Resources
Code Outreach
The goal of our Code Outreach Program is to lobby for support and enforcement of residential building codes. These codes create regulations for residential and commercial construction and are intended to protect the property of the consumer. Code Outreach Representatives meet with city officials, engineers and building officials across the country to encourage enforcement of these codes.
Part of our efforts with Code Outreach is focused on creating a better world through the environmentally friendly practice of rain water harvesting. In addition to being environmentally friendly, rain barrels can actually help protect the foundation of a home through gradual watering of the permeable areas around the perimeter of a house. This practice of foundation “watering†works by attaching a soaker hose to the spigot on your rain barrel. This will allow excess water to be evenly dispersed throughout your yard.
Building Code
Roof Drainage Building Codes & Standards
International Code Council – International Residential Code 2006
 Ch. 8 Roof-Ceiling Construction: Section R801
“In areas where expansive or collapsible soils are known to exist, all dwellings shall have a controlled method of water disposal from roofs that will collect and discharge roof drainage to the ground surface at least 5 feet (1524 mm) from foundation walls or to an approved drainage system.â€Â
“Saturated expansive or collapsible soils can lead to foundation failures because their additional loads are imposed on the foundation wall. To minimize the potential for the soil adjacent to the foundation wall to become saturated due to roof drainage, the code requires that the roof drain 5 feet (1524 mm) from the foundation.”
 Ch. 4 Foundations: Section R401.3
R401.3 Drainage
International Residential Code Commentary – 2000
As illustrated in Commentary Figures R401.3(1) and R 401.3(2) , drainage patterns should result in adequate slopes to approved drainage devices that are capable of carrying concentrated runoff. In some cases, control of concentrated roof runoff by gutters and downspouts may be needed, and if gutters and downspouts are used, provisions should be made to discharge runoff in order to prevent soil erosion. Refer also to Section R801.
Texas Administrative Code
Rule 535.228: Standards of Practice: Inspection Guidelines for Structural Systems
Title 22 | Examining Boards |
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Part 23 | Texas Real Estate Commission |
Chapter 535 | General Provisions |
Subchapter R | Real Estate Inspectors |
National Association of Home Builders
NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines – click here
U.S. Green Building Council
LEED for Homes Program
Energy Star
Indoor Air Package Pilot Specification – April 4, 2005
1. Moisture Control Required Measures References Water Managed Roofs
1.1Provide Minimum No. 30 roof felt under layment or equivalent.1.2 In IECC 2004 Climate Zones 5 and higher, provide self sealing water protection membrane ice flashing over the sheathing at the eave extending 2 feet inside the exterior wall plane.
1.3 Provide metal drip edge at all exposed roof decking.
1.4 Provide self-sealing bituminous membrane at all eaves, valleys and penetrations except in climates with less than 20 inches annual rainfall.
1.5 Provide Insulated wind baffle or other air barrier to block wind washing at all attic eave bays in roof assemblies with soffit vents.
1.6 Provide step flashing at all intersections of roof and walls with the exception of continuous flashing at metal and rubber membrane roofs. Metal “kick-out†flashing shall be provided at the end of roof/wall intersections to direct water away from wall. Drainage plane above shall be directed water flow onto and not behind flashing. Intersection wall siding shall terminate a minimum of 2 inches above roof. HUD/NAHB specs for gutters and downspouts
1.7 Direct roof water from house with either:
Guttering and downspouts shall empty to lateral piping that deposit(s) water on finish grade a minimum of 5 ft. from foundation, or in limited spaces, deposit to underground catchment system that carries water 10 ft. from foundation.
In dry climates with less that 20 inches annual rainfall as shown in EEBA Builder Guides, provide minimum 18†roof overhangs that deposit water to grade sloped away from home.
References
Copper Development Assn. Design Handbook, Sec. 4
Moisture Control Handbook
IRC
EBBA Builder Guide
Moisture Control Handbook
EEBA Builder Guide
EEBA Water management Guide
IRC code 801.c
EEBA Builder Guides
HUD/NAHB specs for gutters and downspouts
Moisture Control Handbook
IRC
Building Code Links
Moisture & Durability
Moisture is the greatest threat to the durability of your home. Over time exposure to moisture can lead to corrosion of building components, insect habitation, wood rot and mold. Moisture can also affect indoor air quality and, without proper drainage, could lead to foundation failure. It is essential that rainwater be diverted away from buildings. Gutters and downspouts are a critical line of defense against foundation problems. Absence of gutters can result in a range of issues from foundation wall failure to cracked foundations and wall joints.
Senox has concluded that the most critical element of optimal gutter performance is eliminating gutter debris. Therefore, we are developing products and methods that will provide solutions for long-term roof drainage and collection needs.
Durability Issues |
Results of Durability Issues |
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Moisture | Poor Surface Drainage |
Sunlight | Corroded Electrical Wiring |
Temperature | Roof Damage |
Insects | Insects |
Extreme Weather | Poor Overall Building Preservation |
Wear & Tear | Structural Problems |
Moisture Control Related Documents & Reports
Web Links
NAHB – Consensus Committee on Green Home Building Guidelines
Building America Best Practices Series: Volume 1
Texas Residential Construction Commission
USGBC – US Green Building Council
Austin Energy’s Green Building Program
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association
American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association
International Rainwater Catchment Systems Association
LCRA Rainwater Harvesting Guide
Green and Sustainable Building Sourcebook
U.S. Geological Survey – Water Resources of the United States
LSBU – Water Structure and Behavior
Geotech Engineering and Testing (GET)
GET – Guidelines for Design, Construction, Materials and maintenance of Residential Projects
Build IQ – Best Practices in Homebuilding
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