2021 International Residential Code (International Code Council Series)

2021 International Residential Code (IRC) – Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas & Electrical Requirements

The 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) is a comprehensive code covering building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, and electrical requirements for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses up to three stories. It provides an essential reference for residential construction professionals, contractors, architects, engineers, inspectors, builders, and code officials.

The 2021 edition includes numerous important updates affecting residential construction, structural design, fire safety, plumbing, mechanical systems, electrical requirements, decks, wind design, and emerging construction methods.

Key Updates in the 2021 IRC

• Braced wall lines must be placed on a physical wall or between multiple walls.

• Rated separation for two-family dwellings is 1 hour, whether or not a lot line exists between units.

• Emergency escape and rescue openings require a clear 36-inch-wide path to a public way.

• Engineered design is required for storm shelters.

• Habitable attics are limited to one-half the area of the story below, with sprinklers required in the dwelling.

• Updated wind speed maps correspond with IBC and ASCE 7 maps.

• Deck design requirements now address snow loads, tributary area for footings and post height, and guard details.

• Specific requirements for deck guardrails have been added.

• Component and cladding wind pressures are updated for new design wind speeds and hip or gable roof profiles.

• Minimum footing size tables have been revised to better reflect current construction practices.

• Cripple wall requirements now apply only to exterior cripple walls.

• New appendices address cob construction and 3D-printed construction.

• Balanced ventilation systems may use a 30% reduction in airflow.

• Commercial gas cooking appliances are prohibited.

• Water test head pressure for DWV systems has increased to 10 feet.

• Air vacuum testing is permitted for plastic piping DWV systems.

• Section P2904 for dwelling sprinklers has been expanded to more closely align with NFPA 13D.

• An emergency service disconnect is required in a readily accessible outdoor location.

• A surge-protective device (SPD) is required at the service panel.

• Kitchen receptacle requirements for peninsular and island countertops are determined by countertop surface area.

Ideal For

The 2021 IRC is a valuable reference for:

• Residential builders and contractors

• Architects and engineers

• Building and code inspectors

• Construction professionals

• Plumbing and mechanical contractors

• Electrical professionals

• Residential designers

• Code officials

• Students and construction educators

Product Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ ICC (distributed by Cengage Learning)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 17, 2020
• Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 168 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1609839668
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1609839666
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.3 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.5 x 11 inches

Whether you're designing, building, inspecting, or studying residential construction, the 2021 International Residential Code provides a comprehensive reference for understanding modern residential building requirements and code updates.

Add the 2021 IRC to your professional construction and code-reference library today.