Building Codes
9 articles
Mass Timber and Engineered Wood in Modern Construction
The 2021 International Building Code (IBC) now allows mass timber buildings to reach 18 stories, a significant increase that redefines possibilities for urban construction.
NFPA Updates Construction Site Protocols for Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
Last year alone, construction sites reported a 300% surge in incidents involving lithium-ion batteries—from 15 to 60 reported events—prompting urgent action from safety regulators, according to REMI N
Top 5 Innovative Adhesives & Sealants for High-Performance Buildings
A single structural adhesive can now replace hundreds of bolts and welds in a high-rise facade, reducing construction time by 30% while simultaneously improving the building's seismic resilience and t
Meeting ASHRAE Standards for Ductwork in Roof Trusses
A recent audit revealed that 60% of new residential constructions fail to meet ASHRAE's minimum duct sealing and insulation standards when ductwork is routed through roof trusses, leading to an averag
Experts Evaluate Complex Door Hardware Scenarios for 2026
A major hospital project in Phoenix faced a six-month delay and $3 million in cost overruns last year.
DIY spray foam risks second floor load paths nationwide
A recent incident in Ohio saw a second-floor deck collapse, which investigators linked to altered load paths from a DIY exterior renovation project, highlighting a growing, unmonitored risk in homes n
Residential Construction Regulations Explained
In California, every new residential dwelling unit must now include fire sprinklers, a significant cost and design consideration that was not universally required just a few years ago.
Expanding Wood's Role in Modern Construction
In Type I or II buildings, often seen as concrete and steel strongholds, fire-retardant-treated wood (FRTW) is routinely permitted in nonbearing partitions and even certain exterior walls.
DIY Electrical Wiring: Safety, Codes, and Common Mistakes
Mixing low-voltage communication wires with standard 120v electrical lines in the same box without proper rating can melt insulation and ignite a house fire.