How to Fail Your Municipality's Residential Framing Inspection.

Notes: The code reference, Foundation Anchorage (IRC R403.1.6) indicates that all wood sole plates of braced wall panels and all wood sill plates must be anchored to the foundation, regardless of whether the wall is load-bearing or non-load-bearing.

Requirements:

Wood Sole Plates of Braced Wall Panels: These are panels designed to resist lateral forces such as wind or seismic loads. Any wall that is part of a braced wall panel (whether interior or exterior) must have its wood sole plate anchored to the foundation.
All Wood Sill Plates: This refers to the bottom plate of any framed wall in contact with the foundation. All sill plates, regardless of whether the wall is load-bearing or not, must be anchored to the foundation.

Why This Applies to More Than Load-Bearing Walls:

Braced wall panels are used to resist lateral loads, and this can apply to both load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls, depending on their role in the building’s lateral stability.
All sill plates must be anchored to ensure the walls are properly tied to the foundation, preventing lateral movement of the entire structure. This applies to both load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls to ensure stability against lateral forces like wind or seismic activity.

This requirement applies to more than just load-bearing walls. Any wall with a braced wall panel and all wood sill plates on the foundation, whether part of a load-bearing wall or not, must be anchored to the slab or foundation.

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.
Foundation Anchorage (IRC R403.1.6)
- Wood sill plates and wood walls on continuous foundations must be anchored with 1/2-inch diameter anchor bolts spaced a maximum of 6 feet on center. Bolts must extend at least 7 inches into concrete or grouted masonry units and be located in the middle third of the plate's width.
Anchor Bolts Within 12 Inches of Doors (IRC R403.1.6)
- Why It Fails: Anchor bolts must be installed within 12 inches of door openings to properly secure the wall to the foundation, as required by the IRC. This helps ensure that the structure is adequately anchored to resist lateral forces, such as wind or seismic activity. Missing or improperly placed anchor bolts can lead to excessive movement in the framing, compromising structural integrity.
- Code Reference: IRC R403.1.6
- Is This Requirement for Exterior or Interior Walls?
- Exterior Walls: This code specifically applies to exterior walls, where the anchor bolts are critical in securing the structure to the foundation and resisting wind uplift and lateral forces.
- Interior Walls: The code does not generally require anchor bolts in interior walls unless they are load-bearing and need specific anchorage for structural stability. The focus is primarily on exterior walls because they are directly exposed to wind, seismic activity, and other lateral forces.
- In summary, the requirement for anchor bolts within 12 inches of door openings applies to exterior walls, where securing the framing to the foundation is critical to prevent movement or failure under lateral loads.
Corner Hold-Downs (IRC R602.10.6.2 wall bracing, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Engineered beams per manufacturer instructions:
- Many municipal and private inspectors require this information at the plan review phase. If they don't, you should include it so there is no misunderstanding on how the components are to be installed and what the intended use covers.
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.
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.
Door and Window Openings [IRC 609] - 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.
Windows and 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.
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.
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.
- Inspection Summary: The absence of hurricane ties weakens the roof structure's ability to resist uplift, which can lead to roof detachment during high winds.
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.
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.
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. Shear walls have to have a call-out detailed design in your plans with installation instructions clearly documented by the designer, engineer, architect.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bracing of Gable Walls (WFCM 3.4, IRC R602.10)
- Why It Fails: Gable end walls are more vulnerable to wind forces due to their height and shape. Proper bracing is essential to prevent collapse during high winds. Inspectors will check for compliance with the bracing requirements to ensure the structure can withstand lateral forces. If the bracing is missing or incorrectly installed, the gable end wall may fail.
- Code Reference: WFCM 3.4, IRC R602.10
Header Supports, openings greater than 6' require additional king studs (IRC 602.7.5)
- Why It Fails: Openings such as windows and doors larger than 6 feet require additional king studs to support the increased load from the header. These studs help distribute the load properly around the opening. If the additional king studs are missing or improperly installed, the inspector will flag this as a structural deficiency.
- Code Reference: IRC R602.7.5
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.
Garage Framing and Anchoring, Strapping for Portal Framing at Garage Door (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. Strapping is required to provide lateral support at garage door openings. Missing or improperly installed strapping will cause the wall to fail to resist lateral forces, particularly in high-wind areas.
- Code Reference: IRC 602.10
Caulking/Sealant for Exterior Wall Penetrations (IRC R703.1)
- Why it Fails: Caulking or sealant is needed at any penetrations through the air or moisture barrier to prevent water intrusion and air leakage, which can lead to moisture damage and energy inefficiency.
- Code Reference: IRC R703.1
Draft Stopping Above Fireplaces and Below Tubs (IRC R302.12)
- Why It Fails: Draft stopping is required to limit the spread of fire and smoke within concealed spaces, such as above fireplaces and below bathtubs. Without proper draft stopping, fire and smoke can quickly travel through unprotected areas, increasing the risk of fire damage and putting occupants in danger. If draft stopping is missing or not installed per code, it will result in a failed inspection.
- Code Reference: IRC R302.12
Anchoring and Strapping for Patio Posts (IRC R407, IRC R802.11, WFCM 3.9)
- Why It Fails: Patio posts need to be properly anchored at the base and strapped at the top, or secured with structural screws/fasteners to a rafter, beam, or joist to resist uplift and lateral forces. These methods ensure that the patio structure remains stable during high winds or other forces that can cause uplift. Failure to anchor and strap posts correctly leads to non-compliance with the building code, risking structural failure in extreme conditions.
- Applicable Codes:
- Uplift Resistance for Patio Posts
- Code Reference: IRC R802.11 and WFCM 3.9
- Explanation: These sections of the IRC and WFCM specify requirements for uplift resistance in framing, including patio posts. Patio posts must be designed and installed to resist uplift forces caused by wind. The uplift connection methods include strapping or using structural screws or fasteners to secure posts to the supporting structure, such as rafters, beams, or joists.
- Base Anchoring for Posts
- Code Reference: IRC R407
- Explanation: IRC R407 requires that posts, including those used for patios, be anchored at their base to ensure stability and prevent movement. Proper anchoring includes securing the posts to concrete footings or other stable foundations to resist vertical and lateral forces.
- Key Requirements:
- Top Connection (Strapping or Structural Fastener):
- Posts must be strapped or connected using structural screws or fasteners to resist uplift. This connection ensures the patio roof or overhead structure remains securely attached to the supporting frame, such as a beam, rafter, or joist.
- Code Reference: IRC R802.11, WFCM 3.9
- Base Anchoring:
- Posts must be anchored to resist lateral and vertical movement. Typical methods include bolting posts to concrete footings or attaching them to embedded anchors to secure them firmly to the ground.
- Code Reference: IRC R407
- Why It Fails: Uplift Forces: If the posts are not anchored properly, they may be pulled out of position due to wind uplift. In high-wind areas, this is especially critical. Lateral Movement: Lack of proper base anchoring can lead to horizontal displacement of the posts, making the patio unsafe or prone to collapse.
- In summary, patio posts must comply with IRC R407 for base anchoring and IRC R802.11 / WFCM 3.9 for uplift resistance, using top strapping or structural fasteners to connect posts to the supporting structure.
Full-Length Stud Pack Required Under Trip Web Beam (IRC R602.7.5)
- Why It Fails: A full-length stud pack is required to provide adequate support under a trip web beam. Similarly, additional jack studs are necessary to support the headers in window framing. Failure to provide this support risks structural failure due to inadequate load distribution.
- Inspection Summary: The absence of full-length studs or insufficient jack studs can result in sagging or collapse under load due to the improper support of beams and headers.
- Code Reference: IRC R602.7.5
Hanger Required for Double 2x12’s Tie to Beam (IRC R502.6.2)
- Why It Fails: Double 2x12s must be properly connected to supporting beams with approved hangers. If hangers are missing or incorrectly installed, the beams could detach, leading to structural instability, especially near high-traffic areas like staircases.
- Inspection Summary: Missing or improper hangers could cause beam failure, particularly in areas where significant load-bearing connections are essential for safety.
- Code Reference: IRC R502.6.2
Proper Roof Load Bearing Where Roof Bracing Supports Ceiling Joists (IRC R802.6)
- Why It Fails: The roof's load must be properly transferred to supporting members like ceiling joists. Improper bearing or bracing can lead to excessive deflection, sagging, or even structural collapse under the roof load.
- Inspection Summary: Improper load-bearing or support of the ceiling joists can result in structural instability and failure of the roof system.
- Code Reference: IRC R802.6
Over-Spanned Double 2x Beams IRC R502.5(1)
- Why It Fails: The maximum allowable span for double 2x12 beams is specified in the IRC. A span of XX feet without adequate support exceeds the allowable limit, leading to excessive deflection, sagging, or collapse.
- Inspection Summary: Over-spanned beams without proper support compromise the structural integrity of the patio, increasing the risk of failure under load.
- Code Reference: IRC R502.5(1)
Design Layout Required for Floor Webbed Joists and Beams (IRC R502.1.2, Local)
- Why It Fails: A design layout for floor webbed joists and beams must be submitted for review and approval by a licensed professional, especially when custom designs are involved. Failure to submit approved plans can lead to non-compliance with structural requirements.
- Inspection Summary: The absence of an approved design layout for the floor structure may result in non-compliance with local building standards and inadequate structural performance.
- Code Reference: IRC R502.1.2, Local codes

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.

How to Fail Your Municipality's Residential Framing Inspection.

4 Images

Videos

Documents