Applying the International Residential Code (IRC)

This course delivers a deep dive into the structural and safety provisions of the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), focusing on real-world application for single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses. Engineers will explore load paths, framing systems, fire resistance, egress, and glazing requirements—translating code language into actionable design decisions. With updates from the UDC and side-by-side examples, participants will be prepared for both current enforcement and future code adoption.

• Architects and structural and civil engineers designing residential buildings.
• Plan reviewers, code officials, construction managers, and inspectors seeking practical code application.
• Project managers and consultants navigating code compliance in residential construction.

Course Outline

Welcome and Introduction                                                                                          

 Loads and Load Paths  

• Loads
  • Live
  • Dead
  • Wind
  • Seismic
  • Snow
• Load Paths
  • Gravity
  • Lateral
  • Incomplete Load Path

Foundations

• Materials
• Footings
• Anchorage
• Stem walls and slabs
• Concrete foundation walls
• Wood foundation walls
• Moisture protection
• Ventilation

 Framing Materials

• Framing
• Grade stamps
• Trusses
• Decay
• Alternative materials

 Floors and Walls

• Floors
  • Framing
  • Openings
  • Connections
  • Bearing
  • Draftstopping

• Walls
  • Framing
  • Headers
  • Simplified wall bracing
  • Connections
  • Energy
  • Wall covering

 Roof-Ceiling Assemblies and Roof Coverings

• Roofs
  • Ceiling joists
  • Rafters
  • Bracing and uplift
  • Connections
  • Sheathing

• Roof Coverings
  • Underlayment
  • Ice barrier
  • Asphalt shingles
  • Other roof cladding
  • Ventilation

Examples

• Two-story Residential Example
  • Building description and loads
  • Roof framing and sheathing
  • Wall framing and bracing (115 mph, Exp B, SDC B)
• Single story Residential Example
  • Building description and loads
  • Determine roof framing and sheathing
  • Determine wall framing and bracing (115 mph, Exp B, SDC B)

 Decks

• Footing and post
• Ledger
• Beams and joists
• Decking material

 Fire Resistance

• Walls
  • Exterior walls
  • Townhouses
  • Two-family dwellings
• Penetrations and assemblies
  • Penetrations of rated assemblies
  • Unrated membrane fire resistance
  • Dwelling / Garage separation
  • Enclosures under stairs
  • Fire protection of floors
  • Draft-stopping and fire-blocking
  • Other fire resistance provisions

 Fire Protection

• Sprinklers
• Smoke alarms
• CO alarms

 Glazing                                                                                                                                        

• Doors
• Walls
• Wet Areas
• Stairs

 Emergency Escape and Rescue                                                                                                

• Above grade
• Below grade
• Existing buildings

 Means of Egress                                                                                                                         

• Doors
• Landings
• Stairs and Ramps
• Handrails and Guardrails

 Other Health and Safety Features

• Fall protection
• Lighting and ventilation
• Ceiling heights
• Solar panels
• Swimming pools

Sandra Hyde

Sandra Hyde, P.E. is the Managing Director of Product Development with the International Code Council (ICC) where, as part of the Product Development team, she develops technical resource materials in support of the structural provisions of the International Codes. Her role also includes review and technical editing of publications authored by ICC and engineering associations, and the presentation of technical seminars on the IRC and IBC structural provisions. Prior to joining ICC in 2010, Sandra worked in manufacturing and research engineered wood products. She is a Registered Civil Engineer in Idaho and California.

Cash Olszowy

Owned and operated his own small
construction company from 1987 - 1999. He then joined
Lexington, Kentucky’s Division of Building Inspection in
1997 as a Residential Inspector and worked there until
retiring as the Director of Code Enforcement for Lexington
in October 2023.