IBHS Building Code Progress
Modern building codes work – when adopted and enforced.
They save lives, reduce property damage, limit disruption, and strengthen the resiliency of our communities.
For more than two decades, IBHS research has shaped codes related to the wind, wind-driven rain, and wildfire performance of buildings, driving stronger, safer, and more resilient building codes nationwide.
IBHS Strongly Supports:
- Statewide adoption of modern building codes
- Local enforcement of those codes
- Training and licensing for building officials, builders, and contractors
Building codes, developed by the International Code Council (ICC) through a consensus process, include the International Residential Code (IRC), International Building Code (IBC), and International Wildland-Urban Interface (IWUI) Code. Lawmakers and government officials can adopt or tailor these codes to fit their state, county, or city.
Florida—home to one of the nation’s strongest building codes—shows how research-based standards can save lives and reduce losses. In many states without a statewide building code, local jurisdictions must fill the gap, often without the resources to succeed. Check out the National Building Code Adoption Tracker and discover which building code applies to your home.
Through rigorous research and advocacy, IBHS continues to guide better building practices and support a more resilient future.
ICC I-CODES
2024 ICC I-Codes Changes
IBHS actively participated in developing the International Codes (I-Codes), including the International Building Code® (IBC®), International Residential Code® (IRC®), and International Wildland-Urban Interface Code® (IWUIC®). The following includes code changes that were proposed by IBHS and other changes from industry partners that IBHS collaborated with and supported at the code development hearings.
Sealed Roof Deck (IBC)
Roofing underlayment requirements have been updated to align with FORTIFIED® sealed roof deck (SRD) standards in high-wind areas (S20-22). The provisions now apply to all buildings where design wind speeds are 130 mph and greater. This change was supported by a broad coalition including FEMA, ARMA, NRCA, and CSSB, and aligns with changes proposed by IBHS and approved in the 2021 IRC.
Soffit Attachment (IBC)
A new section establishes installation and wind-load designs requirements for soffits (FS1-22), aligning the IBC with changes approved for the 2021 IRC. This update was developed with broad input and support from VSI, FEMA, LP, and other partners.
Fascia Cover Attachment at Soffits (IBC/IRC)
Specific requirements for fascia cover installation at soffits have been added to the IBC and IRC. Prescriptive methods for attachment of fascia covers are provided based on the design wind pressure (RB237-22). IBHS partnered with FEMA and VSI on this proposal.
Reroofing and Self-adhered Membranes (IRC/IBC/IEBC)
In collaboration with ARMA and NRCA, new provisions address handling of existing self-adhered underlayment during roof replacement projects (2024 IRC [RB281-22], IBC [S51-22], and IEBC [CCC]). The updates provide multiple alternatives to full removal of the self-adhered underlayment, supporting efficient reroofing practices while maintaining performance standards.
Update to ASCE 7-22 (IRC)
Working with ASCE and NCSEA, IBHS helped update the IRC’s wind design requirements to ASCE 7-22 (RB35-22). Changes include an updated wind speed map, revised simplified component and cladding loads table, and new roof zone figures, ensuring consistency with the latest engineering research.
Roof Covering Wind Requirements (IRC)
Wind design requirements for roof coverings have been clarified and reorganized for ease of use. The updated language reinforces that roof coverings in wind design regions are required by the IRC, and must be capable of resisting applicable wind loads.
Noncombustible Material at Base of Exterior Walls (IWUIC)
For ignition-resistant 1 construction, the code now requires a minimum of 6 inches of metal flashing or other noncombustible material at wall bases where they meet the ground, decking, and roof intersections (WUIC11-21). This provision aligns with the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home Standard.
Vent Mesh Screen Size (IWUIC)
The maximum mesh screen size for ventilation openings (vents) in attics, foundations, and underfloor openings in all 3 ignition-resistant construction categories has been reduced from ¼ inch to 1/8 inch (WUIC 14-21), improving ember resistance and aligning with the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home Standard.
IBHS supported during the code development hearings
Codification of Key Installation Requirements for Vinyl Siding (IRC)
The 2024 IRC now codifies key vinyl siding installation practices. The new provisions require manufacturer-approved starter strips at the initial course and utility trim under windows and other nail hem cut areas of the siding to ensure proper attachment and wind performance (RB230-22).
2021 ICC I-Codes Changes
IBHS successfully advanced several important code updates adopted into the 2021 International Codes (I-Codes), developed by the International Code Council (ICC). These IBHS proposals were approved and are now part of the 2021 International Building Code® (IBC) ® and International Residential Code® (IRC) ®, strengthening construction standards for wind, impact, and structural performance.
Sealed Roof Deck (IRC)
The FORTIFIED® sealed roof deck requirements now apply in all areas with design wind speeds of 130 mph and greater. (RB275-19 and RB274-19)
Soffits (IRC)
A newly added section establishes soffits, installation, and design wind load criteria. Two new figures have been added specifically define span limits and fastener installation =for vinyl soffits, ensuring clear language that soffits have to be designed or tested to meet the applicable wind loads, significantly improving wind resistance of soffits.(RB234-19)
Single Load
Double Load
Garage Door Labeling (IRC and IBC)
Garage doors will now require a permanent label indicating the manufacturer, model/series number, positive and negative design wind pressure rating, and applicable test standard. Having labels on garage doors will provide the necessary documentation regarding garage door design pressure rating to building officials and inspectors and facilitate replacement of the doors. (S109-19 and RB215-19)
Impact Protective Device (Hurricane Shutters) Labeling (IBC)
Impact protective devices such as hurricane shutters will now be required to be permanently labeled indicating the manufacturer, product designation, and performance characteristics (this is similar to a successful code change IBHS submitted that was approved for the 2018 IRC). (S110-19)
ASCE 7-16 (IRC)
ASCE 7-16 will be fully coordinated with the 2021 IRC. While the 2018 IRC updated ASCE 7 to the 2016 edition in the reference standard chapter, the wind map, simplified component and cladding load table, and other criteria were not updated. Wind loads on roofs have significantly increased. (RB35-19)
High Wind Design Updates to Include ICC Territories (IRC)
Figure R301.2(5) now includes Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands, and Hawaii among areas requiring wind design for residential construction. (RB32-19)
FLORIDA BUILDING CODES (FBC)
8th edition (2023) Florida Building Code Changes
IBHS actively participated in the development of the 8th Edition (2023) Florida Building Code, including both the Building (FBCB) and Residential (FBCR) volumes. The updates below include IBHS-proposed code changes that were approved, as well as collaborative changes from industry partners that IBHS supported during the code development hearings.
Soffit Attachment (FBCB)
A new section specifies installation and design wind-load requirements for soffits, aligning the 2023 FBCB with changes approved for the 2020 FBCR. This update consisted of broad input and support by VSI, FEMA, LP, and other industry collaborators.
Fascia Cover Attachment at Soffits (FBCB/FBCR)
New specific provisions define prescriptive attachment methods for fascia cover installation at soffits based on design and wind pressure. This proposal was developed partnership with FEMA and VSI, and IBHS to improve wind performance and consistency across both codes.
Update to ASCE 7-22
The 2023 FBCB and FBCR now reference ASCE 7-22, ensuring alignment with the latest national standards for wind design and structural loads.
IBHS supported during the code development hearings
Underlayment for Tile Roofs in HVHZ (FBCB/HVHZ Test Protocols)
In collaboration with FRSA, IBHS, and other roofing industry partners, underlayment requirements for tile roofs in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) were revised based on new FRSA research. The update now allows self-adhered underlayment applied directly to the roof deck in HVHZ areas, including Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
Vinyl Siding Installation Requirements (FBCB/FBCR)
New sections added in the FBCB and FBCR codifying key vinyl siding installation practices. These provisions specifically require manufacturer-approved starter strips at the initial course and utility trim under windows and other nail hem cut areas of the siding to ensure proper attachment and wind performance (RB230-22).
7th Edition (2020) Florida Building Code (FBC) changes
IBHS successfully advanced multiple improvements adopted into the 7th Edition (2020) Florida Building Code for both the Building (FBCB) and Residential (FBCR) codes.
FLORIDA AND FORTIFIED
With the addition of sealing the roof deck to the Florida Building Code, requirements for a large portion of the state now closely mirror FORTIFIED Home™ Gold standards.
Sealed Roof Deck (FBCB and FBCR)
The sealed roof deck requirements from IBHS FORTIFIED® Standard now apply statewide.
A couple of provisions that IBHS supported (also in the FORTIFIED® Standard):
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- Synthetic underlayment meeting specified criteria are permitted to be used as an alternative to ASTM D226 Type II or ASTM D4869 Type IV underlayment.
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- Tile roofs are permitted to use underlayment installed the FRSA Roof Tile Manual, meeting or exceeding FORTIFIED® criteria. (FBC 7696 and 7694)
These updates reflect the sealed roof deck recommendations from the FEMA Hurricane Michael Mitigation Assessment Team (MAT) report (FL-14e / p. 6-14).
ASCE 7-16 (FBCB and FBCR)
The FBCB and FBCR have been updated to reference and align with ASCE 7-16. (FBC 7226 and 7262)
Roof Deck Attachment (FBCR)
New prescriptive tables specify structural wood panel thickness and ring-shank nails size and spacing to meet ASCE 7-16 requirements; making new requirements more stringent than the 6th Edition (2017) FBC-R in many Florida regions. (FBC 7715)
Inspection Steps Outlined during Construction (FBCB)
Chapter 1 now requires in-progress inspections for exterior wall coverings and soffits. (FBC 7647)
The local building departments inspections (soffit and exterior wall covering) reflect recommendations from the FEMA Hurricane Michael Mitigation Assessment Team (MAT) Report (FL-15b and FL17a / p.6-16)
Soffits (FBCR)
A new section outlines soffit design, installation, and wind-load requirements, including two new figures addressing span limits and fastener installation, similar to the change approved for the 2021 IRC. The new language makes it clear that soffits must be designed or tested to meet the applicable wind loads. (FBC 7821).
This improvement enhances soffits performance and aligns with recommendations from the FEMA Hurricane Michael Mitigation Assessment Team (MAT) Report (FL-15a, FL-15d / p.6-15).