Decked Out: A Dive into the Updated 2021 IRC Deck Code Provisions

Join in for an overview of the updated 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) deck provisions! This session will highlight past deck failures while exploring their root causes and crucial lessons learned. Next, dive into the current and updated provisions in Chapter 5 of the 2021 IRC along with additional guidelines to ensure our future designs and builds are “decked out” for safety as well as functionality.

Learning Objectives

1. Study past residential deck failures and how the failures led to occupant injury or death.
2. Understand provisions in Chapter 5 of the 2021 IRC that relate to the design and construction of a code compliant residential deck.
3. Identify new and revised provisions in the 2021 IRC for residential deck construction. This includes the revised section R507.5 for deck beams and a new section specific to Exterior Guards specific to decks.
4. Review residential deck guard rail testing results and additional guidelines that can help in the design and construction of safer system for the occupant