The approved garage opening uses 2021 IRC Method CS-PF under Figure R602.10.6.4, with a continuous header. In the field the header is spliced over the opening, sheathing is cut at the header-to-pier line instead of the permitted leg-splice location, and the required header-to-jack-stud strap is absent. No alternative is approved. What is the finding?
- The installation departs from the selected CS-PF detail and needs a compliant assembly or approved revised design
- BAccept because narrow piers act independently and header continuity is irrelevant
- CAccept because any sheathing joint landing on framing satisfies every CS-PF condition
- DThe only permitted correction is permanently narrowing the garage opening
Where to look it up
https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3836/Lennox/3042182/2021_International_Residential_Code.pdf
Why A is correct
R602.10.6.4 requires CS-PF construction to follow its figure and table. Figure R602.10.6.4 specifies header and sheathing connections and straps; its permitted panel splice must occur over common blocking within the middle 24 inches of the portal leg, with the stated edge nailing. It does not authorize the stated header-line cut. The absent required strap and unapproved header splice are additional departures from the selected detail. Apply the actual assembly requirements or an approved revised design under R106.4; do not impose a universal ban on every panel splice, invent an exact loss of capacity or insist that narrowing the opening is the only possible remedy. Source: https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3836/Lennox/3042182/2021_International_Residential_Code.pdf