How to Fail Your Municipality's Residential Framing Inspection.
Heres a few issues that your local inspector could find that could cause your residential framing to fail inspection, citing the relevant code sections.
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By Murray Wennerlund published 9-10-2024 updated 9-10-2024

  1. Anchor Bolt Size and Spacing with 3"x3" Washers (WFCM 3.2)
    • Why It Fails: The WFCM (Wood Frame Construction Manual) 3.2 requires specific anchor bolt sizes and spacing to resist lateral loads, such as wind and seismic forces. If the bolts are improperly spaced or undersized, the structure may not have adequate resistance, leading to excessive movement or collapse under load.
  2. Corner Hold-Downs (WFCM 3.2)
    • Why It Fails: Corner hold-downs are required to resist uplift and lateral forces, especially in high-wind areas. If they are missing or not installed per code, the building may fail to resist wind uplift, increasing the risk of structural failure during a storm.
  3. Exterior/Interior Load-Bearing Walls (WFCM 3.4.4)
    • Why It Fails: WFCM 3.4.4 requires load-bearing walls to be constructed to specific standards to support roof, floor, and ceiling loads. Improper framing or inadequate supports can lead to structural sagging, cracking, or even collapse due to the insufficient load transfer.
  4. Exterior Walls > 10ft Engineered (WFCM 3.1.3.3)
    • Why It Fails: Exterior walls taller than 10 feet must be engineered to handle increased wind loads and potential deflection. Failure to provide engineering documentation or constructing walls outside the specified limits will lead to non-compliance with WFCM 3.1.3.3, resulting in a failed inspection due to the risk of instability.
  5. Roof Framing and Bracing (WFCM 3.2.1.3, IRC 802.5.1)
    • Why It Fails: The WFCM and IRC specify that roof framing and bracing must be designed to withstand wind uplift and lateral forces. Improper or missing bracing compromises the roof's ability to stay intact during extreme conditions like storms, leading to failure under load.
  6. Notching &; Boring [IRC 502.8, 602.6, 802.7]
    • Why It Fails: The IRC codes limit the size and location of notches and holes in framing members. If the notches and bores exceed these limitations, they weaken the structural integrity of beams, joists, or studs, risking failure under load, sagging, or excessive deflection.
  7. Reverse Pitch Engineered / Roof Pitch >12/12 Engineered (WFCM 3.5)
    • Why It Fails: Roofs with a pitch greater than 12/12 or reverse pitch require specific engineering to ensure structural stability. Without proper engineering, these roofs are vulnerable to wind uplift, drainage issues, and potential collapse.
  8. Door and Window Openings - Hurricane Strapping (WFCM 3.7)
    • Why It Fails: Hurricane strapping at door and window openings is critical to maintain the structural envelope against high wind forces. If the strapping is missing or improperly installed, the openings are more likely to fail, allowing wind and debris to breach the structure during a storm.
  9. Rafter Strapping (WFCM 3.9)
    • Why It Fails: WFCM 3.9 mandates the use of rafter strapping to resist uplift and lateral forces. Failure to properly install rafter strapping means the roof may not be secured adequately, leading to structural failure during high winds or storms.
  10. Rafter Uplift Resistance (IRC 802.11 &; Table 602.3(1))
    • Why It Fails: IRC 802.11 and Table 602.3(1) outline requirements for rafter connections to resist uplift forces. If rafters are not secured as per code, uplift forces during storms can detach them from the walls, risking roof failure.
  11. Engineered Beams as per Manufacturer Instructions and Specifications
    • Why It Fails: Engineered beams must be installed exactly as per manufacturer specifications to ensure proper load distribution. Deviating from these specifications can result in beams that cannot handle the intended load, causing sagging or collapse.
  12. Notching &; Boring (IRC 502.8, 602.6, 802.7)
    • Why It Fails: Same as item #6. Over-notching or improper boring of structural members compromises their ability to carry loads as intended by code, leading to failure.
  13. Shear Walls (WFCM Chapter 3)
    • Why It Fails: Shear walls are crucial for resisting lateral forces like wind and seismic activity. If they are not built per WFCM standards, the building’s resistance to these forces is compromised, increasing the risk of collapse.
  14. Wall Sheathing Nailing Patterns (WFCM T3.11)
    • Why It Fails: Incorrect nailing patterns reduce the ability of the wall sheathing to resist lateral loads and shear forces. If the nailing pattern does not match WFCM T3.11, the structural integrity of the wall is compromised.
  15. Roof Sheathing Nailing Patterns (WFCM T3.10)
    • Why It Fails: Similar to wall sheathing, roof sheathing nailing patterns are critical for resisting wind uplift and other forces. If the nailing is inadequate or incorrect per WFCM T3.10, the sheathing could detach under stress, leading to roof failure.
  16. Rough Stairway Framing (IRC 311.5)
    • Why It Fails: Stairway framing must meet specific dimensions and strength requirements per IRC 311.5. Failure occurs if the framing is improperly sized or constructed, leading to unsafe or unstable stairs.
  17. Windows Meet Energy Code (IRC 1102)
    • Why It Fails: Windows must meet the energy efficiency standards of IRC 1102 to ensure the building's thermal envelope is effective. Non-compliant windows will lead to energy loss, and the structure will fail to meet the energy code requirements.
  18. Window DP Rating - Energy Rating (SSTD 602)
    • Why It Fails: The DP (Design Pressure) rating is critical for windows in high-wind areas. If the windows do not meet the required DP rating per SSTD 602, they may fail under wind loads, leading to structural damage.
  19. Window Safety Glazing (IRC 308.4)
    • Why It Fails: Windows near doors, stairs, or other hazardous locations must have safety glazing per IRC 308.4. Failure to provide safety glazing can lead to injuries during breakage, causing non-compliance.
  20. Window Egress Standards (IRC 310.1)
    • Why It Fails: Windows must meet egress requirements for emergency escape. If the windows are too small or positioned improperly, they do not allow for safe egress in emergencies, violating IRC 310.1.
  21. Windows &; Exterior Door (IRC 609)
    • Why It Fails: Windows and doors must be installed per IRC 609 standards for energy efficiency and structural performance. Non-compliance can result in energy inefficiency and structural issues like water intrusion.
  22. Fire Blocking and Fire Caulking for Walls Over 10ft (IRC 302.1)
    • Why It Fails: IRC 302.1 requires fire blocking to slow the spread of fire. If fire blocking or caulking is missing or improperly installed, fire can spread more quickly, violating fire safety standards.
  23. Bracing of Gable Walls (WFCM 3.4)
    • Why It Fails: Gable walls require bracing to resist wind loads. Without proper bracing per WFCM 3.4, the gable wall is prone to collapse during high winds.
  24. Header Supports (IRC 602.7.5)
    • Why It Fails: Headers must have adequate support to carry loads. If the support is inadequate or missing, the header can sag or collapse under load, violating IRC 602.7.5.
  25. Windows and Door Headers with Proper Supports (WFCM 3.4.2.4)
    • Why It Fails: Window and door headers must be properly supported to distribute loads. Failure to provide adequate support as required by WFCM 3.4.2.4 risks structural failure.
  26. Attic Access Sized Correctly with Framing Supported (IRC 807)
    • Why It Fails: Attic access openings must be of a specific size and properly supported per IRC 807. Incorrect framing or sizing can lead to structural weakness or inability to safely access the attic.
  27. Garage Framing and Anchoring (IRC 602.10)
    • Why It Fails: Garage walls are typically shear walls and must meet framing and anchoring requirements in IRC 602.10. Improper framing or anchoring can cause the garage to collapse under wind or seismic loads.

Each of these failures relates to a significant structural or safety risk and can cause the framing inspection to fail due to non-compliance with the respective building codes.

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