Wall Construction

Identification

Dimension lumber used for load-bearing walls and headers must be identified by a grade mark of an approved lumber grading agency. Species and grade affect allowable spans and structural capacity.

Wall Bracing

Establishes bracing requirements for wood-frame walls to resist lateral forces (wind and seismic). Multiple bracing methods available including let-in bracing, structural sheathing, and proprietary bracing. Affects siding replacement — removing structural sheathing requires maintaining bracing compliance.

Bracing Methods

Lists the permitted bracing methods (Methods LIB, DWB, WSP, SFB, PBS, PCP, HPS, ABW, PFG, CS-G, CS-PF). WSP (wood structural panel) is the most common for residential construction. Method determines minimum panel length, nailing schedule, and hold-down requirements.

Design and Construction

Exterior walls of wood-frame construction shall be designed and constructed per the IRC provisions or by engineering design per accepted practices. Covers stud size, spacing, height, and lateral bracing requirements.

Windows

Windows shall be tested, labeled, and listed in accordance with AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440. Windows in wind-borne debris regions (coastal Sussex County) require impact-resistant glazing or protection. Performance class shall be based on design wind speed and exposure category. Delaware coastal areas may require enhanced wind resistance ratings.

Exterior Door Installation

EXTERIOR DOOR INSTALLATION: Follow manufacturer instructions or AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101 standard. CRITICAL: Proper pan flashing at threshold, integration with WRB. Sill pan must slope to exterior. Weatherstripping must provide continuous seal. Verify door design pressure rating meets local wind requirements.

Windows

Parent section for window requirements including anchorage and installation.

Window Installation

WINDOW INSTALLATION: Must follow manufacturer written instructions. Proper flashing sequence is CRITICAL: sill pan → jamb flashing → head flashing. Use manufacturer-specified fasteners. Verify rough opening dimensions before ordering. Gap between frame and rough opening should be 1/4" to 1/2" per side.

Window Testing and Labeling

WINDOW LABELING - Must be tested and labeled with performance characteristics.

Window Design Pressure

WINDOW DESIGN PRESSURE - Must meet calculated wind load. Exceptions for small windows.

Anchorage Methods

WINDOW ANCHORAGE - Per manufacturer recommendations to achieve design pressure rating.

Window Installation

WINDOW INSTALLATION - Per manufacturer instructions. Sills must drain water to exterior.

Windows and Fenestration - Energy Requirements (Tennessee)

WINDOWS - Zone 3A (Memphis): U-0.30, SHGC 0.25. Zone 4A (Nashville/Knoxville): U-0.30, SHGC 0.40. NO impact glazing required (non-hurricane). TN allows IRC Ch. 11 instead of full IECC. Seismic areas: enhanced frame anchorage. Replacements must meet or exceed original energy performance.

General (Exterior Windows and Glass Doors)

Exterior windows and glass doors shall be designed, tested, and labeled in accordance with AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440. Performance grade (PG) shall meet or exceed requirements per Table R301.2.1.2.