We were quite pleased by the turnout of professionals that attended the meeting at Deck Expo about the development of the 2015 IRC. Members from all aspects of our industry sat together while we delivered a message about the upcoming code modification process, the goals, needs and the current status of NADRA in regard to this process. This was followed by an open format for member to discuss their concerns and ideas and to ask questions. This meet and greet was a great start to getting the association working together on important code issues that affect us all.
A few points of discussion:
1) It was brought up by a member that the lateral load anchor detail in the IRC should be a priority of NADRA in the upcoming process. This code provision has garnered the attention of the entire industry since it’s inclusion in the code. Builders and code administrators alike are baffled with how to handle this detail in the application of the code. However, it is not easily removed from the code, as was discovered in the process for the 2012 IRC, where it was proven that logical issues would alone not remove it. The testing performed by Washington State regarding lateral live loads from deck occupants was discussed as a possible reference for deriving actual lateral loads that need resistance, as opposed to an arbitrary number, now provided in the IRC. It was strongly agreed that this portion of the IRC needs modification, but equally recognized that research and testing will likely be necessary for the ICC membership to consider any modification proposal.
2) The need for funding for the work of NADRA in the code change process was discussed, as well as ideas for fundraising. Builders present were brainstorming ideas for a grass-roots type of support and fundraising that allows builder members to directly support and promote the NADRA code change efforts. It was recognized that the financial burden couldn’t be put solely on the shoulders of our industry members. At the same time, industry members still showed their support in the effort. When industry pros like FastenMaster and Fiberon stand with builders for a common effort in code, you know you’ve got an industry working together. The Professional Deck Builder, a trade journal, was also there, and offered to help publicize our efforts.
3) The strategy for growing NADRA’s presence in the ICC modification process was discussed. It was proposed that NADRA select some low-hanging fruit code modifications that will be an easy win. This will allow NADRA and NADRA’s representative, Glenn Mathewson, to make a good and positive first impression on the ICC membership and committee during the 2013 process. The primary efforts will be focused on reviewing, commenting and proposing modification to proposals submitted by others. The ICC process provides many opportunities to building and modify the code throughout the process, including modification of others proposals.
If you are a NADRA member, or an industry professional, we invite you to join us in the discussion of the future of ICC code provisions that affect deck construction. Send an email to NADRA Headquarters, at info@nadra.org, or to Glenn Mathewson, at glennmathewson@nadra.org
