materials and/or dtemate methods of construction except as provided form this Sectitm and based u, mr a specific appeal from a detenitinauon or decision of the baildmg_official on an iitdiyMusll tale basis and 4 MgL&,Lu mg� temretuig or ruling an the a &9lb-I—I& or mtent of the wnnig and land use regulations or other laws of the city excent as exprgssly empowered otherwise Revisions retain current BRB appeals procedures 8 CHAPTER 2 - DEFINITIONS (9) Section R202, "DEFINITION'; is amended in the following respects (a) The term "BUILDING OFFICIAL'; is revised to read as defined in the UNIFORM BUILDING CODE as enacted by the City as follows "BUILDING OFFICIAL The Persoo designated by the City Manaser who is charged with the admunstration and enforcement of this code,and such person's authorized mpre- sentative(s)" (b) The term, "City" is added in alphabetical sequence to read as follows "City Is defined as set forth in the CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS (c) The tern, "Dwelling"is revised to read as follows "Dwellme Is defined as set forth m the land use regulations of the City" (d) The term, "Dwelling Unit"is revised to read as follows "Dwellma Unit 1§ defined as act forth m the land use regulations of the City" (e) The tern, "FAMILY" is added in alphabetical sequence to read as defined in the UNIFORM BUILDING CODE as enacted by the City as follows "FAMILY Is defined as set forth in the land use regulations of the City" (t) The term, "FLOOR AREA"is added in alphabetical sequence to read as defined in the UNIFORM BUILDING CODE as enacted by the City as follows "FLOOR AWA The go iricluded I hie surroundmg 44m.1 walls 2f a bmldmj or portion thereof exclusive a€ vent sand courts The floor area of a Wdmg, or nortton thereof, not provided with surrouILt exterior walls shall be the usable area under the horizontal Mlection of the Mf or floor above" (g) The tern, "Grade" is revised to read as defined in the UNIFORM BUILDING CODE as enacted by the City follows 66GRADE (A_WA CENT GROUND ELEVATION) The lowgst oomt of elevation of the finished surface of the gr ynA pavM&or Sdewa k with the area between the building and the property lme or when the pr2perty Ime is more than 5 feet (1524 mm) fiom the building,between the building and a line 5 feet from the building" 9 (h) The term "Habitable Space'; is revised to read as follows "HABITABLE SPACE A space in a building for living, sleeping, eating or cooking, bathing and personal hygiene Closets, halls, storage or utility spaces and similar areas are not considered habitable spaces " (�) The term "ROOM, SLEEPING (BEDROOM)". is added in alphabetical sequence to read as defined in the UNIFORM BUILDING CODE as enacted by the City as follows "ROOM SLEEPING BEDROOM) A habitable room within a Dwelling unit designed primarily for the purpose of sleeping Built-in features such as closets and similar storage facilities shall not be considered as relevant factors in determining whether or not a room is a sleeping room" �) The term "Site". is added in alphabetical sequence to read as defined in the UNIFORM BUILDING CODE as enacted by the City as follows "SITE A parcel of land bounded by a property line or a designated portion of a public right-of-way" (k) The term, "TOWNHOUSE"; is revised to read as follows "TOWNHOUSE A single-family dwelling unit constructed in a group of two or more attached individual units, each of winch is separated from the other from the foundation to the roof and is located entirely on a sedarakil recorded and platted parcel of land(site) bounded by property lines that is deeded exclusively for such smale-faintly dwelling" (1) The term "UNUSUALLY TIGHT CONSTRUCTION" is revised to read as follows "UNUSUALLY TIGHT CONSTRUCTION Construction meeting the following requirements 1 Doors and operable windows meet the N -mfiltrahon r uuemeei is Section 402 7 2 of the FORT COLLINS RESIDENTIAL ETJER6YCONSERVATIONCODE 2 Caulking or sealant are applied to areas such as joints around window and door frames between sole plates and floors, between wail-ceiling joints, between wall panels, at penetrations for plumbing, electrical and gas lines, and at other openings " Revisions to Definitions retain current code requirements and clarify application with specific new language CHAPTER 3 - BUILDING PLANNING (10) Section 30113, "Engineered Design", is revised to read as follows "R30113 Engineered design When a building of otherwise conventional light-frame construction contains structural elements not conforming to this code, these elements shall be 10 designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice The extent of such design need only demonstrate compliance of nonconventional elements with other applicable provisions and shall be compatible with the performance of the conventional framed system Engineered design, in accordance with the general building code enacted by the City, is permitted for all buildings, structures, and portions thereof included in the scope of this code Revision retains current code option under the UBC and parallels update in the 20021RC Supplement (11) Table R3012(1)r "Climatic and Geographic Design cntena". is revised to read as follows TABLE R301 2(1), "CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA GROUND WMD SEISMIC SUBJECT TO DAMAGE FROM WINTER AIR MEAN FLOOD SNOW SPEEDe DESIGN DESIGN FREEZING ANNUAL HAZARDS LOAD CATEGORY TEMP War TEMPg Weathering, Rod IW Frost line Terrorist D..y° Damm6ig doo 30psf loomph B Severe No 30 inch Slight to None to +10 F 1436 4 1$4 762mm Moderate Slight 17°C For SI 1 pound per square foot= 0 0479 kN/m 0 , 1 mile per hour= 1 609 km/h a Weathering may require a higher strength concrete or grade of masonry than necessary to satisfy the structural requirements of this code The weathering column is based on the weathering index (i e , "severe") for concrete as determined from the Weathering Probability Map [Figure R301 2 (3)] The grade of masonry units shall be determined from ASTM C 34, C 55, C 62, C 73, C 90, C 129, C 145, C 216 or C 652 b Nug exposure category shall be deternned on a site-specific basis m accordance v✓ith Section R301.2 14 c Based on the avglra"gg daily temneratiire in January gate;than 25° F (40 Q o; where the history of local damage of from the effects of ice damming is not substan#al d "None to slight" m accordance with Figure R301 2(7) e Date of the City of Fart Collins entry,into the NatioiAl F19 i�Insn=ce Program (date of adoD#ott of the first code or o;F icy�nWO for.r agepuggt of flood a .fib)the dates) of the currently effective FIRM and FBFM. or other flood hazard raw adopted by the community f The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the 100-year return period air freezing index (BF-days) from Figure R403 3(2) or from the 100-year (99%)value on the National Climatic Data Center data table "Air Freezing Index- USA Method (Base 3211 Fahrenheit)" at www ncdc noaa gov/fpsf html g The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the mean annual temperature from the National Climatic Data Center data table "Air Freezing Index-USA Method (Base 3211 Fahrenheit)"at www ncdc noaa gov/fpsf html Revisions retain current code provisions under the UBC that eliminates Roof Ice Damming requirements and arlde ncr"nnfcnnnoc fnr I:Ir vi H=7nrrlc Av Frnn7lnn Inrlav and Mann Cnminl Tcmn (12) A new Section R301215, "Basic Wind Speed'; is added to read as follows "R301.2 15 Basic Wmd Sneed. The `,§ppcial VJmd Re¢,tom" as indicated on Figure 301 2(4) of this Code shall apply using a "13asie Wind SP4gd"of 100110 tom'hour (161 kph) based on the exposure category as described in Section 304 214,or the equivalent pressure thereto Revision specfies local wind speed measurement standard (13) Section R302 1 "Exterior walls", is revised to read as follows R3021 Exterior walls Exterior walls with a fire separation distance less than 3 feet (914mm)shall have not less than a one-hour fire-resistive rating with exposure from both sides Projections shall not extend to a point closer than 2 feet (610 min) from the line used to determine the fire separation distance Exception Detached garages accessory to a dwelling located within 2 feet of a lot line may have roof eave projections not exceeding 4 inches Projections extending into the fire separation distance shall have not less than one-hour fire- resistive construction on the underside The above provisions shall not apply to walls which are perpendicular to the line used to detemime the fire separation distance Exceptions 1 Tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar structures exempted from permits by Section R105 2 are not required to provide wall protection based on location on the lot Projections beyond the extenor wall shall not extend over the lot line 2 Cenarated bu_d mhW on the same property (site) MU be considered as portions of one building hrovided that buildings or porttons thereof winch are clashed as ggr eat s or carports or buildings housing accessory uses that are not exempted firm its by the preg0mg exception, and winch are located by a fire-separation dlstance of less than 36 inches (91$ min) from a dwealimz am seliarated from such dweiitng_as prescribed by Section R349 The new 2nd exception is consistent with the current adopted UBC for more than one building on a property (14) Section R303 2, "Adjoining Rooms'; is revised to read as follows R303 2 Adjoining rooms For the purpose of determining light and ventilation requirements, any room shall be considered as a portion of an adjoining room when at least one-half of the area of the common wall is open and unobstructed and provides an opening of not less than one-tenth of the floor area of the interior room but not less than 25 square feet(2 32 mZ) Exceptions 1 Light and ventilation for an interior room may be swohed from an adiomms extenor room provided the following conditions are met a) The common wall is provided with ovenable openmas having an ageregate area of not less than one-twentieth(1/20)of the floor Ma of the intenor room 12 b) The silt momm¢ exterior roam has oWnable exterior op mngs for Wit and ventilation as requued in this section,, plus additional such openings not less in area than the amount required for the interior room 2 Openings required for light and/or ventilation shall be permitted to open into a thermally isolated sunroom addition or patio cover, provided that there is an openable area between the adjoining room and the sunroom addition or patio cover of not less than one-tenth of the floor area of the interior room but not less than 20 square feet (1 86 m2) The minimum openable area to the outdoors shall be based upon the total floor area being ventilated The first exception is consistent with the current 97 UBC as amended (15) Section R303 8, "Required Heating'; is revised to read as follows R303 6 Required heating Every dwelling unit shall be provided with ,yeermaneutly installed heating facilities capable of maintaining a minimum room temperature of 68°F (20°C) at a point 3 feet (914 mm) above the floor and 2 feet(610 mm)from exterior walls in all habitable rooms at the design temperature The installation of one or more portable space heaters shall not be used to achieve compliance with this section Revision clarifies provision in order to preclude portable heating equipment as qualifying for heating facilities (16) Section R304, "MINIMUM ROOM AREAS", is revised to read as follows "MINIMUM ROOM AREAS R304 1 Minimum area Every dwelling unit shall have at least one habitable room that shall have not less than 120 square feet(11 2 m z) of gross floor area R304 2 Other rooms Other habitable rooms shall have a floor area of not less than 70 square feet(6 5 in 2) Exception Toilet rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens R304 3 Minimum dimensions Habitable rooms shall not be less than 7 feet (2134 mm) in any horizontal dimension Exception Kitchens toilet rooms and bathrooms R304 4 Height effect on room area 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 mimmurn required habitable area for that room" Revisions eliminate minimums in the rooms noted The IRC contains specific provisions for clearances around bathroom fixtures (17) Section R309 2 "Separation Required". is revised to read as follows 13 1IR309 2 Separation required The garage shall be separated from the residence and its attic area by not less than r a-inch (12 7 mm) gypsum board applied to the garage side Garages with adjoining habitable rooms above them shall be separated from all such rooms by not less than 5/8 inch (16 mm) Type X gypsum wallboard or equivalent %Vhed to the ggrage side ceiling Where the separation is a floor-ceiling assembly, the structure supporting the separation shall also be protected by not less than r n-inch(12 7 min) gypsum board or equivalent" Revisions include new requirement for 5/8 in gyp board on garage ceding side of a habitable room-garage separation as is currently require by the UBC (18) Section R310 "EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENINGS". is revised to read as follows "SECTION R310 EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENINGS R3101 Emergency escape and rescue required Basements with habitable spaee a ceilm height of 84 inches(2134 min) or more and every sleeping room shall have at least one openable emergency escape and rescue opening Where basements contain one or more sleeping rooms, emergency egress and rescue openings shall be required in each sleeping room, but shall not be required in adjoining areas of the basement Where emergency escape and rescue openings are provided they shall have a sill height of not more than 44 inches (1118 mm) above the floor Where a door opening having a threshold below the adjacent ground elevation serves as an emergency escape and rescue opening and is provided with a bulkhead enclosure, the bulkhead enclosure shall comply with Section 310 3 The net clear opening dimensions required by this section shall be obtained by the normal operation of the emergency escape and rescue opening from the inside Emergency escape and rescue openings with a finished sill height below the adjacent ground elevation shall be provided with a window well in accordance with Section R310 2 R310 1 1 Minimum opening area All emergency escape and rescue openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5 7 square feet(0 530 in 2 ) Exception Grade floor openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5 square feet(0 465 m 2) R310 12 Minimum opening height The minimum net clear opening height shall be 24 inches (610 mm) R310 13 Minimum opening width The mimmum net clear opening width shall be 20 inches (508 mm) R31014 Operational constraints Emergency escape and rescue openings shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools R310 2 Window wells The minimum horizontal area of the window well shall be 9 square feet (0 84 mz), with a mmmnum horizontal unobstructed projection and width of 36 inches (914 mm) The area of the window well shall allow the emergency escape and rescue door or window opening to be fully opened 14 Exceptions 1 The ladder or steps required by Section R310 2 1 shall be permitted to encroach a maximum of 6 inches(152 mm)into the required dimensions of the window well 2 With the window in* full open msition, the bottom window well step may MmWh a ma MM of 12 mches (304 mm) into the minimum horizontal projection, provided the well meets the followita criteria 2 1 De bottom of the well is not less than 36 inches wide (912 min centered lhorizoatally on the_gpenable portion of the emergency escape and rescue door or window,and 2 2 An unobstructed clear horizontal praiection of 36 inches 012 i 11s i�amtain — at the cen tedine of the openable portion of the emergency escape and rescue door or window R310 21 Ladder and steps Window wells with a vertical depth greater than 44 inches (1118 nun) shall be equipped with a permanently affixed ladder or steps usable with the window in the fully open position Ladders or steps required by this section shall not be required to comply with Sections R311 5 and R311 6 Ladders or rungs shall have an inside width of at least 12 inches (305 mm), shall project at least 3 inches (76 mm) from the wall and shall be spaced not more than 18 inches (457 mm) on center vertically for the full height of the window well R310.3 Bulkhead enclosures Bulkhead enclosures shall provide direct access to the basement The bulkhead enclosure with the door panels in the fully open position shall provide the mimmum net clear opening required by Section R310 1 1 Bulkhead enclosures shall also comply with section R314 9 R310 4 Bars, grills, covers and screens Bars, grills, covers, screens or smular devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings, bulkhead enclosures, or window wells that serve such openings, provided the mimmum net clear opening size complies with Sections R310 1 1 to R310 13, and such devices shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening" Revisions include new provision for escape openings that would be dictated by ceiling height regardless of whether basement has habitable space at the time of construction and new exception to allow stepped wells (19) Section R311 is revised in its entirety to read as follows 15 "Section R311 Means of Egress R311 1 General Stairways, ramps, exterior exit balconies, hallways and doors shall comply with this section R3112 Construction R3112 1 Attachment Exterior exit balconies, stairs and similar exit facilities shall be positively anchored to the primary structure to resist both vertical and lateral forces Such attachment shall not be accomplished by use of toenails or nails subject to withdrawal R3112 2 Under stair protection Enclosed accessible space under stairs shall have walls, under stair surface and any soffits protected on the enclosed side with '/2 - inch (12 7 mm) gypsum board R3113 Hallways The muumum width of a hallway shall be not less than 3 feet(914 mm) R3114 Doors R31141 Exit door required Not less than one exit door conforming to this section shall be provided for each dwelling unit The required exit door shall provide for direct access from the habitable portions of the dwelling to the exterior without requiring travel through a garage Access to habitable levels not having an exit in accordance with this section shall be by a ramp in accordance with Section R311 6 or a stairway in accordance with Section R3311 5 R3114 2 Door type and size The required exit door shall be a side-hinged door not less than 3 feet(914 min) in width and 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) in height Other doors shall not be required to comply with these mimmum-dimensions R3114 3 Landings at doors There shall be a floor or landing on each side of each exterior door Exception Where a stairway of not more than two risers is located on the exterior side of a door, other than the required exit door, a landing is not required for the exterior side of the door The floor or landing at the exit door required by Section R311 4 1 shall not be more than 15 inches (38 mm) lower than the top of the threshold The floor or landing at exterior doors other than the exit door required by Section R311 4 1 shall not be required to comply with this requirement but shall have a rise no greater than that permitted in Section R311 5 3 Exception In other than accessory buildings, the floor or The landing at an exterior doorway shall not be more than 7 3/4 inches (196 mm) below the top of the threshold, provided the door, other than an exterior storm or screen door does not swing over the landing The width of each landing shall not be less than the door served Every landing shall have a minimum dimension of 36 inches (914 mm) measured in the direction of travel 16 R3114 4 Type of lock or latch All egress doors shall be readily openable from the side from which egress is to be made without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort R311 5 Stairways R31151 Width Stairways shall not be less than 36 inches (914 nun) in clear width at all points above the permitted handrail height and below the required headroom height Handrails shall not project more than 4 5 inches (114 min) on either side of the stairway and the minimum clear width of the stairway at and below the handrail height, including treads and landings, shall not be less than 315 inches (787 nun) where a handrail is installed on one side and 27 inches (698 min)where handrails are provided on both sides Exception The width of spiral stairways shall be in accordance with Section R311 5 8 R311 5 2 Headroom The minimum headroom in all parts of the stairway shall not be less than 6 feet 8 inches (2036 min)measured vertically from the sloped plane adjoining the tread nosing or from the floor surface of the landing or platform R3115 3 Stair treads and risers R311 5.3 1 Riser height The maximum nser height shall be 7 1/4 inches (196 min) The nser shall be measured vertically between leading edges of the adjacent treads The greatest nser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch(9 5 min) R3115 3 2 Tread depth The minimum tread depth shall be 10 inches (254 min) The tread depth shall be measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the foremost projection of adjacent treads and at a right angle to the tread's leading edge The greatest tread depth within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch (9 5 min) Winder treads shall have a minimum tread depth of 10 inches (254 mm) measured as above at a point 12 inches (305) min from the side where the treads are narrower Winder treads shall have a mimmum tread depth of 6 inches (152 min) at any point Within any flight of stairs, the greatest winder tread depth at the 12 inch (305 min) walk line shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch(9 5 nun) R3115 3.3 Profile The radius of curvature at the leading edge of the tread shall be no greater than 9/16 inch (14 3 min) A nosing not less than '/4 inch (19 min) but not more than 1 '/4 inches (32 min) shall be provided on stairways with solid risers The greatest nosing projection shall not exceed the smallest nosing projection by more than 3/8 inch (9 5 min) between two stones, including the nosing at the level of floors and landings Beveling of nosing shall not exceed '/2 inch (12 7 mm) Risers shall be vertical or sloped from the underside of the leading edge of the tread above at an angle not more than 30 degrees (0 51 rad) from the vertical Open users are permitted, provided that the opening between treads does not permit the passage of a 4-mch-diameter(102 min) sphere Exceptions 1 A nosing is not required where the tread depth is a minimum of 11 inches (279 min) 2 The opening between adjacent treads is not limited on stairs with a total rise of 30 inches (762 min) or less 17 R3115 4 Landings for stairways There shall be a floor or landing at the top and bottom of each stairway Exception At the top of an interior flight of stairs,provided a door does not swing over the stairs A flight of stairs shall not have a vertical rise greater than 12 feet (3658 min) between floor levels or landings The width of each landing shall not be less than the stairway served Every landing shall have a minimum dimension of 36 inches (914 inm) measured in the direction of travel R311 5 5 Stairway walling surface The walkmg surface of treads and landings of stairways shall be sloped no steeper than one unit vertical in 48 inches horizontal (2-percent slope) R3115 6 Handrails Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of each continuous run of treads or flight with four or more risers R3115 61 Height Handrail height, measured vertically above stair tread nosing, or finish surface of ramp slope, shall be not less than 34 inches (864 mm)and not more than 38 inches (965 min) R3115 6 2 Continuity Handrails for stairways shall be continuous for the full length of the fight, from a point directly above the top riser of the flight to a point directly above lowest riser of the flight Handrails ends shall be returned or shall terminate in newel posts or safety terminals Handrails adjacent to a wall shall have a space of not less than 1 '/2 inches (38 aim) between the wall and the handrails Exceptions 1 Handrails shall be permitted to be interrupted by a newel post at the turn 2 The use of a volute,turnout or starting easing shall be allowed over the lowest tread R3115 6 3 Handrail grip size All required handrails shall be of one of the following types or provide equivalent graspability 1 Type I Handrails with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of at least 1 'A inches (32 min) and not greater than 2 inches(51 mm) If the handrail is not circular it shall have a perimeter dimension of at least 4 inches (102 mm) and not greater than 6 %4 inches (160 mm) with a maximum cross section of dimension of 2 '/4 inches(57 mm) 2 Type II Handrails with a perimeter greater than 6 '/4 inches(160 mm) shall provide a graspable finger recess area on both sides of the profile The finger recess shall begin within a distance of inches (19 aim) measured vertically from the tallest portion of the profile and achieve a depth of at least 5/16 inches (8 mm) within 7/8 inches (22 mm)below the widest portion of the profile This required depth shall continue for at least 3/8 inches (10 aim) to a level that is not less than 1 1/4 inches (45 mm) below the tallest portion of the profile The minimum width of the handrail above the recess 18 shall be 1 '/4 inches (32 min)to a maximum of 2 % inches (70 mm) Edges shall have a mimmum radius of 0 01 inches(0 25) R3115 7 Illumination All stairs shall be provided with illumination in accordance with Section R303 6 R3115 8 Special stairways Circular stairways, spiral stairways, winders and bulkhead enclosure stairways shall comply with all requirements of Section R311 5 except as specified,below R3115 81 Spiral stairways Spiral stairways are permitted, provided the mimmum width shall be 26 inches(660 min) with each tread having a 71/2-inches (190 mm) rmmmum tread depth at 12 inches from the narrower edge All treads shall be identical, and the rise shall be no more than 91/2 inches (241 mm) A nummum headroom of 6 feet 6 inches(1982 mm) shall be provided R311 5 8 2 Bulkhead enclosure stairways Stairways serving bulkhead enclosures, not part of the required building egress, providing access from the outside grade level to the basement shall be exempt from the requirements of Sections R311 4 3 and R311 5 where the maximum height from the basement finished floor level to grade adjacent to the stairway does not exceed 8 feet(2438 mm), and the grade level opening to the stairway is covered by a bulkhead enclosure with hinged doors or other approved means R3116 Ramps R31161 Maximum slope Ramps shall have a maximum slope of one unit vertical in eight units horizontal (12 5 percent slope) R311 6 2 Landings required A minimum 3-foot-by-3-foot (914 min by 914 mm) landing shall be provided 1 At the top and bottom of ramps, 2 Where doors open onto ramps, and 3 Where ramps change direction R3116 3 Handrails required Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of all ramps exceeding a slope of one vertical in 12 units horizontal (8 33-percent slope) R311 6 31 Height Handrail height, measured verheally above the finished surface of the ramp slope, shall be not less than 34 inches (864 min) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm) ) R311 6 3 2 Handrail grip size Handrails on ramps shall comply with Section R311563 R311 6 3 3 Continuity Handrails where required on ramps shall be continuous for the full length of the ramp Handrail ends shall be returned or shall terminate in newel posts 19 or safety temmnals Handrails adjacent to a wall shall have a space of not less than 15 inches (38 min) between the wall and the handrails Includes proposed local amendments (20) Section R312 "GUARDS". is revised to read as follows "SECTION R312 GUARDS R312 1 Guards required Porches, balconies or raised floor surfaces located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 36 inches (914 mm) to height Open sides of stasis with a total rise of more than 30 inches (762 min) above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 34 inches (864 mm) in height measured vertically from the nosing of the treads Porches and decks which are enclosed with insect screening shall be provided with guards where the walking surface is located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below R312 11 Area wells All area wells start wells, light wells and any other bulkhead enclosures attached to any huddtM when such wells are located less 36 inches(914 mini from the nearest intended walking surface and deeper than 36 inches below the surrounding ground level creating an opening with a honzontal dimension greater than 24 inches(610 mini measured pgmendicular from the building with the side walls of such well having a slope steeper than 2 horizontal to 1 vertical. shall be protected with guards conforming to this section around the entire opening or be with an equivalent barrier Esceatlous 1 The access side of stairways need not be barricaded 2 Area wells provided for emergency escape and rescue windows may be protected with VZoved grates or covers that comply with Section 310 4 of tins Code 3 Covers and grates may be used over stairways and other omnings used exclusively for service access or for admittmg light or ventilation R312 2 Guard opening limitations Required guards on open sides of stairways, raised floor areas, balconies, porches, area wells and other bulkhead enclosures protected as specified hereunder shall have intermediate rails or ornamental closures that do not allow passage of a sphere 4 inches (102 mm) or more in diameter Exceptions 1 The triangular openings formed by the nser, tread and bottom rail of a guard at the open side of a stairway are permitted to be of such a size that a sphere 6 inches (152 mm) cannot pass through 2 Openings for required guards on the sides of stair treads shall not allow a sphere 4-3/8 inches(107 mm)to pass through Revisions retain provisions for area well protection currently required by local amendment to the UBC (21) Section R313, "Smoke Alarms "Is amended to read as follows 20 "SECTION R313 SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS R313 1 Smoke alarms 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 but 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 In dweH" units where the ceiling height of a room open to the hallway serving the bedrooms exceeds that of the hallway by 24 inches 610 mml or more, smoke alarms shall be installed in the hallway and in the adjacent room When more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit 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 unit The alarm shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed All smoke alarms shall be listed and installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and the household fire warning equipment provisions of NFPA 72 R313 11 Alterations, repairs and additions When interior alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be provided with smoke alarms located as required for new dwellings the All such smoke alarms shall be interconnected and hard permanently wired into the building electric system Exceptions 1 Smoke alarms in existing areas shall not be required to be interconnected and permanently wired where the alterations or repairs do not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space, or basement available which could provide access for permanent wiring and interconnection without the removal of interior finishes 2 Repairs to the exterior surfaces of dwellings are exempt from the requirements of this section R313 2 Power source In new construction, the required smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring when such wiring is served from a commercial source, and when 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 Smoke alarms shall be permitted to be battery operated when installed in buildings without commercial power or in buildings that undergo alterations, repairs or additions regulated by Section R313 11 " Revisions retain current requirement in the 97 UBC for room opening to a hallway serving bedrooms exceeds the hallway cedmq height by more than 24 in CO alarm added as a new requirement 21 (22) Section 3171, "Two-family dwellings ", through Section R317$ "Townhouses"; inclusively, is amended to read as follows "R3171 Two-family dwellings Dwelling units in two-family dwellings shall be separated from each other by wall and/or floor assemblies having not less than 1-hour fire-resistance rating when tested in accordance with ASTM E 119 Fire-resistance-rated floor-ceiling and wall assemblies shall extend to and be tight against the exterior wall, and wall assemblies shall extend to the underside of the roof sheathing Exception In buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with NFPA 13R R31711 Supporting construction When floor assemblies are required to be fire- resistance-rated by Section R321 1, the supporting construction of such assemblies shall have an equal or greater fire-resistive rating R317 2 Townhouses Each townhouse shall be considered a separate building and shall be separated by fire-resistance-rated wall assemblies meeting the requirements of Section R302 for exterior walls R317 2 1 Continuity The adjoining walls atone property Imes in adjacent townhouses shall be continuous from the foundation to the underside of the roof sheathing, deck or slab and shall extend the full length of the common wall including walls extending through and separating attached accessory structures R317 2 2 Parapets Parapets constructed in accordance with Section R317 2 3 shall be provided for townhouses as an extension of adLmmg walls alone property lines in adjacent townhouses in accordance with the following 1 Where roof surfaces adjacent to the wall or walls are at the same elevation, the parapet shall extend not less than 30 inches (762 mm)above the roof surfaces 2 Where roof surfaces adjacent to the wall or walls are at different elevations and the higher roof is not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the lower roof, the parapet shall extend not less than 30 inches (762 mm) above the lower roof surface The following alternate construction methods are pernutted in hen of a parapet provided onenums in the roof are not located within 48 inches(1220 min)of the 1-hour fire-resistance- mted.adjoining walls alongpropgrty Ines in adlacait townhouses 1 A parapet is not required when the roof decking or sheathing is of noncombustible materials or approved fire-retardant-treated wood for a distance of 48 inches (1220 mm) on each side of the wall or walls, or one layer of 5/8—inch (16 mm) Type X gypsum board is installed directly beneath the roof decking or sheathing for a distance of 48 inches (1220 mm)on each side of the wall or walls 2 A parapet is not required where roof surfaces adjacent to the wall or walls are at different elevations and the higher roof is more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the lower roof The common wall construction from the lower roof to the underside of the 22 higher roof deck shall not have less than a 1-hour fire-resistive rating The wall shall be rated for exposure from both sides 3 A parapet is not required when the roof is constructed entirely of noncombustible materials 4 A parapet is not rg lc uired when the dwelling unit has an area of not more than 1,000 square feet M m2)on any floor 5 A parapet is not required where the roof-ceiling g r�a�r►e elements and supp�rtmg framing are constructed as follows a) Where the roof-ceiling framulg 1s Farallel to the a zim walls do & R efrty lines�g_adtacg%Ja nbouses.the roof&e 1E3I trig knn a �lg ftUM are QNMLCW as prescribed for a Dire-off fire-c arm run for a mxmmum distance of 49 mcbgs (1220 min)rather sole of fhe ad gM" wads and approved continuous draflstom= is installed Look from fie. Sal" tQ lk roof sheathing a mtmmt�un�un of M uaphn (12a umil both M&g of the g&w= walls b) Where the roof-ceilmg fraMM is not pprallel to the gdiQMM walls along property lines in Macent VwULoMM ft SW Ma of Mich M LWI= bMU and suppor ft framing are constructed as prescribed #K a olle-h tr fire- resistance ling R317 2 3 Parapet construction Parapets shall have the same fire-resistance rating as that required for the supporting wall or walls On any side adjacent to a roof surface, the parapet shall have noncombustible faces for the uppermost 18 inches (457 mm), to include counter flashing and coping materials Where the roof slopes toward a parapet at slopes greater than two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (16 7-percent slope), the parapet shall extend to the same height as any portion of the roof within a distance of 3 feet (914 mm), but in no case shall the height be less than 30 inches (762 mm) R317 2 4 Structural independence Each individual townhouse shall be structurally independent Exceptions 1 Foundations supporting exterior walls or common walls 2 Structural roof and wall sheathing from each unit may fasten to the common wall framing 3 Nonstructural wall coverings 4 Flashing at termination of roof covering over common wall Revisions are consistent with current and proposed definitions of a Townhouse as being a completely independent attached SF dwelling on its own exclusive property The current amendment allowing a residential fire sprinkler system in lieu of a fire-resistive separation between units is retained 23 (23) Section R318, "MOISTURE VAPOR RETARDERS", is amended to read as follows "SECTION R318 PROTECTION FROM MOISTURE R318 1 Moisture control The desu n of any building regulated by ft code shall not create conditkft,hW9jjkW to W&gno or of SWrratted detenora"dt to the presence of excessive water vapor and condensation. Mo►stuire control shalt be pro -Wed la accordance with the apphcabI provisions of this coda pnd as determined necessary by the budding affictai wbm now c a i M or eonstrncft_tn gdaam tered, such Ig steam rooms and rooms contam ng spas or nook, or belo* grade sub-floor spaces, or other interior locations subiect to excessive moisture R318 2 Moi tit re during conahvcho& Under oor spaces and building construction materials shall he ptgggkd from moisture during construction as follows a. Under floor SMA"be MINIed from rstiire di i g construction and no water, snow, Lee or other yvideuce of gggb re in,snbstaa W amoants shall be present in any under- floor suace upon approval for occupancy of the building b C21gaNUM Mtenals shall be Protected from damaging moisture in accordance with the manufacturer's§Mfications" Revised to be consistent with current budding science that concludes moisture is primarily transported into building frame cavities via air movement not by diffusion through the wall finish and that painted and taped wallboard is adequate to prevent significant moisture diffusion in other than bathing rooms New provision is designed to minimize moisture incursion into the budding from the start of construction (24) Section R3221, "Scope". is revised as follows "R322 1 Scope Where four or more dwelling units are constructed as a single structure and not as completely independent individual and separate houses regardless of whether such units are separated by fire-resistance-rated assemblies the applicable provisions of the general Wdmg code enacted the City Colorado Revised Statutes, and Federal regulations shall apply with respect to the construction of accessible dwelling units" Revised to be consistent with current provisions for accessible mulb-unit housing (25) Section R323,"FLOOD RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION; is revised as follows (To be revised to include local flood plain regulations and City Storm Water Utility standards) CHAPTER 4 — FOUNDATIONS (26) Section R401 1, "Application ", is revised as follows "R401 1 Appliestien General The provisions of dus chapter shall control the design and construction of the foundation and foundation spaces for all buildings All foundations shall be designed by a qualified professional licensed in the State of Colorado Such designs shall be 24 perfouned in accordance with accepted and approved engineering practices including considerations for sod load b—c4mg cat>acittes surface and subsurface water conditions adeuate foundation and floor dramue adetpaate ventilation of enclosed interior foundation spaces and foundation waterproofing and damppmofing E_acenhon- Foundations for accessory buildings and minor additions unlikely to be located on expansive compressible or shiftmg sods soils of unknown characteristics, or for other valid reasons as determined by the building official need not be designed by a licensed professional Wood foundations shall be designed and installed in accordance with AF&PA Report No 7 Exceptions 1 The provisions of this chapter shall be permitted to be used for wood foundations only in the following situations I 1 In buildings that have no more than two floors and a roof 12 When interior basement and foundation walls are provided at intervals not exceeding 50 feet(15 24 m) 2 In addition to the provisions of tins chapter, the design and construction of foundations in areas prone to flooding as established by Table R301 2(1) shall meet the provisions of Section R327 Seismic Design Categories not applicable locally (27) A new Section, "R401 6 "Placement of backfill ". is added as follows KR401.6 Bnckfdl and olacetr}ent Tie ezcavation au the u�u dto n atrhty irenehg and excavahen ram& shall be badtMed with sell that is subjUgW& �rree of orsrnaic SMIlig censtruahen Od!dg and cobbles, boulders, ad HM somassa lareer dW 6 mcke JIM OW AngdW gL ol LMO N&Ik baand coi Raul Al sip forth, ig the eagmegring, dogummegta. The bye I AA be gWA in a of dmw a hadefte or fte xaftn2ft or fimum mdW,at FA01go BM &d be in s h a MgM thid the ritay dogt become a ggg ft for Lax(M water to flow toward fonaslatM& Where exeavatious include more than out boom a saeeraflv entrrueered dranraae system may be required by the building official New amendment from moisture control provisions from the MMTF recommendations (28) Section R403 14, "Minimum depth ". is revised as follows "R403 14 Mrmmum depth All exterior footings shall be placed below the undisturbed ground to a mimmum depth of 30 inches ( mm) or shall be placed a nummum depth of 12 inches (305 mm) below the undisturbed ground sad be protected from frost by one or more of the following methods 1 Constructed in accordance with Section R403 3 for frost-protected shallow foundations, 2 Constructed in accordance with ASCE 32-01, or 3 Erected on solid rock 25 Exceptions 1 Freestanding accessory structures with an area of 400 square feet (37m2) or less and an eave height of 10 feet(3048 mm)or less shall not be required to be protected 2 Decks not supported by a dwelling need not be provided with footings that extend below the frost line Footings shall not bear on frozen soil unless such frozen condition is of a permanent character Revised for local frost depth conditions (29) Section R404 15 1, "Pier and curtain wall foundations ", is revised as follows R404 1 51 Pier and curtain wall foundations Pier and curtain wall foundations shall be permitted to be used to support light-frame construction not more than two stones in height, provided the following requirements are met 1 All load-bearing walls shall be placed on continuous concrete footings placed integrally with the exterior wall footings 2 The mnnmum actual thickness of a load-beanng masonry wall shall be not less than 4 inches (102 mm) nominal or 3 3 is inches (92 mm) actual thickness, and shall be bonded integrally with piers spaced in accordance with R606 8 3 Piers shall be constructed in accordance with Section R606 5 and Section R606 5 1, and shall be bonded into the load-beanng masonry wall in accordance with Section R608 1 1 or Section R608 1 12 4 The maximum height of a 4-mch (102 mm) load-bearing masonry foundation wall supporting wood framed walls and floors shall not be more than 4 feet (1219 nun) in height 5 Anchorage shall be in accordance with Section R403 16 or as specified by engineered design accepted by the builchng official 6 The unbalanced fill for 4-inch(102 mm)foundation walls shall not exceed 24 inches(610 mm) for solid masonry or 12 inches(305 mm) for hollow masonry Revision eliminates superfluous language referring to seismic areas other than Seismic Design Category B in which the Lanmer Co is located 26 (30) Section R4051, "Concrete or masonry foundations ", is revised as follows "R4051 Concrete or masonry foundations Drams copguatm8 of pl}gmg conforming with ASTM Desumation D2729-89 Aaft be provided admat to ft lowest concrete or masonry foundations that retain earth and enclose spaces that are parg8ily or entirely located below grade Unke 9WES11sr drams are desnmed to & W their shall WOUN m sumo pits wdh an electrical cower sauree nermauently metalled Wjh Pit 36 n es (913 mmI o the smmg gnome DM flLr sumo lruW sha#1 ftharne at least 60 inches (M MW feet Ma 4om huldohl ns or as 2911—mbe xn vcd by ft B994a220A prom shag be MILrAk am an of ask W go in s to allow the et d Filter to restnct the uascage of f shall be used to furtber protect the perimeter drain from bloehage. Exception A drainage system is not required when the foundation is installed on well- drained ground or sand gravel mixture soils according to the Umfied Soil Classification System, Group I Soils, as detailed in Table R405 1 " R405.1.1. I.aandnM MUMAN Landscape LrOUWS syst*Ms shaft be installed such that the XMLd surface w►thiu 60 inches (1325 mml ,measured uernendieular from the foundation. is not irrigated Local revision requires that foundation drams be installed around any foundation enclosing open spacAthat partially or entirely below grade and includes new revision recommended by MMTF for moisture controllocal provision prohibits amgabon systems from imgabng the ground within 36 inches of the foundation in r to prevent amgataon water entering the interior (31) Section R406 1, "Concrete and masonry foundation dampproofing ". is revised as follows "R4061 Concrete and masonry foundation dampproofing Except where required to be waterproofed by Section R406 1, foundation walls that retain earth and enclose habitable or otherwise opea spaces that are oart►ally or entirely located below grade shall be dampproofed from the top of the footing to the finished grade Masonry walls shall have not less than 3/8 inch (9 5 mm) portland cement parging applied to the exterior of the wall The parging shall be dampproofed with a bituminous coating, 3 pounds per square yard (1 63 kg/m2) of acrylic modified cement, 1/8-inch (3 2 mm) coat of surface-bonding mortar complying with ASTM C 887 or any material permitted for waterproofing in SectionR406 2 Concrete walls shall be dampproofed by applying any one of the above listed dampproofing materials or any one of the waterproofing materials listed in SecttonR406 2 to the exterior of the wall " Local revision requires dampproofing to extend to top of foundation wall or 6 in above finished grade for foundations enclosing open space that as partially or entirely below grade (32) Section R408, "UNDER-FLOOR SPACE ", is revised as follows R4081 Ventilation and moistare control The under-floor space between the bottom of the structurall floor fetsts s eat n and the earth under any pgdM of# building "h dying or e29fta ed space above shall be provided using the methods and materials as preseribed hereunder 27 R408 2 Veatilatim Linder-floor spasm shalt be yentilated os prescribed in R408,2 Where such SDa Bare Ventilated by a dedicated eontbl�i operated fad-I„►a�ver d ventdation systeDY. Mach€ttas shaft kI of jbg U reaaW by. 2 for rya a istant eoastruction me ods Sri# eat 91dWups sbatt be Inlim haft-ate c9041400ed spaces m the hag Iw ogM ft*r Aft=ft I AC re uV-M Este Lt#t recovery v tors or aDproyed Slog& coushde dig t1w mmaet of wive aressnres created by e>}iauat€aim elotba drvers,aad suallstr 9n02_nces. RM-21 Lud9i�or„�Scath abure+arade doors LTn, spaces duvetly heiaw fleons that are JgWd Mbft,Mfift.grade i bg jMgMW by one of the MOM* as yet forth in 94"1 surfaces le a& jR MhaH be coved jAh an approved ya= sad solkw retarder mi gdML AR jonon in,iFft retarder shall be overlapped by 6 "es (1L3 mm) and seated or taped with the retarder,edees extendfng a mm►mVm of hes 6 Mas (153 mm)sap the fouadA40a�vvafl and attached and sealed thereto m an aouroved maamw R448 21 1 Non-conditioned under Hoar spaces Where thermally-isolated above- grade floorystepnM ire his grill to redace heat a Aid aK ira9on from uoa-e ►adWDA nailer flo below, as prescribed by the RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE ,o the CbY exterior ventdation openmgs may be used provided that such spaces do not coptam HVAC apnhances and the ventilation caw be provided duvcdy through: openings an exterior widL The minimum total net free area of exterior ventilation openings shall not be less than 111.500 of the Roar area of f e under-floor space Openings shall be placed so as to provide of the space and shall be covered for their height and width with any of the following materials provided that the least dimension of the covering shall not exceed 1/4 inch(6 4 mm) 1 Perforated sheet metal plates not less than 0 070 inch(1 8 mm)thick 2 Expanded sheet metal plates not less than 0 047 inch(1 2 mm)thick 3 Cast iron grills or grating 4 Extruded load-bearing brick vents 5 Hardware cloth of 0 035 inch(0 89 mm)wire or heavier 6 Corrosion-resistant wire mesh, with the least dimension being 1/8 inch(3 2 mm) R408 212 -CandLdoaed under-floor spaces Where the pentmeter wadls enclosing condidonod under floor spsces teulated under R408 21 are thermally msalated and sealed to reduce air mflkration as prescribed by the RESIDE(+(TfAL ENERGY _CONSERVATION CQDE of the City, ventilation of tbe ugder-floor space shaft be accomgiiahed by approved methods incdu" a eontiauousdv operated mechanical ventilation at the rate of 1.0 cfm (102 Us) for each 50 sau_grgfeet (10 m ) o= f under floor space floor area. or by condbioned air supplied from the budding HVAC system either indneetty through air-transfer ayeninigs or directly through supply air ducts R408 2 2 Finder-floor spaces beneath below-grade floors Ynder-floor spates that are located partially or entirely below grade. anddirectiv above which in the conditioned spa Se on the ftonr shave fuCl-burning eaviro>imtoW or seryice:water ll bang ecounn Bent is iustalied. sash e+Lu mertt shall be, pawer vested or 4nu-t vented leleacd combushon chamber) apoNsuces as, deffied m the 2003 INTEItNATIQL MECHANICAL CODE® (2003 IMCO) published by the International Code CeundL 28 Tat. Such underfloor sns,M a d underfloor saaees loeatA such that vegtilatlon ca, gt be grov M dMg tty lb&Ao gterbtvaR opeahigs, shall bg provided with ventttatean and:+ice condrtionhig by a rog##M alv operated fau-aa egnd ventilation stem that prov veutah j at a rate of 7.5 eft per Gerson plus 0 All s ft er square foot of WLI t fditioogo floor area is the kme eonipnted oa the basis of two occuoants for the first bedroom and one occupant for each ad"onal bedroom The vent owe mr ed by the yenhlatioiyfan shall be coustrujtr�i m accordance with Section AF103.5.3 for radon-resistant tonstruchaa methods except that the mbft inlet for each yr $ d= pme haft be deep above the„MtZgtardermembM#e m acco ce w 7 25 SW LrM the est transfer floor opening. The intake mtet shall be toveMj with corrosion-resistant wire mesh haying opeahm with the least dimension being 1/8 mch(3.2 min) A nmmum of one transfer floor oae shall be provided above the veptdated space for every 250 square feet of under-floor spLe a or portwn fereof Mk op,"mgs shall be sued by ditft the fan vent kft Mk by the kW Wbor of oggd= and detonamiag the ooening sue based on Table R40$.2.2 See Ff aare R40&2 2 tb for transfer floor detail. Excei*ons 1 Engheeered systems that mamM the g&tive huWity so that all sgr€aces m such under-floor spaces have a surface humidity level uo greater than 70% 2 Engiueered aon-cent *se go other,approved IS2M c flogX }stems MMed to be a sealed system shall not require ventilatwo wbe corrosion fi�je system eopggents has been MgLWJnjW sad M assummgm t gt the WMIMM required structural mtegrity of such components a to be maintained for the life of the building The ground surface of the under floor space shall be cpv M4 with a vapor retarder e e vapor af—aft_r shaH be a 1 goassWumd ggkLtbxkBe sheet when tested in ac or ace wdh A,�yTMM El". The sheet shaft be continuously ed M 1 a a ggtp_ved MWe f Gads.tkh mbme lines and at all laps of multink sheets,Seta Figure 408.2.2(2) 29 Table R408 2 2 Exhaust Rate/1'ransfer mn cfm Size net free area 0-10 15 to 2 4 gg m 1-3/8"to 1-3/4"dia hole 11-15 2 4 to 3 6 gg m 1-3/41'to 2-1/8"dia,hole 16-20 3 6 to 4 4 N m 2-1/8"to 2-3/8"dia hole Figure R408 2 (1) Floor Transfer Detail B+SEIENr(eoNDI11DNm 9PAtE) DECK/ OOPRE�NNTCRFACE f6 MN CLEARANCE iv FLOOR d a CDRDMORED_-- / / v ° A d AIR^----- e e REMOVE CAMPER k a 20 AWi I PROVIDEFLOOR OPENING INN FLOOR DECK TO e FORCE P REGISTER DO °4 ae RG10R BOX 4 NOT PENETRATE FLOOR d UMBERS RECEPTACLE STRUCTURAL M DRILLED HOLE, OBMLIER PER TABLI CONCRETE E'rA' ®MN. 1 LP FOUNDATION ° a e WALL fmow=GRADE --1 ° 4 LUNOER_I'l. SPACE] NOTES FLOOR MR TRANSFER ASSEMBLY STANDARD FLOOR REGISTER OR GRILLE MODIFY AS FOLLOWS DAMPER LEVER REN(W DAMPER ACTUATION UNER OF PRESENT) GAMPER REMOVE GAPER IF PRESENT 0 PROVIDE SKEET METAL 'BOX' SAME SIZE AS GRILLE OR REGISTER FLM4F ® PROVIDE CUT OR UMUJM WARP EDGE HOE IN SIDE OF BOX CLOSEST TO FOUNDATION WALL AS FOLLOWS. ® NET OPENING THROUGH TRN49M N ACCORDANCE WITH TABLE NJ ® 'BOX SHALL PROVIDE CODE HUNT FOR NM-comouSIBLE RECEPTACLE N ACCORDANCE WITH LNC 607 h IRC M1601 43 RECEPTACLE SHALL HAVE MINIMUM 1 VERTICAL LP ALL TRANSFER OPENINGS SHALL BE THE SAME CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA +/- Im DETAIL BROWN 0 S LIGGESTED MEANS OF ACNIEVINO SPECIFIED NET TRANSFER OPOW NO AREA AND RECEPTACLE. ALTERNATE MEANS OF ACHIEVING THESE OOALB MAY BE USED AT ORSIONMCB WTM*L TABLE IV J FREE AREA OF OPENING IN FLOOR BOX EXN ST RATE PER TRANSFER OPEMINO NET FREE AR EAIHO LE DIAMETER 0 9 CFM NOT APPLICABLE - TRANSFER AT LEAST 10 CFM THROUGH EACH OPENING 10 15 CFM 1 T TO 2 6 SO IN FREE AREA / (t 5/8 0 drilled hole 16 20 CFM 2 6 TO 3 7 SO IN FREE AREA / 2 0 6rlII.G hole 21 25 CFM 3 7 TO 4 7 80 IN FREE AREA / 2 1/4 0 erilhd hole 26 30 CFM 4 7 TO 5 6 SO IN FREE AREA / 2 112 0 drill.° h.I. 30 Fla=408 2 2(2) PROVIDE FLASHING SYSTEMS TO DRAIN WATER AWAY FROM BUILDING OPENINGS FIRST FLOOR PROVIDE POSITIVE GRADE AWAY FROM BUILDING PER GEOTECHNICAL RECOMMENDATIONS n CONSIDER THE USE OF TERMINATE DRAINS EXTERNAL INSULATION TO DIRECTLY ABOVE RAISE THE INSIDE SURFACE FLOOR FIXTURES TEMPERATURE OF THE FOUNDATION WALL (TO REDUCE CONDENSATION) v ESPECIALLY IN GARDEN LEVEL, OR WALKOUT ALLOW WETTED DECKING BASEMENTS TO DRY BEFORE FINISHING FLOOR INTERIOR INSULATION WITHIN 72 (^--rTJ BASEMENT STRUCTURK FLOOR BELOW NOT RECOMMENDED- ECOMMER FOR •• PROVIDE MINIMUM CLEARANCE BETWEEN 6' SEX RETARDER TO WALL BOTTOM OF PIPE AND VINO HT ALTERNATE EXTEND RETARDER EARTH (WHERE PIPE + 4 BELOW TO TOP OF FLOOR FULLY CROSSES BELOW BOTrOM BEAN BEHIND LEDGER OR RIM JOIST OF STRUCTURE) VAPOR RETARDER F(XIlOA"ON/ BASEMEN WALL PER GEOTEGi AND STRUCTURAL DIVISION M RECOMMENDATIONS =OFVAPOR MOISTURE OF SOUS WRING ?�' # EX� (SECT'0 VIR) RE-ORADE COVER D FORM WITH VAPOR RFACE OF SOIL PRIOR TO ' RETARDER INSTALLATIONF VAPOR RETARDER '� INTFIOR OR EXTERIOR PERIMETER NARRIER UP INTERIOR CONCRETE CAISSONS DRAIN SYSTEM PER GEOTECH OR FOOTRICS. SEA. TO CONCRETE 00 NOT COVER RECOMMENDATIONS STEEL OR STRUCTURAL WOW MATERIAL.. ATTACH AWAY FROM COLUMN TO ALLOW THE CONCRETE TO BREATH Revisions recommended by Metro Denver HBA MMTF for moisture control and proposed language to Integrate subqrade floor ventilation with radon-resistant methods 31 (33) Section R408 3, "Access ". is revised as follows "R408 3 Access Access shall be provided to all under-floor spaces Access openings through the floor shall be a minimum of 18 inches by 24 inches (457 nun by 610 mm) Openings through a penmeter wall shall be 16 inches by 24 inches (407 turn by 610 mm) When any portion of the through-wall access is below grade, an areaway of not less than 16 inches by 24 inches (407 mm by 610 mm) shall be provided The bottom of the areaway shall be below the threshold of the access opening Through-wall access openings shall not be located under a door to the building See Section M1305 14 for access requirements where mechanical equipment is located under floors Exception Engineered non-eeltnlose and other apigmved ma c floor systems designed to be a sealed sv: m sha7# not reuuire ventHation when corrosion of the system comnentnts has ho considered and adeuuate,h mitlsrated. assuming that the migugM required structurat mtem* of such components n to be mamtamed for the We of the buitdms (34) Add a new section 408 7 as follows R408 7 Under Floor Ctearances In areas where expansive or collaustble soils are known to exist under PM a cis shall be provided in accordance with Sections R408 7 1 through R408 7 3 unless specified otherwise by the soils report R408 71 Steel Framed Floors A minimum clearance equal to the height of the void form plus four inches below the foundation shall be provided below steel beams and floor joists R408 7.2 Wood Framed Floors A mu m�eaiance caual to the height of the void form plus four inches below the foundation shall be provided in addition to the requirements set forth in Section R323, item 1 R408 7.3 Pipes Conduits and Aucts A mmmium clearance equal to We height of the void form plus four fiches shall be provided below pM conduits and ducts installed m under- floor spaces including those located below the foci c�q on wall EXCEPTION Where the building drain jUd wrier service pass under or through the foundation the clearance shall be as set forth in the engmeering documents " Revisions recommended by Metro Denver HBA MMTF for moisture control CHAPTER 5— FLOORS (35) Section R506 2 3, "Vapor retarder", is revised to read as follows "R506 2 3 Vapor retarder An approved vapor retarder with joints lapped not less than 6 inches (153 mm) shall be placed between the concrete floor slab and the base course or the prepared subgrade where no base course exists m accordance with Section AF103.31 for radon- resistant construction and where otherwise specified by a design professional licensed to practice in the State of Colorado 32 Local revision eliminates exceptions and requires vapor retarder in accordance with radon-resistant construction methods and with licensed professional to determine need for vapor retarder under concrete floors placed on the ground where otherwise specified by a licensed engineer CHAPTER 8 - ROOF-CEILING CONSTRUCTION (36) Amend Section R8013 as follows 1IR8013 Roof drainage All dwellings shall have a controlled method of water disposal from roofs that will collect and discharge all roof drainage to the ground surface at least 5 feet (1524 mm) from foundation walls or to an approved drainage system Devices shall not be installed that regram in any way or that otheaM mere with downspoilt ext L9w bee g frilly et#ended L d c�M edgme "I not interfere with the dtseharae of roof dramage Ugem Downspout extensions shall terminate above ground or at an approyed locago Revisions recommended by Metro Denver HBA MMTF for moisture control (37) Section R802 11, "Roof Tie-down ", is revised to read as follows "R802 11 Roof tie-down Roof assemblies shall be connected to sapnortmg wads with rafter or truss ties imitnUed at bearing locations to Provide a eontin us load Path for transmitting the nPk1R LqM ham_ the rafter or tress ties to the foundation in accordance with Table R802 11 AAtterirativft wind uplift pressures on roof assemblies and roof down raneirements may be desumed m accordance with Section R301 1.2 Local revision retains current roof tie down requirements specifies continuous load path and allows professionally designed performance alternative CHAPTER 9 - ROOF ASSEMBLIES (38) Section R902 1, "Roofing covering materials ". is revised to read as follows R9021 Roofing covering matenals Except as otherwise allowed, Rroofs shall be covered with Class A assemblies and with materials as set forth in SectionsR904 and R905 Classes A, B and C roofing required to be listed by this section shall be tested in accordance with UL 790 or ASTM E 108 Roof assemblies with coverings of brick, masonry, slate, clay or concrete roof tile, exposed concrete roof deck, ferrous or copper shingles or pheets, and metal sheets and shingles, shall be considered Class A roof coverings EacePtwn Any_Class B or Class C roof covering may be apphed on any new cansttuchon that is added to an existing building provided the roof W=gtgs of such existing building and new construction are located a miniinum distance of five (5) feet to the nearest adiacent property Ime and are a minimum distance of ten(10)feet to another building" 33 R902 2 Fire-retardant-treated shingles and shakes Fire-retardant-treated wood shakes and shingles shall be treated by impregnation with chemicals by the full-cell vacuum-pressure process, in accordance with AWPA Cl Each bundle shall be marked to identify the manufactured unit and the manufacturer, and shall also be labeled to identify the classification of the material in accordance with the testing required in Section R902 1, the treating company and the quality control agency" Revisions retain current local amendments requiring Class A roof coverings with exceptions (39) Section R905 2 6, "Attachment". is revised to read as follows "R905 2 6Attachment Asphalt shingles shall have the mimmum number of fasteners required by the manufacturer Where the roof slope exceeds 20 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (20 12) and where roof essembiies are sub toted uuhft iiressures of 20 pounds Per square foot&958 kN/m2Zor treater,as estab fished w Table R301.2(2) adjusted for hewht and exposure Per TableR301201, special methods of fastening are required Special fastening methods shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D 3161, modified to use a wind speed of 110 mph (177 km/h) Shingles classified using ASTM D 3161 are acceptable for use in wind zones less than 110 mph Shingles classified using ASTM D 3161 modified to use a wind speed of 110 mph are acceptable for use in all cases where special fastening is required Revisions from 20021RC Supplement pg IRC-39 coordinates requirements with R802 11 Roof he- downs for wind-design consistency (40) Section R9071, "General "I is revised to read as follows R9071 General Materials and methods of application used for recovering or replacing an existing roof covering shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 9 No portion of an existing nonrated roof covering may be permanently replaced or covered with more than one square of nonrated roof coverum Exceptions 1 Reroofing shall not be required to meet the mimmum design slope requirement of one- fourth vertical in 12 units horizontal (2-percent slope) in Section R905 for roofs that provide positive roof drainage 2 Any ex s N roof covering system may be mplaced with a roof coverme of the same materials and classification. provided the replacement roof coyerme has a minimum ratme of Glass C " Current re-roofing amendments are incorporated 34 (41) Section R1001 6 1, "Spark arrestors ", is revised to read as follows R100161 Spark arrestors Chimneys attached to My poliance or fueplace that burns solid fuel shall be equ}need with an approved spark arrester meeting all of the following requirements 1 The net free area of the arrestor shall not be less than four tunes the net free area of the outlet of the chimney flue it serves 2 The arrestor screen shall have heat and corrosion resistance equivalent to 19-gage galvanized steel or 24-gage stainless steel 3 Openings shall not permit the passage of spheres having a diameter greater than 1/2 inch (12 7 mm) nor block the passage of spheres having a diameter less than 3/8 inch (9 5 mm) 4 The spark arrestor shall be accessible for cleaning and the screen or chimney cap shall be removable to allow for cleaning of the chimney flue Revisions add the new subsection mandating spark arresters in the current UBC 35 PROPOSED 2003 RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE RU� 12/09/2003 CHAPTER 1 ADMINISTRATION SECTION 101 SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 1011 Title This code shall be known as the 2003 Residential Energy Conservation Code of the City of Fort Collins, and it shall be cited as such It is referred to herem as"this code" 1012 Intent Tlus code regulates the design and construction of buildings including builchng envelopes for adequate thermal resistance and low infiltration and the design and selection of mechanical, electrical, service water-heating, systems and equipment which will enable the effective use of energy in buildings The provisions in thus code are intended to provide flexibility to permit the use of innovative approaches and techniques to achieve effective utilization of energy This code is not intended to abridge safety, health or environmental requirements under other applicable codes or ordinances 1013 Scope This code establishes mimmum prescriptive and performance-related regulations for the design of energy-efficient buildmgs and structures or portions thereof defined as residential buildings by this code and their associated accessory uses This code thereby addresses the design of energy-efficient building envelopes and the selection and installation of energy-efficient mechanical, service water-heatmg, electrical distribution and illumination systems and equipment for the effective use of energy in these buildings and structures 10131 Exempt buildings The following buildings, or portions thereof separated by building envelope assemblies from the remainder of the building, shall be exempt from tlus code 1 Buildings that have a peak design rate of energy usage less than 3 4 Btu/h ft2 (10 7 W/m2)or 10 watt/ftz (10 7 W/m2) of floor area for space conditioning purposes 2 Buildings that are neither mechanically heated nor mechanically cooled 1014 Applicability This code shall apply to buildings as set forth in Section 101 Where, in a specific case, different sections of tlus code specify different requirements, the most restrictive requirements shall govern 10141 Existing installations Except as otherwise provided for in this chapter, provisions of this code shall not require the removal, alteration or abandonment of, nor prevent the continued use and maintenance of, an existing building envelope, mechanical, service water- heating, electrical distribution, or illummation system lawfully in existence at the time of the adoption of this code in this code Exception Any portion of a non-insulated basement foundation wall enclosing conditioned space shall be insulated as prescribed in Table 402 1 of this code prior to the foundation wall being authorized to contain living space or to being covered with permanent framing, wallboard, and sinular finish materials, regardless of whether such wall was not originally insulated using the"Alternative Minimum Insulation R-values" in Table 402 1 or the "Simulated Performance Alternative" pursuant to Section 404 of this code 1014 2 Additions, alterations, renovations or repairs Additions, alterations, renovations or repairs to a building envelope, mechanical, service water-heating, electrical distribution, or illumination system or portion thereof shall conform to the provisions of this code as they relate to new construction without requiring the unaltered portion(s) of the existing system to comply with this code Additions, alterations or repairs shall not cause any one of the aforementioned and existing systems to become unsafe, hazardous or overloaded In no case shall the energy efficiency of the budding be decreased Exceptions The following need not comply provided the energy use of the building is not increased 1 Storm windows installed over existing fenestration 2 Glass only replacements in an existing sash and frame 3 Existing ceiling,wall or floor cavities exposed during construction provided that these cavities are filled with insulation 4 Construction where the existing roof, wall or floor cavity is not exposed 1014 3 Change in occupancy A change in building occupancy that would result in the new building occupancy being regulated by tlus code and an increase in demand for either fossil fuel or electrical energy shall require that the building be made to comply with this code unless otherwise approved by the building official Exception The building official may in individual cases waive specific requirements when any such requirement is determined to be highly impractical in existing buildings, including buildings classified as historically sigmficant by the state or local jurisdiction, listed in The National Register of Historic Places or determined to be eligible for such listing, when such waivers do not cause the energy efficiency of the building be decreased 1014 4 Mixed occupancy Where a building houses more than one occupancy, each portion of the building shall conform to the requirements for the occupancy housed therein Where an occupancy is less than 10 percent of the area of any floor of a building, the major occupancy shall be considered the building occupancy Buildings, other than detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses and their accessory uses shall not be regulated under this code SECTION 102 ALTERNATE MATERIALS AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION,DESIGN OR INSULATING SYSTEMS 102 1 General This code is not intended to prevent the use of any material, method of construction, design or insulating system not specifically prescribed herein, provided that such construction, design or insulating system has been approved by the building official as meeting the intent of the code Compliance with specific provisions of this code may be determined through the use of computer software, worksheets, compliance manuals and other similar materials when the building official has approved these materials as meeting the intent of this code A building certified by a national, state or local energy efficiency program to exceed the energy efficiency required by thus code shall be considered in compliance with this code To 2 comply based on such a certification, the certifying program must be recognized to exceed this code by the state agency with building code or energy authority, or by the U S Department of Energy The certifying program must also be acceptable to the buildmg official SECTION 103 CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS 103 1 General Construction documents and other supporting data shall be submitted with each application for a permit Where special conditions exist, the building official is authorized to require additional construction documents to be prepared by a registered design professional Exception The building official is authorized to waive the requirements for construction documents or other supporting data if the building official determines such is not necessary to confirm compliance with this code 103 2 Information on construction documents Construction documents shall be drawn to scale upon suitable material and submitted in a format approved by the building official Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed, and show in sufficient detail pertinent data and features of the building, systems and equipment as herein governed or as determined by the building official Details shall include, but are not limited to, insulation materials and their R-values, fenestration U-factors and SHGCs, the number of systems and equipment efficiencies, types, sizes and controls, duct sealing, insulation and location, and air sealing details SECTION 104 INSPECTIONS 1041 General Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be inspected by the building official as necessary to determine compliance with this code 104 2 Required approvals No work shall be done on any part of the building or structure beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the written approval of the building official No construction shall be concealed without inspection approval 104 3 Final inspection The building shall have a final inspection and approval when completed and ready for occupancy 104 4 Remspection A building shall be re-inspected when determined necessary by the building official SECTION 105 VALIDITY 1051 General If a portion of this code is held to be illegal or void, such a decision shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this code SECTION 106 REFERENCED STANDARDS 1061 General The standards and provisions and portions thereof referred to in this code and contained in the 2003 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CODE® (2003 IECCO), the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE® (2003 IRC(9), and the 2003 INTERNATIONAL 3 mcq_rjAjvjuAL. cvL.#cQv tLuw uvii,vvl puousnea oy me imernanonat k-oae v,ouncu, me snau be considered part of the requirements of this code to the extent of such reference 106 2 Conflicting requirements When a section of this code and a section of a referenced standard or provision from the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESINDENTIAL CODE® (2003 IRC) or the 2003 INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE® (2003 IMC®) published by the International Code Council, Inc specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements,the provisions of this code shall apply CHAPTER DEFINITIONS SECTION 201 GENERAL 2011 Scope Unless stated otherwise, the following words and terms in this code shall have the meanings indicated in this chapter 2012 Interchangeability Words used in the present tense include the future, words in the masculine gender include the femuune and neuter, the singular number includes the plural and the plural includes the singular 2013 Terms defined in other codes Terms that are not defined in this code but are defined in the International Building Code, ICC Electrical Code, International Fire Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Mechanical Code International Plumbing Code or the International Residential Code shall have the meanings ascribed to them to those codes 2014 Terms not defined Terms not defined by this chapter shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies SECTION 202 GENERAL DEFINITIONS ABOVE GRADE WALL A wall more than 50% above grade and enclosing conditioned space This includes between-floor spandrels, peripheral edges of floors, roof and basement knee walls, dormer walls, gable end walls,walls enclosing a mansard roof, and skylight shafts ACCESSIBLE Admitting close approach because not guarded by locked doors, elevation or other effective means(see"Readily accessible") ADDITION An extension or increase in floor area or height of a building or structure AIR TRANSPORT FACTOR. The ratio of the rate of useful sensible heat removal from the conditioned space to the energy input to the supply and return fan motor(s), expressed in consistent units and under the designated operating conditions ALTERATION Any construction or renovation to an existing structure other than repair or addition that requires a permit Also, a change in a mechanical system that involves an extension, addition or change to the arrangement, type or purpose of the original installation that requires a permit ANNUAL FUEL UTILIZATION EFFICIENCY (AFUE) The ratio of annual output energy to annual input energy which includes any non-heating season pilot input loss, and for gas or oil- fired furnaces or boilers, does not include electrical energy 4 APPROVED Acceptable to the building official AUTOMATIC Self-acting, operating by its own mechanism when actuated by some impersonal influence, as, for example, a change in current strength, pressure, temperature or mechanical configuration(see"Manual') BASEMENT That portion of a building that is conditioned floor area or non-conditioned space located partly or completely below grade, wherein the underside of the adjacent floor system above is 72 inches(1830 mm) or more above the surface of an approved permanent floor system BASEMENT WALL A wall 50% or more of which is below grade and encloses conditioned space BUILDING Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy BUILDING OFFICIAL The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this code, or a duly authorized representative BUILDING THERMAL ENVELOPE The elements of a building which enclose conditioned spaces and through which thermal energy is capable of being transferred to or from the exterior, or to or from spaces exempted by the provisions of Section 101 4 1 BTU (British thermal unit) The quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 pound (0 454 kg) of water 1°F (A0 56°C), (1 Btu= 1,055 J) COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE (COP)—COOLING The ratio of the rate of heat removal to the rate of energy input in consistent units, for a complete cooling system or factory- assembled equipment, as tested under a nationally recognized standard or designated operating conditions COEFFICIENT OF PERFORMANCE (COP)—HEAT PUMP—HEATING The ratio of the rate of heat delivered to the rate of energy input, in consistent units, for a complete heat pump system under designated operating conditions Supplemental heat shall not be considered when checking compliance with the heat pump equipment (COPS listed in the tables in Sections 503 and 803) COMMERCIAL BUILDING All buildings that are not included in the definition of Residential Binldmgs CONDITIONED FLOOR AREA The horizontal projection of the floors associated with the conditioned space CONDITIONED SPACE An area or room within a building being heated or cooled, containing non-insulated ducts, or with a fixed opening directly into an adjacent conditioned space CRAWLSPACE That portion of a building that is conditioned or non-conditioned space located partly or completely below grade (excluding the under-floor space beneath below-grade structural floor systems), wherein the underside of the adjacent finished floor above is less than 72 inches (1830 min) above the bottom surface of such crawlspace 5 l.1CA W LDYAI,I: WALL i ne opdque portion or d wdu tndt en(,lows d c,rawi spdc,e dnu is partially or totally below grade DEADBAND The temperature range in which no heating or cooling is used DEGREE DAY, COOLING A unit, based on temperature difference and time, used in estimating cooling energy consumption and specifying nominal cooling load of a building in summer For any one day, when the mean temperature is more than 65°F (18°C), there are as many degree days as there are degrees Fahrenheit (Celsius) difference in temperature between the mean temperature for the day and 65°F (18°C) Annual cooling degree days (CDD) are the sum of the degree days over a calendar year DEGREE DAY, HEATING A unit, based on temperature difference and time, used in estimating heating energy consumption and specifying nominal heating load of a building in winter For any one day, when the mean temperature is less than 650F (18°C), there are as many degree days as there are degrees Fahrenheit (Celsius) difference in temperature between the mean temperature for the day and 65°F (18°C) Annual heating degree days (HDD) are the sum of the degree days over a calendar year DUCT A tube or conduit utilized for conveying air The air passages of self-contained systems are not to be construed as air ducts DUCT SYSTEM A continuous passageway for the transmission of air that, in addition to ducts, includes duct fittings, dampers, plenums, fans and accessory air-handling equipment and appliances DWELLING UNIT A single housekeeping unit comprised of one or more rooms providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating,cooking and sanitation ECONOMIZER, AIR. A duct and damper arrangement and automatic control system that allows a cooling system to supply outside air to reduce or eliminate the need for mechanical cooling during mild or cold weather ECONOMIZER, WATER A system where the supply air of a cooling system is cooled indirectly with water that is itself cooled by heat or mass transfer to the environment without the use of mechanical cooling ENERGY The capacity for doing work (taking a number of forms) which is capable of being transformed from one into another, such as thermal (heat), mechanical (work), electrical and chemical in customary units, measured in joules (J), kilowatt-hours (kWh) or British thermal units (Btu) ENERGY ANALYSIS A method for determining the annual (8,760 hours) energy use of the proposed design and standard reference design based on estimates of energy use ENERGY COST The total estimated annual cost for purchased energy for the building functions regulated by this code, including any demand charges, fuel adjustment factors and delivery charges applicable to the building ENERGY SIMULATION TOOL An approved software program or calculation-based methodology that projects the annual energy use of a building 6 EXTERIOR WALL Any wall, including both above grade walls and foundation walls, enclosing conditioned space that is vertical or sloped at an angle of sixty (60) degrees or greater from the horizontal FENESTRATION Skylights, roof windows, vertical windows (whether fixed or moveable), opaque doors, glazed doors, glass block, and combination opaque/glazed doors Fenestration includes products with glass and non-glass glazing materials FURNACE, DUCT A furnace normally installed in distribution ducts of air-conditioning systems to supply warm air for heatmg and which depends on a blower not furnished as part of the duct furnace for air circulation FURNACE,WARM AIR. A self-contained, indirect-fired or electrically heated furnace that supplies heated air through ducts to spaces that require it GLAZING AREA Total area of the glazed fenestration measured using the rough opening and including sash, curbing or other framing elements that enclose conditioned space Glazing area includes the area of glazed fenestration assemblies in walls bounding conditioned basements For doors where the daylight opening area is less than 50 percent of the door area, the glazing area is the daylight opening area For all other doors, the glazing area is the rough opening area for the door including the door and the frame GROSS AREA OF EXTERIOR WALLS The normal projection of all exterior walls, including the area of all windows and doors installed therein(see"Exterior wall') GROSS FLOOR AREA The sum of the areas of several floors of the bwldmg, including basements, cellars, mezzanine and intermediate floored hers and penthouses of headroom height, measured from the exterior faces of exterior walls or from the centerline of walls separating buildings, but excluding 1 Covered walkways, open roofed-over areas,porches and similar spaces 2 Pipe trenches, exterior terraces or steps,clumneys,roof overhangs and sinular features HEAT The form of energy that is transferred by virtue of a temperature difference or a change in state of a material HEAT CAPACITY (HQ The amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of a given mass by one degree The heat capacity of a builchng element is the sum of the heat capacities of each of its components HEAT PUMP A refrigeration system that extracts heat from one substance and transfers it to another portion of the same substance or to a second substance at a higher temperature for a beneficial purpose HEAT TRAP An arrangement of piping and fittings, suo as elbows, or a commercially available heat trap that prevents thennosyphonmg of hot water during standby penods HEATED SLAB Slab-on-grade construction in which the heatmg elements, hydronic piping or hot air distribution system is in contact with or placed within the slab or the subgrade HEATED SPACE Space within a building which is provided with a positive heat supply (see "Positive heat supply") Fifflshed hymg space within a basement with registers or heatmg devices 7 aesignea to supply neat to a oasemem space snau automancany aenne mat space as neatea space and conditioned floor area HEATING SEASONAL PERFORMANCE FACTOR(HSPF) The total heating output of a heat pump during its normal annual usage period for heating, in Btu, divided by the total electric energy input during the same period, in watt hours, as determined by DOE 10 CFR Part 430, Subpart B, Test Procedures and based on Region 4 HUMIDISTAT A regulatory device, actuated by changes in humidity, used for automatic control of relative humidity HVAC Heating, ventilating and air conditioning HVAC SYSTEM The equipment, distribution network, and temmmals that provide either collectively or individually the processes of heating, ventilating, or air conditioning to a building HVAC SYSTEM COMPONENTS HVAC system components provide, in one or more factory-assembled packages, means for clullmg or heating water, or both, with controlled temperature for delivery to terminal units serving the conditioned spaces of the building Types of HVAC system components include, but are not limited to, water chiller packages, reciprocating condensing units and water source (hydronic) heat pumps (see "HVAC system equipment") HVAC SYSTEM EQUIPMENT HVAC system equipment provides, in one (single package) or more (split system) factory-assembled packages, means for air circulation, air cleaning, air cooling with controlled temperature and dehumidification and, optionally, either alone or in combination with a heating plant, the functions of heating and humidifying The cooling function is either electrically or heat operated and the refrigerant condenser is air, water or evaporative cooled Where the equipment is provided in more than one package, the separate packages shall be designed by the manufacturer to be used together The equipment shall be permitted to provide the heating function as a heat pump or by the use of electric or fossil-fuel- fired elements (The word "equipment" used without a modifying adjective, in accordance with common industry usage, applies either to HVAC system equipment or HVAC system components) INFILTRATION The uncontrolled inward air leakage into a building caused by the pressure effects of wind and aressure imbalances induced by mechanical systems, or the effect of differences in the indoor and outdoor air density or any combination of such effects INSULATING SHEATHING An insulating board with a core material having a mimmum R- value of R-2 LABELED Devices, equipment, appliances, assemblies or materials to which have been affixed a label, seal, symbol or other identifying mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory, inspection agency or other organization concerned with product evaluation that maintains periodic inspection of the production of the above-labeled items and by whose label the manufacturer attests to compliance with applicable nationally recognized standards LISTED Equipment, appliances, assemblies or materials included in a list published by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, inspection agency or other organization concerned with product evaluation that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment, appliances, assemblies or material, and whose listing states either that the equipment, appliances, 8 assemblies, or material meets nationally recognized standards or has been tested and found suitable for use in a specified manner LIVING SPACE Space within a dwelling unit utilized for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, bathing, washing and sanitation purposes LOW-VOLTAGE LIGHTING Lighting equipment powered through a transformer such as a cable conductor, a rail conductor and track lighting MANUAL Capable of being operated by personal intervention(see"Automatic') OCCUPANCY The purpose for which a building, or portion thereof, is utilized or occupied OPAQUE AREAS All exposed areas of a building envelope which enclose conditioned space, except openings for windows, skylights, doors and building service systems OUTDOOR AIR. Air taken from the outdoors and, therefore, not previously circulated through the system OZONE DEPLETION FACTOR A relative measure of the potency of chemicals in depleting stratospheric ozone The ozone depletion factor potential depends on the chlorine and bromine content and the atmospheric lifetime of the chemical The depletion factor potential is normalized such that the factor for CFC-11 is set equal to unity and the factors for the other chemicals indicate their potential relative to CFC-I 1 PACKAGED TERMINAL AIR CONDITIONER(PTAC) A factory-selected wall sleeve and separate un-encased combination of heating and cooling components, assemblies or sections (intended for mounting through the wall to serve a single room or zone) It includes heating capability by hot water, steam or electricity (For the complete technical definition, see ARI 310/380) PACKAGED TERMINAL HEAT PUMP A PTAC capable of using the refrigeration system in a reverse cycle or heat pump mode to provide heat (For the complete technical definition, see ARI 310/380) POSITIVE COOLING SUPPLY Mechanical cooling deliberately supplied to a space, such as through a supply register Also, mechanical cooling indirectly supplied to a space through un- insulated surfaces of space-cooling components, such as evaporator coil cases and cooling distribution systems which continually maintain air temperatures within the space of 85°F (29°C) or lower during normal operation To be considered exempt from inclusion in this definition, such surfaces shall comply with the insulation requirements of this code POSITIVE HEAT SUPPLY Heat deliberately supplied to a space by design, such as a supply register, radiator or heating element Also, heat indirectly supplied to a space through un- insulated surfaces of service water heaters and space-heating components, such as furnaces, boilers and heating and cooling distribution systems which continually maintain air temperature within the space of 50°F (10°C) or higher during normal operation To be considered exempt from inclusion in this definition, such surfaces shall comply with the insulation requirements of tlus code 9 rKVYUN.L0 V LMUIN A aescnpuon or me proposea nuitaing urea to esumate annual energy use for determining compliance based on total building performance READILY ACCESSIBLE Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or inspections, without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite, to climb over or remove obstacles or to use portable ladders or access equipment(see "Accessible") REPAIR The reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building RESIDENTIAL BUILDING One- and two-family dwellings, townhouses, R-2 residential buildings three stones or less in height above grade and R-4 residential buildings three stones or less in height above grade ROOF ASSEMBLY A system designed to provide weather protection and resistance to design loads The system consists of a roof covering and roof deck or a single component serving as both the roof covering and the roof deck A roof assembly includes, the roof covering, underlayment, roof deck, vapor retarder, substrate or thermal barrier, insulation, and interior finish For purposes of the building thermal envelope, a roof assembly shall be considered as all roof/ceiling components of the building envelope through which heat flows, thus creating a building transmission heat loss or gain, where such assembly is exposed to outdoor air and encloses conditioned space The gross area of a roof assembly consists of the total interior surface of all roof/ceiling components, including opaque surfaces,dormer and bay window roofs, trey ceilings, overhead portions of an interior stairway to an unconditioned attic, doors and hatches, glazing and skylights exposed to conditioned space, that are horizontal or sloped at an angle less than 60 degrees (1 1 mid) from the horizontal (see "Exterior wall") A roof assembly, or portions thereof, having a slope of 60 degrees (1 Irad) or greater from horizontal shall be considered in the gross area of exterior walls and thereby excluded from consideration in the roof assembly Skylight shaft walls 12 inches (305 mm) in depth or greater (as measured from the ceiling plane to the roof deck) shall be considered in the gross area of exterior walls and are thereby excluded from consideration in the roof assembly ROOM AIR CONDITIONER An encased assembly designed as a unit for mounting in a window or through a wall, or as a console It is designed primarily to provide free delivery of conditioned air to an enclosed space, room or zone It includes a prime source of refrigeration for cooling and dehumidification and means for circulating and cleaning air, and shall be permitted to also include means for ventilating and heating R-VALUE (THERMAL RESISTANCE) The inverse of the time rate of heat flow through a body from one of its bounding surfaces to the other surface for a unit temperature difference between the two surfaces, under steady state conditions, per unit area (hxftzx°F/Btu) [(M2xK)/VT] SASH CRACK. The sum of all perimeters of all window sashes, based on overall dimensions of such parts, expressed in feet If a portion of one sash perimeter overlaps a portion of another sash perimeter,the overlapping portions are only counted once SCREW LAMP HOLDERS A lamp base that requires a screw-m-type lamp such as an incandescent, compact florescent, or tungsten-halogen bulb 10 SEASONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATIO (SEER) The total cooling output of an air conditioner during its normal annual usage period for cooling, in Btu/h (W), divided by the total electric energy input during the same period, in watt-hours, as determined by DOE 10 CFR Part 430, Subpart B,Test Procedures SERVICE SYSTEMS All energy-using systems in a building that are operated to provide services for the occupants or processes housed therein, including HVAC, service water heating, illumination,transportation, cooking or food preparation, laundering and similar functions SERVICE WATER HEATING Supply of hot water for purposes other than comfort heating SIMULATION TOOL An approved software program or calculation-based methodology that projects the annual hour-by-hour loads and energy use of a building SKYLIGHT Glazing that is sloped more than fifteen degrees (44 0 26 rad) from the vertical SLAB-ON-GRADE FLOOR INSULATION Insulation around the perimeter of the floor slab or its supporting foundation when the top edge of the floor perimeter slab is above the finished grade or 12 inches (305 mm)or less below the finished grade SOLAR ENERGY SOURCE Source of natural day-lighting and of thermal, chemical or electrical energy derived directly from conversion of incident solar radiation SOLAR HEAT GAIN COEFFICENT The ratio of the solar heat gam through a fenestration or glazing assembly to the incident solar radiation as established by the NFRC STANDARD REFERENCE DESIGN A version of the Proposed design that meets the minimum requirements of this code and is used to determine the maximum annual energy use requirement for compliance based on total building performance STANDARD TRUSS Any construction that does not permit the roof/ceiling insulation to achieve the required R-value over the exterior walls SUNROOM ADDITION A one-story structure added to a dwelling, with a glazing area in excess of 40 percent of the gross area of the structure's exterior walls and roof SYSTEM A combination of central or terminal equipment or components or controls, accessories, interconnecting means, and terminal devices by which energy is transformed so as to perform a specific function, such as HVAC, service water heating or illumination THERMAL CONDUCTANCE Time rate of heat flow through a body (frequently per unit area) from one of its bounding surfaces to the other for a unit temperature difference between the two surfaces, under steady conditions (Btu/h ft2 °F) [W/(m2 K)] THERMAL ISOLATION A separation of conditioned spaces, between a sunroom addition and a dwelling unit, consisting of existing or new wall(s), doors and/or windows New wall(s), doors and/or windows shall meet the prescriptive envelope component criteria in Table 402 1 The conditioned space(s) shall be controlled as a separate zone(s) for heating and cooling or conditioned by separate equipment THERMOSTAT An automatic control device used to maintain temperature at a fixed or adjustable set point 11 1OWNHVUSE A single-family dwelling unit constructed in a group of two or more attached individual units, each of which is separated from the other from the foundation to the roof and is located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land (site) bounded by property lines that is deeded exclusively for such single-family dwelling U-FACTOR (THERMAL TRANSMITTANCE) The coefficient of heat transmission (air to air) through a building component or assembly, equal to the time rate of heat flow per unit area and unit temperature difference between the warm side and cold side air films (Btu/hxf x0F) [W/(mzxK)] The U-factor for fenestration products shall be as established by the NFRC UNITARY COOLING AND HEATING EQUIPMENT One or more factory-made assemblies which include an evaporator or cooling coil, a compressor and condenser combination, and which shall be permitted to include a heating function as well When heating and cooling equipment is provided in more than one assembly, the separate assemblies shall be designed to be used together UNITARY HEAT PUMP One or more factory-made assemblies which include an indoor conditioning coil, compressor(s) and outdoor coil or refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger, including means to provide both heating and cooling functions When heat pump equipment is provided in more than one assembly, the separate assemblies shall be designed to be used together VAPOR RETARDER. A vapor resistant material, membrane or covering such as foil, plastic sheeting, or insulation facing having a permeance rating of I perm or less, when tested in accordance with the desiccant method using Procedure A of ASTME96 Vapor retarders limit the amount of moisture vapor that passes through a material or wall assembly VENTILATION The natural or mechanical process of supplying conditioned or unconditioned air to,or removing such air from, any space VENTILATION AIR. That portion of supply air that comes from outside (outdoors) plus any recirculated air that has been treated to maintain the desired quality of air within a designated space WATER HEATER, INSTANTANEOUS A water heater with an input rating of at least 4,000 Btu/h per gallon(310 W/L) stored water and a storage capacity of less than 10 gallons(38 L) WATER HEATER, STORAGE A water heater with an input rating less than 4,000 Btu/h per gallon(310 W/L)of stored water or storage capacity of at least 10 gallons(38 L) WINDOW PROJECTION FACTOR A measure of the portion of glazing that is shaded by an eave or overhang It is calculated as the ratio of an overhang's length (horizontal distance out from the glazing) to the vertical distance from the bottom of the glazing to the bottom of the overhang ZONE A space or group of spaces within a building with heating or cooling requirements, or both, sufficiently similar so that comfort conditions can be maintained throughout by a single controlling device 12 CHAPTER 3 DESIGN CONDITIONS SECTION 301 GENERAL 3011 Design cntena. The criteria of this chapter establish the design conditions for use with Chapter 4 SECTION 302 THERMAL DESIGN PARAMETERS 3021 Thermal design parameters The following thermal design parameters in Table 302 1 shall be used for calculations required under this code TABLE 302 1 THERMAL DESIGN PARAMETERS Winter Outdoor, Design Dry-bulb ff) = 1 Winter Indoor, Design Dry-bulb ff) = 72 (Check Manual J—68 or 70 more typical?) Summer, Outdoor Design Dry-bulb ff) =91 Summer, Indoor Design Dry-bulb ff) =75 Summer, Design Wet-bulb ff) = 59 Degree days heating =6368 Degree days cooling =<TBD>(Note question in Definitions about ref temp) For SI C=((F)32]/1 8 CHAPTER 4 MATERIALS, SYSTEMS,EQUIPMENT AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY SECTION 401 GENERAL 4011 Compliance Compliance with the energy efficiency requirements of this code for residential buildings shall be demonstrated by any one of the methods provided in this chapter 4012 Identification Materials, systems and equipment shall be identified in a manner that will allow a determination of compliance with the applicable provisions of this code 4013 Installation All materials, systems and equipment required by this code shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions and the conditions of any listing or required certifications 40131 Glass and mineral fiber insulation Glass and mineral fiber (wool) insulation installed on the conditioned side of basement foundation walls and on framed cavities or surfaces less than 72 inches (1830 mm) above the floor below shall be protected from damage and releasing insulation fibers into the conditioned space by a permanent covering material securely fastened in place such that the insulation is maintamed in substantial contact with the covering The covering material shall be gypsum wallboard, wall paneling, wall sheathing, or similar durable materials conforming to Section R315 of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE® (2003 IRC) published by the International Code Council, Inc , that provide equivalent physical protection as determined by the building official 4014 Maintenance information Instructions shall be furnished with the building for equipment and systems that require preventive maintenance Required regular maintenance shall be clearly stated and incorporated on a readily accessible label affixed to the equipment This label shall 13 include the title or publication number for We operation and maintenance manual for that particular model and type of product 4015 Certification A permanent certification shall be sempleted signed by the builder or tasWl and be posted in the immediate vicinity of the building electrical distribution panel Where there is more than one value for each component, the certification shall list the value covering the greatest area Such certification shall verify the following 1 The predominant R-values of the insulation for ceilmg/roof, walls, foundation (slab, basement wall, frame floors, crawlspace wall and/or floor), 2 U-factors and the solar heat gam coefficient(SHGC) for each fenestration type, 3 The type and efficiency of heating, coolmg and service water heating equipment, and R- values for ducts outside conditioned spaces, and 4 The insulation described thereon is installed in accordance with the applicable installation guidelines established by the building official A copy of the certification shall be submitted to the building official by the builder or general contractor of record prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy SECTION 402 BUILDING THERMAL ENVELOPE 4021 Simplified Insulation and fenestration prescriptive criteria The building envelope shall meet the requirements of Table 402 1,except as stated in this Section 402 2 Insulation installation and identification Roof/ceiling, floor, wall cavity and duct distribution systems insulation shall be installed in a manner as set forth in the Insuallwn Guidelines as established by the building official and such that the manufacturer's R-value identification mark is readily observable upon inspection. 402 21 Building thermal envelope msulahon An R-value identification mark shall be applied by the manufacturer to each piece of buildmg envelope insulation 12 inches (305 mm) or greater in width Alternatively, the insulation installer shall provide a certification listing the type, manufacturer and R-value of insulation installed in each element of the building thermal envelope The certification shall list the type, manufacturer and R-value of insulation installed in each element of the building envelope For blown or sprayed insulation, the initial installed thickness, settled thickness, settled R-value, installed density, coverage area and number of bags installed shall be listed on the certification The insulation installer shall sign, date and post the certification in a conspicuous location within the building 402 21 1 Blown of sprayed roof/ceding insulation The thickness of blown in or sprayed roof/ceiling insulation shall be observable by markers that measure thickness in inches and which are installed no less than one for every 300 ftz(28 m2)throughout the attic space The markers shall be affixed to the trusses or joists and marked with the minimum initial installed thickness with numbers a mummum of 1 inch (25 min) in height Each marker shall face the attic access opening 14 402 3 R-value computation Insulation material used in layers, such as framing cavity insulation and insulating sheathing, shall be summed to compute the component R-value The manufacturer's settled R-value shall be used for blown insulation Computed R-values shall not include an R-value for other building materials or air films 402 4 U-factor alternative An assembly with a U-factor equal to or less than that specified in Table 402 1 shall be permitted as an alternative to the R-value in Table 402 1 402 5 Total UA alternative If the total building thermal envelope UA (sum of U-factor times assembly area) is less than or equal to the total UA resulting from using the U-factors in Table 402 1, the buildmg shall be considered in compliance with Table 402 1 The UA calculation shall be done using a method consistent with the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals and shall include the thermal bridging effects of framing materials The SHGC requirements shall be met in addition to UA compliance 402 6 Prescriptive tradeoffs Alternative nummum insulation R-values shall be permitted as an alternative to the standard "Insulation and Glazed Fenestration Requirements by Component" specified in Table 402 1 provided the HVAC performance efficiencies are increased as indicated therein Table 402 1 Insulation and Glazed Fenestration Re uirements by Com onenti') Crawl (bi Frame) Mass (b) Basement(e) Slab() d Space Fenestration Fenestration Skylight Ceding(c) wall(') Wall Floor Wall R R Value Wall U-Factor SHGC U Factor R Value R Value R Value R Value Value 8 L)e th R Value 38/ 13/ 25P)-/ 10 2ft/ 035 04 060 49(k) 18/21(k) 15(k) 30(k) 10/ 13 10 4 ft(k) 4019/13 Equivalent Maximum U-Factors Insulated budding envelope U factors must be obtamed from measurement or calculation 0 0301 0 065/ 0 082/ 0 037/ 035 NA 060 0 026(k) 0 057(k) 0 077(k) 0 030(k) 0 060 NA 0 066 Alternative Minimum Insulation R-values(') When one or more of the following increased HVAC efficiencies is used (a) Minimum SEER 12 with mimmum AFUE 92,or (b) Minimum SEER 12 with minimum HSPF81,or (c) Ground-source heat pump with minimum HSPF 16 035 04 260 38 15 8 19 10/13/00) 10 2ft 4919/13 Footnotes for Table 402 1 Insulation and Glazed Fenestration Requirements (a) R values are minimums U-factors and SHGC are maximums Fenestration U-factor and SHGC refer to the whole fenestration unit R values in this table are uncompressed R-values, except that R-19 insulation may be compressed into 2x6 framing cavities Steel-frame wall R-values are given in Table 402 2-4-Fenestration includes doors All heating ventilating and cooling equipment shall meet NAECA mimmum efficiency standards except when specified otherwise (b)The fenestration U factor column excludes skylights, this column applies only to skylights The SHGC column applies to all glazed fenestration including skylights, which are considered glazed fenestrations less than 60 degrees from horizontal 15 kc1 msuianon may oe appuea to me unaersiae or the root it me attic is air seaiea ana un-ventea (d) Frame walls include between-floor spandrels, peripheral edges of floors roof and basement knee walls, dormer walls, gable end walls, shaft walls enclosing conditioned spaces that adjoin unconditioned spaces and walls enclosing a mansard roof R-values are for the insulation materials only When structural sheathing covers 25% or less of the exterior frame walls, the combined insulation R-value where the structural sheathing is used may be R 15 When Where structural sheathing covers more than 25% of the exterior walls and insulated sheathing of at least R-2 is applied to such structural sheathin& the walls comply with Table 402 1 (e) A basement wall is any individual exterior wall that is more than 50%below grade The first R-value applies to continuous insulation the second to insulation in a framing cavity either meets the basement requirement (f) R 5 shall be added to the required slab edge R-values for heated slabs (g) The first R value applies to continuous insulation,the second to insulation that fills a framing cavity either one meets the crawl space wall insulation requirement (h) Insulation must be sufficient to completely fill the framing cavity (1) Bold type indicates requirements that differ from the standard requirements Buildings with electric resistance as the primary heat source are not eligible to use alternative minimum insulation offset by increased HVAC efficiencies All footnotes of Table 402 1 apply Air-handlers, furnaces and ducts shall be in conditioned space Factory sealed air handlers tested, certified and labeled by the manufacturer to have achieved a 2 percent or less leakage rate at 10 inch water gauge shall meet the requirement for the air handler being in conditioned space After the year 2006 change SEER increased from 12 to 14 and HSPF from 8 2 to 8 8 Evaporative cooling meets SEER requirement 0) When not already specified in order to utilize the alternative minimum insulation offset by increased HVAC efficiencies as noted under footnote (i), heating equipment meeting the one of the performance and efficiency standards may be substituted in lieu of installing the continuous insulation specified for exterior basement walls that do not contain or enclose living space at the time of their construction and approval for occupancy, provided that not more than 12 inches (305 mm) of the basement wall is above grade (k) Second value applies to buildings with electric powered equipment as the primary building heat source when such equipment is NOT supplied primarily by renewable energy sources or is NOT a ground-source heat pump 402 7 Insulation and thermal requirements for specific conditions 402 71 Roof/Ceilmg Assemblies and Attics Where Section 402 1 prescribes insulation levels above R-30 and the design of the roof/ceiling assembly does not allow sufficient space for the specified insulation, the minimum required insulation for such roof/ceilmg assemblies shall be not less than R-30 The required ceiling insulation R-value above the exterior wall top plate shall not be less than the required R-value of the wall insulation 402 7 2 Mass walls Mass walls include concrete block, concrete, insulated concrete form (ICF), masonry cavity, brick(not brick veneer) and log walls To use the mass wall provisions, greater than 50% of the insulation R-value shall be on the exterior of, or integral to, the mass wall Mass walls that do not meet this criterion for insulation placement shall meet the frame wall insulation requirements 16 15 402 7 3 Opaque doors A door with a foam core shall be deemed to meet the required fenestration U-factor One opaque door assembly is exempted from the U-factor requirement 402 7 4 Floors Cantilevered floors, floors over outside air (including floors over any garage when such garage does not meet the provisions of this code, and floors over crawl spaces that are vented to the outside), and dormer ceilmas shall reguu•e a minimum of R- 30 insulation installed to maintain permanent contact with the floor above and be sufficient to fill the framma cavity completely 402 7 5 Basement walls Walls containing conditioned basement spaces shall be insulated from the top of the basement wall downward to a point 120 inches (3 05 m) below grade or to the basement floor, whichever is less Walls containing unconditioned basement spaces shall meet the preceding requirement unless the floor overhead is insulated in accordance with Sections 402 1 and 402 7 4 , except when utilizing the alternative minimum insulation offset by increased HVAC efficiencies as permitted in Table 402 1 Glass and mineral fiber (wool) insulation installed on the interior side of basement foundation walls shall protected from damage as specified in Section 4013 1 Exceptions 1 Insulation applied to the exterior side of foundation walls enclosing conditioned space shall extend downward from the top of foundation walls that terminates a nummum of 48 inches (1220 min) below the adjoining ground level 2 Insulation may be eliminated when heating equipment is installed that meets efficiency criteria and conditions specified in Table 402 1,Footnotes(i) and 0) 402 77 6 Slab-on-ground floors The perimeters of slab-on-ground floors and below-grade structural floor systems with a floor surface less than 12 inches below grade shall be insulated in accordance with Table 402 1 The insulation shall extend downward from the top of the slab on the outside or inside of the foundation wall Insulation located below grade shall be extended the distance provided in Table 402 1 by any combination of vertical insulation, insulation extending under the slab or insulation extending out from the building Insulation extending away from the building shall be protected by pavement or by a minimum of 10 inches of soil The top edge of the insulation installed between the exterior wall and the edge of the interior slab shall be perntted to be cut at a 45-degree angle away from the exterior wall Approved frost-protected-shallow-foundations constructed in accordance with Section R403 3 of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE as adopted by the City of Fort Collins shall be considered in compliance with this section 402 7 7 Crawl space walls Floors above crawl spaces that are vented to the outside(excluding such spaces with openings and ducts solely for the purpose of providing combustion air in accordance with the mechanical code adopted by the City of Fort Collins) shall be insulated in accordance with Sections 402 1 and 402 7 4 Crawl space walls shall be permitted to be insulated when the crawl space is not vented to the outside Such insulation shall be permanently fastened to the crawl space wall and extend downward from the sill plate to the interior bottom surface Where the interior bottom surface is less than 12 inches (305 mm) below the outside fuush ground level, insulation shall extend from the top of the crawl space wall to the top of the footing The exposed earth in crawl spaces shall be covered with a continuous vapor retarder All joints in the vapor retarder shall overlap by 6 inches (153 mm) and be sealed or taped The edges of the vapor retarder shall extend at least 6 inches (153 mm) 17 up the stem watt ana strait be anacnea ana seatea to the tounaation wau in an approvea manner 402 7 8 Masonry veneer Insulation shall not be required on the horizontal portion of the foundation that supports a masonry veneer 402 7 9 Below-grade structural floors Below-grade structural floors supporting conditioned spaces above shall be constructed in accordance with Section 408 2 2 of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE as adopted by the City of Fort Collins 402 710 Protection of exposed foundation insulation Insulation applied to the exterior of foundation walls and the perimeter of slab-on-grade floors shall have a rigid, opaque and weather-resistant protective covering to prevent the degradation of the insulation's thermal performance The protective covering shall cover the exposed exterior insulation and extend a mimmum of 6 inches(153 mm)below grade 402 711 Thermally isolated sunroom insulation The minimum ceiling insulation R-value shall be R-24 and the mimmum wall R-value shall be R-13 in such rooms New wall(s) separating the sunroom from conditioned space shall meet the building thermal envelope requirements Thermally isolated sunrooms shall not be used as kitchens or sleeping rooms, and shall be served by a separate heating or cooling system 402 712 Accessory buildings Fully enclosed accessory buildings and attached garages not containing habitable space may be conditioned subject to the following thermal and envelope criteria 1 Such spaces meet the cntena for thermal isolation and any HVAC equipment installed therein is sized for a peak design load assuming a maximum Winter Indoor Design Dry— bulb Temperature of 60°F(TBD °C) and a mimmum Summer Indoor Design Dry—bulb Temperature of 801 (TBD°C) 2 The walls are insulated with insulation having a mimmum R-value of R-13 3 The roof/ceiling is insulated in accordance with Section 402 1 4 Windows have a maximum U-factor of 0 45 and in total do not exceed 10% of the floor area 5 Doors have a minimum R-value of 3 and are sealed to prevent infiltration to the extent practical as determined by the building official 6 Slab-edges are insulated to R-5 402 7 14 Steel-frame ceilings, walls and floors Steel-frame ceilings, walls and floors shall meet the insulation requirements of Table 402 2 or shall meet the wall U-factor requirements in Table 402 1 The calculation of the U-factor for a steel-frame wall shall use a senes-parallel path calculation method 18 Table 402 2 Steel-Frame Ceilina,Wall and Floor Insulation (R-Value) Wood Frame R-Value Requirement Cold Formed Steel Equivalent R—Value Steel Truss Ceilings 2 R 30 R 38 or R 30+3 or R 26+5 R 38 R 49 or R 38+3 R 49 R 38+5 Steel Joist Ceilings2 R 30= R 38 in 2x4 or 2x6 or 2x8 R-49 in any framing R 38 R-49 in 2x4 or 2x6 or 2x8 or 2x10 Steel Framed Wall R 13 R 13+5 or R 15+4 or R 21+3 R 19 R 13+9 or R 19+8 or R 25+7 R 21 R 13+10 or R 19+9 or R 25+8 Steel Joist Floor R 13 R 19 in 2x6 R 19+R6 in 2x8 or 2x10 R 19 R 19+R 6 in 2x6 R 19+11 12 in 2x8 or 2x10 Notes 1 Cavity insulation R value is listed first fbilowed by continuous insulation R value 2 insulation exceeding the height of the frawng shall cover the framing 402 8 Fenestration 402 81 Fenestration product rating U-factors of fenestration products (windows, doors and skylights) shall be determined in accordance with NFRC 100 by an accredited, independent laboratory, and labeled and certified by the manufacturer The solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of glazed fenestration products (windows, glazed doors and skylights) shall be determined in accordance with NFRC 200 by an accredited, independent laboratory, and labeled and certified by the manufacturer Products lacking such a labeled U-factor shall be assigned a default U-factor from Table 402 3 Where a particular feature cannot be determined with reasonable certainty, the product shall not receive credit for that feature in the default U-factor Where a composite of materials from two different product types is used,the product shall be assigned the higher U-factor Table 402 3 Default Glazed Fenestration U-Factors Frame Type Single Pane Double Pane Single-Pane Double-Pane Skylight Skylight Metal 120 080 160 105 Metal Huth Thermal Break 1 10 065 145 090 Wood Vinyl Fiberglass or 095 055 125 080 Combinations (includes metal clad products) Glass Block 060 Also supply defaults for SHGC9 19 402 e t u-tactor An area-weigntea average or tenestrauon proaucts snuff ne permittea to satisfy the U-factor requirements 402 8 3 Glazed fenestration SHGC An area-weighted average of fenestration products more than 50%glazed shall be permitted to satisfy the SHGC requirements 402 8 4 SHGC exemptions Any fenestration facing within 45 degrees of true south with an overhang having a window projection factor of 0 3 or more is exempt from the SHGC requirements 402 8 5 Fenestration exemption Up to 15 ft2 (1 4 m2) of glazed fenestration per dwelling unit is exempt from U-factor and SHGC requirements in Section 402 402 8 6 Thermally isolated sunrooms U-factor Glazed fenestration in thermally isolated sunrooms and new windows separatine sunrooms from conditioned space shall have a maximum U-factor of 0 50 Sunroom skylights shall have a maximum U-factor of 0 75 Sunrooms shall otherwise meet the requirements of this chapter Exception Thermally isolated sunrooms that are neither heated nor cooled with non- renewable energy sources 402 8 7 Replacement fenestration Where some or all of an existing fenestration unit is replaced with a new replacement fenestration product, including frame, sash, and glazing, the replacement fenestration unit shall meet the requirements for U-factor and SHGC in Table 4021 402 8 8 Impact resistant fenestration Required impact resistant fenestration shall meet ASTM E-1886 or ASTM E-1996, and shall be so labeled by the manufacturer 402 9 Air infiltration 402 91 Building envelope Exterior joints, seams or penetrations in the building envelope,that are sources of uncontrolled air infiltration, shall be sealed with durable caulking materials, closed with gasketing systems, taped or covered with moisture vapor-permeable house wrap as described in further detail in the air-sealing guidelines established by the building official Such sealing methods shall be performed at locations such as around tubs and showers, at the attic and crawl space panels, at recessed lights and around all plumbing and electrical penetrations, at dropped ceilings or chases adjacent to the thermal envelope, at knee walls and shaft walls adjoining unconditioned space, and at similar openings located in the building envelope between conditioned space and unconditioned space or between the conditioned space and the outside Sealing materials spanning joints between dissimilar construction materials shall allow for differential expansion and contraction of the construction materials An approved air-infiltration test performed by a qualified agency resulting in achieving the equivalent maximum air-infiltration provided in the air-seahne ¢indelmes as determined by the buddme official, shall be considered an acceptable method of demonstrating compliance with R402 9 1 402 9 2 Fenestration infiltration Windows, skylights and sliding-glass doors shall have an air infiltration rate of no more than 0 3 cfm/fl and swinging doors shall have an air infiltration rate of no more than 0 5 cfin/ftz, when tested according to NFRC 400 101/1 S 2, or 101/1 S 2 20 NAFS by an accredited, independent laboratory All such fenestration products shall be certified according to the conditions of their listings and so labeled by the manufacturer Exemptions Site-built windows, skylights and doors 402 9 3 Recessed lighting Where installed in the building thermal envelope, recessed lighting fixtures shall be sealed to limit infiltration between conditioned and unconditioned space Such fixtures shall be one of the following types 1 IC-rated and labeled with enclosures that are sealed or gasketed to prevent air leakage to the ceiling cavity or unconditioned space, or 2 IC-rated and labeled as meeting ASTM E 283 when tested at 157 psi (75 Pa) pressure differential with no more than 2 0 cfin (0 944 L/s) of air movement from the conditioned space to the ceiling cavity, or 3 located inside an airtight sealed box with clearances of at least 0 5 inches (12 7 min) from combustible material and 3 inches(76mm)from insulation 402 10 Moisture control The building design shall not create conditions hazardous to occupants or of accelerated deterioration due to the presence of excessive water vapor and condensation Methods for moisture control shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTML CODE adopted by the City of Fort Collins and as determined necessary by the building official where special conditions or construction methods are encountered, such as steam rooms and rooms contamm¢ seas or cools, or below erade sub-floor spaces,or other interior locations subiect to excessive moisture SECTION 403 SYSTEMS 403 1 General. Tlus section covers mechanical systems and equipment used to provide heating, ventilating and air-conditioning functions This section assumes that residential buildings and dwelling units therein will be designed with individual HVAC systems Where equipment not shown in Table 503 2 of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CODE(2003 IECC)0 published by the International Code Council, Inc is specified, it shall meet the provisions of Sections 803 2 2 and 803 3 2 of such code 403 2 HVAC equipment efficiency Equipment shall meet the following minimum performance standards 1 ANNUAL FUEL UTILIZATION EFFICIENCY (AFUE) of gas-fired or oil-fired furnace (< 225,000 Btu/h)> 80%and Et>80% 2 AFUE of Gas-fired or oil-fired steam and hot-water boilers(<300,000 Btu/h)> 80% 3 HEATING SEASONAL PERFORMANCE FACTOR (HSPF) of air-cooled heat pumps in heating mode (<65,000 Btu/h cooling capacity)> 7 9 4 SEASONAL ENERGY-EFFICIENCY RATIO (SEER) of air-cooled air conditioners and heat pumps in cooling mode (<65,000 Btu/h cooling capacity)> 12 21 ivata rwnisnea oy the equipment suppner, or cerunea unaer a nanonany recognizes cemncation procedure, shall be used to satisfy these requirements All such equipment shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions Heating, cooling and service water heating equipment with equipment efficiency regulated as an AFUE, HSPF, SEER or EF shall have the efficiency specified on a label permanently attached to the equipment by the manufacturer, or such specified efficiencies shall be verified by the manufacturer's product literature and posted in the building as part of the certification pursuant to Section 4015 403.3 Equipment sizing and testing All heating and cooling equipment shall be sized such that the total sensible capacity of the cooling equipment does not exceed the total sensible load by more than 15% for cooling-only applications, or by more than 25% for cold-climate applications in accordance with the procedures in ACCA Manual J 8`h Edition using thermal design parameters in Table 302 1 All ducted air-distribution heating and cooling systems shall be sized using cooling loads All heating and cooling equipment shall be tested to ensure such equipment is operating within the manufacturer's recommended operating parameters and standards, including within criteria related to Proper combustion, according to the applicable protocols established by the building official and in accordance with the mechanical code adopted by the City of Fort Collins 403 4 Controls At least one thermostat shall be provided for each separate heating, cooling or combination heating and cooling system Such controls when used to control comfort heating shall be capable of being set locally or remotely by adjustment or selection of sensors down to 55°F (13°C) or lower and when used to control comfort cooling shall be capable of being set locally or remotely by adjustment or selection of sensors up to 85°F (29°C) or higher Where used to control both comfort heating and cooling, thermostatic controls shall be capable of providing a temperature range or deadband of at least PF (3°C) within which the supply of heating and cooling energy is shut off or reduced to a mimmum Exceptions 1 Special occupancy or special usage conditions approved by the code official 2 Thermostats that require manual changeover between heating and cooling modes 403 4 1 Heat pump auxiliary heat Heat pumps having supplementary electric resistance heaters shall have controls that prevent heater operation when the heating load is capable of being met by the heat pump Supplemental heater operation is not allowed except during outdoor coil defrost cycles not exceeding 15 minutes 403 4 2 Humidistats Humidistats used for comfort purposes shall be capable of being set to prevent the use of fossil fuel or electricity to reduce relative humidity below 60 percent or increase relative humidity above 30 percent 403 5 Air-distribution duct systems Air duct- distribution- systems shall be constructed and installed in accordance with this code, the mechanical code adopted by the City, ACCA Manual D, SMACNA, or other with approved methods Such duct systems shall be sized for whichever results in the greater system air—flow capacity requirement either the heating load or the cooling load 403 51 Insulation The R-value identification mark shall be applied by the manufacturer in intervals of no greater than 3 feet to insulated flexible duct products showing the thermal performance R-value for the duct insulation (excluding air films, vapor retarders or other duct components) All supply and return-air ducts and plenums installed as part of an HVAC air- distribution system in unconditioned spaces, such as unconditioned attics, vented crawl spaces, 22 unconditioned basements, garages, spaces outside the building or spaces within a building envelope assembly, shall be thermally insulated Supply ducts shall be insulated to a mimmum of R-8 Ducts in floor trusses shall be insulated to a minimum of R-6 Return air ducts outside the building, in unconditioned spaces, and where used as plenums in exterior wall cavities shall be insulated to a mimmum of R-6 Exception Portions of the air distribution system within appliances or equipment 403 5 2 Sealing All duct systems, air handlers, filter boxes, building cavities used to convey conditioned air, including all joints, longitudinal and transverse seams, and connections in ductwork thereof, shall be securely fastened and sealed in an approved manner with welds, gaskets, mastics (adhesives), mastic-plus-embedded-fabnc systems or tapes in accordance with this code and the mechanical code adopted by the City Tapes and mastics used to seal ductwork shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 181 A or UL 181 B Duct connections to flanges of air distribution system equipment shall be sealed and mechanically fastened Unlisted and fabric-backed duct tapes shall not be permitted as a sealant on any metal ducts 403 5 3 Building cavities Building framing cavities, such as the spaces between framme members in walls or floors,shell net may be used as return air ducts provided all beating, ventilation, and cooling equipment and all related air-distribution systems and ductwork that are pressure tested in accordance with approved procedures and which do not leak more than 4-8 25% of total system flow, and further provided that where framing cavities used as air-distribution ducts, they are adequately sealed with approved sealants Exception 1 Building framing cavities used for passive air distribution and balancing that are not directly connected to heating, ventilation, and cooling equipment and associated such air-distribution ductwork 403 6 Mechanical ventilation Every mechanical ventilation system (supply or exhaust, or both) shall be equipped with a readily accessible switch or other means for shutoff, or volume reduction and shutoff, when ventilation is not required Automatic or gravity dampers that close when the system is not operation shall be provided for outdoor air intakes and exhausts 403 7 Mechanical system piping insulation Mechanical system piping shall be insulated to a mimmum of R-2 for pipes 1/2-inch and less, and to a rmmmum of R-4 for pipes greater than '/2- inch Exception Piping installed within appliances and equipment or piping that conveys fluids between 550F (130C)and 105 OF (TBD °C) 403 8 Service water heating systems 403 8 1 Water heaters, storage tanks and boilers Water heaters and hot water storage tanks shall meet the minimum performance of water-heating equipment specified in Table 504 2 1 of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CODE (IECQ6 Where multiple criteria are listed, all criteria shall be met 23 Exception Storage water heaters and hot water storage tanks having more than 140 gallons (530 L) of storage capacity need not meet the standby loss (SL) or heat loss (HL) requirements of Table 504 2 1 of the IEC&if the tank surface area is thermally insulated to R-12 5 and if a standing pilot light is not used 403 8 2 Pipe insulation Automatic circulating service hot water piping shall be insulated to a mimmum of R-2 in conditioned spaces and to a minimum of R-3 in unconditioned spaces In automatic-circulating hot water systems, piping heat loss shall be limited to a maximum of 17 5 Btu/h per linear foot (16 8 W/m) of pipe based on design external temperature no lower than 65°F (18°C) For external design temperatures lower than 65°F (180C), all hot water piping shall be insulated to a mimmum of R-3 Exception Piping insulation is not required when the heat loss of the piping, without insulation, does not increase the annual energy requirements of the building 403 8 3 Heat traps Water heaters with vertical pipe risers shall have a heat trap on both the inlet and outlet of the water heater unless the water heater has an integral heat trap or is part of a circulating system 403 8 4 Hot water system controls Automatic-circulating hot water system pumps or heat trace shall be arranged to be conveniently turned off, automatically or manually, when the hot water system is not in operation 403 8 5 Showers Shower heads shall not exceed the flow rate of 2 5 gallons per minute (gpm) (9 5 Um) at a pressure of 80 (psi) ( 551 kPa) when tested in accordance with ASME Al12181 Where multiple shower heads are installed in an individual shower compartment the total combined flow of all heads shall not exceed 3 epm (TBD Um) 403 9 Balancing All comfort heating and cooling systems shall be provided with means for balancing air and water systems Balancing mechanisms shall include, but not be limited to, dampers,temperature and pressure test connections, and balancing valves 403 10 Transport energy The air transport factor for ach all-air system shall be not less than 5 5 when calculated in accordance with Equation 4-10 Energy for transfer of air through heat- recovery devices shall not be included in determining the air transport factor (Equation 4-10) Air Transport Factor = Space Sensible Heat Removal e Supply+Return Fans(s)Power Input° a Expressed in consistent units either Btu/h or Watts For purposes of these calculations space sensible heat removal is equivalent to the maximum coincident design sensible cooling load of all spaces served for which the system provides cooling Fan power input is the rate of energy delivered to the fan prime mover Air and water, all-water and unitary systems employing chilled, hot, dual-temperature or condenser water-transport systems to space terminals shall not require greater transport energy (including central and terminal fan power and pump power) than an equivalent all-air system providing the same space sensible heat removal and having an air transport factor of not less than 55 24 40311 Combination service water-heating/space-heating boilers Service water-heatmg equipment shall not be dependent on year-round operation of space-heating boilers, that is, boilers that have as another function winter space heating Exceptions 1 Systems with service/space-heating boilers having a standby loss (Btu/h) (W) less than that calculated in equation 4-11 as determined by the fixture count method where (Equation 4-11) SL< (13 3 pmd) +400 n pmd=Probable maximum demand in gallons/hour as determined in accordance with the ASHRAE HVAC Applications Handbook n=Fraction of year when outdoor daily mean temperature exceeds 64 9°F (18°C) The standby loss is to be determined for a test period of 24-hour duration while maintaining a boiler water temperature of 90°F (32°C) above an ambient of 60 to 90°F (16 to 32°C) and a 5-foot(1524 mm) stack on appliance 2 For systems where the use of a single heating unit will lead to energy savings, such unit shall be utilized 403 12 Swimming pools Swimming pools shall be provided with energy-conserving measures in accordance with Sections 504 3 1 through 504 3 3 of the 2003 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATIO CODE 403 12 1 On-off switch All pool heaters shall be equipped with an ON-OFF switch mounted for easy access to allow shutting off the operation of the heater without adjusting the thermostat setting and to allow restarting without relighting the pilot light 403 12 2 Pool covers Heated swimming pools shall be equipped with a pool cover Exception Outdoor pools deriving more than 20 percent of the energy for heating from renewable sources (computed over an operating season) are exempt from this requirement 40312 3 Time clocks Swimming pool heater time clocks shall be installed so that the pump can be set to run I n the off-peak electric demand period and can be set for the muumum time necessary to mamtam the water in a clear and sanitary condition in keeping with applicable health standards SECTION 404 SIMULATED PERFORMANCE ALTERNATIVE 4041 Scope Tlus Section establishes design criteria in terms of the overall energy performance analysis of a residential building Such analysis shall include heating, cooling, and service water heating energy only 404 2 Equivalent energy performance 404 2 1 Mandatory requirements Compliance with this Section requires that the criteria of Section 401, 402 9, 402 10, and 403 be met Verification of such compliance with Section 402 9 shall be demonstrated by testing in accordance with the standards contained in Table 40452 (1) 25 4v4 t z rertormance-nasea compuance t.ompnance nasea on simitiatea pertormance requires that a proposed building design ("proposed design") be shown to have an annual energy use less than or equal to that of the standard reference design built to comply with the mimmum requirements of Sections 402 and 403 "Energy use" means either 1 The annual energy used by the building for heating, cooling, and water heating, with different fuels accounted at the building site, and assuming 1 kWh= 3,413 BTU, or 2 The annual energy cost for heating, cooling, and water heating, with energy pries taken from a source approved by the building official, such as the Department of Energy's, Energy Information Admimstration's, State Energy Price and Expenditure Report Time-of-use pricing for energy shall be used in cost calculations 404 3 Documentation 40431 Compliance software tools Documentation verifying that the methods and accuracy of the compliance software tool conform to the provisions of this Section shall be provided to the code official 404 3 2 Compliance report Compliance software tools shall generate a report that documents that the proposed design has annual energy costs less than or equal to the annual energy costs of the standard reference design The compliance documentation shall include the following information a Address of the residence, b An inspection checklist documenting the building component characteristics of the proposed design as listed in Table 404 5 2(1) The inspection checklist shall show the estimated annual energy cost for both the standard reference design and the proposed design, c Name of individual completing the compliance report, d Name and version of the compliance software tool 404 3 3 Additional documentation The code official shall be permitted to require the following documents a) Documentation of the building component characteristics of the standard reference design b) A certification signed by the builder providing the building component characteristics of the proposed design as given in Table 404 5 2(1) 404 4 Calculation procedure 404 41 General Except as specified by this Section, the standard reference design and proposed design shall be configured and analyzed using identical methods and techniques 404 4 2 Residence specifications The standard reference design and proposed design shall be configured and analyzed as specified by Table 404 5 2(1) Table 404 5 2(1) shall include by reference all notes contained in Table 402 1 404 5 Calculation and software tools 404 5 1 Mmunum capabilities Calculation procedures used to comply with this Section shall be software tools capable of calculating the annual energy consumption of all building 26 elements that differ between the standard reference design and the proposed design and shall include the following capabilities a Computer generation of the standard reference design using only the input for the proposed design The calculation procedure shall not allow the user to directly modify the building component characteristics of standard reference design b Calculation of whole-building (as a single zone) sizing for the heating and cooling equipment in the standard reference design residence in accordance with Section M1401 3 of the 2003 International Residential Code® c Calculations that account for the effects of indoor and outdoor temperatures and part- load ratios on the performance of heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment based on climate and equipment sizing d Printed approved inspection checklist listing each of the proposed design component characteristics from Table 404 5 2(1) determined by the analysis to provide compliance along with their respective performance ratings (e g R-Value, U-Factor, SHGC, HSPF, AFUE, SEER, EF, etc ) 404 5 2 Approved tools Performance analysis tools must be approved by the building official Tools may be approved based on meeting a specified threshold such as a home- energy-rating tool (HERS) requiring a specified score The building official may also approve tools for a specified application or limited scope, such as a tool approved only for building envelop tradeoffs or a tool that was not approved for SHGC tradeoffs Tools certified by the ICC Evaluation Service to meet the requirements of this Section shall be acceptable Redundant with 404 5 2 404 5 3 Input values When calculations require input values for building elements, other than those specified by Sections 402, 403, and 404 , those input values shall be taken from another source approved by the building official Table 404 5 2(1) Specifications for the Standard Reference and Proposed Designs Building Standard Reference Design Proposed Design Component Above grade walls Type wood frame As proposed Gross area same as proposed As proposed As proposed Factor from Table 402 1 As proposed Solar absorptance=0 75 As proposed Emittance=0 90 Basement and Type same as proposed As proposed crawlspace walls Gross area same as proposed As proposed As proposed U-Factor from Table 402 1 with insulation layer on interior side of walls Above grade floors Type wood frame As proposed Gross area same as proposed As proposed As proposed Factor from Table 402 1 27 tsanamg amnaara Kererence uesign rroposea uesign Component Ceilings Type wood frame As proposed Gross area same as proposed As proposed U-Factor from Table 402 1 As proposed Roofs Type composition shingle on wood sheathing As proposed Gross area same as proposed Solar absorptance=0 75 As proposed Emittance=0 90 As proposed As To posed Attics Type vented with aperture= 1W per 300 As proposed ceiling area Foundations Type same as proposed As proposed Doors Area 40 W As proposed Orientation North As proposed U-factor same as fenestration from Table 402 1 As proposed Glazing Total area ={TBD }%of conditioned floor area As proposed Orientation equally distributed to four cardinal compass orientations(N,E, S,&W) As proposed U-factor from Table 402 1 SHGC from Table 402 1 except that for climates with no requirement(NR)SHGC=0 55 shall As proposed be used As proposed Interior shade fraction Same as standard reference design(c) Summer(all hours when cooling is required)_ 070 Winter(all hours when heating is required)_ 085 External shading none Skyh is None As proposed Thermally isolated None As proposed sunrooms Air exchange rate Specific Leakage Area(SLA) =0 00048 For residences without mechanical assuming no energy recovery ventilation that are tested in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 119, Section 5 1 the measured air exchange rate() but not less than 0 35 ach For residences with mechanical ventilation that are tested in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 119 Section 5 1,the measured air exchange rate(`) combined with the mechanical ventilation rate,(fl which shall not be less than 0 01 x CFA+7 5 x(Nb,+1) where CFA=conditioned floor area 28 Building Standard Reference Design Proposed Design Component Nb=number of bedrooms Mechanical None except where mechanical ventilation is ventilation specified by the proposed design in which case Annual vent fan energy use kWh/yr=0 03942*CFA +29 565*(Nt,+1) As proposed where CFA=conditioned floor area Nb,-number of bedrooms Internal gams IGain= 17,900+23 8*CFA+4104*Ny, (Btu/day Same as standard reference design r dwelling unit Internal mass An internal mass for furniture and contents of 8 Same as standard reference design,plus pounds per square foot of floor area any additional mass specifically designed as a thermal storage element (v but not integral to the budding envelope or structure Structural mass For masonry floor slabs, 80%of floor area As proposed covered by R-2 carpet and pad,and 20%of floor directly exposed to room air, For masonry basement walls as proposed but with insulation required by Table 402 1 located As proposed on the interior side of the walls, For other walls,for ceilmgs,floors and interior walls,wood frame construction As proposed Heating systems Fuel type same as proposed design As proposed ' (h)(i) Efficiencies As proposed Electric air-source heat pump with prevailing federal minimum efficiency Non electric furnaces natural gas furnace with As proposed prevailing federal minimum efficiency Non electric boilers natural gas boiler with prevailing federal minimum efficiency Capacity sized in accordance with Section As proposed M1401 3 of the International Residential Code As proposed Cooling systems Fuel type Electric As proposed roi'(`) Efficiency in accordance with prevailing federal As proposed minimum standards Capacity sized in accordance with Section As proposed M 1401 3 of the International Residential Code Service Water Fuel type same as proposed design As proposed Heating Efficiency in accordance with prevailing Federal 29 1sunding aranaara rtererence ueslgn rroposea uestgn Component minimum standards As proposed Use(gal/day) 30+ 10*Nov Same as standard reference Tank temperature 120 F Same as standard reference Thermal A thermal distribution system efficiency(DSE)of Same as standard reference design,except distribution 0 80 shall be applied to both the heating and as specified by Table 404 5 2(2) systems cooling s stem efficiencies Thermostat Type manual cooling temperature set Same as standard reference design point=78 F heating temperature set point=68 F Notes (a) Glazing shall be defined as sunlight-transmitting fenestration including the area of sash curbing or other framing elements that enclose conditioned space Glazing includes the area of sunlight transmitting fenestration assemblies in walls bounding conditioned basements For doors where the sunlight transmitting opening is less than 50% of the door area the glazing area is the sunlight transmitting opening area For all other doors the glazing area is the rough frame opening area for the door including the door and the frame (b) For residences with conditioned basements R 2 and R4 residences and townhouses the following formula shall be used to determine glazing area AF=018xAFLxFA xF where AF=Total glazing area AFL=Total floor area of directly conditioned space FA = (Above grade thermal boundary gross wall area)/(above grade boundary wall area + 0 5 x below grade boundary wall area) F=(Above grade thermal boundary wall area)/(above grade thermal boundary wall area+common wall area) or 0 56 whichever is greater and where Thermal boundary wall is any wall that separates conditioned space from unconditioned space or ambient conditions Above grade thermal boundary wall is any thermal boundary wall component not in contact with soil Below grade boundary wall is any thermal boundary wall in soil contact Common wall area is the area of walls shared with an adjoining dwelling unit (c) For fenestrations facing within 15 degrees of true south that are directly coupled to thermal storage mass the winter interior shade fraction shall be permitted to be increased to 0 95 in the proposed design (d) Where Leakage Area (L) is defined in accordance with Section 5 1 of ASHRAE Standard 119 and where SLA = L CFA where L and CFA are in the same units (e) Tested envelope leakage shall be determined and documented by an independent party approved by the code official Hourly calculations as specified in the 2001 ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals Chapter 26 page 26 21 equation 40 (Sherman Grunsrud model) or the equivalent shall be used to determine the energy loads resulting from infiltration (f) The combined air exchange rate for infiltration and mechanical ventilation shall be determined in accordance with equation 43 of 2001 ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals page 26 24 and the Whole house Ventilation provisions of 2001 ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals page 26 19 for intermittent mechanical ventilation (g) Thermal Storage Element shall mean a component not part of the floors walls or ceilings that is part of a passive solar system and that provides thermal storage such as enclosed water columns rock beds or phase change containers A thermal storage element must be in the same room as fenestration that faces within 15 degrees of true south, or must be connected to such a room with pipes or ducts that allow the element to be actively charged (h) For a proposed design with multiple heating cooling or water heating systems using different fuel types then the applicable standard reference design system capacities and fuel types shall be weighted in accordance with their respective loads as calculated by accepted engineering practice for each equipment and fuel type present 30 (i) For a proposed design without a proposed heating system a heating system with the prevailing federal minimum efficiency shall be assumed for both the standard reference design and proposed design For electric heating systems the prevailing federal minimum efficiency air source heat pump shall be use for the standard reference design (k) For a proposed design home without a proposed cooling system, an electric au conditioner with the prevailing federal mimmum efficiency shall be assumed for both the standard reference design and the proposed design (1) For a proposed design with a non storage type water heater a 40 gallon storage type water heater with the prevailing Federal minimum Energy Factor for the same fuel as the predominant heating fuel type shall be assumed For the case of a proposed design without a proposed water heater a 40 gallon storage type water heater with the prevailing federal minimum efficiency for the same fuel as the predominant heating fuel type shall be assumed for both the proposed design and standard reference design Table 404 5 2(2) Default Distribution System Efficiencies for Proposed Designs (a) Distribution System Configuration and Condition Forced Air Systems Hydromc Systems(b) Distribution system components located in unconditioned space 080 095 Distribution systems entirely located in conditioned space t`I 088 100 Proposed leak free with entire air distribution system located in the conditioned space(d) 096 Proposed leak fiee"air distribution system with components located in the unconditioned space 088 "Ductless"systems t`l 100 Notes (a) Default values given by this table are for untested distribution systems which must still meet minimum requirements for duct system insulation (b) Hydronic Systems shall mean those systems that distribute heating and cooling energy directly to individual spaces using liquids pumped through closed loop piping and that do not depend on ducted, forced air flows to maintain space temperatures (c) Entire system in conditioned space shall mean that no component of the distribution system, including the air handler unit is located outside of the conditioned space (d) Proposed leak free shall mean leakage to outdoors not greater than 3 cfm per 100 fl of conditioned floor area and total leakage not greater than 9 cfm per 100 ft' of conditioned floor area at a pressure differential of 25 Pascal across the entire system including the manufacturer s air handler enclosure Total leakage of not greater than 3 cfm per 100 fe of conditioned floor area at a pressure difference of 25 Pascal across the entire system including the manufacturer s air handler enclosure shall be deemed to meet this requirement without measurement of leakage to outdoors This performance shall be specified as requited in the construction documents and confirmed through field testing of installed systems as documented by an approved independent party (e) Ductless systems may have forced an-flow across a coil but shall not have any ducted anflows external to the manufacturer s air handler enclosure 31 AMENDED APPENDIX F 2003 IRC® DRAFT - 12/09/2003 THE FORT COLLINS RADON RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION CODE FOR ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS - PASSIVE SYSTEMS SECTION AF101 TITLE, SCOPE AND PURPOSE AF1011 Title These provisions shall be known as the "FORT COLLINS RADON RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION CODE FOR ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS", and shall be cited as such and will be referred to herein as "this code" AF1012 Scope The provisions of this code shall apply to new completely separated (detached) one- and two-family dwellings and multiple, attached single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stones in height and each townhouse having its own separate means of egress AF013 Purpose The purpose of this code is to provide mmunum requirements to enhance the public safety, health and general welfare, through construction methods designed and installed to resist entry of radon gas into the occupied spaces of buildings regulated by this code SECTION AF102 DEFINITIONS AF102 1 General For the purpose of these requirements, the terms used shall be defined as follows DWELLING UNIT, SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED A completely independent, nonattached building exclusively containing one dwelling unit located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land (site) bounded by property Imes, and which parcel is deeded exclusively for such single-family dwelling DWELLING UNIT, TWO-FAMILY DETACHED A completely independent, nonattached building exclusively containing two dwelling units located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land (site) bounded by property lines, and which parcel is deeded exclusively for such two-family dwelling FOUNDATION DRAIN SYSTEM A continuous length of drain tile, perforated pipe, or filter mat extending around all or part of the internal or external perimeter of a basement or crawl space footing designed to collect and dram away excess subsurface water RADON GAS A naturally-occurring, chemically inert, radioactive gas that is not detectable by human senses As a gas, it can move readily through particles of soil and rock and can accumulate under the slabs and foundations of homes where it can easily enter the living space through construction cracks and openings SOIL-GAS-RETARDER A continuous membrane of 6-mil (0 15 mm) polyethylene or other equivalent material used to retard the flow of soil gases into a building SUBFLOOR. A concrete slab and other aouroved yerm,l e�nt floor system that directly contacts the ground and is within the walls of the living spaces of the building SUB-MEMBRANE DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM A system designed to achieve lower sub-membrane air pressure relative to crawl space air pressure by use of a vent drawing air from beneath the soil-gas-retarder membrane NUB-SLAB DLKPRLhhUKILAIION hYh1LM (Passive) A system designed to achieve lower sub-slab air pressure relative to indoor air pressure by use of a vent pipe routed through the conditioned space of a building and connecting the sub-slab area with outdoor air, thereby relymg on the convective flow of air upward in the vent to draw air from beneath the slab SUB-SLAB DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM (Active) A system designed to achieve lower sub-slab air pressure relative to indoor air pressure by use of a fan-powered vent drawing air from beneath the slab TOWNHOUSE A single-family dwelling unit constructed as part of a group of two or more attached individual dwelling units, each of which is separated from the other from the foundation to the roof and is located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land (site) bounded by property lines, and which parcel is deeded exclusively for such single-family dwelling SECTION AF103 REQUIREMENTS AF1031 General The following required construction methods are intended to resist radon entry and prepare the building for post-construction radon mitigation(see Figure AF102) AF103 2 Subfloor preparation A layer of gas-permeable material shall be placed under all subfloors The gas-permeable layer shall consist of one of the following methods except that where fills of aggregate size less than that described in Option lare used beneath a slab, Option 2,3, or 4 must be used 1 A uniform layer of clean aggregate, a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) thick The aggregate shall consist of material that will pass through a 2-inch (51 mm) sieve and be retained by a 1/4 -inch (6 4 mm) sieve In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate sub- grade areas, penetrations through the interior footmg or barrier equal to a rmmmum of 12 square inches (0 094 mZ)per 10 feet(3 m) of barrier length shall be provided A nummum of two penetrations shall be provided per separation and be evenly spaced along the separation Exception In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-grade area, separate radon vent pipes may be installed for each sub-grade area as specified in Section AF103 5 2 in lieu of penetrations through the barrier 2 A foundation dram pipe system installed under concrete floor slab areas less than 2,000 square feet (186 m2), consisting of a continuous loop of minimum 3-inch (76 min) diameter perforated pipe shall be laid in the sub-grade with the top of pipe located 1 inch below the concrete slab The pipe may be rigid or flexible but shall have perforations fully around the circumference with a free air space equal to 183 square inches per square foot (127 cm2/mZ) of exterior pipe surface area Such pipe shall be wrapped with approved filter material to prevent blocking of pipe perforations The pipe loop shall be located inside of the exterior perimeter foundation walls not more than 12 inches(305 mm) from the perimeter foundation walls In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-grade area, the loop of pipe shall penetrate, or pass beneath, these interior footings or barriers using For slab areas greater than 2,000 square feet (186 mZ) but less than 4,000 square feet (372 in), the preceding configuration may be used provided a nummum of 4-inch diameter(102 mm)pipe is installed 2 m a.-1 —Yary Slabs in excess of 4,000 square feet shall have under them separate loops for every additional 2,000 square feet when 3-inch diameter pipe is used, or, slabs may have separate loops provided for each additional increment in area between 2,000 square feet and 4,000 square feet when 4-inch diameter pipe is used 3 A foundation dram soil gas collection mat system installed under concrete floor slab areas of 2,000 square feet or less, consisting of a continuous rectilinear loop of soil gas collection mat or drainage mat having mimmum dimensions of 1 inch in height by 12 inches in width and a nominal cross-sectional air flow area of 12 square inches may be laid on top of the sub-grade The mat shall be constructed of a matrix that allows for the movement of air through it and be capable of supporting the concrete placed upon it The matrix shall be covered by approved filter material on all four sides to prevent dirt or concrete from entering the matrix All breaches and joints in the filter material shall be repaired prior to the placement of the slab The loop shall be located inside the exterior perimeter foundation walls and within 12 inches from the perimeter foundation walls In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-grade area, the mat shall penetrate these interior footings or barriers to form a continuous loop around the exterior perimeter Slabs larger than 2,000 square feet but less than 4,000 square feet shall have under them an additional strip of mat that bisects the loop fornnng two areas approximately equally divided by the two halves of the rectilinear loop Slabs larger than 4,000 square feet shall have separate loops for each 2,000 square feet, or, increased to 4,000 square feet when a loop is bisected as specified in the preceding configuration 4 A uniform layer of sand(native or fill), a mummum of 4 inches (102 mm)thick, overlain by a layer or strips of geo-textile drainage matting designed to allow the lateral flow of soil gases 5 Other materials, systems or floor designs with demonstrated capability to permit depressurization across the entire sub-floor area AF103 3 Entry routes Potential radon entry routes shall be closed in accordance with Sections AF103 3 1 through AF103 3 11 AF103 3 1 Floor openings Openings around bathtubs, showers, water closets, pipes, wires or other objects that penetrate concrete slabs or other floor assemblies shall be filled with a polyurethane caulk or equivalent sealant applied in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations AF103 3 2 Concrete joints All control joints, isolation joints, construction joints and any other joints in concrete slabs or between slabs and foundation walls shall be sealed with a caulk or sealant Gaps and joints shall be cleared of loose material and filled with polyurethane caulk or other elastomenc sealant applied in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations AF103 3 3 Condensate drams Condensate drams shall be trapped or routed through nonperforated pipe to daylight AF103 3 4 Sumps Sump pits open to soil or serving as the termination point for sub-slab or exterior drain the loops shall be covered with a gasketed or otherwise sealed lid Sumps used as the suction point in a sub-slab depressurization system shall have a lid designed to accommodate the vent pipe Sumps used as a floor drain shall have a lid equipped with a trapped mlet 3 AF103 3 5 Foundation walls Hollow block masonry foundation walls shall be constructed with either a continuous course of solid masonry, one course of masonry grouted solid, or a solid concrete beam at or above finished ground surface to prevent passage of air from the interior of the wall into the living space Where a brick veneer or other masonry ledge is installed, the course immediately below that ledge shall be sealed Joints, cracks or other openings around all penetrations of both exterior and interior surfaces of masonry block or wood foundation walls below the ground surface shall be filled with polyurethane caulk or equivalent sealant Penetrations of concrete walls shall be filled AF103 3 6 Dampproofmg The exterior surfaces of portions of concrete and masonry block walls below the ground surface shall be dampproofed in accordance with Section R406 of this code AF103 3 7 Air-handling units Air-handling units in crawl spaces shall be sealed to prevent air from being drawn into the unit Exception Units with gasketed seams or units that are otherwise sealed by the manufacturer to prevent leakage AF103 3 8 Ducts Ductwork passing through or beneath a slab shall be of seamless material unless the air-handling system is designed to maintain continuous positive pressure within such ducting Joints in such ductwork shall be sealed to prevent air leakage Ductwork located in crawl spaces shall have all seams and joints sealed by closure systems in accordance with Section M 1601 3 1 AF103 4 Passive sub-membrane depressurization system In buildings with interior structural floors directly above under-floor spaces containing exposed soil surfaces that are not protected by a sub-slab depressurization system, the following components of a passive sub membrane depressurization system shall be installed during construction Exception Buildings in which an approved mechanical ventilation system complying with Section R408 or such other system that provides equivalent depressurization across the entire sub-membrane area as determined by the building official is installed in the under-floor spaces AF103 41 Ventilation Crawl spaces and similar under-floor spaces shall be provided with ventilation complying with Section R408 AF103 4 2 Sod-gas-retarder The exposed soil in under-floor spaces shall be covered with a continuous layer of minimum 6-mil (0 15 mm) polyethylene soil-gas-retarder Such ground cover joints shall overlap 6 inches (153 mm) and be sealed or taped. The edges of the ground cover shall extend a mimmum of 6 inches (153 mm) up onto all foundation walls enclosing the under-floor space and shall be attached and sealed to foundation walls in an approved manner AF103 4 3 Vent pipe riser A plumbing tee or other approved connection shall be inserted horizontally beneath the sheeting and connected to a 3- or 4-inch-diameter (76 mm or 102 mm) fitting with a vertical vent pipe installed through the sheeting The vent pipe shall be extended up through the building floors,terminate at least 12 inches(305 mm)above the roof in a location at leastl0 feet (3048 mm) away from any window or other opening into the 4 conditioned spaces of the building that is less than 2 feet (610 mm) below the exhaust point, and 10 feet (3048 mm) from any window or other opening in adjoining or adjacent buildings AF103 5 Passive sub-slab depressurization system The following components of passive sub- slab depressurization system shall be installed during construction under basement or slab-on- grade floors AF103 51 Vent pipe riser A mimmum 3-inch-diameter (76 mm) ABS, PVC or equivalent gas-tight pipe shall be embedded vertically into the sub-slab aggregate or other permeable material before the slab is cast A "T" fitting or equivalent method shall be used to ensure that the pipe opening remains within the sub-slab permeable material Alternatively, the 3- inch (76 min) pipe shall be inserted directly into an interior perimeter dram tile loop or through a sealed sump cover where the sump is exposed to the sub-slab aggregate or connected to it through a drainage system All vent pipes shall be extended up through the building floors, terminate at least 12 inches (305 mm) above the surface of the roof in a location at least 10 feet (3048 min) away from any window, air intake, or other opening into the conditioned spaces of the building that is less than 2 feet (610 mm) below the exhaust point, and 10 feet (3048 mm) from any window or other opening in adjoining or adjacent buildings The discharge end of vent pipe terminations shall be unobstructed and protected from small annual entry with a corrosion- resistant screen having openings between 1/4 inch(6 mm)and 2 inch(12 mm) AF103 5 2 Multiple vent pipes In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-slab aggregate or other gas-permeable material, each area shall be fitted with an individual vent pipe Vent pipes shall connect to a single vent that terminates above the roof or each individual vent pipe shall terminate separately above the roof AF103 6 Vent pipe drainage All components of the radon vent pipe system shall be installed to provide positive drainage to the ground beneath the slab or soil-gas-retarder AF103 7 Vent pipe accessibility Radon vent pipes shall be accessible for future fan installation through an attic or other area outside the habitable space Exception The radon vent pipe need not be accessible in an attic space where an approved roof-top electrical supply is provided for future use AF103 8 Vent pipe identification and notification All exposed and visible interior radon vent pipes shall be conspicuously identified with at least one label on each floor and in attics provided with access openings The label shall read substantially as follows "Radon Reduction System" In addition to the preceding label, a notice shall be placed in a conspicuous area near the vent pipe that states the following THIS RADON REDUCTION SYSTEM IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE TESTED AND IS A "PASSIVE" SYSTEM, RELYING ENTIRELY ON NATURAL VENTIALTION OCCUPANTS ARE ADVISED TO TEST FOR RADON AND TAKE REMEDIAL ACTION AS NECESSARY BY INSTALLING A CONTINUOUSLY-OPERATING FAN LOCATED IN THE VENT PIPE AND CONNECTED TO THE NEARBY PROVIDED ELECTRICAL OUTLET Call 1-800-SOS-RADON FOR MORE INFORMATION 5 Ali 1113 9 l,ombmation foundations l,ombination basement/crawl space or slab-on-grade/crawl space foundations shall have separate radon vent pipes installed in each type of foundation area Each radon vent pipe shall terminate above the roof or shall be connected to a single vent that terminates above the roof AF103 10 Building depressurization Joints in air ducts and plenums in unconditioned spaces shall be substantially air tight and permanently sealed with an approved sealant, mastic, or other approved methods Thermal envelope air infiltration requirements shall comply with the energy conservation provisions in the energy conservation code currently enacted by the City of Fort Collins Firestoppmg shall be in conformance with the most recent general building code enacted by the City or meet the requirements contained in Section R602 8 AF10311 Provisions for future installation of depressurization fan Permanent provisions shall be made for the future installation of an in-line fan to be connected to every radon vent pipe Such designated fan locations shall be outside of the conditioned envelope of the building, such as in the attic, garage and similar locations other than interior under-floor spaces Designated locations shall accommodate an unobstructed permanent cylindrical space with the following mimmum dimensions 12 inches (305 mm) measured radially around the radon vent pipe along a vertical distance of 30 inches (760 mm) Designated fan locations shall be permanently accessible for servicing and maintenance An electrical circuit shall be provided within 4 feet (1220 mm) of and within sight from designated fan locations Such circuit shall have a means of positive disconnection and be terminated in an approved electrical outlet in accordance with the applicable current electric code AF10311 1 Depressurization fan system activation When a passive system as constructed in accordance with this chapter is to be converted to an active system, an approved m-Ime fan shall be installed in a designated fan location as specified in Section AF103 11 The m-line fan required herein shall be designed to operate continuously for a period of not less than five years and have a minimum air-flow rating of ((TBD)) A readily accessible manometer or other approved warning device that notifies occupants of a fan malfunction by a visible or audible signal shall be installed within the dwelling unit A permit shall be required for installation of such fan 6 AMENDED APPENDIX F 2003 IRO DRAFT - 12/09/2003 THE FORT COLLINS RADON RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION CODE ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS - ACTIVE SYSTEMS SECTION AF101 TITLE, SCOPE AND PURPOSE AF1011 Title These provisions shall be known as the "FORT COLLINS RADON RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION CODE FOR ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS", and shall be cited as such and will be referred to herein as"this code" AF1012 Scope The provisions of this code shall apply to new completely separated (detached) one- and two-family dwellings and multiple, attached single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stones in height and each townhouse having its own separate means of egress AF013 Purpose The purpose of this code is to provide mimmum requirements to enhance the public safety, health and general welfare,through construction methods designed and installed to resist entry of radon gas into the occupied spaces of buildings regulated by tlus code SECTION AF102 DEFINITIONS AF102 1 General For the purpose of these requirements, the terms used shall be defined as follows DWELLING UNIT, SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED A completely independent, nonattached building exclusively containing one dwelling unit located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land (site) bounded by property lines, and which parcel is deeded exclusively for such single-family dwelling DWELLING UNIT, TWO-FAMILY DETACHED A completely independent, nonattached building exclusively containing two dwelling units located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land (site) bounded by property lines, and which parcel is deeded exclusively for such two-family dwelling FOUNDATION DRAIN SYSTEM A continuous length of drain tile, perforated pipe, or filter mat extending around all or part of the internal or external perimeter of a basement or crawl space footing designed to collect and drain away excess subsurface water RADON GAS A naturally-occurring, chemically inert, radioactive gas that is not detectable by human senses As a gas, it can move readily through particles of soil and rock and can accumulate under the slabs and foundations of homes where it can easilygter the Irving space through construction cracks and openings ` SOIL-GAS-RETARDER A continuous membrane of 6-mil (0 15 mm) polyethylene or other equivalent material used to retard the flow of soil gases into a building SUBFLOOR. A concrete slab and other approved permanent floor system that directly contacts the ground and is within the walls of the living spaces of the building SUB-MEMBRANE DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM A system designed to achieve lower sub-membrane air pressure relative to crawl space air pressure by use of a vent drawing air from henenth the cnd-anc-retnMer memhrnne SUB-SLAB DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM (Passive) A system designed to achieve lower sub-slab air pressure relative to indoor air pressure by use of a vent pipe routed through the conditioned space of a building and connecting the sub-slab area with outdoor air, thereby relying on the convective flow of air upward in the vent to draw air from beneath the slab SUB-SLAB DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM (Active) A system designed to aclueve lower sub-slab air pressure relative to indoor air pressure by use of a fan-powered vent drawing air from beneath the slab TOWNHOUSE A single-family dwelling unit constructed as part of a group of two or more attached individual dwelling units, each of which is separated from the other from the foundation to the roof and is located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land (site) bounded by property lines, and which parcel is deeded exclusively for such single-family dwelling SECTION AF103 REQUIREMENTS AF1031 General The following required construction methods are intended to resist radon entry and prepare the building for post-construction radon mitigation(see Figure AF102) AF103 2 Subfloor preparation A layer of gas-permeable material shall be placed under all subfloors The gas-permeable layer shall consist of one of the following methods except that where fills of aggregate size less than that described in Option Tare used beneath a slab, Option 2,3, or 4 must be used 1 A uniform layer of clean aggregate, a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) thick The aggregate shall consist of material that will pass through a 2-inch (51 mm) sieve and be retained by a 1/4 -inch (6 4 mm) sieve In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate sub- grade areas, penetrations through the interior footing or barrier equal to a mimmum of 12 square inches (0 094 m2)per 10 feet(3 m) of barrier length shall be provided A mmunum of two penetrations shall be provided per separation and be evenly spaced along the separation Exception In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-grade area, separate radon vent pipes may be installed for each sub-grade area as specified in Section AF103 5 2 in lieu of penetrations through the bamer 2 A foundation dram pipe system installed under concrete floor slab areas less than 2,000 square feet (186 m2), consisting of a continuous loop of mimmum 3-mch (76 mm) diameter perforated pipe shall be laid in the sub-grade with the top of pipe located 1 inch below the concrete slab The pipe may be rigid or flexible but shall have perforations fully around the circumference with a free air space equal to 183 square inches per square foot(127 cm2/m2) of exterior pipe surface area Such pipe shall be wrapped with approved filter material to prevent blocking of pipe perforations The pipe loop shall be located inside of the exterior perimeter foundation walls not more than 12 inches (305 mm) from the perimeter foundation walls In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-grade area, the loop of pipe shall penetrate, or pass beneath, these interior footings or barriers using For slab areas greater than 2,000 square feet (186 m2) but less than 4,000 square feet (372 m2), the preceding configuration may be used provided a mimmum of 4-inch diameter(102 mm) pipe is installed Slabs in excess of 4,000 square feet shall have under them separate loops for every additional 2,000 square feet when 3-inch diameter pipe is used, or, slabs may have separate loops provided for each additional increment in area between 2,000 square feet and 4,000 square feet when 4-mch diameter pipe is used 3 A foundation drain soil gas collection mat system installed under concrete floor slab areas of 2,000 square feet or less, consisting of a continuous rectilinear loop of soil gas collection mat or drainage mat having nummum dimensions of 1 inch in height by 12 inches in width and a nominal cross-sectional air flow area of 12 square inches may be laid on top of the sub-grade The mat shall be constructed of a matrix that allows for the movement of air through it and be capable of supporting the concrete placed upon it The matrix shall be covered by approved filter material on all four sides to prevent dirt or concrete from entering the matrix All breaches and joints in the filter material shall be repaired prior to the placement of the slab The loop shall be located inside the exterior perimeter foundation walls and within 12 inches from the perimeter foundation walls In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-grade area, the mat shall penetrate these interior footings or barriers to form a continuous loop around the exterior perimeter Slabs larger than 2,000 square feet but less than 4,000 square feet shall have under them an additional strip of mat that bisects the loop forming two areas approximately equally divided by the two halves of the rectilinear loop Slabs larger than 4,000 square feet shall have separate loops for each 2,000 square feet, or, increased to 4,000 square feet when a loop is bisected as specified in the preceding configuration 4 A uniform layer of sand (native or fill), a mimmum of 4 inches (102 mm)thick, overlain by a layer or strips of geo-textile drainage matting designed to allow the lateral flow of soil gases 5 Other materials, systems or floor designs with demonstrated capability to permit depressurization across the entire sub-floor area AF103 3 Entry routes Potential radon entry routes shall be closed in accordance with Sections AF103 3 1 through AF103 3 11 AF103 31 Floor openings Openings around bathtubs, showers, water closets, pipes, wires or other objects that penetrate concrete slabs or other floor assemblies shall be filled with a polyurethane caulk or equivalent sealant applied in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations A1103 3 2 Concrete joints All control joints, isolation joints, construction joints and any other joints in concrete slabs or between slabs and foundation walls shall be sealed with a caulk or sealant Gaps and joints shall be cleared of loose material and filled with polyurethane caulk or other elastomeric sealant applied in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations AF103 3 3 Condensate drams Condensate drams shall be trapped or routed through non- perforated pipe to daylight AF103.3 4 Sumps Sump pits open to soil or serving as the termination point for sub-slab or exterior drain tile loops shall be covered with a gasketed or otherwise sealed lid Sumps used as the suction point in a sub-slab depressurization system shall have a lid designed to accommodate the vent pipe Sumps used as a floor dram shall have a lid equipped with a trapped inlet Avius s n rounaation watts riouow niocx masonry tounciation watts snail be constructea with either a continuous course of solid masonry, one course of masonry grouted solid, or a solid concrete beam at or above finished ground surface to prevent passage of air from the interior of the wall into the living space Where a brick veneer or other masonry ledge is installed, the course immediately below that ledge shall be sealed Joints, cracks or other openings around all penetrations of both exterior and interior surfaces of masonry block or wood foundation walls below the ground surface shall be filled with polyurethane caulk or equivalent sealant Penetrations of concrete walls shall be filled AF103 3 6 Dampproofmg The exterior surfaces of portions of concrete and masonry block walls below the ground surface shall be damp-proofed in accordance with Section R406 of this code AF103 3 7 Air-handling units Air-handling units in crawl spaces shall be sealed to prevent air from being drawn into the unit Exception Units with gasketed seams or units that are otherwise sealed by the manufacturer to prevent leakage AF103 3 8 Ducts Ductwork passing through or beneath a slab shall be of seamless material unless the air-handling system is designed to maintain continuous positive pressure within such ducting Joints in such ductwork shall be sealed to prevent air leakage Ductwork located in crawl spaces shall have all seams and joints sealed by closure systems in accordance with Section M 1601 3 1 AF103 4 Sub-membrane depressurization system In buildings with interior structural floors directly above under-floor spaces containing exposed soil surfaces that are not protected by a sub-slab depressurization system, the following components of a sub-membrane depressurization system shall be installed during construction Exception Buildings in which an approved mechanical ventilation system complying with Section R408 of this code or such other equivalent system that provides equivalent depressurization across the entire sub-membrane area as determined by the building official is installed in the under-floor spaces AF103 41Ventilation Crawl spaces and similar under-floor spaces shall be provided with ventilation complying with Section R4084 of this code AF103 4 2 Soil-gas-retarder The exposed soil in under-floor spaces shall be covered with a continuous layer of minimum 6-mil (0 15 mm) polyethylene soil-gas-retarder Such ground cover joints shall overlap 6 inches(153 mm)and be sealed or taped The edges of the ground cover shall extend a mimmum of 6 inches (153 mm) up onto all foundation walls enclosing the under-floor space and shall be attached and sealed to foundation walls in an approved manner AF103 4 3 Vent pipe riser A plumbing tee or other approved connection shall be inserted horizontally beneath the sheeting and connected to a 3- or 4-inch-diameter (76 min or 102 mm) fitting with a vertical vent pipe installed through the sheeting The vent pipe shall be extended up through the building floors,terminate at least 12 inches (305 mm) above the roof in a location at leastl0 feet (3048 mm) away from any window or other opening into the conditioned spaces of the building that is less than 2 feet (610 mm) below the exhaust point and 10 feet (3048 mm) from any window or other opening in adjoining or adjacent buildings AF103 5 Sub-slab depressurization system The following components of a sub-slab depressurization system shall be installed during construction under basement or slab-on-grade floors AF103 51 Vent pipe user A nummum 3-inch-4.hameter (76 mm) ABS, PVC or equivalent gas-tight pipe shall be embedded vertically into the sub-slab aggregate or other permeable material before the slab is cast A "T" fitting or equivalent method shall be used to ensure that the pipe opening remains within the sub-slab permeable material Alternatively, the 3- inch (76 mm) pipe shall be inserted directly into an interior perimeter dram the loop or through a sealed sump cover where the sump is exposed to the sub-slab aggregate or connected to it through a drainage system All vent pipes shall be extended up through the building floors, terminate at least 12 inches (305 mm) above the surface of the roof in a location at least 10 feet (3048 mm) away from any window, air intake, or other opening into the conditioned spaces of the building that is less than 2 feet (610 mm) below the exhaust point, and 10 feet (3048 mm) from any window or other opening in adjoining or adjacent buildings The discharge end of vent pipe terminations shall be unobstructed and protected from small animal entry with a corrosion- resistant screen having openings between 1/4 inch(6 mm) and 2 inch(12 mm) AF103 5 2 Multiple vent pipes In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-slab aggregate or other gas-permeable material, each area shall be fitted with an individual vent pipe Vent pipes shall connect to a single vent that terminates above the roof or each individual vent pipe shall terminate separately above the roof AF103 6 Vent pipe drainage All components of the radon vent pipe system shall be installed to provide positive drainage to the ground beneath the slab or soil-gas-retarder AF103 7 Vent pipe accessibility Radon vent pipes shall be accessible for fan installation through an attic or other area outside the habitable space Exception The radon vent pipe need not be accessible in an attic space where an approved roof-top electrical supply is provided AF103 8 Vent pipe identification and notification All exposed and visible interior radon vent pipes shall be conspicuously identified with at least one label on each floor and in attics provided with access openings The label shall read substantially as follows "Radon Reduction System" In addition to the preceding label, a notice shall be placed in a conspicuous area near the vent pipe that states the following "THIS RADON REDUCTION SYSTEM IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE TESTED AND IS AN"ACTIVE" SYSTEM,RELYING ON A CONTINUOUSLY-OPERATING FAN INSTALLED IN THE VENT PIPE OCCUPANTS ARE ADVISED TO TEST FOR RADON AND TAKE FURTHER REMEDIAL ACTION AS NECESSARY Call 1-800-SOS-RADON FOR MORE INFORMATION" Ar ius Y Lomnmation toundations Lomnination nasemenvcrawt space or scan-on-graaeicrawl space foundations shall have separate radon vent pipes installed in each type of foundation area Each radon vent pipe shall terminate above the roof or shall be connected to a single vent that terminates above the roof AF103 10 Budding depressurization Joints in air ducts and plenums in unconditioned spaces shall be substantially air right and permanently sealed with an approved sealant, mastic, or other approved methods Thermal envelope air infiltration requirements shall comply with the energy conservation provisions in the energy conservation code currently enacted by the City of Fort Collins Furestopping shall be in conformance with the most recent general building code enacted by the City or meet the requirements contained in Section R602 8 AF10311 Depressurization fan installation An in-line fan shall be connected to every radon vent pipe and shall be installed in a designated location outside of the conditioned envelope of the building, such as in the attic, or garage Designated fan locations shall not be in the crawl space beneath the structure Designated locations shall accommodate an unobstructed permanent cylindrical space with the following minimum dimensions 12 inches (305 mm) measured radially around the radon vent pipe along a vertical distance of 30 inches (760 mm) Designated fan locations shall be permanently accessible for servicing and maintenance An electrical circuit shall be provided within 4 feet (1220 mm) of and within sight from designated fan locations Such circuit shall have a means of positive disconnection and be terminated in an approved electrical outlet in accordance with the applicable current electric code AF10311 1 Fan-depressurization system operational criteria The in-line fan required herein shall be designed to operate continuously for a period of not less than five years, have a minimum air-flow rating of((TBD)) A readily accessible manometer or other approved warning device that notifies occupants of a fan malfunction by a visible or audible signal shall be installed within the dwelling unit AMENDED APPENDIX F 2003 IRCO DRAFT - 12/10/2003 THE FORT COLLINS RADON RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION CODE ONE-AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS WITH BASEMENTS (ACTIVE SYSTEMS) SECTION AF101 TITLE, SCOPE AND PURPOSE AF1011 Title These provisions shall be known as the "FORT COLLINS RADON RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION CODE FOR ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS", and shall be cited as such and will be referred to herein as "this code" F1012 Scope The provisions of tlus code shall apply to new completely separated (detached) one- and two-family dwellings and multiple, attached single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stones in height and with each townhouse having its own separate means of egress AF013 Purpose The purpose of this code is to provide nummum requirements to enhance the public safety, health and general welfare, through construction methods designed and installed to resist entry of radon gas into the occupied spaces of buildings regulated by this code SECTION AF102 DEFINITIONS AF102 I General For the purpose of these requirements, the terms used shall be defined as follows BASEMENT That portion of a buildme located earth or completely below ¢rade,wherein the underside of the floor system immediately above is 72 inches (1830 mm) or more above the surface of an approved permanent basement floor system DWELLING UNIT, SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED A completely independent, nonattached building exclusively containing one dwelling unit located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land (site) bounded by property lines, and which parcel is deeded exclusively for such single-family dwelling DWELLING UNIT, TWO-FAMILY DETACHED A completely independent, nonattached building exclusively containing two dwelling units located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land (site) bounded by property lines, and which parcel is deeded exclusively for such two-family dwelling FOUNDATION DRAIN SYSTEM A continuous length of drain tile, perforated pipe, or filter mat extending around all or part of the internal or external perimeter of a basement or crawl space footing designed to collect and dram away excess subsurface water RADON GAS A naturally-occurring, chemically inert, radioactive gas that is not detectable by human senses As a gas, it can move readily through particles of soil and rock and can accumulate under the slabs and foundations of homes where it can easily enter the living space through construction cracks and openings SOIL-GAS-RETARDER A continuous membrane of 6-mil (0 15 mm) polyethylene or other equivalent material used to retard the flow of soil gases into a building NutsrLUML A concrete stab ana other auarovea Permanent poor system that curecuy contacts the ground and is within the walls of the living spaces of the building SUB-MEMBRANE DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM A system designed to aclueve lower sub-membrane air pressure relative to crawl space air pressure by use of a vent drawing air from beneath the soil-gas-retarder membrane SUB-SLAB DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM (Passive) A system designed to achieve lower sub-slab air pressure relative to indoor air pressure by use of a vent pipe routed through the conditioned space of a building and connecting the sub-slab area with outdoor air, thereby relying on the convective flow of air upward in the vent to draw air from beneath the slab SUB-SLAB DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM (Active) A system designed to achieve lower sub-slab air pressure relative to indoor air pressure by use of a fan-powered vent drawing air from beneath the slab TOWNHOUSE A single-family dwelling unit constructed as part of a group of two or more attached individual dwelling units, each of which is separated from the other from the foundation to the roof and is located entirely on a separately recorded and platted parcel of land (site) bounded by property lines, and which parcel is deeded exclusively for such single-family dwelling SECTION AF103 REQUIREMENTS AF103 1 General The following required construction methods are intended to resist radon entry and prepare the building for post-construction radon mitigation(see Figure AF 102) AF103 2 Subfloor preparation A layer of gas-permeable material shall be placed under all subfloors The gas-permeable layer shall consist of one of the following methods except that where fills of aggregate size less than that described in Method 1 are used beneath a slab, Method 2,3, 4, or 5 must be used 1 A uniform layer of clean aggregate, a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) thick The aggregate shall consist of material that will pass through a 2-mch (51 mm) sieve and be retained by a 1/4 -inch (6 4 mm) sieve In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate sub- grade areas, penetrations through the interior footing or bamer equal to a mimmum of 12 square inches(0 094 m2)per 10 feet(3 m) of barrier length shall be provided A minimum of two penetrations shall be provided per separation and be evenly spaced along the separation Exception In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-grade area, separate radon vent pipes may be installed for each sub-grade area as specified in Section AF103 5 2 in lieu of penetrations through the barrier 2 A foundation drain pipe system installed under concrete floor slab areas less than 2,000 square feet (186 m2), consisting of a continuous loop of muumum 3-inch (76 mm) diameter perforated pipe shall be laid in the sub-grade with the top of pipe located 1 inch below the concrete slab The pipe may be rigid or flexible but shall have perforations fully around the circumference with a free air space equal to 183 square inches per square foot (127 cm2/m2) of exterior pipe surface area Such pipe shall be wrapped with approved filter material to prevent blocking of pipe perforations The pipe loop shall be located inside of the exterior perimeter foundation walls not more than 12 inches (305 mm) from the perimeter foundation walls In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-grade area, the loop of pipe shall penetrate, or pass beneath,these interior footings or barriers using For slab areas greater than 2,000 square feet (186 mZ) but less than 4,000 square feet (372 m2), the preceding configuration may be used provided,a minimum of 4-inch diameter (102 mm)pipe is installed Slabs in excess of 4,000 square feet shall have under them separate loops for every additional 2,000 square feet when 3-inch diameter pipe is used, or, slabs may have separate loops provided for each additional increment in area between 2,000 square feet and 4,000 square feet when 4-mch diameter pipe is used 3 A foundation dram soil gas collection mat system installed under concrete floor slab areas of 2,000 square feet or less, consisting of a continuous rectilinear loop of soil gas collection mat or drainage mat having mimmum dimensions of 1 inch in height by 12 inches in width and a nominal cross-sectional air flow area of 12 square inches may be laid on top of the sub-grade The mat shall be constructed of a matrix that allows for the movement of air through it and be capable of supporting the concrete placed upon it The matrix shall be covered by approved filter material on all four sides to prevent dirt or concrete from entering the matrix All breaches and joints in the filter material shall be repaired prior to the placement of the slab The loop shall be located inside the exterior perimeter foundation walls and within 12 inches from the perimeter foundation walls In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-grade area, the mat shall penetrate these interior footings or barriers to form a continuous loop around the exterior perimeter Slabs larger than 2,000 square feet but less than 4,000 square feet shall have under them an additional strip of mat that bisects the loop forming two areas approximately equally divided by the two halves of the rectilinear loop Slabs larger than 4,000 square feet shall have separate loops for each 2,000 square feet, or, increased to 4,000 square feet when a loop is bisected as specified in the preceding configuration 4 A uniform layer of sand (native or fill), a mimmum of 4 inches (102 mm) thick, overlain by a layer or strips of geo-textile drainage matting designed to allow the lateral flow of soil gases 5 Other materials, systems or floor designs with demonstrated capability to perrmt depressurization across the entire sub-floor area AF103 3 Entry routes Potential radon entry routes shall be closed in accordance with Sections AF103 3 1 through AF103 3 11 AF103 31 Floor openings Openings around bathtubs, showers, water closets, pipes, wires or other objects that penetrate concrete slabs or other floor assemblies shall be filled with a polyurethane caulk or equivalent sealant applied in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations AF103.3 2 Concrete joints All control joints, isolation joints, construction joints and any other joints in concrete slabs or between slabs and foundation walls shall be sealed with a caulk or sealant Gaps and joints shall be cleared of loose material and fulled with polyurethane caulk or other elastomenc sealant applied in accordance with the manufacturer s recommendations AF103 3 3 Condensate drains Condensate drams shall be trapped or routed through non- perforated pipe to daylight At M s 4 bumps bump pits open to sort or serving as the termination point Ior sub-stao or exterior drain tile loops shall be covered with a gasketed or otherwise sealed lid Sumps used as the suction point in a sub-slab depressurization system shall have a lid designed to accommodate the vent pipe Sumps used as a floor dram shall have a lid equipped with a trapped inlet AF103 3 5 Foundation walls Hollow block masonry foundation walls shall be constructed with either a continuous course of solid masonry, one course of masonry grouted solid, or a solid concrete beam at or above finished ground surface to prevent passage of air from the interior of the wall into the living space Where a brick veneer or other masonry ledge is installed, the course immediately below that ledge shall be sealed Joints, cracks or other openings around all penetrations of both exterior and interior surfaces of masonry block or wood foundation walls below the ground surface shall be filled with polyurethane caulk or equivalent sealant Penetrations of concrete walls shall be filled AF103 3 6 Dampproofing The exterior surfaces of portions of concrete and masonry block walls below the ground surface shall be damp-proofed in accordance with Section R406 of this code AF103 3 7 Air-handhng units Air-handling units in crawl spaces shall be sealed to prevent air from being drawn into the unit Exception Units with gasketed seams or units that are otherwise sealed by the manufacturer to prevent leakage AF103 3 8 Ducts Ductwork passing through or beneath a slab shall be of seamless material unless the air-handling system is designed to maintain continuous positive pressure within such ducting Joints in such ductwork shall be sealed to prevent air leakage Ductwork located in crawl spaces shall have all seams and joints sealed by closure systems in accordance with Section M 1601 3 1 AF103 4 Sub-membrane depressurization system In buildings with interior structural floors directly above under-floor spaces containing exposed soil surfaces that are not protected by a sub-slab depressurization system,the following components of a sub-membrane depressurization system shall be installed during construction Exception Buildings in which an approved mechanical ventilation system complying with Section R408 of this code or such other equivalent system that provides equivalent depressurization across the entire sub-membrane area as determined by the building official is installed in the under-floor spaces AF103 4 1Ventilation Crawl spaces and similar under-floor spaces shall be provided with ventilation complying with Section R408 of this code AF103 4 2 Soil-gas-retarder The exposed soil in under-floor spaces shall be covered with a continuous layer of minimum 6-mil (0 15 mm) polyethylene soil-gas-retarder Such ground cover joints shall overlap 6 inches (153 mm) and be sealed or taped The edges of the ground cover shall extend a mimmum of 6 inches (153 mm) up onto all foundation walls enclosing the under-floor space and shall be attached and sealed to foundation walls in an approved manner AF103 4 3 Vent pipe riser A plumbing tee or other approved connection shall be inserted horizontally beneath the sheeting and connected to a 3- or 4-inch-diameter (76 mm or 102 mm) fitting with a vertical vent pipe installed through the sheeting The vent pipe shall be extended up through the bwlchng floors, terminate at least 12 inches (305 mm)above the roof in a location at leastl0 feet (3048 mm) away from any window or other opening into the conditioned spaces of the building that is less than 2 feet (610 mm) below the exhaust point, and 10 feet(3048 mm) from any window or other opening in adjoining or adjacent buildings AF103 5 Sub-slab depressurization system The following components of a sub-slab depressurization system shall be installed during construction under basement or slab-on-grade floors AF103 5 1 Vent pipe riser A nunimum 3-inch-diameter (76 min) ABS, PVC or equivalent gas-tight pipe shall be embedded vertically into the sub-slab aggregate or other permeable material before the slab is cast A "T" fitting or equivalent method shall be used to ensure that the pipe opening remains within the sub-slab permeable material Alternatively, the 3- inch (76 min) pipe shall be inserted directly into an interior perimeter drain tile loop or through a sealed sump cover where the sump is exposed to the sub-slab aggregate or connected to it through a drainage system All vent pipes shall be extended up through the building floors, terminate at least 12 inches (305 mm) above the surface of the roof in a location at least 10 feet (3048 mm) away from any window, air intake, or other opening into the conditioned spaces of the building that is less than 2 feet (610 min) below the exhaust point, and 10 feet (3048 min) from any window or other opening in adjoining or adjacent buildings The discharge end of vent pipe terminations shall be unobstructed and protected from small ammal entry with a corrosion- resistant screen having openings between 1/4 inch(6 mm)and 2 inch(12 mm) AF103 5 2 Multiple vent pipes In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-slab aggregate or other gas-permeable material, each area shall be fitted with an individual vent pipe Vent pipes shall connect to a single vent that terminates above the roof or each individual vent pipe shall terminate separately above the roof AF103 6 Vent pipe drainage All components of the radon vent pipe system shall be installed to provide positive drainage to the ground beneath the slab or soil-gas-retarder AF103 7 Vent pipe accessibility Radon vent pipes shall be accessible for fan installation through an attic or other area outside the habitable space Exception The radon vent pipe need not be accessible in an attic space where an approved roof-top electrical supply is provided AF103 8 Vent pipe identification and notification All exposed and visible interior radon vent pipes shall be conspicuously identified with at least one label on each floor and in attics provided with access opemngs The label shall read substantially as follows "Radon Reduction System' In addition to the preceding label, a notice shall be placed in a conspicuous area near the vent pipe that states whichever of the following is applicable a) "THIS RADON REDUCTION SYSTEM IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE TESTED AND IS A "PASSIVE" SYSTEM, RELYING ENTIRELY ON NATURAL VENTIALTION OCCUPANTS ARE ADVISED TO TEST FOR RADON AND TAKE REMEDIAL ACTION AS NECESSARY BY INSTALLING A CONTINUOUSLY-OPERATING FAN LOCATED IN THE VENT PIPE AND CONNECTED TO THE NEARBY PROVIDED ELECTRICAL OUTLET Call 1-800-SOS-RADON FOR MORE INFORMATION" b) "THIS RADON REDUCTION SYSTEM IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE TESTED AND IS AN "ACTIVE" SYSTEM, RELYING ON A CONTINUOUSLY-OPERATING FAN INSTALLED IN THE VENT PIPE OCCUPANTS ARE ADVISED TO TEST FOR RADON AND TAKE FURTHER REMEDIAL ACTION AS NECESSARY Call 1-800-SOS-RADON FOR MORE INFORMATION " AF103 9 Combination foundations Combination basement/crawl space or slab-on-grade/crawl space foundations shall have separate radon vent pipes installed in each type of foundation area Each radon vent pipe shall terminate above the roof or shall be connected to a single vent that terminates above the roof AF10310 Budding depressurization Joints in air ducts and plenums in unconditioned spaces shall be substantially air right and permanently sealed with an approved sealant, mastic, or other approved methods Thermal envelope air infiltration requirements shall comply with the energy conservation provisions in the energy conservation code currently enacted by the City of Fort Collins Firestopping shall be in conformance with the most recent general building code enacted by the City or meet the requirements contained in Section R602 8 AF10311 Depressurization fan installation AF103111 Sub-membrane depressunzaton systems Permanent provisions shall be made for the future installation of an in-line fan to be connected to every radon vent pipe Such designated fan locations shall be outside of the conditioned envelope of the building, such as in the attic, garage and similar locations other than interior under-floor spaces Designated locations shall accommodate an unobstructed permanent cylindrical space with the following minimum dimensions 12 inches (305 mm) measured radially around the radon vent pipe along a vertical distance of 30 inches (760 mm) Designated fan locations shall be permanently accessible for servicing and maintenance An electrical circuit shall be provided within 4 feet(1220 mm) of and within sight from designated fan locations Such circuit shall have a means of positive disconnection and be terminated in an approved electrical outlet in accordance with the applicable current electric code AF1031111 Depressurization fan system activation When a passive system as constructed in accordance with this chapter is to be converted to an active system, an approved in-line fan shall be installed in a designated fan location as specified in Section AF103 11 1 The in-line fan shall be designed to operate continuously for a period of not less than five years and have a nummu n air-flow rating of((TBD)) A readily accessible manometer or other approved warning device that notifies occupants of a fan malfunction by a visible or audible signal shall be installed within the dwelling unit A permit shall be recurred for installation of such fan AF103112 Basement subfloors A continuously-overatma m-hne fan confommna to the location and performance specifications to Section AF10311 1 shall be connected to every radon vent pipe serving a basement subfloor onor to final approval and occupancy of the buddma the building & zoning dept Fort Collins Community Planning and Environmental Services 291 l4.Call=Ave..P.O.Box IWO,Fort Collins.CO M224)W Vince.970 2216760 FAX.970 224 613d City of Fort Collins BIG CHANGES IN NEW FORT COLLINS RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODE A new building code containing some of the most significant and controversial changes in many years is scheduled to become the law in Fort Collins in the next few months A joint Fort Collins Lanmer County task group is nearing the end of its mission—reviewing the latest version of the `model residential building code already in effect in much of the country the 2003 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE(IRQ6 published by the non profit International Code Council® The local volunteer group made up of building code officials public board members builders private building specialists and representatives from the Home Builders Association of Northern Colorado has been meeting for the past 15 months examining the model code plus local amendments With the vast majority of building code requirements universal throughout the region and state the joint review of the model code is an ongoing effort to keep the building codes throughout the Larimer County Fort Collins area regionally consistent to the extent possible But, both jurisdictions will likely enact some distinctive requirements based on each entity s existing standards and the public they serve INDOOR AIR OUALITY(IAO) RADON-REDUCING VENTING SYSTEMS IN ALL NEW HOMES—In addition to the typical naturally vented( passive ) system with provisions for later installation of a fan at the homeowner's choosing the Fort Collins City Council also has asked to consider a version of the draft with a continuously running fan installed at the time of construction Homeowners then would already have the most effective radon-reducmg system by taking advantage of a fan powered ( active )radon vent installed before the home is completed for a modest mcrease m cost m the range of$200 $350 more than a passive system INTERIOR MOISTURE CONTROL VENTILATION SYSTEMS—The recommended code amendments are in response to potential IAQ/health problems associated with interior moisture accumulation and consequent fungal growth(molds) This problem is found with increasing frequency around the country and in Colorado especially in enclosed spaces below suspended basement structural floor systems The elevated 'structural floor' concept itself a design consequence is intended to eliminate the familiar concrete slab on ground basement floors which often move with severe damaging results when placed in direct contact with the expansive soils that are pervasive throughout Fort Collins and the Front Range region ENERGY CONSERVATION UPDATED ENERGY-CONSERVATION CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS—The proposed standards are based on the completely revised and more energy conserving 2003 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CODE (2003 IECC) ® and an updated prescriptive option published by the U S Department of Energy Compared to the current code the 03 IECC in general, increases exterior mininium total wall insulation R value (a relative measure of resistance to heat flow) from about R 15 to R 18 and requires all windows to be a high performing type with a maximum heat loss factor of U 0 35(R 3 minimum) The DOE standard is a more straight forward code review path than the current regulations in that it allows the builder the choice of not performing detailed heat loss calculations Though easier to demonstrate compliance this short cut is also less flexible by the nature of its one size fits all methodology that boils down the most essential requirements into a few concise tables and paragraphs Beyond the model code the Fort Collins draft proposal would also restrict excessive over sizing of new HVAC systems and require them to be tested for proper operation according to the manufacturer s parameters and require all duct systems to be sealed Additionally all new A/C systems would be required to exceed the minimum efficiency prescribed by federal standards and found in the model code going from a minimum Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER)of 10 to 12 ARCHITECTURAL STAIRS—The IRC requirements also differ from the current code for some architectural features Foremost is minimum stairway geometry which is less steep under the new IRC than is specified in its older counterpart now in effect The result is a safer stairway having two additional stair steps with all steps being one inch deeper and %. inch lower The combination creates just under two feet more in the overall horizontal run dimension CEILING HEIGHT—The mmunum ceiling height in habitable spaces would be lowered from 90 inches to 84 inches STRUCTURAL,EXTERIOR & MISC WIND DESIGN—Structural requirements in the new code are quite comparable to the current code with the exception of wind speed design The current code and the 03 IRC both specify that buildings be designed for a maximum wind speed of 100 mph for our high wind region But the method for measuring wind speed has changed resulting in the new design wind speed being equivalent to 80 mph under the current criteria However even with that lower equivalent wind speed, the IRC specifies additional structural tie downs to provide a continuous from the roof to the foundation that better resist high winds ROOFING—The current Fort Collins standard requiring new homes to have a Class A fire rated roofing will likely remain in place EXTERIOR SIDING—Horizontal lap siding made from hardboard or `fiber cement will required to be applied over an approved weather-resistant membrane(asphalt `tar' paper house wrap etc)and that vertical end joints are attached at studs and are covered or sealed HVAC, PLUMBING, & ELECTRIC — The 03 IRC standards with minor amendments are proposed for consistency throughout TRAINING Contractor training is planned for spring of 2004 PUBLIC HEARINGS The code review task group is scheduled to hold additional meetings The aim of the group is not to achieve consensus among all of the participants but to consider a wide range of perspectives in the process Ultimately Fort Collins City staff will present its recommendation along with other group participant viewpoints to the City Council for making the final decision and passing the necessary ordinances which is expected to occur in late February or March 2004 In addition to the December City Council public hearing, a series of other public meetings on the Fort Collins draft code package is scheduled for November December and February with dates times and locations listed below A complete copy of the latest drafts of proposed Fort Collins code amendments can be obtained in the Fort Collins Building&Zoning Dept at 281 N College Ave or by a mail Written comments also may be sent to the attention of Felix Lee by a mail to flee(&,fceov com PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE PROPOSED FORT COLLINS BUILDING CODE Through February 2004 DATE/TIME/PLACE PUBLIC HEARING TYPE November 19 2003 5 00 p in Electric Board comments on the Energy Code Fort Collins Utilities 700 Wood St November 20 2003 100 p in Building Review Board and public invited to City Hall Council Chambers comment on the 2003 IRC and amendment package 300 Laporte Ave November 20 2003 5 00 p in Air Quality Advisory Board comments on the 2003 City Budding 281 N College Ave IRC package December 4 2003 6 00 p in Natural Resources Advisory Board comments on the City Building 281 N College Ave 2003 IRC package December 4 2003 4 00 p in Affordable Housing Board comments on the 2003 City Building 281 N College Ave IRC package February 10 2003 6 00 p in Study Session,City Council comments and advises City Hall CIC on the 2003 IRC amendment package 300 Laporte Ave the building & zoning dept Fort Collins Community Planning and Environmental Services 281 N_Cnllen Ave_.PA_Box M0_Fort Cnlhnc CO M5224680_ Ym=P_970 221 6761) FAX_970 224 6134 CAi4 of Fort Collins FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 8, 2003 PUBLIC HEARING ON CONTROVERSIAL CHANGES IN NEW RESIDENTIAL BUILDING CODE On the evening of December 16, 2003, City Council is holding a special public hearing on some of the most dramatic proposed changes to the residential building code in twenty years Unlike typical such public hearings, no decisions or ordinances are being considered on December 16s' Instead, the purpose of the hearing is to provide Council a public forum for a variety of responses and to obtain information on which to base an informed decision for later adoption A City Council study session follows on February 10, 2004, to review public testimony and staff analysis, and to provide staff with guidance on the necessary ordinances for adoption on first reading The draft changes have undergone a sixteen-month review by staff and a joint Fort Collins-Lanmer County task group The new code, which covers only new one- and two-family dwellings, is based on the latest national model building code already in effect in much of the country Key mandated provisions applying ONLY to new homes include e Indoor Air Quality Radon venting systems and interior moisture control/ventilation systems e Energy Conservation Updated energy-conservation construction standards providing increased energy-conservation and performance e Architectural Features Safer, less steep stairs with lower and deeper steps, and, lower mimmum ceiling height e Structural and Exterior Elements Structural connection from foundation to roof, and, weather-resistant membrane backing behind lap siding CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING December 16, 2003 600pm City Council Chambers 300 LaPorte Avenue contact Fort Collins Building &Zoning Dept 970 2216760 by Dr. Nathan Yost, M.D. The Case forConditioned, Unvented Crawl Spaces trot to the Second World War crawl space con the enclosed area plus 1/2 tiquaie loot for each 25 lineal lest of structton in the U S was predominately a wall enclosing that area While working tot the Housing and Home finance PSouthern phenomenon in which houses were Agency Ralph Batton investigated montuie problems m elevated several feet above ground supported by block housing with crawl spaces He recognized two strategies for controlling crawl space moisture condemauon eontiol by or stone piers Damp soil conditions and problems with ventilation and condensation control by giound covet However neither Batton not anyone else at the time deter- termites are thought to be the primary reasons for using mined the relative contributions made by ventilation versus I this foundation method In the Northern region of the ground cover The majority of giound covers available 1 country crawl spaces were usually limited to portions during the 1940s and early 1950s were not very durable so ventilation of crawl spaces was probably recommended even of the foundation that were located below porches or in the presence of a ground cover as a permanent back-up system By the mid 1950s the durability of polyethylene additions and often opened into a basement sheeting had been proven and many building codes began During and after WWII efforts to decrease the cost of requiring a ground cover in crawl spaces in addition to vent 1 s foundations and houses led to an increase in the con mg to the exterior I structton of crawl spaces in many parts of the U S The Problems with Current Crawl Space Construction There are three characteristics typical of homes built over majority of these crawl spaces were excavated below crawl spaces and which have moisture problems excavated the exterior grade and contained air distnbuhon ducts crawl space floor without effective drainage absent or poorly installed ground cover and exterior venting Moisture prob I and air handlers This increase in crawl space construc- lems and poor indoor air quality continue to affect new build lion was quickly followed by reports of moisture prob ings constructed over crawl spaces Some of these problems are the result of poor workmanship and maintenance but lems in the floors above crawl spaces and in the attics others are the result of poor design and a lack of understand of houses with crawl spaces Moisture problems related ing of moisture dynamics Ground covers are frequently installed incorrectly in that they are not continuous or sealed to crawl space construction continue to occur in new to the perimeter walls and piers The floors of crawl spaces homes using this type of foundation are often irregulai and littered with sharp rocks and con structton debris so that proper installation of the ground cover is virtually impossible Subsequent work occurring in the crawl space often results in tears in the ground cover History of Building Code Requirements allowing ground moisture into the crawl space air Because Over the past 50 years building code requirements for crawl this under floor space is not considered habitable or space construction have evolved largely in the absence of usable most crawl spaces aie not provided with effective research or a basis in moisture physics According to Rose drainage (1994) the first requirement for crawl space ventilation Few designers contractors and homeowners understand appeared in a 1942 publication by the Federal Housing the connection between a crawl space and the living space Administration entitled Pioperty Standards and Minimum above Even when insulation is carefully installed to the Coii4trtiCtiO17 Reguireiiteiits for Du ettmgy The requirement underside of the floor above a crawl space effective an was for a total ventilating area equivalent to 1/2 percent of sealmg is rarely accomplished Peneuations for plumbing 24 Building Safety Journal May 2003 space can increase cooling costs by 20-30 percent due to the large volume of unconditioned air that is drawn into the air conditioning system In addition the moisture in this air t t T T t r frequently results in high indoor relative humidity decreas ing occupant comfort Lowering the air conditioner s cooling auppfy at a w" set point in an attempt to improve comfort not only in O 0 O O creases energy consumption but draws even more humid air into the system Today the cooling systems of nearly all houses in the U S built over crawl spaces deliver cooled air through ducts located in the crawl spaces The temperature of these ducts and the subfloonng around floor registers is frequently below the dew point of exterior air Venting these crawl Figural Leaky Ouctinai and Air Handier in spaces results in condensation on the duct work and on the vended AVOC Supply ductwork and as handler leakage a t MPY subfloonng around the floor registers Meticulous sealing o 20%or nlore of the flow through the system ducts and duct to boot or register connections may still not prevent all condensation Water plus organic material is a recipe for mold growth and leakage in the ducts or the floor provides pathways for mold to enter the living space 8e1 and Traditionally the floor above a crawl space was not insu O O O O lated and the crawl space--especially its ground or floor— Surely �m �t was warmed by heat froin the house Insulation installed in 1 '� the floor over a crawl space decreases the flow of heat from the house but condensation becomes more of a problem because warn moist air entering the crawl space contacts colder surfaces That is to say that insulating the floor above a crawl space separates it from the house thermally but lack Flgure 2 i.eeky Supply Ductwork and Air Handier in of air sealing still leaves the crawl space coupled with the by vented Cri vd Space Nr pressudzaaat pattern wM mechanaxi System ducts mg space and an handler in da crawl apace Budding Science Basics All residential structures built in the U S today should be wiring and air ducts provide multiple pathways for crawl durable and energy efficient while providing comfort and space air to enter the living space During heating periods good indoor air quality for occupants Contrary to the opm the stack effect can easily draw crawl space air up into the ions of some in the building community these objectives are structure above Leakage from supply ducts in the attic can not mutually exclusive but in fact go hand in hand Meeting cause the air pressure inside the house to become lower than these goals requires controlling the flow of heat air and that in the crawl space Because of this pressure differential moisture—in both its liquid and vapor forms air cont uninb moisture and other contaminants from the control Controlling moisturund e r m liquid sources Rainwater muctive crawl Sp ice can then enter the house (see Figure 1) Air distribution ducts and air handlers placed in a crawl diverted away from the building through propei drainage space can contribute to moisture problems in several ways similarly ground water must also be properly drained and Air ducts whether metal or flexible and air handler cibmets kept out of crawl spaces always leak to some degree They leak a lot when installed in Although attempting to control the diffusion of water vapor through the use of vapor barriers is a common approach con the typical manner and still leak a tittle even when consu trotlinb air flow across the budding envelope is much more sentiouslyupply air installed with mastic seating connections When important Under normal temperatures and conditions the supply ducts leak the air pressure within a house s living space becomes lower than the pressure diffusion of moisture is a slow process Airflow however can either the attic or quickly deposit large amounts of moisture within a building the crawl space Air moves from the crawll space into the liv assembly Along with moisture controlling airflow also helps mg space due to this pressure differential (See Figure 2) manage the flow of heat and airborne contaminants making That CrdW I space air may contain high levels of moisture it an essential factor with respect to occupant comfort indoor soil g'ises or mold depending on sod conditions and the ade air quality s and building downside durability There i to minimizing the flow of quacy of the ground cover Leaky air ducts in a vented crawl May 2003 Building Safety Journal 25 The Case for Conditioned, UnventedCrawlSpacesi i heat and air a reduction in the rate at which building assem blies dry when they get wet Although every effort should be Woodsd g . Unlaced bad insulation all surfaces pa Ned made to prevent wetting of buildings it is inevitable that Gypsum board w in semi P gAa space vapor permeable(latex) wine will occur As such building assembhes should be p OSa sheathing _ paint Sealant adhesive or gasket designed not lust to minimize wetting but also to maximize F.ring / Sealant at corner of bottom drying of the interior exterior of both Sealant action e i plate and subtloor or gassed e or gasket under bottom plate Adhesi e Recommended Crawl Space Construction r Rigid msulal on Sealam atlfres ve Seal Local climate conditIOM should always influence decisions or gask Sealet ant gyp) S'llet \ a (t about design matenak and construction methods From a P is as capillary membrane also building science perspective the two fundamental ways to caerredI access is I; acts as capillary break preferred through the sub build a house over a crawl space are unconditioned and floor-no Me penmederwall Concrete foundation wall unless an anllghV nswated it vented with the themmal boundary and the pressure (air) access opening is pmwdert Rtg,d nswal on(hre-raled) boundary at the bottom of the floor of the living space or Ground slopes (taped or sealed to nds) from wall at conditioned and unvented with the thermal and pressure e%�a in per to it boundaries at the perimeter of the crawl space There are two I Oernpproogna t major factors to consider when determining which design Apart"etc " 'ThYI approach is appropriate Is duct work or an air handler local ed in the crawl space and can the floor of the crawl space be effectively air sealed at the appropriate time9 If under floor duct work or an air handler is located in the crawl space then a conditioned unvented crawl space is the preferred method If no mechanical system is located in the crawl space then either option Will Work Figure 3 Conditioned Unvented Crawl Space The emphasis is on conditioning the crawl space because when conditioned there is no need to vent them Alternatively when crawl spaces are vented there must be effective air wed siding Wassail ban inswa wit sealing between the crawls ace and the conditioned space (all surfaces palmed) Gypsum board with senu- vapor permeable(latex) above Airspace paint 1/2 OSB site rthNg Details for a Conditioned, Unvented Crawl Space sealant adhesive a gasket Furring The easiest way to understand a conditioned unvented crawl Sealant adhesive Sealamatcomerorbmlom or gassed plate erM aubaowor gaslmt space is to think of it as a short basement A crawl space that Adras a under botarn plans communicates with the living space should be inhabitable Rgua Sealant dry comfortable and with good air quality The essential y ku l 1, design charactenstics as illustrated in Figure 3 are Sealant adnesrve orgasket it Ban lnswanon effective drainage of ground water papa nip ;; Rand insulation ai e-mted crawls vernal of foundation wall taped and sealed loons) • ground cover that is continuous and sealed to the capillary break p Masonry foundation Sealant perimeter Wa11S and piers wall Treated wood nader the installation of insulation to the perimeter walls Ground slopes awayfrom P wall ad s%(B in per t0 it) • minimal air leakage to the exterior(effective air-sealing t continuouspayahylene r diffaaioa retarder of perimeter walls) , capillary break , S iolntsoveruppedl � • sealed air distribution ducts t oxa '" *�f* & conditioning of the air within the crawl space and the installation of sealed combustion appliances only Different materials and methods can be used to accomplish these oblecines For example a thin concrete slab can be Figure 4 Vented unconditioned Crawl Space cast over a polyethylene sheet to create a sealed ground 26 Building Safety Journal May 2003 cover Water in construction materials can contribute to tion on cold surfaces Conditioning such crawl spaces serves moisture problems in crawl spaces so a low water to cement to provide an energy efficient durable foundation system ratio (0 45 or less) is recommended Concrete with higher helps to maintain occupant comfort and reduces the hkeli water content may require supplemental dehumidification in hood of moisture related problems the crawl space for 6 to 12 months to prevent fungal growth on wood framing A small amount of conditioned air can be supplied to the References crawl space with passive return through floor registers Lstiburek Joe and Betsy Pettit Builders Guide—Mixed Alternatively air can be continuously exhausted from the Humid Climates Energy and Environmental Budding crawl space thus ensuring that soil gases or contaminants in Association Westford MA 2001 the crawl space do not reach the living space In this situa Rose W B A Review of the Regulatory and Technical tion the crawl space will be conditioned by air that moves Literature Related to Crawl Space Moisture Control from the living space because of the pressure differential cre- Recommended Practices for Controlling Moisture in Crawl ated by the crawl space exhaust fan Spaces American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers Atlanta GA 1994 Details for a Vented,Unconditioned Crawl Space The easiest way to envision a vented unconditioned crawl space is to think of it as a house built up on piers with the Dr Nathan Yost, MD recently joined Building Science building envelope located at the underside of the floor deck Corporation (BSC) a building and construction consulting Essential design characteristics as illustrated in Figure 4 firm after an eclectic career in medicine and construction are He worked in general construction for several years effective drainage of ground water between college and medical school and has been involved • ground cover that is continuous and sealed to the penme- in multiple renovations and additions to his own houses ter walls and piers over the past 25 years as well as periodically working with • the installation of insulation under the floor his brothers construction company After leaving clinical • plumbing run within the floor cavity or well insulated medicine he spent 18 months learning about current con struction practices and failures and worked as a consultant • all air distribution ducts installed within the floor cavity to the American Lung Association of Ohio s Health House" or in the mtenor of the structure and program a continuous air barrier installed on the underside of the Dr Yost s work for BSC includes investigating buildings floor framing writing researching consulting and educating builders Note that effectively sealing the underside of the floor is dif He has written several articles on mold concerning both ficult to accomplish unless there is adequate clearance how to deal with its presence and more importantly how to between the floor and the ground build houses to prevent moisture and mold problems His investigations of moisture related problems in both residen Conclusion tial and commercial buildings frequently involve analyzing A crawl space foundation is an excellent design when an the interaction between the building envelope and the above grade floor is desired or when -in under floor space is mechanical systems As part of the Building America team needed for mechanical systems The two basic strategies for he works with production builders to produce energy constructing crawl spaces aie to make them unconditioned efficient durable comfortable homes with good indoor vented ind effectively separated hom the living space or car quality conditioned in which case they should be unvented Control of Lround moisture is essenti it to both strategies -ind can be accomplished through foundation drainage and properly installed ground cover A Londitioncd unvcnted crawl Sp ice is recommended For more information about BSC write to Budding when mLLh amL 11 systems ind an distribution ducts are to be Science Corporation 70 Main Street Westford MA 01886 10L alcd within the undei tlooi died This desic,n mmimvLs the phone(978) 589 5100 fix (978) 589 5101 or direct your unintentional introduction of unconditioned air into the ur web browser to wwwbuddingsuence com distribution system ind reduces the prob abdity of Londens i May 2003 Building Safety Journal 27 GUIDELINES FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF NEW HOMES WITH BELOW-GRADE UNDER-FLOOR SPACES Version 1 0 October 30, 2003 DEVELOPED BY THE MOISTURE MANAGEMENT TASK FORCE This document is authored by the members Moisture Management Task Force The associations, organizations or companies with which the members are affiliated have not taken positions of endorsement nor disclaimer regarding its contents This document is intended as guidelines for new construction, not as a description of a standard of care A parallel document Including code language has been drafted for localjunsd►ctions to consider for inclusion within new codes INTRODUCTION In March 2002 the Tri-County Health Department (TCHD) circulated a letter to building officials within their jurisdiction Indicating a rise in 2001 of the number of calls from homeowners regarding mold in homes TCHD indicated it was their opinion that current building codes do not adequately address the Issues concerning moisture control as it relates to potential for mold growth In May 2002 TCHD called a meeting of the building officials at which TCHD presented information about mold and three speakers invited by TCHD presented information on the topic from their perspective The speakers Included a building official (Tom Thompson) a private home Inspector (Gary Hansen), and a forensic/structural engineer (Ed Fronapfel, PE) Representatives of the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Denver (HBA) also attended Discussion focused on potential for mold build-up in below-grade under-floor spaces beneath structurally supported basement floors, in particular beneath wood-decked floors The group agreed that further meetings would be beneficial and agreed to allow HBA to host the next meeting in the hopes that more builders would be willing to participate ' Below-grade under floor space is defined as under-floor space located such that ventilation openings cannot be provided directly through an exterior wall Page 1 of 23 In June 2002 the HBA hosted a meeting at which the consensus of the group was to work together to achieve the following goals and objectives A Identify potential causes of water Infiltration/moisture build-up in below grade under-floor spaces B Determine if current codes adequately address the Identified causes C Develop suggested alternative solutions to the Identified problems It was agreed that a task force with a balanced representation from various disciplines and areas of expertise in the budding Industry would be formed and that the mission of the Task Force would be uTo develop guidelines and proposed code amendments with the aim of offenng budding professionals in the design and construction of new homes some alternative methods to better manage moisture in and around below-grade under-floor spaces to reduce the potential for mold growth " The make up of the group was agreed upon with each representative group suggesting who should serve from their group on the task force The task force membership Includes Builders/Developers(4) Justin Jones Centex Homes Jeff Vogel Engle Homes Mart Moret Sanford Homes Randy Rainey/Marc Grivas U S Home Corporation Building Scientists/Engineers(4) Ed Fronapfel P E PIE Joe Lstiburek P Eng PhD Building Science Corp Steve Andrews E-Star Colorado Bob Barrett P E CTL I Thompson Inc Geotechnical Engineers(2) Ron McOmber P E CTL I Thompson Inc Tim Spencer P E A G Wassenaar Inc Budding Officials(3) Tom Thompson City&County of Broomfield Sam Dardano City of Boulder Steve Thomas City of Cherry Hills Page 2 of 23 Health Officials(3) Michele Kinshella TCHD Chuck McCammon TCHD John Martyny National Jewish Center Moderator Kim Calomino HBA of Metro Denver The Moisture Management Task Force met periodically between July 2002 and October 2003 to discuss the Issues Minutes were prepared as the meetings progressed, and reviewed during subsequent meetings These guidelines were developed based upon discussions at those meetings The guidelines are a primarily a packaging of the opinions and knowledge that are already found in the industry It is not represented however, as an exhaustive compendium of alternatives and potential solutions nor is it the collective judgment of the Task Force that these guidelines contain the only viable measures and methods that can be employed to effectively manage moisture in and around crawlspaces and foundations Neither does the Task Force by these guidelines issue an opinion on other measures and methods The Task Force readily accepts that alternative methods can be effective ORGANIZATIONAL APPROACH The Task Force decided that the first step would be the development of guidelines followed by code language written as potential amendments to the code The Task Force would also identify issues and develop suggestions as relates to occupancy and maintenance that could be included in an educational piece provided by builders to homeowners The group agreed that a two-thirds majority consensus of the Task Force members was necessary to proceed with any recommendations and recommended code amendment Since local Jurisdictions decide whether to adopt any recommended code language, the consensus was that this majority agreement would make it easier for building officials to gain approval within their local Jurisdiction The Task Force approached the goals and objectives by brainstorming issues involved with Objective A first A Identify what is causing water infiltration/moisture build-up in below grade under-floor spaces to occur Page 3 of 23 The Task Force then divided these causes into three groups based on the alternatives and potential solutions Surface Drainage House Design and Construction Practices, and Occupant Issues Discussion subsequently focused on sequential potential solutions for the potential causes When existing code provisions could be readily identified, those provisions and potential code amendments were discussed, relevant to the specific cause and potential solution In this manner the Task Force approached objectives Band C B Determine if current codes adequately address the problem C Develop suggested solutions and code amendments to address the problem This report is organized to present potential causes, followed by the group's suggested solutions It includes some background commentary, explaining rationales for both problems and solutions Building officials within the group used this report and other information to provide model code language which was reviewed by the Task Force The following comprises the work of the Task Force beginning with a glossary of terms and phrases followed by recommended guidelines as pertain to surface drainage and house design and construction practices, and concluding with recommended information for homebuyers The proposed code amendments exist as a separate document Page 4 of 23 GUIDELINES FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF NEW HOMES WITH BELOW-GRADE UNDER-FLOOR SPACES I GLOSSARY A Below-grade under-floor spaces Under-floor spaces located such that ventilation openings cannot be provided directly through an exterior wall B At-grade under-floor spaces Under-floor spaces located such that ventilation openings can be provided directly through an exterior wall C Area grading plan An area grading plan should show final grade elevation for roads, lots, open space, detention ponds and tract areas D Area underdrain system Area underdrain systems consist of a network of solid or perforated pipes, generally placed in the base of sanitary sewer trenches within streets E Grading performance plan Commonly referred to as a plot plan that shows the proposed surface water drainage patterns and elevations for any given lot F Grading certificate A plot plan that shows actual surface water drainage patterns and elevations for any given lot as prepared by a land surveyor or engineer G Sealed (vapor barrier) Reasonably air tight H ASHRAE American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers I IRC International Residential Code II SURFACE DRAINAGE A Area Grading Plan (for the overall site) The task force believes that area grading plans should be required for all residential projects These plans should address the following issues 1 The impact of pre-existing drainage patterns should be considered Such considerations should include existing floodplains wetlands and irrigation ditches adjacent to lots as well as any known ground water Page 5 of 23 2 The design should anticipate provisions for drainage swales to convey water away from foundations The existing code calls for 2% minimum slope Builders should do what they can with site specific conditions to create good drainage and where appropriate and possible strive to obtain more that the code requires 3 The design should anticipate grades necessary to drain water away from foundations These grades should be a minimum of 5% (maximum of 33%), and more where possible to a minimum of 10' away from the house Where lot Imes, walls, slopes or other physical barriers prohibit 6 inches of fall within 10 feet, drams or swales should be provided to ensure drainage away from the structure The minimum slope should be provided in the site-specific sods report 4 Upon completion of area grading any deviation from the area grading plan should be identified with an as-built survey and approved by the design engineer 5 Plans for each lot should require platted drainage easements along lot Imes B Area Underdram Systems The Task Force believes area underdram systems can help control subsurface water and provide a gravity discharge for foundation dram systems Where underdrams are permitted and planned, they should be designed to allow maintenance (with cleanouts) and inspected during and after construction Long-term maintenance responsibility should be defined C Lot Specific Drainage Plans The task force believes that lot-specific plot plan showing grading and drainage flows (grading performance plan) should be required as a part of the residential permit application process At the time of C 0 , a stamped Grading Certificate should verify this plan These plans should address the following issues 1 Drainage swales should be used to convey surface water away from foundations The existing code calls for 2% minimum slope Builders should do what they can with site specific conditions to create good drainage and, where appropriate and possible strive to obtain more than code requires 2 The plans should be verified to ensure agreement of the lot- specific drainage with the Area Grading Plan Page 6 of 23 3 The plans should specify top of grade-beam/foundation elevation for the foundation 4 The design should anticipate grades necessary to dram water away from foundations These grades should be a minimum of 5% (maximum of 33%), and more where possible to a minimum of 10' away from the house Where lot Imes, walls slopes or other physical barriers prohibit 6 inches of fall within 10 feet, drams or swales should be provided to ensure drainage away from the structure The minimum slope should be provided in the site-specific sods report III HOUSE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION The Task Force believes that moisture management practices during home design and construction can reduce the potential for mold growth in below-grade under-floor spaces either before or after home occupancy The measures identified below and included in Figure III include FIGURE III of FTwsE%ND sysLEns ro DRAN VMTER AW.YY FROM BUILDING OPEMNO6 FMS! BOOR PNOVYE POSIINE ORIDE AWAY FltOY BV0.OW0 PER OEOIFOINICK CONSIDER ME VSE OF E R]iW1. gECOMNpd180x4 IxBUTATON ro RMSE ME IxSOE SUIFME IEYPERAIVIW OF x1E fpIXMTE WN1 I CCNOENSABON) ESPEG/1YY IN N fJIROIZNEx LEVEL IXi WMl(DUT YASEYFRR TEIiNNTE piMIK �gRECRY MOVE FLOOR FlXiWES M1OW Ellin OECNINO ro Fl '"NO, 0RE NO FIOdL ORS TION WIMN MSFYER SIRVCI'YRAL ftOO ��-FLOOR SPACE NOT RECq.MENDEO PRONDE MNNVN CLFMNICE BEEWF£N 8 MIN AT!X REfwgOER TO NNL BOTIdI OF PIPE NiO ALTERNNE EY�dO RETMiOEA EMM (WEEgE PPE TO TOP OF Fl.00It FULLY CROSffi BFLOW BOTTOY BF]OND LFDOER OR RMI JdST OF SIRUCRME MJD ERE AND f1DOR OECN lMITMY SEWFR EE15 VAP� REEAROER 91µDNG) FOUNMTON/ L tdElR WMl PER OEOIEC".WO SIRUCTURII REcoNNEND%noxs CONTROL NOISTIRF OF$OIIS IX IWI VOID FORY CpLBTLICDON REKiRAOE MO CL 9WFME M 9OI PMOR O NI9 N1wllOw K .WON flEFA1LLWA MERIOfl IXt E%1ERN)R PEAMEIFfi EXiEMD VNViEmT R UP NTERro CONCINTE DRNN SYEtF]I PER OEOtECx CAI93ON5 TT CONCRETE OO NOT RECONYENMTIdi9 t9\IIi SEF£1.pIE STRVCIVNIIL WOOp TWIL NOT TO SCALE Page 7 of 23 A Foundation Perimeter Drains Perimeter drains-either interior and/or exterior—should be provided adjacent to the lowest concrete or masonry foundations that retain earth Carefully follow the engineered foundation drainage system specifications Generic recommendations 1 At time of construction the drainage trench should have a positive slope to a sump pit or gravity discharge The dram should be protected during installation of the sanitary sewer service or restored, if merited, after this installation 2 The impact of the sewer service line should be considered in the design and construction of the dram to avoid directing foundation dram flow into the sewer trench except when a gravity discharge (underdram) is provided in the sewer trench 3 Perimeter drams should discharge in a sump pump pit A pump should be installed unless the drams are provided with a gravity discharge daylightmg at the ground surface or into an underdram system The discharge pipe for sump pumps should discharge at least five feet away from the foundation, to an area of positive drainage away from the foundation, or rely on other approved discharge method B Excavation and Backfill The sods report prepared for design of foundations should identify the degree of compaction required for foundation wall backfill and the minimum slope to achieve adequate drainage The excavation outside the foundation should be back-filled with sod that is substantially free of organic material construction debris cobbles and sod clods in excess of 6 inches in diameter, boulders and frozen sods The backfill should be placed in lifts and compacted in a manner that does not damage the foundation or the waterproofing or damp-proofing material 1 Common Excavations Where excavations include more than one house special attention is required regarding compaction of the backfill between houses, or a specially engineered drainage system should be designed 2 Ramp Ramp backfill should be compacted to avoid excessive settlement and to reduce the likelihood that the ramp will become a conduit for surface water to flow toward the foundation Suggestions Ramp placement below swales between houses should be avoided Ramp backfill outside the immediate foundation area should be compacted to higher degree than the backfill around the foundation 3 Utility trenches Water and sewer utility service trench backfill should be compacted to control settlement and reduce the Page 8 of 23 - .� likelihood the trenches will provide a conduit for surface moisture to flow toward the foundation C Wetting of Sods below Basement Floor during Construction Measures should be incorporated to control moisture of sods in below-grade under-floor spaces and water in foundation drains during construction 1 Standing water snow or ice present in the basement excavation and foundation dram should be removed prior to installation of a vapor barrier and/or the floor deck 2 Once roof-dram gutters are in place, install downspouts with extensions which discharge at least 5 feet away from the foundation measured perpendicular to the foundation wall, or to an approved drainage system If tip-ups with hooks are used, remove these hooks prior to occupancy so that extensions cannot be left in the "up position after occupancy 3 The excavation bottom should not be 'dished out" such that any portion of the exposed sod is below the high point of the foundation dram trench Any portion of the excavation bottom that is dished out should be provided with a positive flow to the sump pit 4 At the time of construction the surface of the below grade under-floor space should be graded to slope toward the sump pit or toward dram systems installed to control free water The grading should not allow pondmg of water D Clearance below Floor Systems and Plumbing At the time of construction, the minimum clearance below steel floor components (i e , beams joists etc ) and plumbing Imes (where practical) should be equal to the void height plus 4 inches The site-specific sods report should provide recommendations for minimum clearance to control the likelihood that the clearance will be closed It is not possible to create clearance under sewer Imes as they approach the service connection and exit the house If it is necessary to trench below beams or plumbing Imes in order to create the clearance, then these trenches should slope to the perimeter dram system Where clearance between the top of the sewer line and the bottom of the foundation wall is less than the void height, the engineered foundation plan should provide a block-out detail When a block-out is necessary coordination between foundation and plumbing trades is necessary Match recommended void height beneath bottom of lowest point of wall and the sewer line Page 9 of 23 E Ground Preparation and Cover for below-grade under-floor spaces 1 The surface of the below-grade under-floor space should be graded to slope toward the sump pit or toward drain systems installed to control free water The grading should not allow ponding of water 2 IRC 408 4 requires removal of all debris from the dirt floor 3 Placement of a minimum 10-mil un-reinforced polyethylene vapor retarder (or matenal with equivalent puncture protection) is recommended below all structurally-supported basement floors a ASTM test method for vapor retarder as ground cover E154-99 b Puncture pound force FTMS101C c 10-mil poly with 8 1 puncture pound force or greater is allowed (Two puncture tests are D1709 and D4397 ) d The sheet material covering the entire dirt floor should be placed directly on the ground surface and attached to foundation walls above foundation void material to interior caissons (below the post and/or plate) or footing pads and plumbing lines Laps should be continuously sealed Methods to achieve this include chemically bonded joints, or joints lapped and taped with tape approved for use on exterior house wrap The vapor retarder should either be placed behind the basement floor rim joist or ledger extending to top of the floor, or be terminated at least 6 inches below the rim joist and mechanically attached to the wall and to all penetrations in a continuous manner e The sheet material should not be attached to horizontal surfaces such that condensate might drain to wood or corrodible metal surfaces 4 Alternative systems may be considered based upon engineered design These designs should consider use of non-cellulose framing systems (e g , concrete and/or steel), ventilation access ground preparation vapor retarding and insulation F Wetting of Construction Materials during Construction 1 Construction materials should be protected from exposure to moisture in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations Page 10 of 23 2 When basement floor decking has been placed and is wetted after placement, it should be allowed to dry Suggested solution leave off or remove at least two 4x8 sheets at opposite corners of the floor, and place a walk-able metal grate over the openings If the decking remains wet after framing is complete, install temporary fans (power required) to dry the floor materials G Downspout Termination Consider overall drainage plan when locating downspouts Install downspouts with extensions which discharge at least 5 feet away from the foundation measured perpendicular to the foundation wall If tip-ups with hooks are used, remove these hooks prior to occupancy so that extensions cannot be left in the up" position after occupancy H Landscaping 1 No landscaping requiring irrigation should be located within five feet of foundation walls 2 Landscape edging should not interfere with the discharge of the roof drainage system 3 Use of drought-tolerant landscaping is recommended 4 Proper sod preparation below sod is critical to create water storage capacity, which reduces watering requirements Sod preparation requirements should be determined based on site- specific sod conditions 5 No valve boxes or drain valves should be placed within the backfill or within five feet of the foundation Wherever possible, sprinkler lines should be installed with the same guideline 6 Swales and surface drainage pathways around the house a Don't plant trees in swales (drainage pathways) b Don't build retaining walls that would change drainage pathways c Fences, including posts, should be constructed to minimize effects on drainage swales and pathways d Landscaping edging should not interfere with the flow of surface water away from the foundation and/or along drainage pathways I Insulation in below-grade under-floor spaces It is not recommended that any insulation be placed between floor joists beneath the wood deck or against the interior surface of the foundation wall On a walkout basement wall exterior insulation of the concrete foundation wall along Page 11 of 23 the walkout is recommended The intent is to control the potential for condensation on any wood in contact with the concrete foundation wall There may be other options for achieving this result J Insulation in Basements Exterior insulation is preferred to interior vinyl-faced fiberglass blankets At present, reported mold problems in homes along the Front Range with vinyl- faced blankets are limited, when vinyl-faced blankets are used holding the bottom edge of the blanket six inches above the floor is recommended Potential best practice would be the use of either un-faced insulation or a 5-perm facing over any insulation product K Ventilation of below grade under-floor spaces Commentary The practices for ventilation of below-grade under-floor spaces have evolved, and differ among builders and with floor type Current code requirements for ventilation (e g , IRC 408) are for ventilating at-grade crawl spaces and do not address below-grade under-floor spaces For wood-decked floor systems, the most common ventilation practices include use of one in-line fan with one or more intake ducts (6-inch typical) terminated at the exterior (outdoor make-up air) The fans are typically controlled by a humidity sensor The exhaust and intake ducts tend to be located based on convenience of the installer Where high humidity persisted, additional fans and/or intake vents have been installed sometimes along with a vapor retarding ground cover A few builders choose to use indoor air in lieu of outdoor air (with and without a vapor retarder) and report success There are several structural floor systems that do not incorporate the use of cellulose-based structural materials These structural systems include concrete and steel/concrete composite systems Some of these systems isolate the sub- floor space from the basement by not providing underfloor access Typically, the only openings through the floors are sump or sanitary piping clean-out access In both of these types of systems ventilation is not considered as critical as with wood-decked floor systems that include a door-type opening Access into the below-grade under-floor space is required for wood-decked systems for maintenance and inspection Penetrations through the floor should be sealed For slab-on-grade, slab on void, or steel/concrete decking systems which isolate the basement from the below-grade under-floor space, under-floor ventilation is not required for moisture control However below-floor ventilation may be Page 12 of 23 required for radon control, structural concerns (i e , corrosion of steel) or for other reasons The builder and home owner should understand that under these circumstances, the area below the floor system could be very humid may contain organic material (especially in the sod) and may be at an appropriate temperature to support fungal growth Therefore the isolated space below an unventilated basement floor should be "sealed off' to as great an extent as possible "Passive" ventilation systems may be considered for "sealed' floor systems Passive ventilation systems usually include a pipe that penetrates the basement floor and runs to the exterior of the budding Natural convection, or stack effect, can cause the below grade under-floor spaces to be depressurized However especially at high outside air temperatures, reverse stack effect may also slightly pressurize the below-grade under-floor spaces The Task Force believes that the differential pressures which develop due to stack effect are very small, thus the impact of passive ventilation is probably negligible from either a positive or negative pressure perspective The Task Force acknowledges that ventilation is only one component of the measures necessary to control moisture in below-grade under-floor spaces If the other system components discussed in this document (surface drainage, foundation drainage, vapor retarder, etc ) are installed and maintained correctly, then only very minimal ventilation is necessary Under this condition, use of outdoor air for exhaust make-up is usually acceptable On the other hand, the amount of ventilation described in this document is intended to mitigate potential humidity problems encountered in these below-grade under-floor spaces It is not intended to provide sufficient airflow to remedy standing water from drainage problems or sources such as plumbing leaks Nevertheless the Task Force believes the best current practice is to include a vapor retarder and ventilation using indoor air for accessible below-grade under-floor spaces that use cellulose- based products The Task Force acknowledges that other engineered systems can perform satisfactorily and believe code language should allow their use The introduction of outside air may affect below-grade under-floor air temperature and humidity more adversely than the introduction of conditioned indoor air In the winter unconditioned outside air cools the humid air in the below-grade under-floor space and surfaces near the intake duct Condensation can form on the surface of the duct or in the vicinity of the duct termination In the summer, the dewpoint temperature of indoor air (a measure of the airs moisture content) is much lower than the daily high dewpoint temperature of the outdoor air This is true in both air-conditioned and non-air conditioned homes The natural ventilation rate of at-grade crawl spaces using code mandated passive ventilation openings is roughly 1 air-change per hour A continuously operating fan of 25 cfm would provide 1 air-change per hour ventilation rate for a 1000 ft2 basement subfloor area (assumed depth of 18" beneath floor deck) Page 13 of 23 Note that at-grade, passively ventilated crawl spaces often "ventilate" up through the home on an annualized basis as much as % of the air entering the crawl space vents may exit through the living space above To reduce the same airflow pattern (from a below-grade under-floor space to the basement), the Task Force recommends the use of ventilation systems which will maintain a slight negative pressure in the under-floor space (with respect to the basement), and which operate continuously The rate of water vapor intrusion to a below-grade under-floor space may be considerably greater than that for an at-grade crawl space ASHRAE Standard 62 2 has been developed to address "Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings This standard requires the installation of "A mechanical exhaust system, supply system, or combination thereof [for] whole-building ventilation with outdoor air" at a specified minimum rate The minimum rate is calculated at 7 5 cfm times the number of bedrooms, plus 1, plus 0 01 cfm per ft2 of conditioned floor area One way ASHRAE 62 2 can be met in most homes is by sizing the below-grade under-floor ventilation system in accordance with the standard, drawing make-up air for the under-floor exhaust from the conditioned occupied space (e g , via transfers through the basement floor) and operating the fan on a continuous basis This rate of ventilation will also exceed the 1 air-change per hour" rate of a passively ventilated at-grade crawl space by a factor of about 2 to 3 times (e g , for a four bedroom house with a 1000 square foot basement and 2000 square feet above grade) It is believed that this rate of ventilation is adequate to remove the additional water vapor intrusion expected within a below-grade under-floor space that includes a properly sealed ground cover Some ventilation system designers may add a safety factor to the ASHRAE 62 2 recommended ventilation rate End Commentary Active systems may utilize make-up air from the outside, or conditioned air from inside the house 1 Active Ventilation of Below-grade Under-floor Spaces using indoor air The Task Force recommends use of conditioned indoor air to mechanically ventilate below-grade under-floor spaces through floor transfer grills or manifold systems exhausted to the exterior Systems should be professionally engineered and/or use power-vented or direct-vented combustion appliances to relieve potential for back-drafting of gas-fired appliances within the home Suggested design details include Page 14 of 23 a Fan sizing Recommend reliance on ASHRAE 62 2 standard Note that the proper selection of an exhaust fan requires the desired airflow rate and the desired static pressure capability A nominal "50 cfm" fan will only produce 50 cfm at the manufacturer's listed static pressure (usually 0"w c ) b Fan specifications average bearing life should be no less than 5 years (44 000 hours) c Fan installation the fan's vibration should be isolated from the budding structure by use of flex connections flexible duct or other means d Fan control Continuous operation of the fan is recommended e Fan functionality If the fan fads a trouble light or alarm should alert the homeowner to repair or replace the fan f Fan discharge duct Any pressurized ductwork within the house or under-floor space that carries exhaust air to the outdoors should be sealed g Transfer floor opening Provide at least one transfer floor opening per 250 ft2 of basement floor area (or fraction thereof), with air-flow opening restricted per Figure/Table III K Place an HVAC boot beneath the grills to serve as code-required 'ashtray" (I RC M1601 4 3) Transfer floor openings should be sized and distributed to provide uniform cross ventilation, e g , located one inlet per corner Transfer floor openings may consist of conventional floor grilles or registers, but should have their cross-sectional flow area restricted in accordance with Figure/Table III K h Floor opening size calculation procedure 1 Calculate the required exhaust rate 2 Determine the number of floor registers desired (based on floor geometry) 3 Calculate the required exhaust rate per transfer 4 Determine the required opening size for each transfer (from Figure/Table III K , below) Page 15 of 23 FIGURE III K r------------� BASEMENT (CONgTIONm SPILE) M'PROX A GECK/ OoFIGE I�CIFNUNCE \/ L00R I d a 4 _ e / IN FLOOR ROACH OPENNG e < / N fIXIOR DECK TO e \ REMOVE DAMPER FORCE-FIT dt OTHERWISE RATE FA W NDT / 1 3 Aa TALL STRRUPENC1 RK NFA FLOOR e e SHEET LRET 4 'Y'® d BOOT OR • / 0 RECEPT CONCRETE a \/ fBELOTI-CRAVE l e FOUNOX a N �uwOER=FwOR SPeCE� wM1 / NOTES 1Q BOOR MR TRANSFER ASSEMBLY SONONRD FLOOR REOISIER W GRILLE WITH LONG CM PARALLEL TO MLNWTON WALL MODIFY AS FIXLOlYS (] CAMPER LEVER REMOVE ONFER ACTUATOR LEVER (F PRESENn O CAMPER REMOVE CAMPER IF PRESENT © PROVIOE SHEEP METAL, � OR FABRICATED 'BOX SANE SIZE AS GRILLE OR REGISTER FIANCE BOOT OR BOX SHALL BE CAPPED BELOW FLOOR EXCEPT FOR HOLE IN SIOE QS PROVIDE CUT OR DRILLED SHARP EDGE MILE IN SIDE OF BOOT OR BOX CLOSEST TO FOUNDATION WALL AS FOLLOWS ® NE OPENING THROUGH TRANSFER IN ACCOTANRCE WITH TABLE BELOW ® BOOT M BOX SHALL FROWOE CgIE INTENT FOR NON-COIIMfiRBLE RECIEPTAGIE FOR PLEWI M AR OEVICE ANO SHALL HAVE MINIMUM I VERTICAL LP MU_OPQENGS IN SIDE OF BOOT OR BOX SHALL BE THE SAME CRO55-SECTIONAL AREA +/- ICE NOT TO WALL DETAIL SNOWN IS WOOESTED MEANS OF ACIIIEWNO SPEOIFI W NET TRANSFER MENINO A "D MMPTACLE ALTERNATE MEANS OF ACNIMNIG THIME O ALS MAY M MED AT DESIGNER'S OPTIOFL FREE AREA OF O P E N IN O IN BOOT OR BOX E X H A B E T R A T E P E R NET FREE AREAIHOLE D IA M E T E R T R A H R F E R O P E N IN O 1 3 CAY NOT APIL IC AR LE TR AN RI ER AT L 0 A FT t3 CIY TM AO YO N YAC N O PYN IN IA t3 CrY I T TO x 3 FC IN PREE AREA I It uA IF A w • n I I RF ze eIN x 3 TO x > IQ IN FREE AREA I Ix • A w A n I l xt x3 CIY i I TO • T iE IN FREE AREA I R t n • A I. A n I 1 ze xA erY s T TE 3 A iE Ix rREE AREw I Lz tlx • e w a n 11 i Example Assume a 4 bedroom, 2000 sq ft (above grade) home with a 1000 sq ft (below grade) basement 1 Calculate the required exhaust rate (per ASHRAE 62 2) CFM = 7 5*(4+1) + 0 01*(3000) = 67 5 cfm 2 Determine the number of floor registers desired (based on floor geometry) Assume 5 transfers are required for the example home Page 16 of 23 3 Calculate the required exhaust rate per transfer 67 5 cfm - 5 = 14 cfm per transfer 4 Determine the required net floor opening size from Table IV J For 14 cfm (in the range of 10- 15 cfm) use a 21 5/8"0 drilled hole Performance specification When this type of active ventilation system is sized and installed properly (and adequately sized combustion air openings are installed in accordance with code for all atmospherically vented appliances), the negative pressure generated by the exhaust fan should be less than negatroel (-1) Pascals For frame of reference, the level at which the typical atmospherically vented water heater might spill combustion gases into the adjacent space is between -5 and -10 Pascals The rationale for drawing exhaust air from the indoors acknowledges that the current code allows for the wide variety of exhaust appliances A number of those appliances and pressure-impacting features are listed below, including the typical range of flows and possible negative pressures they can create Any resulting negative pressure generated is highly dependent on the volume of air within the directly depressurized zone (e g wide-open basement vs utility room etc) Feature/appliance Cfm of exhaust Potential pressure Dryers in basementE 150 cfm -1 to-2 pascals Basement bath fan 30 -75 cfm -0 5 to-1 Pa Down-draft exhaust 500- 900 cfm -2 to -8 Pa (dependin Fans on make-up air or not Whole-house fans 1000 - 3500 cfm -5 to -50 Pa (latter windows variable w/windows closed fireplace 100- 500 cfm -2 to-5 Pa Return air ducts 400 - 1200 cfm -1 to-10 Pa (using building cavities Note that the only way to determine the real-world impact of the above elements on depressurization in a combustion zone is to measure it Estimation can't truly work since the items may or may not be additive When trying to estimate their impact on the pressure in any basement one would have to factor in a) how leaky the basement is to the outdoors b) how leaky the basement is to the house above Page 17 of 23 (door undercut, etc ), and c) the volumes of the respective spaces The Task Force believes that with proper design, use of indoor air will not induce negative pressures in basements that are sufficient for concern At the same time the Task Force still recommends use of power-vented, direct-vented or sealed combustion appliances 2 Active Ventilation of Below-grade Under-floors spaces using outdoor air The use of unconditioned outside transfer air may be an acceptable alternative to the use of indoor air especially in basements which are completely below grade (do not include garden level or walk-out basements unless insulated on the exterior surface of foundation wall) Suggested design details include a Fan sizing Recommend at least 2 but no more than 4 air-changes per hour Note that the proper selection of an exhaust fan requires the desired airflow rate and the desired static pressure capability A nominal "50 cfm" fan will only produce 50 cfm at the manufacturer's listed static pressure (usually 0"w c ) b Fan specifications average bearing life should be no less than 5 years (44 000 hours) c Fan installation the fan s vibration should be isolated from the building structure by use of flex connections flexible duct or other means d Fan control Various methods for fan control can be utilized Such methods include continuous operation of the fan use of humidity sensor or humidity sensor/thermostat Choice of fan control method should be engineered, taking into account air exchange rate, vapor retarders and other system components e Fan functionality If the fan fads a trouble light or alarm should alert the homeowner to repair or replace the fan f Air intake opening Provide at least one air intake opening from the exterior The opening should be located such that airflow from the opening to the exhaust fan will cross as much floor area of the below grade under-floor space as possible The objective is to reduce the possibility for dead or stagnant air spaces to develop Use of manifold air ducts (across one full side of a house) and manifold exhaust ducts (across the opposite side of the house) should be Page 18 of 23 considered The intake duct should be insulated to prevent condensation on the duct The insulation should be duct wrap insulation conforming with IRC M1601 2 1 with minimum R-4 insulation value and a vapor retarder covering The location of the discharge of the duct should be directed away from any structural floor components, where condensation may form without damage All ventilation manifolds and laterals located beneath the floor should be supported by the floor and suspended above grade by more than the height of the void form (plus 4") 3 Conditioning of below-grade under-floor plenum air Some designers may elect to provide heating, cooling and/or dehumidifying system(s) to condition the air within the below- grade under-floor space Nothing in these recommendations should be construed to discourage that practice However, the following precautions are recommended a Exhaust of the below-grade under-floor plenum at the rate of at least 1 air-change per hour is recommended except when a dehumidification system is installed b Care should be taken to prevent contamination of occupied spaces due to circulation of air from unoccupied spaces To achieve this the Task Force recommends a separate system to condition the below-grade under-floor area c The homeowner should be advised to inspect these systems frequently L Corrosion When appropriate, structural components should be designed to tolerate corrosion or should be protected against corrosion that may impair the strength or serviceability of the structure Steel members may deteriorate in particular service environments This deterioration may appear either in external corrosion, which would be visible upon inspection, or in undetected changes that would reduce its strength The designer should recognize these problems by either factoring a specific amount of damage tolerance into the design or providing adequate protection systems (e g coatings, cathodic protection) and/or planned maintenance programs so that such problems do not occur (Source AISC Manual of Steel Construction Ch L Sec L5) Page 19 of 23 M Budding Envelope Flashing Provide comprehensive flashing systems that drain water away from the budding In order to allow pan flashing at doors, patios or stoops should be one step (3 to 7 inches) below top of foundation wall This is particularly important at doors on walkout basements with structurally supported floors N Dryer Vents Dryer vents should always extend to the exterior, and should be located at least 3 feet from openings (air intakes and windows) O Condensate, Water Heater and Humidifier Drains above structurally supported basement floors All indirect drains should terminate directly above floor drains with the required air gap and a turn-down into the floor drain (See IRC P2803) P Negative Pressure in Basements 1 Unsealed ductwork IRC 2000 requires sealing of all ductwork The Task Force recommends elimination of use of budding cavities for return-air ducts, and reducing return-air duct system complexity (Rationale typical return ducts using budding cavities are very leaky, which can lead to negative pressure in basements ) Instead of requiring return-air cavities in every room, allow transfer air grilles and jump-ducts as acceptable means of relieving pressure in bedrooms An alternative approach that is currently being used by several performance-based programs (e g , Engineered for Life, Environments for Living, Budding America) is a design and installation package that results in less than 3 Pascals of air- pressure differential (room to hallways with doors closed) with reference to outdoors 2 Sealants The Task Force recommends the use of mastic on all ductwork, including dryer vents, bath fan ducts, and all exhaust ducts The task force discourages the use of cloth duct tapes and UL-listed 181b tapes on ductwork IV HOMEOWNER AND MAINTENANCE ISSUES Homeowners need to improve their knowledge of the moisture control system and their own important role in maintaining that system Builders are encouraged to educate their buyers on their responsibilities and role in maintaining that system The following key items are suggested for Page 20 of 23 rn.4en• -sYnwxivM m-• communication to the homebuyer by the builder as part of an overall homeowner education package A Excessive Irrigation 1 Limited watering Irrigation water is the major source of water around foundations and other structures and should be controlled to reduce moisture introduction to the subsurface environment This will also enhance likelihood of good performance of foundations and concrete flatwork 2 Ram/moisture Sensors When sprinkler systems are installed, the Task Force recommends the use of ram sensors tied to the sprinkler controller system to prevent the system from cycling on if sufficient precipitation or irrigation has occurred prior to activation of the irrigation cycle This may be a code requirement in some budding jurisdictions 3 Once landscaping is established, the irrigation system timer should be adjusted to supply only sufficient water to maintain that landscaping 4 No irrigation should occur within five feet of the foundation B Termination and Maintenance of Gutters and Downspouts 1 The occupant should maintain extensions on all downspouts so that discharge occurs at least 5 feet away from foundations, as measured perpendicular to the foundation wall Discharge should occur in an area where water can dram freely away from the foundation 2 Gutters downspouts and extensions should be kept free of leaves and other debris 3 Downspouts generally should not be buned or terminate under the sod Buried drams are susceptible to damage freezing and/or disconnection and are difficult to maintain Where buried pipes are used, the occupant should maintain the piping and discharge outlet C Landscaping 1 No landscaping requiring irrigation should be located within five feet of foundation walls 2 Landscape edging should not interfere with the discharge of the roof drainage system 3 Use of drought-tolerant landscaping is recommended 4 Proper sod preparation below sod is critical to create water storage capacity which reduces watering requirements Sod Page 21 of 23 preparation requirements should be determined based on site- specific soil conditions 5 No valve boxes or dram valves should be placed within the backfill or within five feet of the foundation Wherever possible, sprinkler Imes should be installed with the same guideline 6 When landscaping installation is delayed erosion control measures need to be taken 7 Maintain swales and surface drainage pathways around the house a Don t plant trees in swales (drainage pathways) b Don't build retaining walls that would change drainage pathways c Fences, including posts should be constructed to minimize effects on drainage swales and pathways d Landscaping edging should not interfere with the flow of surface water away from the foundation and/or along drainage pathways D Knowledge and awareness of mechanical equipment operation 1 To protect the long-term durability of the structure, humidifiers are not recommended If you do have a humidifier set the controller such that the appliance maintains 30% RH or less in order to avoid potential moisture problems 2 When fans are provided to ventilate below-grade under-floor spaces they are an important component of the system used to control humidity and maintain proper airflow in the residence Do not disconnect them If a humidity sensor is installed do not set it above 40% RH (relative humidity) Periodically check to see if ventilation fans and controllers are operating properly If a fan fads replace it Do not cover the floor air-circulation vents as this could increase the amount of water vapor beneath the floor and lead to moisture problems 3 Unvented combustion appliances generate moisture as a byproduct of the combustion process In particular, unvented gas fireplaces should not be installed within conditioned spaces 4 Homeowners should periodically check under-floor spaces beneath accessible subfloors for sewage leaks, integrity of the ground cover, condensation standing water etc 5 Sump pumps should be checked regularly by pouring water into the sump to assure the pump operates properly Page 22 of 23 'K.w 4 -- 6 Whole house fans should only be operated with the windows open 7 Evaporative coolers add moisture to the home's air and should only be operated with windows open They require annual maintenance 8 Clothes dryers should always be vented directly to the exterior 9 Frequently check clothes and dish washer connection hoses for wear Consider installing flexible steel connection hoses E Maintain integrity of the vapor retarder (ground cover) on the sod in order to minimize moisture-related problems 1 It is normal for moisture to collect beneath the vapor retarder If mold appears under the retarder it should not be considered a defect 2 Never remove any portion of the vapor retarder material 3 Do no use the under-floor space for storage, as this would damage the vapor retarder 4 If there is standing water on top of the vapor retarder this is a problem that needs to be examined by a professional F Basement Finish Because there are a number of expansive sods and moisture-related issues finishing basements is generally not recommended For example application of linoleum or carpet floor finishes could cause moisture-related problems by reducing the drying potential of the floor assembly Any blockage of the floor air- circulation vents could increase the amount of water vapor beneath the floor and lead to moisture problems If you do finish your basement, you or your budder/remodeler should be fully aware of the problems and accept the risks associated with that task and carefully design construct and maintain the basement finish system" to control moisture - END- Page 23 of 23 Statement for the Record el�0 RVICES L� Before the Subcommittees on Oversight and / Investigations and Housing and Community „_// Opportunity Committee on Financial Services "�4+4dd3a United States House of Representatives State of the Science on Molds and Human Health Statement of Stephen C. Redd, M.D. Chief, Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Branch National Center for Environmental Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department ofHealth and Human Services Ila W a+ NItACt m'"10PI.6° For Release on Delivery Expected at 2 00 PM on Thursday,July 18,2002 Good afternoon I am Dr Stephen Redd,the lead CDC scientist on air pollution and respiratory health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) Accompanying me today is Dr Thomas Sinks,Associate Director for Science of environmental issues at CDC We are pleased to appear before you today on behalf of the CDC, an agency whose mission is to protect the health and safety of the American people I want to thank you for taking the time to hear about the mold exposures in poorly maintained housing and other indoor environments and their effect on people's health While there remain many unresolved scientific questions, we do know that exposure to high levels of molds causes some illnesses in susceptible people Because molds can be harmful, it is important to maintain buildings, prevent water damage and mold growth, and clean up moldy materials Today I will briefly summarize for the committee CDC's perspective on the state of the science relating to mold and health effects in people CDC s efforts to evaluate health problems associated with molds CDC's collaborations with other Federal agencies related to mold and people's health, CDC s collaboration with the Institute of Medicine on mold and health and CDC s next steps regarding mold and health The State of the Science Nungi are a kingdom of organisms that include mushrooms mildews, molds and yeasts It is State of the Science on Molds and Human Health July 18 2002 House Financial Services Subconumttees 9 9 9991 estimated that there are between 50 000 and 250,000 species of fungi, and fewer than 200 have been described as human pathogens that can cause mlf ctions Molds are ubiquitous in nature and grow almost anywhere indoors and outdoors More than 1,000 different kinds of indoor molds have been found in U S homes Molds spread and reproduce by making spores which are very small and lightweight, able to travel through air capable of resisting dry,adverse environmental conditions and hence capable of surviving a long time Molds need moisture and food to grow and their growth is stimulated by warm damp and humid conditions Molds can cause illnesses in situations other than humid indoor environments We have documented that molds can cause infections in susceptible people, particularly in hospital settings where 9%of hospital-acquired(nosocomtal) infections are caused by fungi Respiratory infections due to inhalation of the fungus Aspergillus have been documented mostly in unmunocompromised individuals Molds also have been associated with some cancers Two mold-produced toxms(aflatoxins and ochratoxin A) have been classified by the National Toxicology Program as human carcinogens (http//ntp-server mehs nib gov/) Chronic ingestion of these toxins from eatmg contaminated foods has been associated with liver and kidney tumors in animals and people We also know that respiratory illnesses among workers may be attributed to mold exposures In industrial and agricultural settings, various forms of hypersensitivity pneumomtts (e g , farmer's lung, woodworker's lung, malt worker's lung), and other allergic responses and infectious respiratory diseases(e g , aspergillosis) have been reported Farmer's lung is caused by State or the Science on Molds and Human Health July 18 2002 House Financial Services Subcomnuttees Thermoactmomycetes species or fungi found in moldy hay, straw, or gram dust Farmer's lung has been extensively reported in many countries including the United States Canada, The Scandinavian countries, France, and other European countries Reported prevalence of farmer's lung ranges from 0 5%to 9 6% in farming populations Outbreaks of hypersensitivity pneumonitls also have been reported in office buildings in relation to exposures to mold-contammated humidifiers and ventilation systems(Arnow et at 1987 Early detection of hypersensitivity pneumon:t:s in office workers American Journal of Medicine 64 236-242 and Hodgson et at 1987 An outbreak of recurrent acute and chronic hypersensmvitypneuomonetns in office workers American Journal of Epidemiology 125 631- 638)) We also know that molds can cause illness when people are exposed to extensive mold growth indoors In its 1993 report"Indoor Allergens,"the Institute of Medicine(IOM)concluded that airborne fungal allergens were most often associated with allergic diseases, such as allergic rhuutis/conlunctivitls, allergic asthma, and hypersensitivity pneumomtis In its 2000 report "Clearing the Air Asthma and Indoor Air Exposures," IOM concluded that there is sufficient evidence of an association between exposure to mold and exacerbations of asthma The IOM also stated that there was inadequate evidence that molds caused people to become asthmatic We do not know whether molds cause other adverse health effects such as pulmonary hemorrhage, memory loss, or lethargy We also do not know if the occurrence of mold-related State of the Science on Molds and Human Health July 18 2002 House Financial Services Subcommittees 9 9 99`t3 illnesses is increasing Other than surveillance for hospital acquired infections, there is no system to track the public s exposure to and the possible health effects of mold Exposure to mold does not always result in a health problem However, routine measures should be taken to prevent mold growth indoors because some people are, or may become, allergic to it For people who are allergic to mold, common effects include hay-fever-like allergic symptoms Certain individuals with chronic respiratory disease(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma)may experience difficulty breathing when exposed to mold Also people with immune suppression or underlying lung disease are more susceptible to fungal infections CDC efforts to evaluate the health problems associated with molds CDC has conducted several activities related to mold in wet indoor environments and its effect on people s health In 1994, CDC conducted two epidemiologic investigations of reported clusters of the acute onset of bleeding from the lungs of very young children (pulmonary hemorrhage or idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis) In one investigation a possible association was reported between exposure to the mold Stachybotrys atra(S atra) and disease This association was not reported in the second investigation In a further review of our first investigation, CDC reviewers and an external panel of experts determined that there was insufficient evidence of any association between exposure to S atra or other toxic fungi and idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis in infants CDC has plans to further evaluate the relationship between pulmonary hemorrhage and State of the Science on Molds and Human Health July 18,2002 House Financial Services Subcomnuttees 9 9 99'# S atra through state-based surveillance, further investigations of identified disease clusters, and focused research studies In July 2001, following flooding in North Dakota, CDC investigated Turtle Mountain Reservation residents' concerns that mold contaminating their homes might be contributing to an increase in illness among tribal members CDC assessed both the physical and environmental condition of the homes to identify any environmental hazards, including the presence of mold, and collected information on health conditions of the individuals living in the homes An interim report Identified several existing hazards unrelated to mold and made recommendations to address these hazards The final report is expected in October 2002 In addition to working with the Indian Health Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) on this project, CDC also worked with the U S Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD)to identify procedures that might be implemented to assess conditions of HUD homes that would help to prevent mold CDC responded to a request from the State of Texas and the City of Houston in the summer of 2001, after the city experienced significant flooding to assess the conditions of the buildings and provide advice on cleanup and repair of affected buildings The emphasis of this technical assistance was cleanup and prevention of further mold growth and prevention of unnecessary exposure In 1999, CDC's occupational health experts began a 5-year initiative on work-related asthma in State of the Science on Molds and Human Health July 18 2002 House Financml Services subcommittees 9 9993 offices and schools with an emphasis on moisture and mold exposures We have a targeted research program regarding work related asthma that includes evaluations of workplaces, intervention studies, and recommendations for reducing the risk of respiratory disease and provision of information to management, employees and environmental health and safety professionals The research aims are to be achieved uuhzmg problem buildings identified through the CDC's occupational Health Hazard Evaluation program Speck objectives include methods development and testing, specifically with regard to state of the art techniques for assessing indoor air quality related exposures quantification of objective medical indices related to asthma and other lung diseases and planned case control cross sectional, and intervention studies directed towards risk factor identification and assessment So far, the results include the following there were significant relationships between reports of work related respiratory disease and visual assessment of water and mold-damage in two studies, there were significant relationships between endotoxin and ultra-fine particles in air and work-related respiratory symptoms and there were significant relationships between indicators of mold in chair and floor dust and work-related respiratory symptoms CDC is planning an occupational and environmental research project regarding bioaerosols in schools to address children's and teacher's health issues State or the Science on Molds and Human Health July 18,2002 House Financial Services Subcommittees CDC is working to address indoor air quality issues, including mold, in partnership with stakeholders through the National Occupational Research Agenda(NORA) NORA efforts have resulted in development of the research priorities paper, "Improving the Health of Workers in Indoor Environments Priority Research Needs for a National Occupational Research Agenda,' which identifies important areas for future research The paper has been accepted for publication in the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) CDC's collaborations with other Federal aeenctes CDC is working with federal, state, local, and tribal governments to investigate and respond to mold-related problems I have already mentioned that we work with HUD, FEMA, and the Indian Health Service on mold issues We have also assisted the U S Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)Indoor Environments Division in the development of a guide for mold remediation in schools and large buildings and in the development of a brief guide to mold for homeowners CDC is participating in the development of a World Health Organization guidance document on exposures to biological agents in the indoor environment,this document should be finalized in the year 2003 CDC also has worked with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists in the development of case definitions and classifications for puhnonary hemorrhage in infants CDC's collaboration with the Institute of Medicine CDC is funding the IOM to evaluate the relationship between damp or moldy indoor environments and the manifestation of adverse health effects Under this project,the IOM will State or the Science on Molds and Human Health July 18 2002 House Ftnancud Services Submmmatees 9 9 9977 conduct a comprehensive review of the scientific literature The review will focus on respiratory and allergic symptoms and other non-allergic health effects The IOM will include recommendations or suggest guidelines for public health interventions and future research The IOM began the study in January 2002 and is expected to complete it in the late summer or early fall of 2003 To date the IOM committee conducting the study has held two meetings, the first on March 26, 2002 and the second on June 17 2002 A Hurd meeting is planned for Fall 2002 The report will be disseminated to audiences such as relevant federal agencies, state public health and indoor air quality officials, academic institutions and researchers environmental firms, and the building industry CDC s Next Steps In response to concerns about mold and the gaps in scientific knowledge, CDC is currently developing an agenda for research, service, and education related to molds The results of this effort will ultimately enable CDC to (1)make recommendations for reducing mold contamination, (2) identify environmental conditions that contribute to the occurrence of disease following mold exposure, and(3)assist state and local health departments in improving their capacity to investigate mold exposures CDC is working to help strengthen state and local capacity to respond to requests regarding molds Because there are no quantitative standards guidelines or uniform recommendations for respondmg to mold m indoor environments, each state or local health department responds to public inquiries based solely on its own experience CDC is working with the Council of State and Territorial Lpidemiologists to develop an inventory of state Indoor Air Quality programs, State of the Science on Molds and Human Health July 18 2002 House Ftnancial Services Subcommittees 9 9??,B determine the extent to which these programs are coordinated to respond to issues related to indoor mold exposures, identify resources that states need in order to develop and implement appropriate responses,and develop a coordinated public health response strategy to mold exposure CDC will continue to investigate and evaluate the health effects of and quantify the risks associated with, exposure to mold and poor indoor air The expectation is that such studies will help to identify the environmental factors and antecedents associated with mold contamination and factors that determine poor health outcomes For example, CDC is developing a protocol for investigating the possible health effects of exposure to mold in indoor school environments CDC will use the knowledge experience and skill gained from these investigations and evaluations to translate science-based findings into appropriate public health interventions to reduce any health risk found to be associated with mold exposure There are a number of barriers that need to be overcome in investigating the possible effects of molds on health 'I here are no accepted standards for mold sampling in indoor environments or for analyzing and interpreting the data in terms of human health Molds are ubiquitous in the environment, and can be found almost anywhere samples are taken It is not known however, what quantity of mold is acceptable in indoor environments with respect to health Because of difficulties related to sampling for mold,most studies have tended to be based primarily on baseline environmental data rather than human dose response data For these reasons, and because individuals have different sensitivities to molds setting standards and guidelines for State or the Science on Molds and Human Health July 1S 2002 House Financial Services Subcommittees 9 9 99`9 indoor mold exposure levels is difficult and may not be practical Despite the lack of standards CDC concurs with EPA s recommendation to remedy mold contamination in indoor environments to prevent negative health effects Summary We do know that people who are exposed to molds may experience a variety of illnesses Fungi account for 9%of nosocomlal infections,that is, infections originating or taking place in a hospital Ingestion of foods contaminated with certain toxins produced by molds is associated with development of human cancer Many respiratory illnesses among workers may be attributed to mold exposures Uncommon illnesses that collectively can be called hypersensitivity pneumomtis are caused by chromc exposures to high concentrations of mold and are almost exclusively hunted to certain agricultural workers in particularly moldy environments Common illnesses caused by molds include allergic conditions such as hay fever and asthma Because molds can be harmful CDC concurs with the general recommendations of agencies such as EPA and FEMA,which offer information on preventing and cleaning up mold growth in indoor environments Linkages between indoor airborne exposures to molds and other health effects, such as bleeding from the lung, or memory loss, have not yet been scientifically substantiated CDC and other organizations are taking steps to fill the gaps in our knowledge about linkages between exposure to mold and human health Thank you again for the opportunity to testify I would be happy to answer any questions that you have State of the Science on Molds and Human Health July 18 2002 House Fuiancial Services Subcomnuttees 9 9???t o State of the Science on Molds and Human Health July 18,2002 House Financaal Services Subcomrmttees 9 999,41 February 2003 NREUSR-550-33100 BSC Final Report: Lessons Learned from Building America Participation February 1995—December 2002 a..l.t..r.r� yj ,�� Y.qh✓ r uwx q • US" • q so.a . •=iR4i.,�ii��t pYeYtlrR:ItlY UNION•N 11 a• :t:•:trtY em•�rr RRiRiiiRRiR•� • ::•Y•:::R: 'n"'"^""'""" u:::t:::::::v:: :::e:R:R: �•t:ptlk::tM ■:R:Nw"ttlwRN ��xt •..w w•w•N.w• x.inxNtrd IYY�Ib tt0•YYYprt Ytvt■ :dY ltlttl:N Attn:q R®n9Rg9NN N4Hlfu 4N� +C 9tt'Otl LLYIDY H;AV9 NnnJ Uwm[ f0&9CryFM tlRgXVMM tl11111 MNlq� tlq q ntlq tlq® !! n Budding Science Corporation C ! I� PMdf RNIq ! 411! Westford, Massachusetts 1 I I !k l National Renewable Energy Laboratory 1617 Cole Boulevard Golden,Colorado 80401-3393 NREL is a U&Departinent of Energy Laboratory Operated by Midwest Research Institute q Battelle•Bechtel Contract No DE-AC36r99-GO10337 ............. .......... ........................ ..».,,,,,,.i...».","".". son ..uuo..,u«■■..... C somMulun .Y"uOu,Y""t.■■Y■ma as :MMMM: M::YM:M:::CMM: SO .tt,,,.i,."\............ ED "...""••.".....""••""••i I MMMMU MMMMT IN"OHM MuluuEEEE EEEEyEe:�BaMd�aE'E'�i MM\.Ci a■u"uompoHN ■u"YIffiffidommY• a Al ago a.",tt",,,i,a...".Y \ Al MHUMv vuuouu. CI f 1 uuuuuuuuu a"o..«.....uuu..u.t ."u"ui■...Ouiiuu■■ 1 .Ou uuO,"" . t.uu■■■ Nno Alk NUMUMMUMMUNNOM ."O•.1"••""•"i,i.."".,t ... .iuuu.u.,,.u.,utu ."HUMM.ououtu u.uu.uuuuo.uu. � .""••""."ut,u••".."u. uuuuu.ouuuuo• uuuuu000uuuu uo,ouuu000uo■ uuuuoi,00uoou .."Y"U N U"""""".,.,■ uououuu0000u .ou"u■uuuiu,uum,pup■ "wou :E"°M"EMMMka"M:EC u,u.« «. ■««« « MMUMMUMOO :MMMM::::::::;:M::::::E aY"",..""""••••.""..""., ::::MMMMMMMM::::MMMMMMMM � - • • : • • - • • .uuououoou.u." .uuuuuu.uuuuu .uuuuouuvoouY - -1 •- � 1 - 1 I MHUM ".\o....uo auu""O..0 a\"u.u• uuuuuuu.uuuu. .i",u..""...a: a."u uuu.,, , . u"..u" n000uuuoouuu. MM:M;MMMMMINION"MM:MM:M ; "1: ......,. '1ZQ�'E' l:EtiE IMOMMOUNWHIMMUMMKI uuuuuo.ouu\uHU uu000,uu\........." " uuuuuu ........■ ..luuuuuu ".uu uiuuuu a r . ,".."""." u"""" - - uouuuuuuuuuu • � uu.uuuuu.uuuu ".ouooMUHHHo" uuuuuuuuuuu uu"u.uuouuuuu a 9 i. k5T NOTICE This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States government Neither the United States government nor any agency thereof nor any of their employees makes any warranty express or implied or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy completeness or usefulness of any information apparatus product or process disclosed or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights Reference herein to any specific commercial product process or service by trade name trademark manufacturer or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement recommendabon or favoring by the United States government or any agency thereof The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States government or any agency thereof Available electronically at http//www osb gov/bridge Available for a processing fee to U S Department of Energy and its contractors in paper from US Department of Energy Office of Scientific and Technical Information P O Box 62 Oak Ridge TN 37831 0062 phone 865 576 8401 fax 865 576 5728 email reports@adonis osti gov Available for sale to the public in paper from U S Department of Commerce National Technical Information Service 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield VA 22161 phone 800 553 6847 fax 703 605 6900 email orders c@ntis fedworld gov online ordering http//www ntis oov/ordenna htm A �.� Printed on paper containing at least 50%wastepaper indudmg 20%postwnsumer waste TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACHIEVEMENTS 1 Industry-Wide R&D Achievements 2 The Six Climate Zones 2 The EEBA Builder Guides 2 Water Management Guide 3 Budding America Performance Targets 3 Building America Cost Trade-Off System 4 Broad-Based R&D Achievements 5 Energy Bill Guarantee Programs 5 On-Site Grinding and Land Application of Clean Construction Waste 5 Unvented Conditioned Attic 6 Unvented Conditioned Crawlspaces 7 All Ducts/Equipment in Conditioned Space 8 Simplified Duct Distribution Systems 9 Central-Fan-Integrated Supply Ventilation System 10 Combo Heating Systems 11 Advanced Framing Systems/Packages 12 Innovative Shear Panel 13 System-Integrated Dehumidification Set-Ups 13 Specific R&D Achievements 14 Reduced Cali-backs 14 Rigid Insulation Rain Control Joint Treatments 16 Scrap-Engineered Environmental (SEE)Stud 17 Basement Insulation Systems 18 Insect Control and Foam Insulation 19 Composite Housewrap 19 Puke Low-Energy Home 20 High Performance Homeowner Manual 20 The Zero Energy Cottage 21 US Green Building Councils Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design—Residential (LEED-R) Program 22 Fannie Mae 23 APPROACHES FOR CREATING EFFECTIVE BUILDER PARTNERSHIPS 24 SOLICITING INVOLVEMENT OF INDUSTRY PARTNERS 25 MARKET BARRIERS OVERCOME 25 The Cost Trade-off Approach 25 Going Beyond Cost Trade-offs to Value 26 Value Back to the Budder—Reduced Call-backs 26 MARKET BARRIERS REMAINING 26 The Low-Energy Home s Lack of Success 26 Financing Advantage—The EEM 26 The Last Hurdle—Capturing the Durability Advantage 27 Mold—The Double-Edged Building America Sword 28 LESSONS LEARNED- SUMMARY 28 Budding Science Lessons 28 Lessons from the Field 28 General Lessons 29 PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT SUGGESTIONS 29 REFERENCES 30 INTRODUCTION The BSC Budding America work has led to a large Over the past 5 years under the Building America body of technical information industry experience program,the Budding Science Consortium has and lessons learned,which can help move the worked with more than 25 builders in 121 residential budding industry to lugher performance _ developments in 18 states and in all six climate practices and products This report chronicles the zones This work has resulted in more than 7 000 how and why of the key BSC Building America ENERGY STARTM homes built as of August 2002 At outcomes It is organized and put in the context of total bmld- ut,this will result in what the Budding Science Consortium has learned 13 167 ENERGY STAR Homes from and with its building industry partners 2 984 174 MMBtirs of energy saved per year This report is organized into six major sections Research and Development Achievements 14 152 533 lbs carbon emissions saved per year Approaches for Creating Effective Builder Partnerships 110 834 lbs SOx emissions saved per year Soliciting Involvement of Industry Partners 155 841 lbs of NOx emissions saved per year Market Banners Overcome Market Barriers Remaining (For more detailed information see the latest Program Improvement Suggestions Complete Data Report at wwsv buildingscience com/buddingamenca/ For each activity chronicled in each section Lessons daWdetault hum) Learned are highlighted and characterized In almost all cases each activity chronicled is linked to a specific technical resource that BSC has made available to the general public(and the residential budding community in particular)on its Web site or wiviv buildingscience corn An added section of the report Lessons Leamed Summary weaves the Lessons Learned into a pattern or overall context that can be used to inform Residential building industry members through ongoing dissemination efforts by the Department of Energy and the Budding America teams ° Future work under the Building America 1bY��aiaaY•W Program iwi RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACHIEVEMENTS This section is split into three subsections of R&D udadii, a° Achievement o+4ew..w.u.rm Industry wide Innovative concepts that can and have been utilized by the residential building industry as a whole 4 Broad based successes Fully developed or implemented techniques/components/systems BSC budder technical assistance has ranged from with more than one builder or with mom than performance testing to development and introduction one community/development of innovative assemblies components and Specific successes Less-than-complete techniques to one of the most extensive and widely development of techniques/components/ visited electronic budding science resources on the systems and/ot implementation with only one web(see w v buildingscience com/ stats) budder/one eommmity/one development As part of the Budding America program,Budding Science Corporation has also worked with seven budding product manufacturers or building industry service providers on the development of innovative products ranging from energy guarantee programs to new HVAC technologies BSC Lessons Learned Building America 2002 INDUSTRY WIDE R&D Severe Cold ACHIEVEMENTS The Six Climate Zones Lesson Learned In recognition of the impact that climactic Systems thinking in residential budding Cold factors have on the design and construction of homes particularly high performance homes requires the analysis of how air heat Humid BSC developed the six climate zone system vapor and liquid water move on and For the first time areas of the United States through budding envelopes and HVAC were clearly broken down by hygro thermal systems This cannot be reasonably Hot region so that builds envelopes and HVAC accomplished without acknowledgment Mm,d Dry/ Humidg Hot Dry systems could be tuned to determinant and incorporation of how hygro-thermal climactic factors(see Web site at conditions drive this analysis www buddingscienco com/housesthatwork/ Hygro Thermal default him) Craven the industry wide Regions Map acceptance and use of this framework,it is pretty easy to overlook the importance of this concept and how critical it is as a backdrop for contextual systems dunking for residential building The EEBA Builder Guides The most successful tool for moving builders trade contractors and product manufacturers to climate specific systems thinking m the design and construction of homes is the EEBA Builder s Guide(for each of the six climates (LR4 we wtivw ceba org/mall/bmider_guides asp) 3('009 Details from this guide can be found throughout the major trade publications lammated and posted at job sites and even translated into Spanish for field use The w re guides contam both the language and the IL MA images required to move budding science theory into application by both design and field professionals Lessons Learned Show me is a very common request from builders BSC takes many calls a week on construction details for high performance durable envelope assemblies that can now be handled by referral to the climate-appropnate EEBA Builder's Guide The EEBA Builder's Guide Cold Climate was also used extensively in the Project Specifications for the EcoVillage Cleveland Building America project Another lesson learned was applied to the Houses That Work section of the BSC Web site (see Web site at www buildinoscience com/housesthetwork/default htmj In this section builders can freely access a single complete clmmateappropnate envelope assembly The lesson here is Show me—mn just one example please BSC Lessons Leaned Bugding America 26ti2 2 Water Management Guide Lessons Learned Stemming from work on rigid insulation joint details with Dow Chemical(see page 19) There is a continual tug-of-war additional BSC Budding America partners— between weaving complex principles DuPont,Andersen Windows and Fortifiber— together to show a systems-thinking expressed interest in the development of a or integrated perspective and k5V'p technical information resource focusing on breaking budding science WATT04T drainage plane details addressing water as a phenomena down into separate _lfMNll oft liquid on the budding shell The result is a issues for dandy Now that both the graphics rich step-by step manual for handling EEBA Builder's Guides(full water( down and out )from rooftop to site—The integration at the climate-specrfic EEBA Water Management Guide level)and EEBA Water Management -� This effort has led to planned production for a senes(specific principle shown in a series of five management guides the other four full series of graphic details)are will focus on moisture management(airborne available energy efficient/resource- diffusion and capillary) an management,source efficient/durable design and management(material pollutant sources) and construction are presented for project management(systems thinking approach) builders from both perspectives Building America Performance Targets the BSC Building America Performance Every term in this phrase is cnbcal to the Targets(see the Web site concept of providing builders and other www bulldingscience com/buildingamerica/ building industry members with criteria for targets htm) design and construction that define exactly what it means to participate in BSC s Building BSC developed these targets and posted Amenca team These cntena are mandatory them on its Web site to Inform both for BSC builder partners and are participating and inquinng builders The success of these cntena is demonstrated by Specific to the goals of the Building their adoption or use In the following building America program in terms of resource- industry programs and energy-efficiency The Platinum level of the Masco Performance based so that builders can Environments for LivingTM program(see use a systems thinking approach to www eflhome corn) achieve an end as opposed to prescriptive criteria that can discourage a The building cntena for the Energy and t systems-thinking approach Environmental Building Association (EEBA)(see Expressed In such a way as to www,eeba org/technology/criteria Min) distinguish between cntena that must be met and cntena that are strongly The Amencan Lung Association s Health recommended Embodied in these House cntena(see criteria are the inextricable links among www healthhouse org/laq/tourtext htm# standards of energy performance indoor Bullding_Crltena) air quality and durability The systems The Building Amenca green builder approach that drives the Building program In Central New Mexico(see the America program is fully expressed in Web site at www bapartner org)in partnership with BSC member EEBA Lesson Learned Builders seek and respect clanly in terms of the meaning and level of BSC Lessons Leamed commitment a program requires The performance targets have enhanced the Budding America 2002 credibility of both BSC and Building America 3 Building America Cost Trade Off System expenses,as well as reduce heat gam and heat The break points or cost tradeoffs approach is loss The improved building envelope one of the greatest factors behind the successful performance allows the mechanical equipment to deployment of Building America technologies be downsized The initial construction cost During systemscngineenng analysis of the increases are offset by the reduced costs residential construction process break points associated with the downsized mechanical system are identified these are costs of warranty and call An extension of this approach is the 'value odes back reduction strategies as well as energy phenomenon Several BSC Buildmg Amenca efficient features balanced by the reductions of builders have expenenced the following selling other construction costs These break points more homes at a slightly higher cost to build,at a involve construction strategies or levels of energy slightly higher selling price with a slightly higher efficiency that allow a specific component of a budding to be downszed or deleted For Profit margin The key is that if home are convinced of higher value they will acceptccept that a example construction costs can be increased by higher priced home changes and improvements to the budding envelope that reduce warranty and call back NOT installing roof vents S500 1 High performance kviniows $300 Controlled ventilation systern $150 Sealed cornhustion furnace WO Controlled ventilation system TOTAL PREMIUM $100 Po�ve, vented gas witer heater S300 Lesson Learned Builders like balance sheets When they see the changes they must make to achieve high performance homes expressed in specific costs and savings Will; easier for them to consider making the lump to Building America performance targets It certainly helps when slightly higher costs of construction can be covered by the sales division being able to sell the value of a high-performance home BBC Lessons Learned Building Amenca 2002 4 BROAD-BASED R&D ACHIEVEMENTS They relied upon BSC energy modeling to ..�wiwit�aee urn a. ..__� .... � Energy Bill Guarantee Programs establish the specifics of then financial BSC worked with three consortium partners on the guarantees And most importantly all three r�anx<inwv.+rs rw , , programs explicitly recognize the inextricable development of energy bill guarantee programs— connection among the Budding America attributes (EngiMasco(Environments for and Homes (Thibere of energy efficiency indoor air quality and Energtce a for Liferfo and Autistic Homes(The durability These programs have done more to Energy Use and Comfort Guarantee) tn each case the partner firm relied upon BSC s Building deliver market value to the budder and the America performance targets in the development homebuyer(and product manufacturersi)than any of their criteria for builder program participation other single element of the Budding America program Builders Pulte Home Corporation Ea Arbstic Homes Ryland Homes Lee Homes s Habitat for Humanity Resources www eflhome com/efl index ass) www us-of com/enmmeered asp www arbstichomessw com/euarantee htm Lesson Learned There is nothing more powerful than a market based performance standard—a financial commitment links design construction and operation Every party— budder trade contractor material supplier and homeowner—has an investment in performance On-Site Grinding and Land Application of Clean Construction Waste Working with BSC Budding America partner Packer Industries ground wood waste(often with About two-thirds to three quarters of the OCC mixed in)is being used as a soil erosion construction waste from any residential control material and ground gypsum board as a construction project is clean wood,clean gypsum soil amendment.Landfill capacity is conserved board and clean cardboard waste That s by wastes are turned into site resources and disposal weight or volume Everyone agrees that it s a cost savings are captured by production builders shame to send that material to the landfill both Packer Industries provides not only a from a cost and environmental standpoint But technological solution,but assists the builder with recycling infrastructure and markets are poorly both environmental and regulatory hurdles m well developed in all but a very few areas of the In a particularly interesting turn of events,Packer country for wood and gypsum board waste and hidustnes(with a vested interest only in waste markets for old corrugated cardboard(OCC)have production and processing)is taking the Budding been volatile with collection infrastructure often America systems thinking approach and poorly suited to construction sites promoting wood waste reduction as the first element of waste management. Builders Artistic Homes—Albuquerque New Mexico Pulte Homes—Minnesota Hans Hagen—Minnesota Wisconsin Resource www buddinascience com/resources/misc/wood efficiency odf Lesson Learned BSC Lessons Learned The Building America principle of improved efficiency and cost savings applies as well to Building America 2002 the tail pipe(waste management)as it does to the front end(advanced framing)of 5 residential construction Unvented Conditioned Attic Peak temperatures achieved by various There are two basic ways to achieve the BSC components of the roof assembly--exterior Budding America performance target of locating cladding,sheathing,etc all ducts in conditioned space—move the ducts or Bmiding code and budding department move the conditioned space boundary Although officials assessment or acceptance of this not BSC s first choice keeping HVAC equipment new assembly and ducts in attic space is a fact of life in some Suitability and performance of the assembly markets driven by floor space and noise in each of the six climate zones(for example considerations So BSC developed modeled, tested refined,and implemented the relocation of location of first condensing surface for the conditioned space boundary from the top floor different climate zones) ceding line to the roof line of homes creating an For each issue the Budding America process unvented attic space conditioned either directly (modeling pilot testing in one or two homes with supply registers or indirectly by duct analysis,refinement,and then implementation in leakage There were a host of issues to consider in production homes in a subdivision)led to making this change performance that satisfied the builder the building Energy performance for both heating and officials,and ultimately the customer cooling in comparison to vented attic assemblies Builders Puke(Las Vegas Tucson Houston Banning Sacramento Tracy Phoenix) Resource www buddinascmence com/resources/roofs/unvented roof summary article odf Lesson Learned Unerring attention to construction details must be paid as a new approach is moved from one builder to another particularly from one hygro-thermal region to another Both examples below involved a change from a hot-dry to a hot humid climate Example 1 A change from an air tight stucco soffit to a clad soffit led to a breach in the air barer with subsequent moisture and condensation problems at this point of entry This situation was resolved by using professional spray applied air sealing to this area of the envelope assembly Example 2 A change from clay or cement tile roof cladding to asphalt shingles led to wicking of exterior liquid moisture(rain or dew)between roofing shingles with subsequent solar drive of this moisture into the thermal envelope below The lesson here is that any change in technique or materials must be evaluated for the way in which air liquid and vapor moisture and heat move on and through the envelope assembly particularly when there is a change in location that involves climate or standard construction details BSC Lessons Learned Budding Amens 2002 6 Unvented Conditioned Crawlspaces other soil gases and heat loss from crawlspace A little more than one sixth of new homes in the ducting and discontinuous first floor au banner United States are built on crawlspace foundations and thermal envelope—are resolved In other Typical crawlspace construction calls for passive words it is possible to satisfy BSC Budding venting to the outside with cavity insulation for America performance targets if the crawlspace is invented and conditioned the first floor No one is sure how this situation came about,but it certainly is not a basement BSC also conducted work under Building America configuration based on sound budding science A on structural sub-basement ctawlspaces typical of r+y! continuous air banner and thermal envelope at this the Metro Denver area,where the combination of plane are nearly impossible because ducts and expansive clay soil conditions and full basements other utilities typically penetrate this plane and have led to moisture and performance problems extend into the unconditioned crawlspace In Applying principles of building science and addition.research has shown the location, working with Building America builders in the number and total area of the typical crawlspace Denver area,BSC developed and tested sub- vents provide highly unreliable and often basement structural crawlspace treatments that , inadequate air exchange integrate the need for control of sod gas and sub- BSC worked out the details for converting this basement moisture The result is the most energy space to conditioned space encouraging the efficient,healthy and comfortable method— building community(including code officials)to floor poly banner on the sub-basement crawl think of crawlspaces as simply short basements floor and ri continuous u the sub exhaust fan with In this way all of the most common problems cratransfer grilles between the sub-basement i with crawlspaces—moisture and mold,radon and uses less less a and full basement The BSC approach a uses energy and achieves better air quality i throughout the entire structure than any of the systems utilized or approved by local code Builders Hidden Springs—Boise Idaho Prairie Crossing—Grayslake Illinois Habitat for Humanity—Denver Colorado Engle Homes—Denver Colorado GreenBuih Homes—Cleveland Ohio Venture Inc —Flint Michigan Resource Please see the BSC Web site(www buildinoscience com/what s newl for the latest infomiation Lesson Learned There are actually two lessons in this work The first one is—always start with the larger quesbon In this case why do you really want a crawlspace?BSC has worked with builders on substituting slab-on grade construction for crawlspaces in many areas of the country where the real reasons for utilizing crawlspace foundations are perceived mechanical needs or market demand tf at may in fad not hold true The second lesson has to do with accoptplishing change in the building industry A large part of working with the building community is working with the local building officials Bringing building science into the BSC Lessons Learned building industry means educating builders and local building Budding Amenca 2002 departments 7 All Ducts/Equipment tit Condiboned Artistic Homes took the Building America Space systems-thmkmg approach one step further in the Ducts and equipment outside of the conditioned field They were having trouble getting the desired space create three problems One they make it duct air sealing on the trunk dud tucked into the challenging if not improbable to achieve high main hallway soffit So they decided the only HVAC system efficiency Two they often lead to way to keep this dud in conditioned space and pressure imbalances that can affect health and seat tight all the way around([he top side is safety of occupants And three these same nearly impossible to get to)was to assemble and 4 pressure imbalances can affect budding durability mastic the trunk duct at ground level and then by introducing moisture into budding assemblies install it in the soffit They accomplished this by On the other hand,fitting the dud system within getting the framer to build—but not install—the conditioned space presents design and engineenng two 7 foot end-of hallway partitions After the I challenges But herein lies the beauty of the trunk duct has been assembled and sealed with Building America approach—when you combine mastic and hung in the soffit,framers come back a high performance envelope with an innovative later and install the set aside partitions These framing system,the engineer and the architect are partitions are clearly marked on the plans as set freed from key constraints of conventional aside and the actual partitions and thew locations construction and the resulting simplified duct are marked with spray paint to remind all trades as distribution system(see below)makes it much to what they are why they are not installed and easier to move duds and equipment into the where they go when they finally are installed conditioned space Builders Pulte Home Corporation—Minnesota Artistic Homes—Albuquerque New Mexico Resources www buildmascience comlbuildinaamenca/casestudies/oakbrooke htm www buddmoscience com/resources/misUwood efficiency odf (particularly pages 2 3 and 5) Lesson Learned It often takes outside the-box"thinking on the part of several members of a building team to accomplish the desired result systems engineering systems design systems installabon or field work Ifs only when all team members get the picture and build the vision that the most elegant solutions rise to the top BSC Lessons Learned Building Amens 2002 8 Simplified Duct Distribution Systems One of the most common callback complaints A key part of the design is the 12 to IS inch experienced by production builders has been horizontal off-set,wdh two 90 degree changes in comfort Systems engineering analysts identified direction,which provide excellent sound and - leaky ductwork,particularly on the return side as vibration dampening Note that a high the most significant cause of comfort complaints performance building envelope is the starting BSC systems engineering came up with the point for considering an innovative simplified duct solution—a hard ducted central return with drstnburon system pressure relief transfer grilles orjump ducts a , , >r� Builders Town S Country Homes—Chicago Illinois Pulte Home Corporation—Minnesota Engle Homes—Denver Colorado Artistic Homes—Albuquerque New Mexico Hans Hagen Homes—Minnesota Wisconsin Resources www buddmgsaence comlresources/mechamcaVtransfer anlls htm www buddinasraence coin/resources/mechamraV50ga3 cooling system sizing oro Of Lesson Learned Good design and engineering often lead to a system that is simpler less expensive and of higher performance BSC Lessons Leamed Building America 2002 9 Central Fan Integrated Supply rely upon central fan operation for effectiveness a�e1 Ventilation System and this raised issues of controlling fan operation When BSC began designing high performance so that it would not k homes two things were clear Under-deliver fresh air during shoulder High performance homes require mechanical season conditions(reduced or no delivery of ventilation for dilution of internal pollutants conditioned air) __ as well as moisture Over-deliver fresh au during periods of more "moo Cost-effective reliable systems for (particularly a ly continuous central fan operation mechanically introducing fresh air did not (Particularly problematic during cooling in hot humid climates in terms of increasing exist latent load) BSC was attracted to an outside air duct Cycle in such a way that was energy connected to the return side of the plenum because inefficient or that shortened central fan it achieved good distribution utilizing existing service life ducts This type of system would,however So a BSC engineer developed and eventually commercialized a central fan integrated controller �y�..,,.. The science of efficient operation of this system involves a lot more than a smart controller it requires the right sized duct,introduced at the --� I � optimal location in the return plenum and in many climates requires the integration of a motorized damper on the fresh au duct This system today represents the simplest,most cost-effective method to consistently deliver the right amount of fresh air for human health and safety in all homes, but particularly high performance Building America homes Builders Central-fan-Integrated supply ventilation systems are employed in nearly every BSC Building America home The system is also being used by other Building America builders particularly builders working with Building America team leader IBACOS Resources www buddmescience com/resources/mechanical/ventdabon centralfan him www bmldinosclence con/resources/mechanical/aircvcler freshau htm Lesson Learned Systems thinking fosters innovation Just because a cost-effective technology or building component does not exist does not mean that it is not possible The Building America program provided the conditions for the development and eventual successful commercialization of a key component of production BSC Lessons Learned high homes the AI Budding Amence 2002 h9 performance rCYclerTM 10 Combo Heating Systems demand when coincidental combined load If the space heating loads are reduced via good approaches the delivery capacity of the tank water building design(not uncommon in affordable heater The keys to this approach area thorough systems analysis of the loads involved and high performance production homes or i townhomes) using one system to handle both exacting installation follow through t space heating and hot water loads is possible A Because this is a non standard system home conventional tank water heater can be fitted with a combo systems present significant design heat exchanger coil for delivery of forced hot air traming and installation issues exacerbated by the Special t star controls govern demand draw lack of technological development and technical '+ ensuring that the more immediate need for support for key components of the system Only domestic hot water outranks space heating the most sophisticated and diligent of production home builders can successfully manage thus system a� R� M \R 1b. NC L lAJYD E1f4 X4 Mi it Q3 y wPilili Y 9 09RW + dA Ywma �5 T Builders Artistic Homes—Albuquerque New Mexico Pulte Home Corporation—Las Vegas Nevada(Cypress Point)and Houston Texas (Creek Bend Estates) Lee Homes—Village Green Los Angeles California Hans Hagen—Townhomes—Minnesota Wisconsin Resources www buridmoscience com/resources/mechanical/combo systems odf Lessons Learned There are a couple here Systems that involve more than one trade(plumbing and HVAC)present a bigger project management and coordination challenge than systems that involve only one trade For Artistic Homes this meant actually taking their trade contractors to Las Vegas to see combo systems in Pulte homes and having their contractors talk to Pulte s The Artistic trades eventually went from the biggest skeptics to the biggest proponents of the system but not without lime and digestion and accumulated experience Sometimes the builder is ahead of the manufacturer The concept of combo systems is BSC Lessons Learned an elegant one but the key components and the way in which theymust work together Budding America 2002 g y p y g 11 are still not fully developed Advanced Framing Systems/Packages BSC is proud of the fact that approximately half Advanced framing is a pillar of the Building of BSC builders and then developments embrace America systems engineering approach Rarely advanced framing systems,but it s difficult to are changes in design and construction so reconcile its absence in the other half Despite the universally compelling as advanced framing pro technical assistance offered to every Benefits include the following BSC Building America builder there are more than a few that choose to suck with conventional Improved thermal performance framing Each of the obstacles below is more an Reduced call backs(particularly drywall issue of perception or interpretation than an issue cracking) of substance Resistance from the framing contmetor- d materials costs(less material in the Reduceeduce package) Although the inability to make the change framing (crews that either do not understand or cannot Reduced labor costs read detailed framing plans)is not Easier accommodation of mechanicals uncommon,more frequently it is (particularly HVAC ducting in floor unwillingness rather than inability to employ assemblies) advanced framing j Reduced waste disposal costs Resistance from the sales staebuyer- Wood is good therefore moreom wood must be better makes it difficult to convince the consumer of the benefits of advanced framing,particularly on interior walls where there is no quantifiable energy benefit tw e.ohq WM Resistance from local budding inspectors- a0°i bY6psatl YYh Despite the fact that fewer and fewer local Now hanmr. Vamtl ;am ay, awo codes actually preclude many advanced a autliaaiY(Yaahama@i o framing techniques every builder must still yroaMPW 9 convince the inspector on the job or W.~N miucoo W reviewing the plans about advanced framing on MaiSW Mmaw* Meo«nugere mar oa uuA eNeYiAOe MaOera h Builders miEvu�aa'mpaoa za m1% ' Pulte Homes—Houston Phoenix Tucson Northern aadua eo a,r eahmg iwaaio,m�Ya+ot California Sacramento Southern California iawh wmmn Praine Holdings Corporation—Grayslake Illinois cMcmYw aaaowr - v- L aaa iar YOnpar pypwnF111 11Town&Country Homes—Vernon Hills Illinois and Minnesota aaYa aacnmw 0 Venture Inc —Flint Michigan Artistic Homes—Albuquerque New Mexico Lee Homes—Los Angeles California Pma by bmaamm m A hamnen spkc M am awuroaWonalamag as Habitat for Humanity—Orlando Denver Maaar r inn[iaYfa mYemll onYlvai Resources moaana boeoaonpcis www bwldmascience com/resources/misclwood efficiency odf Lesson Learned BSC staff members hate to say this about advanced framing but half a cup is better than none Advanced framing has been around for more than 25 years BSC should not be surprised that it will take more than 5 years to move the second half of BSC Lessons Learned BSC production builders to advanced framing given that the Building America 2002 industry as a whole is taking more than five times as long for 12 any significant market penetration of this approach Innovative Shear Panel structural sheathing and advanced framing There are many areas of the country where wind Working with the Civil Engineering Research shear forces necessitate structural sheathing on Laboratory various panel configurations were exterior walls and other areas where earthquake lab-tested under the most stringent,up-to date shear resistance requirements essentially mandate and realistic stress protocols The result was an costly proprietary shear components Often these inset shear panel made up of readily available same shear requirements preclude two important building materials that can be either site or shop Building America concepts—continuous ngid manufactured and provide shear resistance for exterior insulating sheathing on exterior walls and areas with seismic and high wind shear advanced framing(24 inch OC spacing and single top plates)of exterior walls requirements Currently BSC has filed for an ICBO Evaluation Service report,the first and BSC was convinced that a low cost shear panel most important step toward broad based code could be developed that would accommodate approval continuous ngid insulating sheathing in place of Builders Pulte Crracy California) Morrison Homes(NAHB 2001 Builder Show home) Health-E Enterprises(Fairbum Commons—Atlanta Georgia) Spruce Construction(Juneau Alaska) Resource www buildinoscience comlresourceshvalls/shear panel test results Ddf Lesson Learned Sometimes thinking outside the box"actually means thinking inside the box The inset shear panel is yet another systems engineering solution that furthers Building America performance targets even when environmental conditions place additional structural constraints System Integrated Dehumidification Some form of supplemental dehumidification is The Budding America performance targets call necessary in homes with thermally efficient for a more thermally efficient envelope and a building envelopes in hot and humid climates reduction in uncontrolled air leakage In order to The most promising technological approach is the compensate for a reduction in air leakage integration of dehumidification with ventilation controlled ventilation is provided In hot/humid BSC set up field research to test six different climates the simultaneous reduction in heat gam dehumidification set ups including both and addition of controlled ventilation leads to a integrated and stand alone systems in terms of reduction in sensible load and an increase in the their performance installed costs,and operating latent(moisture)load as a fraction of total cooling cosh The results of this research are M4 load The resulting sensible to latent heat ratio encouragmg—relatively low tech,low first cost Ij cannot be comfortably managed with currently set ups have provided good dehumidification and available air conditioning equipment This can reasonable operating costs lead to humidity problems and issues of comfort, occupant health and durability Budder Pulte Home Corporation—Houston Texas Resource Please see the BSC Web site (www bmldinpscience tom/resources/mechanicaVeondibomna air pdfl for the latest information Lesson Learned It's nice when your intuition is supported empirically In this case research BSC Lessons Learned supported the suspected solution a solution that provided the best overall value Budding America 2002 Lowest first cost 13 Good moisture control performance SPECIFIC R&D ACHIEVEMENTS Reduced Call backs Although anecdotal reports of reduced call backs 90%+sealed combustion gas furnace and for Building America homes abound few budders high-efficiency water heater in garage have been willing to actually analyze for this Mechanical ventilation with room to room phenomenon or publicly report on it One budder air exchange however Pulte Homes of Tucson has been very forthcoming about the Impact that Building The first year call back categories analyzed— America has had on their call backs This division selected HVAC and drywall specifically related to of Pulte Homes moved from warranty and call Building America program changes—yielded a back struggles that made the local news in the late modest,but significant,call back reduction oflust 1980s to NAHB s Budder of the Year and the under 10% Energy Value in Howing Award in 2001 It should be noted here that the most dramatic Puke Tucson accomplished this turnaround in HVAC call back reductions reported by Budding; large part due to the following changes under the America HVAC contractors come from Building America program incorporating commissioning procedures(Sierra Au working for Pulte Homes in Las Vegas) They Conditioned attic with all ducts and HVAC use key elements of the HVAC commissioning equipment in conditioned space program Check McTM(see the Web site 24 inch OC 2 by-6 training with R4 EPS "'w proctoreng win/checkme/what html) As a continuous insulating sheathing result of this BSC work with Sierra Air BSC developed HVAC commussioning procedures Low-e2 spectrally selective high These procedures are recommended as part of the performance windows Building America program performance targets, Post tensioned slab(to deal with issues but only employed company wide by one BSC related to unstable suds) builder Artistic Homes Drywall callback i►nalysls 40% ;'s �It ' wkl''�I�y, 35% ■Pro-Building America(96 98) 30% ■Bugding America(99 Ol) First Year Callback 25% Frequency 20% (as%) t s% t 0% s% 0% Dwol Dw02 rwvO5 nW07 Cracks Bad Seams Cornerbeads NMI paps F"" Callback Categones BSC Lessons Learned Building Amens 2002 14 FIVAG Callback Analysis ■Pre-Building America 196- 98) ■BuNdi Amenca(99 01) lox First-Year Callback 15% Frequency (as%) lox sx ox A002 AC05 A007 ACTS Aci7 ADia AC13 89m All MON No Cod" CwwF Duftwk Nuiw Finn! syA Callback Categories Builder Putte Homes—Tucson Resource www buddinascience coal/resources/mechanicallair conditioning_ eauioment efficiency 0df Lessons Learned Sometimes the most significant financial advantage is the less obvious indirect one In this case the biggest financial boosts to the production builder from a change to Budding America practices were the reduction in call backs and increased customer referrals both well worth their weight in any increased first cost This research with Pulte Tucson has really only scratched the surface of the call-back reduction phenomenon under the Building America program Additional research is needed particularly to assess the impact of comprehensive HVAC commissioning and comprehensive advanced framing on Building America related call backs BSC Lessons Learned Budding Amenm 2002 15 Rigid Insulation Ram Control Joint Treatments Interior and exterior corners—sheathing BSC is constantly looking for components of roof tape or mesh tape and mastic wall,and foundation assemblies that support more than one of the key functions—thermal envelope Horizontal jmn[s—polyethylene sheet flashing(tucked behind top insulation air homer proper level of vapor retarder and drainage plane A key example of this is ngid running over bottom insulation) insulation used for exterior wall assemblies If all Vertical joints—shiplapjomts(if product is joints and assembly/flashing interfaces can be available)or sheathing tape or mesh and sealed watertight,the continuous exterior mastic sheathing becomes a continuous drainage plane as Step flashing—flexible membrane strip well as the thermal envelope and an effective air covering top edges of metal step flashing barrier(see diagrams) with sheathing tape covering top edge of Working with BSC Building America partners flexible membrane strip Town&Country Homes and Dow Chemical both field and lab tests led to the followmg drainage plane details for ngid insulation sheathing Budder Town&Country Homes—Vernon Hills Illinois Resource EEBA Water Management Guide(page 35 and page 36) EEBA Builder's Guide—Cold Climate(figures 5 and 6 page 124) Lessons Learned Level of detail should always be commensurate with level of risk in this case water penetration While the shiplap vertical joint may be a supenor solution to other verbcal joint details the risk of water penetration did not warrant manufacturing changes to ngid insulation edges labs hrme�d PoRlsbd swgeiv pwlssslbwbr wo.dwiial.xis IYb Ybiisvl wdiiwaildlYr iiliawsvglYMYa rwrla bq Mi��b dliiriis�) - awwswni F�Nb�wip tOYYf i+lb.Wh p0�1�'1MM � Idp Ybllb� y MW�WM M! hl1p�wYpl�y viieNarm inibaild q�YdYlpi tllq�isw neWva� .n.ewpWi�ro� d�bwld{�wTldiw (ebibMisi mwwrwwnvev vvlwlM ibms aaVb Taped Rigid hwulation as Dralnsw Pianist \ sgiidiyFbotiiiitivin vhwbU Yai wwill,-avast bblsialird e0isasp blwwn e4m,a ll11 wdswvvwwpdb pudywtlyy TSDswr-&-ohm lwiwbbb"bWidwwftn"W k~ftii ainpoo Radwrifon Oral m eps e4 00* tbpudwsivesiis4 wMvmY R1Yine niW FwibOMl Wdi(wli Ylilwi biiaiit 4mlaNWYMd pbsiml wwdY liwBd malls olds BSC Lessons Learned Building America 2002 16 Scrap Engineered Environmental (SEE) code acceptance of SEE studs for Artistic Homes Stud (under the Uniform Budding Code) but a sample One of BSC s Budding America builders Artistic wall has been built for budding code official Homes,last its only outlet for its company wide Ecoreview for the Budding America project at the wood recycling program Artistic contacted BSC Ohio(under BOChomes at Sg St.m Cleveland � g p i� Ohm(under BOCA) feeling that there must be some way of using rather than discarding,the scrap OSB and 2 by-4s It is ironic that scrap lumber and sheathing waste Artistic s home designs generally take all loads to for Artistic Homes and the EcoVillage project— exterior walls leaving all interior wall framing both using a comprehensive advanced framing members as non load beating hence technically package—provide an insufficient supply of wood non structural What if the scrap OSB and two-by waste to meet the demand for non load bearing materials could be used to build non structural studs The economic feasibility of on site SEE framing members(in a OSB face[2 by4 core] stud production is dependent on the economies of OSB face sandwich see diagram) reducing waste scale that a production budding setting provides and lumber purchase? It is likely that real scale production of SEE studs The feasibility of SEE studs depends on a will require the even greater economies of scale combination of technical regulatory and that shop manufacturing provides at some economic issues While the technical collection point,such as a C&D recycling facility specifications for SEE studs have been developed, tines or panel plant,or lumber supply center the various codes do not address non load bearing walls and framing members in nearly the same way Little progress has been made to date on Egapment for aaaemby components rppw aM off u r ArarnA�taW idih thopw 4r056«pbanaode p (ate ) Nwa so S 1C Mdth an nnrshertrd iuw. 3 Vrt Yu.�ar Y� Iww11 ipr�t hwrM 1 T K 1 T ytt /�yr, T� I W rib T w' eYY� 4a` Builders Arbsbc Homes—Albuquerque New Mexico DAS Construction—Cleveland Ohio Resource www buddinuscience conVresources/walls/SEE stud specs Ddf Lesson Learned If steel can be gauged for optimal value engineering of non load bearing studs why BSC Lessons teamed ran t wood?In a sense this is what the SEE stud does But just as with any Building Amenca 2002 innovation it must pass muster from a practicality economic and code standpoint 17 T = Basement Insulation Systems for the worse Mold,rot,and odor problems exist For a variety of cost and case of construction in new energy-efficient homes with what BSC --"'— in homes contends are inappropriate Insulation or wall Issues many if not most basements + assemblies in basements are insulated on the interior And homes that start out with no basement insulation always end up To address this Issue BSC has developed code with interior basement insulation when the compliant(m terms of fire rating)interior 1 basement Is finished off and converted into full insulation strategies that permit moisture from the _—_— living space sod and curing concrete to move through and out t The addition of interior insulation(often with a of the concrete and the interior insulation In this _ vapor retarder or banner interior face)along with way high performance homes maintain their other components—vapor banners wood energy performance basements can he fuushed framing drywall paint,etc—have led to off as Irving space and moisture mold and odor significant changes in the way that heat and problems are controlled moisture move through the basement wag assembly And these changes are almost always r Builders Pulte Home Corporation—Detroit Michigan Resource www buildinascience com/resourceslfoundabons/basement insulation systems Ddf Lessons Learned A focus on lust one performance attribute of a material is antdhehcal to systems thinking yet this approach is pervasive in construction practice product manufacturing and marketing and building codes Basement Insulation is a perfect example A systems approach applies as well to matenal selection as it does to design This is a lesson we should not be relearning but too often do [vFWw Ww+. YIItl IYrM WK ()„�„��f MI� f��P J wwWwwlY • OrTV IuYr [MvON1M LR Jv. Mrr VIMtlYMftlbl � f:rrrMV MYY Yrrltl Wvtlhl.'w ��, VVI1W.'�Ir A/R'wf .W 00fi vOvW QgAVYWIIIY I YrMI.I.�nvy14 fY 1YIY'I+W V 4 Ww -� Irrpnr rIvr� Nrr 1� Yr pY� • YI V.w NMvf VWMM Y opYr 4l ctryr wl..Iro> III Ar bfMlbbO LNv� � Owf♦.'per r9 Sr►1 It4fe vtlYr }nVru �vrtr,YNVV� P�eMIrY Alrr Oevetlpern [.04ol Mvvfrus vr'rWr Y'� Cuar kvOrnM yp r�rv+mvY� FnMfYvl ,Nw♦yYYw wl raw+f.aa. N Mv1.�M��1 i Ppwnfwrr +M«whw w� -I' OMIbrIrY Ywl��rrr iCLu urraiv ov.ta.r mgewYM.«.. 4r0ayti o � rr ¢Wybr� rl0arp Una BMIMOI1t—HO Mlpht ianlYaon rp wrr lAw1 DV�M ar w010Ms m er I'INV BBC Lessons Leamed " mm P°'1A 01 one m er�wa1 ��Basseitit D,Opm nwrw Budding Amenca 2002 D rnp In nip a a 18 Insect Control and Foam Insulation using borate treated foam metal Flashing and cement board(see photo of Fairborn Commons Insect control issues particularly in the southeast, slab foundation detail at the left) With partner have taken a significant bite out of the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center construction of insulated foundation systems and manufacturers LP and US Borax,BSC Most notably model code agencies have banned worked on design and construction details for below grade ngid insulation in the most severe LaHouse an educational resource facility that will termite zones in the United States serve as a model for insect control residential The key to insect control and the use of rigid foam construction details throughout the Southeast insulation is a multi pronged approach—proper In a related but separate development,the chemical management at the building perimeter successful commercial introduction of the borate treated foam and wood products and termrucide TemudoOTM is likely to have the most proper water and moisture management in terms dramatic effect on the use of at grade and below of design and construction details BSC worked grade foam insulation in termite prone areas of with builders and product manufacturers on two the country The effectiveness and projects to develop and implement this multi environmentally benign nature of this new pronged approach In one instance an innovative tenniticide are likely to bring about re-acceptance perimeter slab insulation detail was developed of the use of foam insulation for foundations Builders Health E Enterprises Fairbum Commons—Atlanta Georgia La House—Louisiana State University Lesson Learned An integrated approach--in this case one involving insect-resistant design construction details treated budding materials and a new temttbclde—will almost always generate the most effective and economical solution to a budding problem It certainly helps when a product breakthrough such as TermidorTM completely resets the stage' Composite Housewrap A breakthrough idea geminated as a result of Although a testing schedule for this multi layered water management expenments conducted on a or composite housewrap was proposed,the work test but constructed by the BSC team use DuPont could not be scheduled during the current cycle of StuccoWrap and Typaim carpet backing the Building America program However this (manufactured by DuPont in Europe)as a multi initial research and product identification has layered housewrap in hard-coat stucco vended product feasibility Under the next cycle applications The carpet backing has no of Building America,BSC and manufacturing polypropylene skin unlike the most housewraps partner DuPont have proposed further manufactured in the United States The induced development of this material DuPont is looking (and now vapor permeable)Typafm carpet for production capacity for testing and application backing would act as a bond break between the according to the Budding America R&D regime hard coat stucco and the StuccoWrap without impau ng the drainage charactenstics of the StuccoWrap Test house —+ Pre Production —r' Community Level Builder Budding Science Corporation(test hut) Resource www buildinascience com/resources/walls/problems with housewraos htm Lesson Learned The permutations are scary—you can use the wrong material in the wrong application the right matenal in the wrong application and the wrong material in the right application Building science is about assessing all of the properties of individual materials and the collective properties of all matenals in an assembly and BSC Lessons Learned then making them work towards rather than against high performance Budding America 2002 19 Pulte Low Energy Home lighting package These features totaled a budder Two nearly identical homes were constructed for reported additional cost of approximately$7 600 Collectively these features had a target side side evaluation at the Pulte Homes La s by ideby community in northwest Tucson One prformance of approximately 20%greater energy home the reference house was constructed efficiency than the more conventional Building according to BSC s minimum Budding America the house Energy modeling predicted that Low metrics The other—the Low Energy Home—had the Energy Home would demonstrate about the following additional energy features Polaris 44/•energy savings in to a 94%efficient combo water/space heater 15 conventional home for an annual savings of about SEER A/C unit and air handler with a more alc$75 Using Fannie Mae s net present value c efficient electronically commutated motor(ECM) calculation,this would result adding between ENERGY STAR refrigerator dishwasher and 500 and$10 500 to the appraisal value of the home clothes washer and compact fluorescent interior home Builder Pu@e Home Corporation La Terraza—Tucson Arizona Resource 11 A 4 Report Higher Performance Building Systems Lesson Learned To test the marketability of a high performance home there must be equivalence in non-energy features In this case the Low-Energy Home tamed the following unique marketing burdens • a three-car garage option rather than the den(the den has proven to be highly preferred in this development) • property lines shared with five other homes(all other homes in the subdivision share property lines with two three or four homes but none share as many as five) • location in development such that headlights from cars entering the development shine directly into the front bedroom window ^� High Performance Homeowner Manual Listing of building features that promote More than one BSC Budding America budder has durability and service life requested a homeowner manual tuned to their high performance products BSC developed such Guidance on the importance of matching a manual Some of its elements that are specific to paint,stam and sealant properties to the high performance homes are material(s)to which they are applied Operating guidance on programmable Explanation and guidance on the importance thermostats particularly with regard to the of water and moisture management inside difference between setback strategies for and outside the home �z — cooling versus heating BSC expects that requests for comprehensive ® 0 Operating guidance for mechanical performance based homeowner manuals will only '— ventilation specifically the AuCyclerT"i increase as builders increasingly discover w manuals as another tool in the kit of managing Layman explanation of right sizing and run homeowner performance expectations and times for high-efficiency HVAC equipment managing builder liability Builders Pulte Home Corporation Artistic Homes Resource www buddingscience com/resourcesMomeowner/HVAC_.perfonnance_handout pdf Lessons Learned BSC Lessons Learned Education and training for the high performance homeowner is a ke Budding America 2002 9 9 P y part of any 20 comprehensive systems approach The Zero Energy Cottage homeowner load management One of the BSC designed an ultra-efficient vacation or toughest challenges of any zero energy building is second home for the non profit envuoninental selecting and integrating loads from space organization,the Captain Planet Foundation BSC heating,space cooling dehumidification and also provided technical assistance in the outfitting domestic hot water Along with m design +f the optimal combination of equippmentent t t o meet of this home for two of its traveling venues—the pi Atlanta Home Show and the National Park these needs is heavily dependent si climate This Service Sustamability Fair is particularly true terms passive solar r design,design for natural tural ventilation and a✓. BSC identified four key elements of the Zero daylightmg and integrating hot water with either �«f , .ammo., Energy Cottage—performance of the envelope space heating or cooling The Zero Energy and HVAC equipment,solar power supply from Cottage for the Captain Planet Foundation Yphotovoltaic and solar water panels high represents the BSC vision and deployment for a efficiency appliances and lighting and mixed humid climate Builder Certified Living Inc Resource www buddmgscience con/buildingamenca/casestudieshero energy odf Lessons Learned This project abounds in Lessons Learned Systems integration and donation-driven demonstration project is nearly a contradiction in terms Any zero energy building by definition must be finely tuned with each element of design and specification critical to overall performance Current modeling tools can t handle all of the elements that are key to zero energy buildings passive design for heat gain and heat avoidance natural ventilation daylighting and active solar(PV and solar water) Once a super-efficient envelope and HVAC system have been integrated with a low-energy design the energy performance of the home is dnven by hot water consumption appliances and plug loads In general these loads are out of the builder/designer's hands and lie squarely in the homeowners Occupant behaworlawareness/tolerance can make or break the zero energy building Although the solar industry has done a great job of packaging individual components—panels mounting racks inverters and battery systems--into solar energy systems there are still areas for improvement For example there was no clear system or contractor responsibility for secunng either PV or solar water rooftop panels to SIPS roof panels There is a lot of tension between breaking new ground with new technology and delnienng reliability and service life on projects that push the envelope For example heat pump water heaters were considered for this project in this climate but the lack of product selection and track record made it a tough choice BSC Lessons Leamed Building America 2002 21 ®LEED US Green Building Council s(USGBC) Leadership in Energy and 3 Several of the local green buildings Environmental Design—Residential �o� (LEED R) Program with which Building America either has or is developing a relationship are concerned Representing the Building America program BSC about how LEED R will coexist with their has taken a leadership role in the USGBC s established efforts BSC is a respected and development of LEED R There are three main trusted representative of this group reasons for this In at least some substantial pan,BSC staff has I Many green building efforts do not amply been instrumental in embrace or express principles of building Forging a relationship between the USGBC science in their technical criteria. This is and EEBA particularly true in terms of indoor air quality (adequate ventilation,combustion safety Involving two Building America builders at moisture control and chemical source the steering committee level of LEED R control)and resource efficiency(material (Hedgewood Properties of Atlanta,Georgia, selection and durability—m terms of the and McStam Enterprises of Boulder components of roof wall and foundation Colorado) assemblies—and advanced framing) planning a meeting between LEED R and 2 LEED R is an effort without any real local green budding program representatives representation from the production builders The result has been LEED R development more in the high performance home business BSC firmly grounded in the high performance realm of is a respected and trusted representative of the residential budding industry this group Lessons Learned There is a relationship between green building and building science there simply has to be a champion of this relationship Resource www buildinascience com/about/Green Building Treabse odf BSC Lessons Learned Building Amerim 2002 22 Fannie Mae Pa n 111PM aP BSC has been looking for ways to work with Artstu Homes—The Moya Group the Fanme Mae using their new energy efficient lending firm associated with Artistic has mortgage(EEMs)products There are a number of access to an expenmental EEM made ways that Fannie Mae has tried to improve the available to Central New Mexico through the delivered value of their energy efficient Dallas regional Fannie Mae office Although mortgages and improve access and user Artistic Homes has found value in this friendliness for builders and then lenders BSC mortgage product for some of their buyers has been working with two of its builders,Artistic they have found it only marginally Homes and Pulte Homes to understand whatever competitive with existing mortgage products obstacles there might be for Building America from FHA and VA builders in obtaining the full value of Fanme Mae Pulte Home Mortgage—Pulte has not been EEMs for their buyers able to find significant increased value for the Fannie Mae Form 1224—Fannie Mae has homebuyers from the new Fannie Mae been working on including the net present EEMs in comparison to other mortgage value of all energy improvements in the products to which they have access One of appraised value of the home a very the main stumbling blocks is the inability of significant benefit BSC worked with Fannie Pulte to capitalize on the added value of the Mae RESNet,and the designers of the energy improvements in the appmisal value energy software REMRate on standardizing The timing of Pulte s appraisal process with and streamhrung how Forth 1224 works respect to the home sales process precludes including recognition of key Building their buyers from being able to use that added America features(such as conditioned attics value in their Loan To Value(LTV)final conditioned cmwlspaces and all ducts and ratio and allowing them to afford additional equipment in conditioned space) features Builders Artistic Homes Pulte Home Corporation Resources www natresnet ore/lendersffnm comparison pdf Lessons Learned Fannie Mae has no mote abilyb cllbra morale in#w EEMsthan in any oftheratlier morlgW prod ctL And yet,tlia<wesiie hope dray in the boding ndtshym#m Fane Kim first bets #wgreenbt�niaM viONAHB Farm hbeneedstDhM pahskiyofE.EKbIA Mi Ciabiariess,be Meta girertlfyhowthese bans peilni. v*respedbtlnerdherproducts aidthen use this doOlopslfy even betW EEM prodiddfeags The cortpebon wlh FHAand VAloas for isRme bWmwln rragnal aedl scores and be dam pelniert makes dough forthe Fannie Mee Mid bdd wbthisparhalamarletslice(perhapsdos*IdatiyrignayofMsbcHaresbuyers) Cntneaierhand bury mdim*goodaedts=mandat6asta2(PAdweipayrratmehartlb tnmmoe dthe advantage ofaddrg ttererergy wrap to thernoare(a stua6on wlh many Pule hornebuyers)The more!sthatsome,bid not alBuidtgArrara builders and their bullets wifrid sigrilficatenot*undue in Fame Mae EEWIn nelte broad mepfthese mortgage produces Perhaps the mostte N lessm about the&W ofEEMs In aleddtage in the mortgap iridusby conesdredy from aFane Mae rupreserimbune.the hnggestcoslhdcn secondary lending smortgage defaf.Andwhle redti ing operahhg costs rankles site edges oft*sore the tug bies n defauls ere stilosrgyorpb bsrgyartte absrngyotrmaniage iwdldtalaeamididoaderBuidrng Anara progarnb aildE$s tlnese sues. BSC Lessons Learned Building America 2002 23 APPROACHES FOR CREATING Broad based expertise—BSC while being a EFFECTIVE BUILDER PARTNERSHIPS relatively small consulting fain,has expertise Perhaps the most important factor contributing to felt enough arenas of construction that builders BSC success under the Building America program felt that they could rely on sound guidance or has been the strength of BSC builder partnerships assistance on everything from design to BSC s success with builder partnerships is energy modeling,from moisture dynamics to evidenced by the number of builders that BSC has construction waste management had to turn down as partners during the latter Hanging in when the going gets tough— ' years of the Building America program Here are When an innovation does not work quite the what we consider the key elements of that way that the builder or the consultmg firm success intended or expected builders respect firms r Under promise and over deliver—From that follow through and stick with the ` the beginning BSC adopted the philosophy situation until it is resolved In our case there with its builders of exceeding expectations were tines when this even meant using non particularly in terms of technical assistance Building America tympany resources to It is often tough to overcome the budder comet a e a problems in prototype housing But preconception of a goverment industry once gain builders will hang tough with initiative— We are from the government and You,if you bang tough with them we are here to help you BSC won rts Energy bill guarantee programs—This is builders respect and trust by delivering on perhaps the most important partnership commitments to find ways to reduce or development within the Building America maintain first costs,increase value and program These programs are market based achieve energy savings building science based programs that deliver Real world technical assistance—Another real value to the budder(both in terns of technical information and marketing)and key element of winning budder partner respect and trust was the technical and field have a life of their own The strength and rigor a experience and data that these programs is based upon the experience of BSC staff BSC builder science Building partners have come to expect that anyone industry from BSC sent out into the field on a job site America has developed with the inddustry has the technical credibility and field National and regional network of service— expenence to hold their own with The network of local and regional building superintendents,trade contractors and science service providers that BSC has technicians It s easy to overlook how extends the reach of the firm with little loss important this job-site credibility is with in expertise or efficiency given the depth builders and consistency of interaction between these firms and BSC Examples include Advanced Matching expectations to technical ce feasibility—When working with builders on Energy Corp (North Carolina) da Solar innovations and changes to the way they Energy Insulate(Georgia) Florida Solar build the best way to anam a can-do Energy Center(Florida) (M Testing attitude—as opposed to a `you want to-do (Arizona) Sheller Supply(Minnesota) and WHAT?"attitude—is to know the line LDC Consulting(New Mexico) between challenging and daunting This only The EEBA Builder s Guides—This comes from experience in both budding resource is a key element of the process BSC science and home construction,and many of has for developing a relationship with the BSC staff have both builders It connects and grounds all of the training and builder education efforts that are Timely delivery of technical assistance— the heart of u Building America program It s easy for consultants to be less than sensitive to the scheduling demands of the And again builders trust and respect a firm h that created and continues to update a home building business BSC knew on what issues builders had scheduling leeway and resource well tailored to their needs in the what issues they needed immediate delivery design office at the superintendent s trailer Examples include plan review energy and out on the fob site modeling results,installation specs,etc BSC Lessons Learned Budding Amenca 2002 24 - The Budding America performance The most promising development under the .:+. targets—It s a lot easier for both the builders Building America program for applying private and the consulting firm to set and meet sector resources toward a systems approach to expectations when the requirements for energy efficiency has been the energy bill _ participation are clear cuL BSC over the guarantee program Nothing has solicited more years has worked hard to make these comprehensive industry partnerships than this performance targets explicit so that builders development It is the most elegant way to bring know exactly where they stand in terms of about builder/trade contractor/ making a Budding America commitment manufacturer/homeowner cooperation for the Again,builders respect this straightforward performance of a home It is interesting to note meaningful approach to budding high that BSC recognized the importance of energy bill performance homes guarantees as far back as its original Budding America proposal SOLICITING INVOLVEMENT OF Specifically the technical objectives of our INDUSTRY PARTNERS proposal are to increase the market share of the builder members of our team through marketing In many ways the approaches that prove and finance mnovations such as guaranteed successful with builders are no different than energy bills the approaches that prove successful with industry partners The 10 bullets in the BSC was instrumental in the development of the previous section apply equally well to Engineered for Ltfcl" program with industry industry partners such as building product partner Green Fiber the Environments for manufacturers What is most interesting is the Living's"'program with industry partner Masco increasing need for the team approach that and the Energy Use and Comfort Guaranteed Building America embodies At a time when program of home building partner Artistic Homes an unprecedented number of new budding products and systems are being introduced to the residential building industry many if not MARKET BARRIERS OVERCOME most manufacturers have reduced then Each of the approaches described below has been technical support and field presence BSC has critical to moving the Building America builder found that manufacturers are just w hungry and their buyers beyond standard expectations for as builders for `third party"qualified energy comfort,health and safety and durability analytical field and technical support and to the high performance standards as expressed by analytical perspective the BSC Building America performance targets Manufacturer interest in the building science (see www buildmgsciencc coin/buddingamenca/ that Building America embodies is being targets htm) driven by both positive and negative market forces—homebuyers want energy savings The Cost Trade-off Approach and don t want mold and moisture problems More and more manufacturers,as well as Historically production builders have followed builders are beginning to understand that a this motto systems thinking approach will give them the I have to figure out a place to save money to be positive public exposure they desire and go a able to devote resources to higher performance so long way towards avoiding the negative press that the first cost my homebuyer sees is ideally they so ardently seek to avoid lower orjust the same An effective vehicle for soliciting BSC To satisfy this axiom,BSC developed the cost industry partnerships has been the Energy& trade off method,showing builders how things Environmental Building Association such as downsized mechanical systems and (EEBA) Its annual conference innovative advanced framing savings could be used to builder membership and technical resources support high performance windows more draw in manufacturing and other industry insulation,and better HVAC equipment The cost partners to the Budding America program tradeoff method proved very successful not in and the systems approach that it represents overcoming the market banner(i a the cost barer with buyers) but the underlying design BSC Lessons Learned Building America 2002 25 and construction barriers (See for example the homes limited forays by the same builders into Palle—Minnesota case study higher levels of energy efficiency have proved www buddingscience com/buildmgamenca/ difficult For example the Pulte Tucson Low casestudies/oakbmoke htm) Energy Home only sold after more than 9 months on the market and only after much,if not all,of Going Beyond Cost Trade offs to Value the cost premium me unit by the builder had been parlayed into closing incentives on the home BSC has been successful in moving Building (The nearly identical monitoring project home America builders beyond the issue of cost to that built to Building America standards was only on of delivered value The message sent out by the market for a short period of tune) Pulte felt various divisions of Pulte Homes has resonated sure that they could find homebuyers willing to throughout the industry shoulder the nearly$10 000 premium on the Low Build and sell more homes at a slightly increased Energy Home because of its performance value construction cost,but at a higher retail price with But,according to the developments sales a higher profit margin (See for example the manager other attributes of this particular home a higher ulte e Banning case study (three car garage versus den,location dead-on to www bmanning cam com/buddingamenca/ incomingdevelopmenttraffic five adjacent cds w buies/sun lakes him) homes)completely overshadowed the energy value of the home to prospective buyers You can only do this if the buyer perceives higher The real market test for homes with greater than a delivered value And again the best vehicle for expressing that higher value to the buyer has been mar energy savings re of come o a significant the energy bill and comfort guarantee programs market premium will not come from single forays s of challenging properties I[will come from the such as Masco s Environments for Living"'and GreenFiber s Engineered for Lifer more significant commitment of a whole development of Low Energy Homes—those with marketing financing,energy bill guarantees Value Back to the Budder warranty and even homeowner insurance Reduced Call backs premiums that truly reflect the greater value that these homes can deliver High performance homes can deliver value back to the builder as well in the form of reduced call Financing Advantage—The EEM backs and associated builder expenditure(See for For almost a decade Fannie Mae and other example the Palle—Tucson case study leaders in the home mortgage industry have been www huildingscience com/buildingdmerica/ developing energy-efficient mortgage(EEM) casestudies/copper moon hum) It s important to products that attempt to deliver real advantage to emphasize that the success of Building America the buyer of high performance homes Their focus has been a comprehensive approach to market has been on bamers requiring the education and subsequent commitment of all elements of a production home Adding the operational cost savings of high builder s company—design,engineering field performance homes to the income of the construction,sales and marketing buyer Reducing down payment requirements for MARKET BARRIERS REMAINING qualifying buyers The previous section not withstanding there are Capturing the added value of energy high performance concepts/strategies/systems that improvements in the home s appraisal remam difficult to sell to the builder the buyer or Simplifying how each of the above is both captured and managed by parties to the loan, The Low Energy Home s Lack of including the lender energy rater appraiser Success and private mortgage insurance(PW firm Despite the broad success Building America Working with BSC RESNet,and budders such as production builders have had with the sales and BSC builders Artistic Homes and Palle Homes, marketing of homes with 30%to 35%energy Fannie Mae has made progress on the above savings in comparison to standard production particularly with two new mortgage products they BSC Lessons Learned Building America 2002 26 are about to announce Of particular importance working on this Issue in the last few months of the these new products have the following attributes current cycle of Budding America Sim pier for the lender—there are nowjust two products The Last Hurdle—Capturing the Durability Advantage Simpler for the energy rater—the manner Si which the net present value of the energy Durability has some distinct differences from energy efficiency Durability is mo improvements is calculated and documented re difficult to define exactly it is more difficult to measure and for the loan have been vastly simplified quantify and it is more difficult to set standards Simpler for the PMI—the LTV ratio has for particularly in terms of establishing a been established to eliminate issues lenders baseline We just don t have a very good had with private mortgage insurance firms on understanding or expression of how long houses calculating then rates or their components typically last or how environmental and other factors interact to affect Easier—earned on Fannie Mae s Desktop overall building or individual material durability Underwriting software But here is what we do know Time is an important element in terms of Fannie Mae s efforts to move this item from market Durability stands squarely on the three barriers remaining to"market banners legged stool of quality--quality building overcome Lenders need a bit of time in the design,quality materials,quality installation marketplace with these two new products to Durability also stands squarely on assess their real value to high performance home homeowner maintenance repair and builders and buyers And perhaps just as replacement These are important operating uportant,Fannie Mae needs to build up some costs to the homebuyer and control or credit history on the performance of these two reduction of these costs could be translated EEMs and then determine how they might into a real market advantage to the budder increase power in the marketplace if the products come through with their expected superior Some builders are in their own way performance for Fannie Mae considering the concept of extended The power of the EEM to reduce market barriers business responsibility envisioning thew business to for high performance homes is still in a bit of the the supply of a continuous chicken and egg stage Builders need sharper stream of services ices to a home over time rather mortgage products to help distinguish the value of than lust ending at or shortly after the home sale thew high performance homes in the marketplace and secondary lenders such as Fannie Mae need a Homeowners are concerned about the health deeper and broader base of actual EEMs in the risks and builders the liability associated with marketplace to prove thew supenor performance moisture and mold(both are facing to lenders exorbitant premiums or even unattainable One last element of EEMs that remains to be insurance) a phenomenon directly associated explored is the potential relationship between with durability secondary lenders such as Fannie Mae and energy BSC began the exploration of capturing the bill guarantee programs such as Masco s market advantage of more durable homes with Environments for Lrving' and GreenFiber s two builders Artistic Homes and Pulte Homes In Engineered for Ltfe' The issue of who absorbs particular this exploration involved the concept of the cost of the energy rating(ranging from S 150 GREEN—Guaranteed Resource-and Energy to$400)has been a stumbling block for EEMs Efficiency Now(see the Web site and for all builders in the EFL programs They w v buildmgScience com/resources/ readily absorb this cost because of the perceived presentations/green pdt) With Artistic Homes marketing value of a third party energy bill this resulted in a detailed survey and analysis of guarantee Therefore there should be a way for building defects and homeowner maintenance and these two business entities to cc promote thew repair With Pulte Homes it resulted in initial products to the ultimate benefit of high discussions of working with a major insurance performance home builders and buyers BSC is firm on preferential home insurance premiums for high performance homes But,in neither case did BSC Lessons Learned Budding America 2002 27 the initial work result in a real translation into movement of water vapor air and energy market advantage for the budder or financial Product manufacturers need to supply and advantage to the high performance homeowner builders need to request(demand)detailed The market barrier of capturing the advantage of information on properties such as vapor more durable homes remains and requires further permeability on all building products exploration Each component of a building assembly should be assessed for its contribution to the Mold—the Double Edged Sword properties of the total assembly particularly with respect to the movement of water Here is the bad news mold in buildings is fueling vapor air and energy Again product few litigation,builder and homeowner insurance manufacturers and builders need to focus on program withdrawals and media hysteria.And how products perform in typical building energy efficiency is being linked to mold—and assemblies notiust how the products often rightly so perform individually Here is the good news building science and In high performance homes in hot humid systems thinking are being viewed by the building climates,the latent to sensible load ratio is industry as the answer to the mold problem—and such that dehumidification must be a separate tightly so and yet integral element of the HVAC The Building America program is uniquely system positioned to use this rather sudden and sweeping As we move from energy efficiency industry interest as a driver for promoting improvements of 30%to more than 500/6,we building science and systems thinking The key is have a lot to learn about hot water that mold management is risk management That appliances,lighting,and plug loads This is makes it more of a new market advantage than a particularly true with regard to how domestic remaining market barrier—one that is likely to hot water can be integrated with either space have a major impact on Budding America s heating or coolmg,and how we accurately success in coming years (For more mformation model natural ventilation day lighting,and see www buddingscience coin/resourceti/mold/ solar energy systems default him) Lessons from the Field LESSONS LEARNED—SUMMARY A systems approach and systems solutions Each of the research and development activities almost always involve cooperation and BSC conducted within the Building America communication among the trades program resulted in specific lessons teamed,as Particularly with HVAC contractors,the lack expressed in the first section of this report But of this cooperation and communication is a there are overarching lessons that have formed the real ambling block in achieving high Building America experience for BSC These are performance organized below into three categories—building Moving builders and framing contractors to science field and general lessons learned advanced framing requires a progression of education and assistance—plan review and Budding Science Lessons building redesign Builder s Guide digestion, Systems thinking in residential building integration of HVAC detailed drawings,and follow up the field What second mature requires the analysis of how an heat,vapor and liquid water move on and through and obviouss to the convertedd is painful and building envelopes and HVAC systems This difficult to the newly initiated cannot be reasonably accomplished without Builders operating in more than one of the acknowledgment and incorporation of how six climate zones must pay careful attention hygro thermal conditions drive this analysis to the transfer of high performance Each component of a building assembly techniques,systems and components as they should be assessed for its individual move these from one climate zone to another properties,particularly with respect to the BSC Lessons Learned Budding America 2002 28 The really top notch Building America real benefits to homebuyers and the builders get buy in on the importance and environment meaning of high performance from every But there are of course ways in which the level of then organization-company Building Amenca teams could be even more management,field management,design and effective particularly t strengthening engmeenng trade contractors,and sales and commitments from builder partners marketing Performance testing of every home at the Builder financial commitment—Builders beginning of the Building America need to make a deeper commitment m the form of actual financial resources rather than experience provides critical feedback in getting it right Performance testing of Just in kind rThiswould separate out the every home after at provides critical America workk contribution inwards BuildingT from w that feedback in keeping it night shopping committed from the `window shopping builders allowing the team leaders to focus on those builders who are really General Lessons willing to deliver In addition,a stronger budder commitment to long term monitonng The best Building Amenca partner of Building America homes is required to companies—builders manufacturers etc— ensure that we get the hard core proof-of are those large enough to have or create concept data needed Incidentally this very economies of scale but also small enough or approach was the one that BSC took with its managed in such a way that the company can builder and manufacturer partners in its make decisions and subsequently changes in Building America proposal for the next cycle a straightforward and timely way BSC s best of Building Amenca work. builder relationships always included this characteristic Depth of braider commitment—It is surpnsmg to BSC the number of builders Energy bill guarantees are simply the most who have truly valued and benefited from the elegant and most effective vehicle for buldmg science/systems thinking of marketing the benefits of Building America Budding America without taking the step of Iugh performance homes developing the same expertise in house There are topics and times when the binding Perhaps the commitment required of Building science message must be translated for the America builders should be extended to some homeowner as well as the builder(the sort of mandatory formal training in building AirCyclerTM is a perfect example) science by at least one member of the budder s company Perhaps Building Manufacturers need to know establish and Amenca and EEBA s Master Builder pubhcize all the performance properties of program could team up with the building the products as a matter of course not as a science expertise of BSC to establish this matter of inquiry requirement Moving builders from simply the first cost Breadth of budder commitment—The to the `value criterion for making changes in lateral transfer(division to division)of the the way they build is an important part of Building Amenca program within regional high performance homebuddmg and national production builders is an important phenomenon It is a phenomenon that we need to studiously encourage given PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT how important comprehensive systems SUGGESTIONS thinking is when the Building Amenca Building America has been one of the most approach is transferred from one hygro successful residential building technology thermal zone to another development and transfer programs ever The five teams have participation from every sector of the business and area of the country Real changes have been instituted company wide by real builders and real manufacturers to provide BSC Lessons Learned Budding America 2002 29 REFERENCES Baczek,Steve Yost,Peter Finegan,Stephanie Rudd A F Lstiburek,J W Vented and "Using Wood Efficiently From Optimizing Sealed Attics in Hot Climates ASHRAE Design to Minnatzing the Dumpster Transactions Vol 104(2) 1998 pp 1199 Budding Science Corporation online 1210 www buildmascience com/resources/misc/ wood efficiency odf,dated August 2002 Rudd,A F k,] W Moyer N A accessed February 7 2003 Measuremeentnt o of f Attic Temperatures and Cooling Energy Use in Vented and Sealed Holton J SustamabilityAttributes ofthe Attics in Las Vegas Nevada EEBA IBACOS House Proceedings of the EEBA Excellence The Journal of the Energy 14th Annual Excellence in Building Efficient BuddmgAssociation Proceedings Conference Silver Spnng,Maryland 1996 of the 14th Annual Excellence in Building L4 1 11 Conference 14 17 November 1996 Lsuburek,Joseph Air Pressure and Budding Wdcoski James Lstiburek,Joseph Baczek, Envelopes Building Science Corporation Steven Desautels Robert Demo Samuel online www buildin¢scoence com/resources/ "Wood Shear Panel Behavior and Seismic mi sture/walWair pressure envelopes odf, Design Guidance Test Results Building dated March 2002 accessed February 7 Science Corporation online 2003 www buildmgscience com/resources/ Lstiburek,Joseph Relative Humidity walls/shear panel test results pdf,dated Budding Science Corporation online 2001 accessed February 7 2003 www buoldinescience com/resources/ Yost,Nathan Lsuburek,Joseph Basement moisture/relative humidity 0402 pdf,dated Insulation Systems Building Science April 2002 accessed February 7 2003 Corporation online www buildinescience Presented at Healthy Indoor Environments cum/resources✓foundations/basement insulau (Austm,Texas) Apn123 2002 on systems odf,dated July 2002 accessed Lsuburek,J W Residential Ventilatwn and February 7 2003 Latent Loads Budding Science Consorhum, Yost,Nathan Lstiburek,Joseph Foundations Letter Report to Building America March —Moisture Resistant Construction 29 2002 Building Science Corporation online Lstiburek,Joseph The Pressure Response of www buildmgscience coni/resources/ Buildings Building Science Corporation foundations/foundations moisture odf,no online www buildinescoence comhesources/ date accessed February 7 2003 mosc/pressure response buildinis odf,dated Yost Peter Conditioning An in the Humid January 2002 accessed February 7 2003 South Creating Comfort and Controlling Lstiburek,Joseph Understanding the Terms Cost Building Science Corporation online Bamer and Retarder for Vapor and Air" www buildinirscience com/resources/mechan Budding Science Corporation online ical/conditiomn air n Of dated November www buildin@science com/resources/ 2002 accessed February 7 2003 walts/understanding_bamers odf,dated February 2002 accessed February 7 2003 Lstiburek,Joseph EEBA Water Management Guide Energy and Environmental Budding Association,Bloomington,Mninesota BSC Lessons Leamed Building Amenca 2002 30 REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE Form Approved OMB NO 0704-0188 Pubhc reporting burden for this colischon of information is estimated to average 1 hour per responas including the time forrgrevlemrnpn nstrucbms searching enshng dale sources GdI6dNxgr of allarrrl0tlari IaIn ncludithe ng mlgg��ban�fa needed and r redumq this buNmMto Washin Hea the.0eIdM� esters SSend corrintenteervices Deectorad'. IMamlabon Operations wW Reports 1215eJeffers this on D.H Sude 1�(N Ad VA 22202 4302 and b tl1e Olhce of Man anent end Bud P Reduction 0704-0188 Wash DC 20503 1 AGENCY USE ONLY(Leave blank) 2 REPORT DATE 3 REPORT TYPE AND DATES COVERED February 2003 Subcontractor Report 4 TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5 FUNDING NUMBERS BSC Final Report Lessons Leaned from Building America Participation KAR 8-18412 13 KAR-8-18412 00 e AUTHOR(S) Building Science Consortium 7 PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S)AND ADDRESS(ES) 8 PERFORMING ORGANIZATION Building Science Consortium REPORT NUMBER 80 Main St Westford MA 01886 9 SPONSORINGIMONITORING AGENCY NAMES)AND ADDRESS(ES) 10 SPONSORINGIMONITORING National Renewable Energy Laboratory AGENCY REPORT NUMBER 1617 Cole Blvd Golden CO 80401-3393 NREUSR-550-33100 11 SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES NREL Technical Monitor Bob Hendron 12a DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY STATEMENT 12b DISTRIBUTION CODE National Technical Information Service U S Department of Commerce 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield VA 22161 13 ABSTRACT(Maximum 200 words) Over the past 5 years under the Building America program the Budding Science Consortium has worked with more than 25 builders in 121 developments in 18 states and in all six climate zones This work has resulted in more than 7 000 ENERGY START"'homes built as of August 2002 14 SUBJECT TERMS 15 NUMBER OF PAGES BSC Building Science Consortium energy efficient housing Building Amenca US Department of Energy 18 PRICE CODE 17 SECURITY CLASSIFICATION 18 SECURITY CLASSIFICATION 19 SECURITY CLASSIFICATION 20 LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT OF REPORT OF THIS PAGE OF ABSTRACT Unclassified Unclassified Unclassified UL NSN 7540-01 280 5500 Standard Form 298(Rev 2 89) P..bed by ANSI Sid Z39-18 2MI02 ti A STANDARD PACIFIC COMPANY ' +w1 Mr Felix Lee Chief Building Official Fort Collins Building Dept 281 N College Ave P O Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 Dear Mr Lee, 1 am requesting that you grandfather'our existing approved plans, in regards to the new code changes, for our Harvest project We have a substantial investment in model homes The redesign of stairs and the other issues could cause some dramatic alterations to the floor plans This would be a very costly and confusing matter for our buyers Our approved Platt would also have to be altered, as our homes may no longer fit the sites We designed the homes and sites together and this could be a major change This would be a monumental task and very costly We are at approximately 65%to 70% of completion on this project now We would ask that you take these facts into account before you make a costly decision for us Thanks for your important consideration into this matter I will be happy to present my issues at the Council meeting on December 16s' If you have any comments or questions before then,please feel free to contact me at 303-846-8540(direct office line), or at 303-570-0910(cell phone) Respectfully, Derrell Sce er VP of Operations Writer Homes CI S WILLOw DRIVE SUITE 232 GREEN 0013 VILLAGE COLORAM 80111 3037794100 FAX 303 779 1199 { F/ GLASSWOOL (Respirable Size)" First Listed in the Seventh Annual Report on Carcinogens CARCINOGENICITY Glasswool (respirable size) is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals (IARC 1988) Rats and hamsters receiving glasswool (length of <3 2 to <7 µm diameter of <0 18 to <1 µin) by mtratracheal instillation developed adenocarcmomas, squamous cell carcinomas, bronchoalveolar tumors, lung carcinomas mesotheltomas and sarcomas When administered by intraperitoneal injection (length of<2 4 to <30 fun, diameter of<0 18 to <I µm), glasswool-induced mesothehomas and sarcomas were observed In another study in which female rats received coarse glasswool by mtrapentoneal injection, abdominal tumors (mesothehomas sarcomas and, rarely, carcinomas) were induced In another study, rats received glasswool, treated with an acid or an alkali by mtrapentoneal injection The acid treated glasswool induced mesothehomas sarcomas and, rarely, carcinomas Alkali-treated glasswool also induced the formation of tumors in rats (IARC 1988) The [ARC Working Group on Man-Made Mineral Fibers and Radon also reviewed five inhalation studies in rats Although a few respiratory-tract tumors were observed in these studies, there was no statistically significant increase in tumor incidence The IARC Working Group expressed concerns about the adequacy of many of these studies noting factors such as short exposure period small number of animals, lack of survival data and failure to report fiber dimensions The National Toxicology Program (NTP) scientific committees reviewed, in addition to the IARC Working Group's monograph, a more recent rat inhalation study (Hesterberg et al 1993) The authors of this study also reported no statistically significant increase in lung tumor incidence NTP reviewers of this study noted the high tumor incidence in the control group and expressed concern that the doses administered may have been too low to elicit a response Debate continues in the scientific community regarding the use of implantation studies as indicators of carcinogenic potential of fibers Some investigators maintain that only inhalation exposure is relevant to the manner in which humans are typically exposed (McClellan et al 1992) The IARC Working Group noted that "Inhalation is the major route of exposure to mineral fibers that have been shown to cause cancer in humans (e g asbestos) Therefore, it is desirable to use the inhalatiod route if possible when testing such fibers for their carcinogenicity in animals, however, the qualitative and quantitative aspects of particle deposition and retention in rodents are considerably different from those in humans As a result particles that may be important in the induction of disease in humans may never reach the target tissues in sufficient quantities in rodents This problem cannot be overcome by generating higher concentrations of particulate aerosols because of technical complications, e g, particle aggregation The consequence is that inhalation tests may be less sensitive than tests by other routes for evaluating the carcinogenicity of particulate and fibrous materials In addition the high cost of and the shortage of adequate facilities for such studies severely No separate CAS Registry number is assigned to glasswool REAVONAfit YANTIC IPATPO TO RR A nUMA N CA RCINOCEN TENTIIREMRT ON CARCINOGENS Glasswool(Respirable Size)(Continued) limit the number that can be performed It is thus often necessary that other routes of administration be used for testing the carcinogenic potential of mineral fibers The methods that have been most frequently employed are intratracheal instillation and intrapleural and intrapentoneal administration With the first, various lung tissues as well as the pleural mesothelium are the major targets for the administered test fibers in the latter two, the pleural and the pentoneal mesothelium, respectively, are the target tissues These routes of administration can be used to test the carcinogenicity of mineral fibers to laboratory animals because they bring the test fibers into intimate contact with the same target tissues as in humans" (IARC 1988) There is inadequate evidence for the carcinogenicity of glasswool in humans (IARC 1988) A number of studies have been conducted of workers involved in the production of glasswool Most of the studies identified the association of workers exposed to glasswool and lung cancer In a Canadian study, there was a statistically significant excess of lung cancer among glasswool workers however,there was no relationship between the length of employment and lung cancer mortality(IARC 1988) In a U S study, Enterline et al (1987) reported a small statistically significant excess in all malignant neoplasms and in respiratory cancer 20 years or more after first employment using local death rates to estimate expected deaths In an update of this study Marsh et al (1990) reported that 'overall the evidence of a relationship between exposure to man-made mineral fibers and respiratory cancer appears to be somewhat weaker than in the previous update" PROPERTIES Fibrous glass is the name for a manufactured fiber in which the fiber-forming substance is glass Glasses are a class of materials made from silicon dioxide with oxides of various metals and other elements, that solidify from the molten state without crystallization The type of glass used to produce glasswool is known as "C" glass and contains approximately 65% silicon dioxide 14% calcium oxide 8 5% sodium monoxide and 5% or less of several other metal oxides Glasswool is resistant to chemical corrosion by mineral acids (IARC 1988) A fiber is considered to be a particle with a length-to-diameter aspect ratio of 3 to 1 or greater Respirable fibers have mass median aerodynamic diameter approximately 3 5 µm or less Fibers less than 1 µin in diameter have the highest probability for deposition in the alveolar regions of the lung where gas exchange occurs(WHO 1988) USE The major uses of glasswool are in thermal, electrical, and acoustical insulation, weatherproofing and filtration media In 1980, approximately 80% of the glasswool produced for structural insulation was used in houses Glasswool in the form of loose-bagged wool is pneumatically blown or hand poured into structural spaces such as between joists and in attics Plumbing and air-handling systems also require insulation Glasswool and glass fibers are used to insulate against heat flow with prefabricated sleeves Sheet-metal ducts and plenums of air- handling systems are often insulated with flexible blankets and semirigid boards usually made of glass fibers Small-diameter glass fibers (0 05 to 3 8 µm) have been used in air and liquid filtration, and glass fiber air filters have been used in furnaces and air conditioning systems Glass fiber filters have been used in the manufacture of beverages pharmaceuticals, paper swimming pool filters and many other applications (IARC 1988) REA 501YAR!YANTICIPATEO TG AV HUMAN CARCINOGEN TENTHREPORTON CARCINOGENS Glasswool(Respirable Size)(Continued) PRODUCTION The mineral fiber industry began to grow in the U S and Europe after World War I and includes products made from rock,clay, slag,or glass Glasswool is composed of relatively short cylindrical glass fibers that are produced by drawing, centrifuging, or blowing molten glass Improvements in glass fiber manufacturing technology and new markets in textiles fueled much of the growth In the 1950s and 1960s, glasswool began to replace rockwool and slagwool products used in thermal insulation Consequently, the number of rockwool and slagwool plants in the U S peaked at 80 to 90 in the 1950s By 1985, there were 58 plants in the U S that produced glasswool, rockwool, slagwool, or ceramic fibers The total quantities of glasswool, rockwool, and slagwool products produced in the U S were approximately 15 million metric tons in 1977 and 16 million metric tons in 1982 (IARC 1988) Currently at least nine companies supply glasswool products in the U S (Chem Sources 2001) U S imports and exports of glass fiber rovmgs and glass fiber yarns (including glass wool) were approximately 51 200 and 80,000 metric tons, respectively, in 2000 (ITA 2001) EXPOSURE Exposures to glasswool and other man-made mineral fibers are reported as total dust concentrations or respirable fiber concentrations in air The primary routes of potential human exposure to glasswool are inhalation and dermal and/or eye contact Generally, the upper diameter limit for respirable fibers ranges from 3 to 3 5 µm, however, some studies used 5 µm as the upper limit(IARC 1988) Glasswool is released as airborne respirable particles during their production and use As the diameter of the glasswool decreases, both the concentration of respirable fibers and ratio of respirable to total fiber; increases The highest levels of occupational exposure to glasswool occur when it is used in confined spaces Concentrations of man-made mineral fibers in outdoor air and nonoccupational indoor settings are much lower than those associated with occupational settings (IARC 1988) NIOSH estimated that 200 000 workers were potentially exposed to fibrous glass in the mid 1980s (Sittig 1985) Measurements taken in facilities producing fibrous glass insulation or fibrous glass textile products in the 1960s reported airborne concentrations of total (0 06 to 12 29 mg/m3) and respirable dust(0 03 to 0 55 mg/m3) and total fibers(0 09 to 3 64 fibers/cm3) These levels were approximately 20-fold lower than fiber concentrations reported in the asbestos textile industry and indicated negligible exposure to workers In a study of 16 mineral-fiber production plants conducted in the 1970s mean concentrations of total suspended particulate matter and fibers were 0 21 to 4 73 mg/m1 and 0 01 to 0 78 fibers/cm3 respectively Generally, concentrations of respirable fibers in glasswool production plants have been approximately 0 1 fibers/cm3 or less (IARC 1988) Studies have indicated that exposure of users may exceed those of production workers Airborne concentrations from various operations using fibrous glass insulation (duct wrapping, wall and iplenum insulation, pipe insulation and fan housing insulation) ranged from 0 51 to 8 08 fibers/crr with mean fiber diameters ranging from 2 3 to 8 4 Pin Swedish and Danish surveys conducted in the early 1980s reported a geometric mean respirable fiber concentration of 0 046 fibers/cm3 in open and ventilated spaces and 0 05 fibers/cm in confined and poorly ventilated spaces (IARC 1988) REA$Y)NABI YAN77CIPA7ED TO BEA HUMAN CARCINOGEN TENTH REPORT ON CARCINOC£NS Glasswool(Respirable Size)(Continued) REGULATIONS EPA regulates particulate emissions from glasswool insulation manufacturing plants under the Clean Air Act(CAA)new source performance standards The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has set a threshold limit value (TLV) of 1 fiber/cm3 as a time weighted average (TWA) for glasswool OSHA determined an 8-hr TWA workplace permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 5 0 mg/m3 (as total dust) or 3 fibers/cm3 for fibers greater than 10 µin long OSHA also regulates glasswool under the Hazard Communication Standard and as a chemical hazard in laboratories Regulations are summarized in Volume II, Table 91 REFERENCES Chem Sources Chemical Sources International,Inc http //www chemsources com 2001 Enterlme P E , G M Marsh, V Henderson, and C Callahan Mortality Update of a Cohort of U S Man-Made Mineral Fibre Workers Ann Occup Hyg Vol 31,No 48, 1987,pp 625-656 Hesterberg T W , W C Miller, E E McConnell, J Chevalier, J G Hadley, D M Bernstein, P Thevenaz, and R Anderson Chronic Inhalation Toxicity of Size-Separated Glass Fibers in Fischer 344 Rats Fundam Appl Toxicol Vol 20,No 4, 1993,pp 464-476 IARC International Agency for Research on Cancer IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans Man-made Mineral Fibres and Radon Vol 43 300 pp Lyon, France IARC 1988 ITA International Trade Administration U S Department of Commerce Subheading 701912 Glass Fiber Rovings (7019 12 0040 and 7019 12 0080) and Subheading 701919 Glass Fibers (Including Glass Wool) and Articles Thereof(7019 19 1580, 7019 19 1000, and 7019 19 2000) http//www ita doc gov/td/industry/otea/Trade-Detail/Latest-December/ 2001 Marsh, G M , P E Enterline, R A Stone, and V L Henderson Mortality among a Cohort of U S Man-Made Mineral Fiber Workers 1985 Follow-Up J Occup Med Vol 32,No 7, 1990, pp 594-604 McClellan R.O , F J Miller T W Hesterberg D B Warhen, W B Bunn, AB Kane M Lippmann, R W Mast, E E McConnell, and C F Reinhardt Approaches to Evaluating the Toxicity and Carcinogenicity of Man-Made Fibers Summary of a Workshop Held November 11-13 1991,Durham,North Carolina Regul Toxicol Pharmacol Vol 16, 1992 pp 321-364 Sittig M Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens Second Edition 950 pp Park Ridge NJ Noyes Publications, 1985 WHO Man-Made Mineral Fibers and Radon (Environmental Health Criteria 77) Geneva World Health Organization [Monograph], 1988, 165 pp REA%ONAEI YANTICIPATED 70 REA MOMAN CARCINOGEN TENTMREPORr ONCARCINOGENS