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PREFACE

The principal purpose of the Commentary is to provide a basic volume of knowledge and facts relating to building construction as it pertains to the regulations set forth in the 2006 International Residential Code. The person who is serious about effectively designing, constructing and regulating buildings and structures will find the Commentary to be a reliable data source and reference to almost all components of the built environment.

As a follow-up to the International Residential Code, we offer a companion document, the International Residential Code Commentary- Volume I. Volume I covers Chapters 1 through 11 of the 2006 International Residential Code. The basic appeal of the Commentary is that it provides in a small package and at reasonable cost thorough coverage of many issues likely to be dealt with when using the International Residential Code-and then supplements that coverage with historical and technical background. Reference lists, information sources and bibliographies are also included.

Throughout all of this, strenuous effort has been made to keep the vast quantity of material accessible and its method of presentation useful. With a comprehensive yet concise summary of each section, the Commentary provides a convenient reference for regulations applicable to the construction of buildings and structures. In the chapters that follow, discussions focus on the full meaning and implications of the code text. Guidelines suggest the most effective method of application, and the consequences of not adhering to the code text. Illustrations are provided to aid understanding; they do not necessarily illustrate the only methods of achieving code compliance.

The format of the Commentary includes the full text of each section, table and figure in the code, followed immediately by the commentary applicable to that text. At the time of printing, the Commentary reflects the most up-to-date text of the 2006 International Residential Code.As stated in the preface to the International Residential Code, the content of sections in the code which begin with a letter designation (i.e., Section 307) are maintained by another code development committee. Each section's narrative includes a statement of its objective and intent, and usually includes a discussion about why the requirement commands the conditions set forth. Code text and commentary text are easily distinguished from each other. All code text is shown as it appears in the International Residential Code, and all commentary is indented below the code text and begins with the symbol. All code figures and tables are reproduced as they appear in the IRC. Commentary figures and tables are identified in the text by the word "Commentary" (as in "see Commentary Figure 704.3"), and each has a full border.

Readers should note that the Commentary is to be used in conjunction with the International Residential Code and not as a substitute for the code. The Commentary is advisory only; the code official alone possesses the authority and responsibility for interpreting the code.

Comments and recommendations are encouraged, for through your input, we can improve future editions. Please direct your comments to the Codes and Standards Development Department at the Chicago District Office.