What Are Building Codes and Why Do You Need Them?

Building codes such as the International Building Code or IBC and the International Residential Code or IRC, are some of the most important components for the building industry. Yet, they are some of the most misunderstood elements required in an estimate.

Building codes date back to around 1800 B.C. and continue to be a part of the building industry that we are all a part of. The main purpose of building codes is to protect public safety and health in the buildings and structures that we occupy.

IRC Building Code is adopted for residential buildings and the IBC Building Code is adopted for commercial buildings. All fifty states have adopted the International Building Codes at the state or jurisdiction level, but these codes vary between each state and each jurisdiction.

So, building codes can vary from one street to another in some places which can leave money on the table with every claim or project.

Why contractors, adjusters and insurance companies need to be up to date with codes

Canva - Black Iphone 5 Beside Paper Because building codes, and roofing codes more specifically, affect the way we live in our buildings and structures, we see the adoption of new building codes every 1-3 years following technology, manufacturing updates, and general industry growth.

However, oftentimes code adoption will also follow natural disasters. Keeping up to date with building and roofing codes in your area is crucial to maintaining compliance for all parties involved. Adopting a model code that can incorporate technology landscape and consumer demand reduces the risk for roofers, contractors, and insurance companies alike.

How to use technology to stay up to date. Save Time & Make Money

Researching building and roofing codes in your area may be something that you have done time and time again if you are in the contracting, adjusting or insurance industry.

However, with the adoption of new codes between states and over 27,000 cities and counties nationwide, it can be hard to make sure that you are finding the most accurate information and in a timely manner. Because time is money, right?!

New technology eliminates this uncertainty and wasted time. OneClick Code is the first and ever app to automate roofing codes across the nation including manufacturer specifications, material tax, and IECC within seconds. Technology can keep us up to date and in compliance which helps everyone involved. OneClick Code. Restoration intelligence, automated.

About OneClick Code

OneClick Code is a trusted data partner, dedicated to streamlining the code-sourcing process for all parties in the roofing industry while also increasing efficiency and transparency for all stakeholders in construction and restoration. They have the only platform to have blazed the trail for data automation of jurisdictional authority for building codes, permit fees, taxes, and manufacturer specifications required for any address nationwide. OneClick Code has been serving customers in the contracting, insurance, and claim adjusting fields by providing instant access to trusted roofing codes, in the click of a button. Offering unique reports that can be easily shared between all stakeholders in the roofing claims industry, OneClick is adding value to all parties and empowering customers to save time and money on every claim. Welcome to restoration intelligence, automated. To learn more, visit our website www.oneclickcode.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are building codes and why do they matter?

Building codes are legally enforceable regulations that set minimum standards for the design, materials and construction of buildings, covering everything from structural integrity to fire safety to roofing requirements. The two main model codes in the US are the IRC (International Residential Code), which applies to residential buildings, and the IBC (International Building Code), which applies to commercial structures. All 50 states have adopted one or both at the state or jurisdiction level, though the specific version and any local amendments vary by address. For roofers and adjusters, codes determine what a compliant repair requires and what belongs in an estimate.

How often do building codes change and why?

Model codes are typically updated every three years by the International Code Council, though individual jurisdictions choose when and whether to adopt each new edition. Adoption often lags the release date by years, which means the code in effect in one county may be two or three editions older than in a neighbouring county. Updates are driven by advances in materials and technology, lessons from natural disasters and shifts in energy efficiency requirements. That lag and variation between jurisdictions is one of the main reasons jurisdiction-level code lookup is more reliable than relying on state or city-level information.

Why do building code requirements vary from one street to the next?

Because codes are adopted and enforced at the jurisdiction level, not the state or city level. A property's governing authority depends on whether it falls within a city boundary, a county boundary or some other special jurisdiction, and those lines do not follow postal addresses. Two properties on opposite sides of the same street can be governed by different authorities that have adopted different code versions with different local amendments. That difference can change ice and water shield requirements, ventilation calculations, permit fees and more.