Building Codes

6 articles

Cross-section of a roof truss with properly installed and insulated ductwork, illustrating compliance with ASHRAE standards for energy efficiency.
Materials

Meeting ASHRAE Standards for Ductwork in Roof Trusses

A recent audit revealed that 60% of new residential constructions fail to meet ASHRAE's minimum duct sealing and insulation standards when ductwork is routed through roof trusses, leading to an averag

Kyle Brenner·June 12, 2026
Architects and engineers collaborating over detailed blueprints of advanced door hardware systems, emphasizing critical decision-making for future construction projects.
Trades

Experts Evaluate Complex Door Hardware Scenarios for 2026

A major hospital project in Phoenix faced a six-month delay and $3 million in cost overruns last year.

Rick Donovan·May 26, 2026
A collapsed second-floor deck showing damage and exposed spray foam insulation, illustrating DIY renovation risks.
Safety

DIY spray foam risks second floor load paths nationwide

A recent incident in Ohio saw a second-floor deck collapse, which investigators linked to altered load paths from a DIY exterior renovation project, highlighting a growing, unmonitored risk in homes n

Rick Donovan·May 22, 2026
Construction workers reviewing blueprints at a residential building site in California, emphasizing adherence to new safety regulations and fire sprinkler mandates.
Safety

Residential Construction Regulations Explained

In California, every new residential dwelling unit must now include fire sprinklers, a significant cost and design consideration that was not universally required just a few years ago.

Ben Foster·May 13, 2026
A contemporary skyscraper featuring a striking design that combines natural wood elements with steel and glass, showcasing modern construction possibilities.
Materials

Expanding Wood's Role in Modern Construction

In Type I or II buildings, often seen as concrete and steel strongholds, fire-retardant-treated wood (FRTW) is routinely permitted in nonbearing partitions and even certain exterior walls.

Kyle Brenner·May 6, 2026
Close-up of a tangled mess of electrical wires, some sparking, highlighting the dangers of mixing low-voltage and high-voltage lines in DIY projects.
How-To

DIY Electrical Wiring: Safety, Codes, and Common Mistakes

Mixing low-voltage communication wires with standard 120v electrical lines in the same box without proper rating can melt insulation and ignite a house fire.

Scott Ramirez·April 20, 2026