November 2019 Update:
By Glenn Mathewson, NADRA Technical Advisor …doesn’t stay in Vegas, at least not when it’s about deck code! Here’s a recap of what to expect in your 2021 International Residential Code from the ICC Public Comment Hearing that occurred in Las Vegas last week. This information is as fresh as it gets, because NADRA members … Continue reading
October 2019 Update:
October 2019 Update By: Glenn Mathewson Some believe they should. Stair treads must resist the same uniform load as decking, but with an added requirement to resist a 300 lb. concentrated load at mid span. Consider the impact your feet place on treads as you come running down them. This extra requirement is not without … Continue reading
September 2019 Update:
September 25th, 2019 By Glenn Mathewson Last year at the NADRA annual meeting, I asked the membership to step up and take the reigns of code development for their industry. Uncomfortable as it was, I was asking for financial support to NADRA so that I could do this work. Thankfully, many builders and manufacturers heard … Continue reading
August 2019 Update:
August 29th, 2019 By: Glenn Mathewson The latest 2018 edition of the International Residential Code provides a complete package of prescriptive structural design tables for decks… sort of… When we think of structural design, most people imagine the skeleton of ledgers, joists, beams, and posts. At this completion, one might be ready for a “rough … Continue reading
August 14th, 2019 By: Glenn Mathewson Proposal RB190 – Table R507.5 Through the efforts of NADRA.org and other organizations and professionals, the 2015 IRC revealed the first deck beam-sizing table (Table R507.5) to ever be included in a US model code. It provides maximum spans of simple deck beams based on different loading, species, profiles, … Continue reading
NTA joins the International Code Council’s family of solutions. The acquisition will add laboratory and testing capabilities to the Code Council service offerings and will foster innovation by streamlining the time-to-market for product manufacturers Nappanee, IN – The International Code Council announced today that it has acquired NTA, a leading provider of testing services, product certification, inspection, engineering, off-site construction plan review, and code evaluation. … Continue reading
July 2019 Update:
July 3rd, 2019 By: Glenn Mathewson To finish a marathon, you’ve got to push through the last mile. Such is the same with developing a new edition of the International Residential Code. Thousands of people are currently running a marathon toward the 2021 IRC, and though they are halfway through, there’s no telling who (or … Continue reading
May 2019 Update:
May 8th, 2019 Notes from NADRA’s Code Committee Chair, Mark Guthrie: Building codes are always going to play a critical part in the safety, growth and public perception of our industry. NADRA recognizes this and has been dedicating an increasing amount of time and resources to better understanding and shaping the codes that we all must build …Continue reading
ICC Committee Action Hearings, Group B Codes – Albuquerque, 2019:
Deep into the IRC Committee Action Hearings. So far the deck industry has been well represented by The North American Deck and Railing Association and our friends in the Deck Code Coalition. READ MORE
March 2019 Update:
Professionals are now planning and strategizing their proponent and opponent testimonies for delivery at the Committee Action Hearing in Albuquerque the first week of May. NADRA will be proudly supporting nine proposals that came together through the effort and contribution of many professionals and organizations from a variety of backgrounds, and are thus the kind of ideas that NADRA was proud to cosponsor. For a building code to honestly and respectfully represent a civilization, the whole civilization should be invited to their creation.
NADRA invites all those with interest in deck codes to share and contribute together with us and those we work with. We strongly believe that is path to the most appropriate, minimum standard.
Click Here to review your 2021 IRC deck-related code proposals and a simple summary.
The proposals for the creation of the 2021 IRC have been released for review and can be viewed HERE.
If you are in the decking industry, we need your help. The ideas are being discussed and the rules are being made. You shouldn’t stand on the sidelines any longer. We need you in the game. There are two ways you can help in a big way:
1. Offer your monetary support: To contribute to the fundraising initiative, follow this link here to see what our goal and how the funds are being used to keep this effort moving forward.
2. Offer your time: To volunteer time, please email Info@NADRA.org and we will work with you and the code committee to see how we can best utilize your skills – most likely, helping to review the proposals in March.
February 2019 Update
2021 International Residential Code
By Glenn Mathewson
Thanks to the support of NADRA members we have shared our knowledge with others in the campfire discussions regarding deck code proposals for the 2021 International Residential Code. There were 9 proposals submitted with our assistance and approval. The Deck Code Coalition is an informal group of generous professionals from a variety of backgrounds. Led by the steadfast efforts of Mr. Charles Banjai, a now retired code official and long-time contributor to code development, NADRA was able to work with these professionals toward well-developed deck codes. While some disagreement remains and some is yet to be decided, it appears the majority of these proposals have broad support. Here is a brief rundown of what was submitted. READ MORE
NADRA Code Update
Here’s a run down of proposals likely to be submitted Jan. 7th with the combined support of nearly all the contributors of the Deck Code Coalition. I am proud of NADRA for being a part of this support. READ MORE
ICC Code Work, Code representation & change awareness. Your CONTRIBUTION will enable this important work to continue.
NADRA’s Code Initiative
We are asking for your help on behalf of the entire organization so that we can become a stronger voice in shaping the deck codes we all must build to.
If you are in the decking industry, we need your help. The ideas are being discussed and the rules are being made. You shouldn’t stand on the sidelines any longer. We need you in the game. There are two ways you can help in a big way:
1. Offer your monetary support: To contribute to the fundraising initiative, follow this link here to see what our goal and how the funds are being used to keep this effort moving forward.
2. Offer your time: To volunteer time, please email Info@NADRA.org and we will work with you and the code committee to see how we can best utilize your skills – most likely, helping to review the proposals in March.
Vision:
Safe decks with well-thought-out engineering and a common sense practical approach to code requirements.
Code Mission Statement
To advance and protect industry interests in the code development arena and to promote member involvement; to promote governmental and agency reliance on NADRA as a voice for the industry; to create and maintain relationships with key government agencies and code officials; to be a forum for the discussion, study, and investigation of proposed and existing model code development, federal and state legislation and programs, and to report such findings to the Board of Directors and the Membership.
This section of NADRA’s website is dedicated to building code requirements and best building practices related to outdoor living structures.
Here you will find references to help you interpret code topics, links to jurisdiction websites for licensing and code requirements, and much more.
NADRA is always looking to add to the information provided in this section of the website, so please feel free to suggest a link by using the contact form below.
We are asking for your help on behalf of the entire organization so that we can become a stronger voice in shaping the deck codes we all must build to.
November 2015
Below are 2 documents from the Deck Code Coalition, which contains a detailed list of each item they are recommending for revision with the 2018 IRC with comments and highlights in the “ICC Format”, as well as a “clean” copy of the rewritten code sections with the updates included.
Please note that these documents are still “under construction”, and further revisions and improvements to wording should be included. However, the DCC has offered to share this preliminary information with NADRA members in an effort to build broader agreement and unity in how we are working to improve the code we all work under.
Composite Changes
R507 Rewrite
If you have specific questions, comments or concerns let us know by filling out a form found HERE
Thank You,
Matt Breyer
NADRA’s chair for our Code & Education Committee
August 2014
A Product Program for Composite Decking By Roy Diez
Is the composite decking industry in need of a labeling program that rates the performance of individual deck board products?
Read full article HERE.
October 2013 Update
By Glenn Mathewson
Comments on IRC 2015 Code Public Comment hearings
NADRA attended the Public Comment Hearings on October 4th, 2013 to serve and protect the decking industry in the development of the 2015 IRC. I’m happy to say that we did that job well, and have little to fear in the new provisions now decided. Here’s a review of the topics we spoke on. Read full recap HERE.
September 2013 Update
By Glenn Mathewson
When There’s No Public Comment
If a proposal in the IRC code development process doesn’t receive a public comment, the vote from the first hearing is generally the final result. With the recent publishing of the public comments, we can now see what the 2015 IRC is starting to look like. It’s been a lot of work keeping up with the high-profile deck code proposals on the table this summer, like the monstrous 268 with a depth of un-agreed-upon prescriptive code provisions that would rock the industry or the one that already has…the lateral load anchor. Those most certainly received public comment, but there were other less glamorous proposals regarding our industry that did not. Read On…When There’s No Public Comment…
August 2013 Update
By Glenn Mathewson
BUILDING CODE OR PRODUCT CATALOG?
How many hold-down anchors does it take to build a deck? The development of the 2015 IRC is halfway through, and there’s likely going to be some new regulations for the construction industry to adjust to. For the decking industry, there’s lobbying working to create new building codes around specific product lines. We’ve already seen the costly results of including “permitted” details in the code depicting specific products. The lateral load anchor detail, that was published this way in the 2009 IRC, is quickly read as “required” by many building departments. Now, as new research is revealing that ledgers fair quite well without lateral anchors, there is a proposal seeking to “permit” the use of anchors on every guard post in the 2015 IRC. Will history be repeated and this also be read as “required”? Read On…How many hold-down anchors does it take to build a deck?
July 2013 Update
By Glenn Mathewson
“NADRA has submitted public comments for the Public Comment Hearing (formally the Final Action Hearing). Links to public comments are posted below. As always, NADRA welcomes feedback from our members.
“NADRA has begun to draft public comments for the Public Comment Hearing (formally the Final Action Hearing). With the development of the 2015 IRC half way through, NADRA remains on top of the process by participating in each phase of code development. The committee has made their vote in the previous hearings, but all can still be turned around, both for our advantage and disadvantage. Links to public comments are posted here as they are developed. As always, NADRA welcomes feedback from our members.”
ICC CODES – PUBLIC COMMENT FORM
June 2013 Update
By Glenn Mathewson
“The hearing results are published, and the first half of the code development process is complete. The decisions of the committee on each proposal can still be overturned at the final hearing if a public comment is received, so take a good look. NADRA will begin working on the next step…preparing our public comments and working with others on theirs, where our input can be provided. Keep in mind…if a public comment is not received on a proposal, consider it done and in the code.”
May 2013 Update
By Glenn Mathewson
Recap of 2013 Group B Committee Action Hearing (Dallas, TX) Last week the IRC code hearings were held in Dallas, TX. NADRA’s Technical Advisor, Glenn Mathewson represented the association on numerous proposals. This work is just beginning & your support is NEEDED on key issues that WILL effect your businesses and will effect this industry. Your support is encouraged so these efforts can continue on behalf of the membership and industry the association serves. NADRA Headquarters a nd the entire board would like to personally thank Glenn Mathewson for his time and efforts at these hearings. Recap of 2013 Group B Committee Action Hearing (Dallas) – By NADRA Technical Advisor, Glenn Mathewson: Take Action: Now that the ICC Committee Action Hearings are over, be sure to follow the link about the public comment hearings. The first recap of an approved proposal is a good example of WHY we need your support so we can continue to be heard at these hearings!
April 2013 Update
Code Proposals Presented By Glenn Mathewson
Here is the link to read the all proposed changes from the ICC Building Committee
File download may take a moment – thank you!
March 2013 Update
NADRA Codes and Standards Cabinet
You decide, NADRA. What are your opinions about this?
Update NADRA Codes and Standards Committee
The ICC Building Code Action Committee is considering a very large proposal for deck construction provisions to be included in the 2015 IRC. Anyone is invited to provide feedback, both opponent and proponent, on the proposal. The committee wishes to work on the document with the industry, prior to the hearings next year. Take a look at this proposal and see if you want these provisions to become code? Code, such that any other option is an “alternative” that has to be convinced to the building official over “just doing what the code says”.
State Licensing Links
Contractor Registration and Licensing requirements vary from state to state. Not all states have requirements at the state level. Additional requirements may exist at the local jurisdiction level.
No information available.
Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation
850-487-1395
http://www.state.fl.us/dbpr/pro/cilb/cilb_index.html
Contractors Board
225-765-2301
Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
410-230-6270
http://www.dllr.state.md.us
Department of Commerce
800-657-3978
http://www.state.mn.us/cgi-bin/portal/mn/jsp/home.do?agency=Commerce
Nebraska Workforce Development – Department of Labor
402-595-3183
http://www.dol.state.ne.us/
Department of Community Affairs
Bureau of Homeowner Protection
New Home Warranty Program
609-530-8800
http://www.state.nj.us/dca/index.html
North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors
919-571-4183
http://www.nclbgc.org
Ohio Construction Industry Examining Board
614-644-3493
http://www.com.state.oh.us/ODOC/dic/dicocieb.htm
Department of Administration
Contractor’s Registration Board
401-222-1268
http://www.crb.state.ri.us
South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation
803-896-4696
http://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/ResidentialBuilders/
Professional and Occupational Licensing
605-773-3153
http://www.state.sd.us/sos/sos.htm
Board for Licensing Contractors
615-741-8307
http://www.state.tn.us/commerce/boards/contractors/index.html
Corporations Section
Office of the Secretary of State
512-463-5555
http://www.license.state.tx.us/
Office of the Vermont Secretary of State
Corporations/UCC Division
802-828-2386
http://www.sec.state.vt.us
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Board for Contractors
http://www.state.va.us/dpor/indexie.html
Department of Labor & Industries, Contractors Regulation Section
360-902-5226
https://wws2.wa.gov/lni/bbip/contractor.asp
Department of Financial Institutions
608-261-7577
http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/SB/SB-DivProgramsListed.html
State of Wyoming, Electrical Board
Department of Fire Prevention & Electrical Safety
307-777-7288
Material Data Sheets
ICC-Building Products Evaluation Reports – http://www.icc-es.org/reports/index.cfm?list=list
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Click HERE to contact a NADRA member in your area if you are looking for a deck builder/contractor or Inspector. NADRA helps the consumer by providing information on deck safety, design, and products by responding to consumer inquiries. Please use the form for membership questions or other comments and suggestions. Thank you.