Garage Doors and the New International Building Code

© 2000 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Fall 2000
Author: Joe Hetzel
Page 46

Technical Tips

Garage Doors and the New International Building Code

By Joe Hetzel
DASMA Technical Director

The first editions of the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Codes (IRC) were released in early spring, 2000. Adoption and enforcement by local and state municipalities is expected to take place nationwide in the coming years.

The following is a description of the provisions in the IBC or the IRC where garage door and rolling door products are affected.

Doors with Special Designs

This section (IBC Section 104.11) applies to a garage door or rolling door system that includes an innovative design for which the code does not contain specific provisions. The code states that the proposed alternative design must comply “… with the intent of the code…” and is “at least the equivalent of that prescribed in the code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety.” To comply with this section, manufacturers will likely need to obtain a report (from a model code or a code evaluation agency) that represents an evaluation of a particular product with respect to the scope and intent of that building code.

Fire Doors

Chapter 3 of the IBC (Use and Occupancy Classification) is used by building officials to classify a structure according to its “fire safety and relative hazard.” These classifications, which include business, educational, factory/industrial, high hazard, and others, will affect a garage door or rolling door installation when a fire rated door is required.

IBC Section 714, Opening Protectives, contains provisions that apply to rolling fire door and fire shutter assemblies. Compliance with NFPA 80 is required. Smoke control testing to UL 1784 and fire testing to UL 10B are also described. In this section, DASMA contributed some language about rolling fire shutters and automatic closing devices.

Wind Loads

Section 1609 of the IBC is based on a new design loads standard, ASCE 7-98. Wind loads are calculated differently in the IBC than in any previously released model code. For the first time, windborne debris resistance appears in the main text of a code. DASMA contributed some clarifying language to this section.

IBC Section 1714.5 determines the design pressure ratings for exterior windows and doors. In this section, for the first time ever in a model building code, exterior windows and glass doors are required to be labeled. Due to DASMA’s participation in these meetings, labeling requirements will not apply to garage doors and rolling doors.

IBC Chapter 24, on Glass and Glazing, includes safety related and wind load related provisions that apply to the use of glazing materials.

Insulation and Materials

DASMA successfully proposed the inclusion of a subsection to IBC Section 2603 (Foam Plastic Insulation). The new section addresses garage doors and refers to testing according to the ANSI/DASMA 107 “room corner burn” test.

IBC Chapter 22 governs “the quality, design, fabrication and erection” of steel used in garage door and rolling door systems.

IRC Comparison to the IBC

The International Residential Code has been harmonized with the IBC. Section R104.11 addresses alternative materials, and Section R301 contains wind load provisions.

If you have any questions or concerns about the IBC or IRC, contact your manufacturer’s engineering department or call me at the DASMA office.