Alternate Materials and Methods of Construction: The building official reviews alternate designs and products to determine if they comply with the purpose and intent of the code. The official must determine if the alternate is at least the equivalent to the code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, and safety. This is accomplished by reviewing testing information and research reports provided by the manufacturer of the product.

To assist the building official in this process, the ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) was created. This organization develops acceptance criteria for different types of construction products. It then evaluates the products to the standard acceptance criteria to determine if the product complies with the intent of the particular code.

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The Building Code Basics series based on the 2009 International Building, Residential and Fire Codes explains requirements using non-code language to help you understand the material or explain it to others. Technically accurate and easy to understand, these are the perfect resources for builders, owners, students, plan reviewers, inspectors and permit technicians.

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