PACO QUARTERLY MEETING WITH FREE TRAINING FOR MEMBERSHIP- JUNE 13, 2024

PACO is pleased to announce our next quarterly meeting will be held June 13th, 2024 at the Montgomery Township Community and Recreation Center in Montgomeryville, PA. Training will be provided by Mathew Halper, President of American Chimney following our quarterly meeting. This is a three hour (3 CEU) course that will review all things chimney related. The training will also be live on zoom for those who cannot attend the training in person.

The training will be FREE for PACO membership. Non-members can still attend the training via zoom or in person, however there is a fee if they wish to receive the 3 Continuing Education Credit hours. The two fee options for non-members are as follows:

1) $30 fee for the 3 CEU course

2) $50 fee for the 3 CEU course AND you are registered as a PACO member for the remainder of the year.

Please head over to the Meetings and training tab to register if you are are non-member.

Current members can register by here ->https://forms.gle/2nxUiv5yecZ4RYMe9

DATE: June 13th, 2024

What: PACO Quarterly Meeting with training to follow

Where: Montgomery Township Community and Recreation Center, 1030 Horsham Rd

Montgomeryville, PA 18936

Time: 9AM- Quarterly meetings with training to follow

2024 SPRING FORUM REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

SPRING FORUM MARCH 7TH AND MARCH 8TH

REGISTER HERE!!!

March 7th: All things electrical refresher- James Dollard, Director of Code Compliance at United Inspection Agency will be providing instruction on electric car charging stations in new construction, existing building and residential, battery storage, solar panels, and generators. This is a one day class.

Jim has worked in the electrical industry for over 40 years. As a long time NFPA committee member serving on many NEC committees and NFPA 70E, Jim provides presentations that provide significant clarity on all code and safety related topics. He is presently the Director of Code Compliance at United Inspection Agency.

March 8th: Building Code Official (BCO) Update- Walt Schneider, Agency Director at Centre Region Code Administration (CRCA) will be outlining  the role of the Building Code Official and their enforcement of the Uniform Construction Code. This is a one day class

Registration begins at 7:30am with class starting promptly at 8:00am

Classes will be held at the Holiday Inn 1750 Sumneytown Pike, Kulpsville PA 19443 and include a continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon beverages.

REGISTER HERE!!!

FALL FORUM REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!!!

FALL FORUM- THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 14TH & FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 15TH

$200.00

2018 IRC-Mechanical Update

Understanding the International Residential Code - Mechanical

12 Contact Hours

1.2 CEU

Course Description

A two-day course examining the mechanical requirements of the 2018 International Residential Code as notated and defined, illustrating code requirements for the proper installation of mechanical systems. Instructors identify and discuss code requirements for furnaces, combustion air, gas piping and proper installation on different types of residential appliances. Additional components included venting and fuel gas requirements for residential mechanical systems.

Learning Objectives

1. Students will identify and discuss the minimum requirements for residential mechanical appliances and systems.

2. Students will demonstrate problem solving by utilizing given calculations to determine code compliance for residential mechanical systems.

3. Students will recognize and employ the venting and fuel gas requirements for residential mechanical systems demonstrated by calculating given examples and defending the decision.

4. Students will determine confined and unconfined areas, utilizing given examples and situations.

Registration begins at 7:30am with class starting promptly at 8:00am

Classes will be held at the Holiday Inn 1750 Sumneytown Pike, Kulpsville PA 19443 and include a continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon beverages.

REGISTER ONLINE HERE

2023 PACO MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED

Head over to the Online Membership Application tab above or use the link below to secure your PACO membership status for 2023.

2023 REGISTATION

PACO HOLIDAY LUNCHEON- DECEMBER 8TH

Our annual Holiday Luncheon will be held December 8th, 2022. This years meeting and luncheon is being held at The Ballrooms at Boothwyn located at 1405 Meetinghouse Road, Upper Chichester, PA 19061. The meeting will begin at 9:30am with a luncheon to follow at noon.

Registration for the meeting & luncheon can be completed in the link below.

Luncheon Registration

PACO is always looking for new members. We encourage you to bring someone along with you who is interested in learning more about our organization.

PACO QUARTERLY MEETING DATES 2022

March 17, 2022- Radnor Township Building, 301 Iven Ave, Radnor, PA 19087. Meeting begins at 9:00am with free training on 2018 IBC updates to follow.

An interactive presentation following the meeting will be led by Matt Walter, the Vice-President of Barry Isett & Associates Public Division and a Master Code Professional

Register for this free training at https://forms.gle/zDwPSTDNC3AdSDth8

June 16, 2022- Location TBD

September 15, 2022- Location TBD

December 15, 2022- Holiday Luncheon at location TBD

2015 Codes Re-Adoption

Before any snarky analysis, I would like to point out that the RAC performed expediently and effectively recently in getting our State's codes into modern times. Hopefully, they continue to do so with the adoption of the 2018 codes. On to the info:

Disclaimer: This does not repeal any previous amendments.

The 2015 IWUIC is adopted with no amendments. (There is definitely a correlation between the importance of a code and your knowledge of what the acronym stands for.)

The 2015  IFC is adopted with no amendments. (Keep in mind as per the original legislation only the portions referenced by the IBC are part of the UCC)

2015 IBC Amended as Follows:

913.2.2 - Deleted requirement for fire pump circuit cables to comply with UL 2196. (UL 2196 is essentially the listing for 2 hour fire rated power cabling systems. The deletion of this section doesn't mean one can't use such a system; rather, it clarifies that any of the 3 acceptable methods in NFPA 70 2014 can be used.)

2609.4 - Add the word "maintaining" to the exception for greenhouses  in the Light-Transmitting Plastic Roof Panels section. (Yes, greenhouses are in fact used to maintain plant life. The fact we need to make this clear is a troubling commentary on our society.)

2015 IRC Amended as Follows:

302.5.1 - Deletes updated requirement to provide closers on communicating doors between the garage and the house. (It was critical to remove this tyrannical intrusion by big brother into our homes. I for one never forget to shut doors in my domicile, and everyone knows responsibility is inherent to children as soon as they have the motor skills to operate handles.) 

322.2.1 & 322.3.2- The tightening of flood zone requirements to include Coastal A Zones, and some increased height requirements was not adopted and will keep the language from 09. (The devastating flooding out nation has experienced recently has been declared fake news by the RAC)

325.5 - Modified to require that mezzanines remain open regardless of sprinklers or the number of exits, and does not allow walls to be greater than 36" and still be considered open. (Essentially adopts the 2018 version of this section.)

507.6 - Deletes the deck beam span table and time warps up to present day. (Yep, we should probably make structural design considerations based on how physics works in the reality.)

602.3.1 - Add an exception to allow 12' load bearing wall studs in exposure B with a live load not exceeding  20 psf and snow load not exceeding  30 psf. (Another time travel to 2018 standards.)

602.7.5 - Deletes reference to table 602.7.5. (Part of changing 602.3.1 requires this section to be warped to 2018 also.)

M1601.4.1 - Modified so as not to allow the exception for additional closure systems on snap/button lock seams outside of conditioned spaces. (OK.) 

M1602.2 - Adds the word "perimeter" to clarify the intent. (OK.)

P2503.5.1 - Keeps the mistake from the 2009 edition that allows PVC to be air tested. (Good luck with that.)

E3901.7- Will keep the wording from 2009 which has an exception for the outdoor receptacle on decks and similar spaces less than 20 square feet. (Seems reasonable)

E3901.11 - Amends the convenience receptacle spacing for foyers less than 60 square feet in a way that will only require one receptacle. (Again, seems reasonable.)

2015 IFGC/IMC/IPC

310.1.2 - Adds section from 2018 to account for counterstrike and similar arc resistant CSST products. (Logical)

2015 IEBC

101.2 - Removes the the 3 story accessory structure limitation on the IRC potentially being applicable. (The state and I have very different definitions of accessory.)

2015 IECC

C104.2.6 - Deletes the building commissioning requirements from the final inspection requirements. (I'm on your schedule captain.)

C408.2.4 - Delete's more building commissioning requirements. (Again, no problem here.)

R102.1.1 - Keeps the exception for meeting the mandatory compliance with Chapter 5 for alternate above code compliance in residential buildings. (No issues)

Definitions: Adds Framing Factor - The fraction of the total building component area that is structural framing. (OK)

Table R402.1.2 - Adds an option for Wood frame walls to be 18 + 6.5ci for the 6 counties in Climate Zone 6. (Look, living in Climate Zone 6 is hard enough, let's give them some options.)

Table R402.1.2 - Adds a footnote that allows R-18 in place of R-20 provided the wall framing factor is 20% or less, or 24" O.C. stud spacing. (ASHRAE lists 16"o.c. walls as having a framing factor of 25%, and 24"o.c. walls having a factor of 22%, so.... basically you can use R-18 in place of R20 on 24" o.c. walls. Whatever.)

R403.3.6 & R403.3.7 - Cherry picks these sections from the 2018 Codes. It's a bit verbose, so just go have a look at them here:

https://codes.iccsafe.org/public/document/iecc2018/chapter-4-re-residential-energy-efficiency

R402.4.1.2 - Amends this section so that every climate zone can comply with the air change requirements for Climate Zones 1 & 2. (For those keeping score, different climates also fake news.)

R403.3.5 - Amends this section to still allow building cavities to be used for return air. (Even if you can meet sealing requirements this can create a potential moisture issue. Just because something has been done in a way for years doesn't mean it still should.)

R403.5.2- Deletes requirement for demand recirculating hot water systems in situations where a recirculating pump is needed. (I'm all for conserving water, but I think the code may be getting ahead of itself here with the cost effectiveness currently involved.)

R405.2 - Language added to clarify that Section 402.4.1.2 is in fact included in Section 402.4.1 (LOL)

Table R406.4 - Adds a footnote from 2018. (Again just have a look using the link above.)

THE RAC HAS SPOKEN.

Recently the review and advisory council met and issued their divinely inspired decree on what updates in the 2015 series of the I-Codes are worthy of adoption fir the unique Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Of the 1900 changes the Vulcan High Council found a staggering 16 code changes that are essential to the safety of our citizens. I am not sure how code officials are going to keep up with this monumental shift, but here are brief descriptions of the modifications to get you started:

G28-12 - This makes the important distinction that commercial kitchens that are 2,500 square feet or less will be considered B occupancies and those above this threshold will be considered F-1.  (Estimated Lives Saved: 3,456)

G30-12 - Clarifies that tutoring centers, martial arts studios, gymnastics studios, and similar uses shall be considered B occupancies, except of course when they are A occupancies, but should never be considered E occupancies. Never. (Estimated Lives Saved: 1,000,000).

G227-12 - Reinforces that the replacement of windows in R-2 & R-3 occupancies where there is not a change in occupancy does not require the opening to be enlarged; rather, the most compliant similar style of window that can be installed in the existing opening should be used. (Estimated Lives Saved: At least one code official)

RE6-13 - Defines insulated siding. (Polar Bears Saved: .25)

RE58-13 - Allows vertical access doors from conditioned to unconditioned spaces to meet fenestration requirements as opposed to R-Value requirements. (Polar Bears Saved: -1)

RE60-13 - Permits floor cavity insulation to be installed at the top or bottom of the cavity. (Polar Bears Saved: 0)

RE195-13 - Provides method for calculating insulated siding when determining an R-Value for an assembly. (Polar Bears Saved: .50)

F144-13 - Allows Fire Code Officials to accept automatic water misting systems as an alternative to automatic sprinkler systems in certain cases with restrictions. (Estimated Lives Saved: Does marine life count?)

F359-13 - Makes it clear that it is not a great idea to install ionization or photo-electric smoke alarms near permanently installed cooking equipment. (Estimated Lives Saved: 100 MENSA candidates.)

M106-12 - Deletes the requirement for a Type I hood above light duty cooking equipment that produces smoke or grease laden vapors. This confirms that toaster are usually only dangerous when you attempt to use them while in the bath tub. (Estimated Lives Saved: 0)

RB68-13 - Would not require any penetration protection for exterior walls with a fire separation distance of 3 feet or more. (Estimated Lives Saved: 0)

RB172-13 - Would allow spray foam to be used at perimeter joist spaces without thermal protection. (Estimated Lives Saved: 0)

RB262-13 - A private company was able to get another drawing of a specific lateral deck load connection device in the code; thus, this is now an officially approved connection. (Estimated Lives Saved: Multiple drunk dancing deck denizens.)

RB264-13 - Expands on the prescriptive requirements for residential decks. (Estimated Lives Saved: This is actually a great addition, and I encourage PACO members to hand deliver these regulations to their local Home Depot and Lowes. While you are there take a bat to wherever they utilize that awful deck designer software.)

RM34-13 - Makes it clear that the make up air required for residential kitchen exhaust systems greater than 400 cfm can use natural ventilation via gravity systems. (Estimated Lives Saved: Countless.)

RM53-13 - Clarifies that snap lock and button lock duct joints need additional sealing. (Estimated Lives Saved: 5000)

Whew! I know I am asking for a raise for having to learn all of this stuff. Who's with me?

Now, don't take any of the snark in the wrong way. I have no issue with the amount of time and effort put into the individual code changes by those whom have an interest in the code development process; rather, the sole source of my derision is the RAC's inability to perform their accepted duty. Yes, accepted duty. No one wants to hear about how much time it takes for you to evaluate all of these code changes. If you feel you are unable to complete the stated task, then step down and let someone willing take your place; furthermore, stop acting like these changes are sprung on you at the last second when the code development process occurs over a number of years. 

I wouldn't even have a major issue with the RAC rejecting controversial changes like residential sprinklers, and allowing that to be decided at the local amendment level, but to just reject essentially entire editions of national standard codes because a few items are a nuisance to small portions of the population is exactly what James Madison was so adamantly against in his contributions to the Federalist Papers during the founding of our country. 

Unfortunately the code adoption process in PA continues to be a joke, but hopefully enough people will begin to see through the hollow excuses of the RAC. Until then I suppose you can look on the bright side of the savings you will experience on not having to purchase new code books.

Joist Hanger Screws?

One of the most common mistakes code officials see in field is the use of screws in framing hangers. It seems very difficult to comprehend for the layman that nails provide a much more adequate connection for these hangers than screws. They often seem proud at times. "I know the instructions said nails, but I used screws because they are way stronger." Is a quote oft heard with a smile upon the speaker's face, anxiously awaiting their well deserved pat on the back.  I've delivered the disappointing news so many times to these eager pleasers, that one almost begins to feel perhaps they are wrong on some existentital level and perhaps a modern Dante has a special circle reserved for code officials; however, there exists now a possible solution to make everyone happy.

Simpson's SDS screws, aka mini lag bolts, are approved for use with may of their framing hanger products. Their increased shank diameter allows them to maintain sufficient shear strength while allowing the easy mechanically assisted installation that makes normal screws attractive. These screws would seem to solve the additional problem that making the mistake of using screws creates. Once one has been informed that they should have used nails, they simply remove the screws and pop nails into the mangled cavities the screws left in the wood. Common sense would dictate that this does not result in the best possible connection; thus, these thicker screws would seem to be a more logical solution to this common dilemma.

More info on these connectors can be found here. 

Confusing Code Issues: Mandatory Rigid Insulation

There are certain portions of the code that can be a bit confusing, or perhaps have been hastily added without the proper review to determine their clarity on intent. Two such code sections are Table 502.2(1) of the IECC, and Table 1015.1 of the IBC. 

Table 502.2(1) of the IECC evolved recently from having one easy to read R-Value for walls in most types of construction, to the mysterious appearance of an additional R-Value with a ci subtext notation. Further explanation can be found in Table 502.2(2), which indicates that this ci or continuous insulation means that rigid insulation should be provided on many exterior walls in addition to the normal cavity insulation; however, the logic is never fully explained, even in the commentary. This has led to confusing requests from designers, builders, etc. to code officials as to whether or not they could simply provide more cavity insulation in lieu of completely "sealing up" the structure. The correct answer is no. The idea behind this continuous layer of ridged insulation is to cut down on what is known as a thermal bridge. In construction the framing members or small mass walls can act as a thermal bridge conducting heat from inside the structure to the cool exterior. The ridgid insualtion in essence raises the drawbridge on these thermal highways, and in addition may help keep moisture where it belongs on the outside of the structure; thus, these effects cannot be achieved by simply further insualting the wall cavity.

Table 1015.1 is a fairly straightforward summary of spaces which only require one means of egress. Studying the table one can determine that a group E occupancy may have up to 49 people before a secondary egress is required based strictly upon the occupant load, but there is a footnote indicating that daycares are limited to 10 unless a secondary means of egress is provided. This would also seem very clear; however, when inquiring minds scour the commentary for the impetus behind this slight change, this issue becomes a bit hazy. The commentary goes on to explain that this provision was actually added to increase the safety of occupancies that were actually I-4, but were permitted to elude the stringent requirements of IBC Chapter 9 due to their grade level location and access. Instead of making this a separate requirement for these particular situations, the code as written seems to make this a blanket requirement for all group E daycare spaces. As a result even daycares for older children that have classrooms as small as 400 square feet, are now technically required to have two means of egress. A code official may decide to apply some logic to the code and not require such situations to comply with this requirement. Although I personally wouldn't want to be preaching logic and the commentary, if something unfortunate were to happen in such a building; however, the 2012 code has removed/clarified this requirement, so PA will hopefuly be able to enforce this logically sometime in the next decade.