Foundations

Drainage

Surface water must be diverted away from foundation walls. Final grade shall fall minimum 6 inches within 10 feet of the building. Impervious surfaces (driveways, walkways) must slope minimum 1/4 inch per foot away. Affects gutter discharge and grading scopes.

Testing

Section R402.4.1.2 — Testing. The building or dwelling unit shall be tested and verified as having an air leakage rate not exceeding 3 air changes per hour in Climate Zones 3 through 8. Testing shall be conduct...

Insulation Requirements - Tennessee Prescriptive Table

INSULATION - Zone 3A (Memphis): R-38 ceiling, R-20 wall, R-19 floor. Zone 4A (Nashville/Knoxville): R-49 ceiling, R-20 wall, R-19 floor, R-10 slab. TN allows IRC Ch. 11 OR IECC 2018. Duct testing optional when system entirely in conditioned space. Air sealing required both zones.

Minimum Depth - Frost Line

Exterior footings shall be placed not less than 12 inches below the undisturbed ground surface. Where applicable, the depth of footings shall also conform to Sections R403.1.4.1 through R403.1.4.2. IOWA SPECIFIC: Frost depth in Iowa ranges from 36 inches in southern counties to 48 inches or more in northern counties (Climate Zone 6A). Local building departments specify minimum frost depth requirements. Always verify with local AHJ.

Foundation - Indiana Frost Depth Requirements

Indiana frost depth varies by region: 36-42" (northern), 32-36" (central), 24-32" (southern). Footings must extend below frost depth. Anchor bolts 1/2" diameter, 6 ft o.c. max. Basement waterproofing required (drainage tile/sump). KARST TERRAIN in southern IN (sinkholes, caves) - geotechnical investigation recommended. Mine subsidence risk in southwest IN.

Basement Construction - Indiana Waterproofing Requirements

Indiana basements very common. Waterproofing/dampproofing required. Drainage tile at footing level discharging to daylight/sump. Sump pumps common. Basement wall insulation per climate zone (R-15/R-19 in Zone 5A, R-10/R-13 in Zone 4A). Egress window or door required from basement. Window wells need ladders if >44" deep.

Ventilation — Under-Floor Space

Under-floor spaces (crawlspaces) must be ventilated with openings through foundation walls. Minimum net area 1 sq ft per 150 sq ft of under-floor area. Openings shall be covered with corrosion-resistant mesh 1/8 inch minimum. Exceptions for conditioned crawlspaces.