Skip to content
  • QUOTE
  • 888.653.333
  • info@safti.com
  • Products
    • Fire Protective Glass Tested to NFPA 252/257, UL 9/10C, ULC S104/S106; Blocks smoke and flames.
    • SuperLite® I
    • SuperClear® 45-HS
    • SuperClear® 45-HS-LI
    • SuperLite® I-XL
    • SuperLite® I-XL IGU
    • SuperLite® X-45/60/90
    • SuperLite® II-XL 45
    • Ceramics
    • Fire Resistive Glass Tested to ASTM E119 / UL 263 / ULC S101; Blocks smoke, flames and radiant heat.
    • SuperLite® II-XL 60
    • SuperLite® II-XL 90
    • SuperLite® II-XL 120
    • SuperLite® II-XLB 60
    • SuperLite® II-XLB 120
    • SuperLite® II-XLM 60
    • SuperLite® II-XLM 120
    • SuperSecure® II-XLS 45-120
    • Fire Rated Walls 60-120 minute fire resistive glass and frame assemblies tested to ASTM E119 / UL 263 / ULC S101.
    • GPX® Architectural Series Fire Resistive
    • GPX® Curtain Wall
    • GPX® Hurricane
    • GPX® Ballistic
    • GPX® Blast System
    • GPX® EZ Frame
    • Fire Rated Doors Full vision 20-45 minute fire protective doors and 60-90 minute temperature rise doors tested to NFPA 252 / UL 10C / ULC S104.
    • GPX® Architectural Series Fire Protective
    • GPX® Architectural Series Fire Resistive
    • GPX® Builders Series Fire Protective
    • GPX® Builders Series Temperature Rise
    • GPX® Hurricane
    • GPX® Ballistic
    • GPX® Vision Kit
    • Fire Rated Openings 20-45 minute fire protective glass and framing assemblies tested to NFPA 257 / UL 9 / ULC S106.
    • GPX® Architectural Series Fire Protective
    • GPX® Builders Series Fire Protective
    • GPX® EZ Frame
    • Fire Rated Floors 60-120 minute fire resistive glass floor assemblies tested to ASTM E119 / UL 263 / ULC S101.
    • GPX® FireFloor
    • Fire Rated Fences 20-60 minute fire rated glass fence for WUI areas or designated fire zones.
    • SAFTI FENCE
  • Literature
  • Specs
  • Details
  • Learn
    About Us
    Videos
    Case Studies
    Articles
    Blogs
    Continuing Education
    Literature
    BIM Library
    Industry Links
    Press Releases
    Testimonials
    Technical Bulletins
    Newsletters
    Product Selector
  • Gallery
  • Reps
  • Contact
  • Products
    • Fire Protective Glass
    • Fire Resistive Glass
    • Fire Rated Walls
    • Fire Rated Doors
    • Fire Rated Openings
    • Fire Rated Floors
    • Fire Rated Fences
  • Literature
  • Specs
  • Details
  • Learn
    • About Us
    • Product Selector
    • Articles
    • Blogs
    • BIM Library
    • Case Studies
    • Newsletters
    • Press Releases
    • Continuing Education
    • Literature
    • Technical Bulletins
    • Testimonials
    • Industry Links
    • Videos
  • Gallery
  • Reps
  • Contact
Menu
  • Products
    • Fire Protective Glass
    • Fire Resistive Glass
    • Fire Rated Walls
    • Fire Rated Doors
    • Fire Rated Openings
    • Fire Rated Floors
    • Fire Rated Fences
  • Literature
  • Specs
  • Details
  • Learn
    • About Us
    • Product Selector
    • Articles
    • Blogs
    • BIM Library
    • Case Studies
    • Newsletters
    • Press Releases
    • Continuing Education
    • Literature
    • Technical Bulletins
    • Testimonials
    • Industry Links
    • Videos
  • Gallery
  • Reps
  • Contact
Articles
Code Education
6 Issues to Consider When Complying with IBC Requirements
Code Education

6 Issues to Consider When Complying with IBC Requirements

ByDiana S
| February 9, 2022

The International Building Code (IBC) ensures the safety and integrity of any building by setting layout, fortification, and material standards for industry stakeholders. IBC guidelines allow the public to safely walk into commercial, industrial, or residential facilities without the fear of it suddenly falling, tearing apart, flooding, or catching fire.

Besides preventing injuries and deaths from faulty structures, IBC requirements also protect assets from financial and property loss.

Overall, the IBC considers environmental problems, public health and safety, fire and seismic safety standards, pipework, cost efficiency, investment value, lighting quality, acoustics, equipment productivity, air quality, energy performance, and maintenance.

While the IBC establishes the best practices in the industry and promotes the durability of a structure, it is not immune to criticism. Architects and construction firms comply only with the bare minimum standards of the code, making properties more vulnerable to wear and tear.

 

6 Issues to Consider When Complying with IBC Requirements

  1. Meeting only the bare minimum standards

    IBC requirements set the basic standards for building processes. However, its guidelines are not intended to be the sole conduct of properties during their construction and design. When complying with the International Building Code, most construction companies would pursue the bare minimum just so they’re within the legal requirements.

    This can be problematic in the long term, as establishments may end up having bulging foundations, rotten sills, and undersized rafters. Failing to pay attention to a location’s context and a property’s purpose may also hamper a structure’s durability and increase its vulnerability to damage if natural disasters were to happen.

  2. Code compliance over high-quality craftsmanship

    Some modern construction projects disregard the importance of formal training and high-quality craftsmanship. Consequently, the availability of special skills has decreased, as contractors hire untrained workers to minimize expenses, resulting in a construction workforce shortage.

    Thus, young generations have gravitated against the position of construction workers because of the low pay and fewer incentives, in contrast to the numerous opportunities of an experienced master builder. Opponents of the International Building Code argue that the construction industry would more likely prosper with well-trained master craftsmen than strict code enforcement.

  3. Lack of resources to enforce building codes

    Not all jurisdictions require education for builders to maintain their license in the field. This highlights the need for inspection, which is critical in mitigating the adverse effects of negligent decisions while constructing a project.

    However, as budgets have continued to diminish for many regions, it’s become common to see fewer inspectors, worker layoffs, and hiring freezes.

    The lack of financial and technical resources makes it all the more difficult for state and local officials to ensure that each building is constructed within IBC requirements. This failure to fund inspections can heighten structural damage from natural disasters and unexpected events.

    Additionally, some inspectors lack an ICC certification, while other municipalities have their own code, aside from IBC requirements. The discrepancies in the local regulations from one community to another make enforcement sparse, non-existent, and inconsistent.

  4. Updating with technology and public health needs

    As technology, appliances, and building science develop, facilities reach higher energy efficiency, quality, and safety levels. Through the International Building Code, there is an opportunity to take advantage of these new technologies and make facilities more cost-effective and practical for the public.

    Indeed, modifications in IBC requirements will accelerate innovation, extend the market for products, increase sales and profits for all construction stakeholders, improve the lives of the public, lower prices (with economies of scale), and increase the renovations made to existing structures.

    However, while the International Building Code is updated every three years, this is a long period for many innovations to rise. Moreover, jurisdictions do not always apply the International Building Code revisions to existing structures. The lag time in incorporating these updates can be detrimental to building safety, especially during calamities.

  5. Regulatory burdens

    International Building Code legislators – also known as the International Code Council – are challenged to please all industry players. When drafting building regulations, they have to consider the costs and profitability of construction firms, contractor concerns, technological innovations, opinions of architects and designers, different government regulations, and even the advocacies of non-profit organizations.

    Their ultimate goal is to meet the common good, but this can be difficult with many disputes and arguments from different stakeholders regarding each standard. Sometimes, legislators can disregard recommended codes to pursue a consensus among all industry players.

  6. Sacrificing safety and quality for cheaper materials

    The increased reliance on regulations has significantly contributed to the decline of construction companies to be responsible and accountable for their projects. The International Building Code determines what companies must do, how they must work, and what materials to use. Since homeowners and property owners put enough trust in IBC requirements, they are not as meticulous with the best materials for their property.

    Aside from training being optional for construction workers, construction companies tend to neglect the quality and safety of their projects. Instead of pursuing the endurance and quality of a building, some infrastructures have been built with profits and price in mind.

    So that you don’t have to compromise quality, you can source your materials from reliable suppliers. For instance, SAFTI FIRST’s fire rated glass and glazing solutions are a top choice for improving a building’s compliance to fire safety standards.

 

Prioritize Quality & Experience

IBC requirements have played a significant role in ensuring the public’s safety whenever they walk into a structure. Despite that, some contractors tend to overlook the quality of a property and its materials for the sake of minimizing costs.

As a builder, you should always prioritize quality and work with contractors who go above and beyond merely complying with IBC requirements. SAFTI FIRST is a manufacturer of USA-made fire rated glazing with over 40 years of experience in manufacturing high quality, USA-made solutions that meet more than the minimum requirements as specified in the IBC requirements and other building codes.

Contact us today to learn how fire rated glazing solutions can provide safety without compromising aesthetics.

Share:
PrevNext ArticleActive vs Passive Fire Protection: Why Do You Need Both?
Previous ArticleBest Practices for Using Fire Rated Glass in Commercial BuildingsNext
Back to Articles

Engineering. Design. Code.

Whether you’re looking for fire-rated walls, doors, openings, floors or a specialty service, we have the solution for you. With over 40 years of experience in testing, innovating, and providing technologically advanced fire-rated glass and framing products, we deliver unyielding performance and quality at a competitive price.

Let's Talk!

  • 888.653.3333
    (English)
  • 888.653.3333 ext. 652
    (Spanish)
  • info@safti.com
  • Representative Map
Address
Corporate
100 N Hill Dr, Ste12, Brisbane, CA 94005
Factory
220 S R Street, Merced, CA 95341
Contact
Phone
888.653.3333 - English
888.653.3333 ext. 652 - Spanish
Fax
888.653.4444
Email
info@safti.com

Sign up for our Newsletter!

Get notified of industry updates and new product alerts.

© 2023 SAFTI FIRST. All rights reserved.​
Disclaimer & Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy
Instagram Twitter Linkedin Facebook Youtube Vimeo
Suggested Pages
Case Studies
Videos Archive [INACTIVE]
Request a Quote
SuperClear® 45-HS-LI
Continuing Education
Request a Quote
Continuing Education
Videos
SuperClear® 45-HS-LI
Case Studies
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.


This website uses cookies to improve user experience. A cookie file is stored in your web browser and allows the website to recognize you and make your next visit easier and the website more useful to you. By using our website, you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Cookies Policy. Learn more.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}