When learning the Building Code, there is a lot of helpful information to help you understand the ‘why’, so you can go beyond the words…you just need to know where to find it! This post will direct you to some of the resources I found extremely helpful when learning the Building Code, to understand the intent and theory. I’ll also point out some basic fundamental information you need to know to make sure you are reading the Building Code correctly.
Defined Terms
In Article 1.4.1.2. of Division A, you will find the definitions for the Building Code. Defined terms are those that are italicized. You will want to have this tabbed and refer to it often, as it is extremely important to pay attention to these. There is over 150 definitions, so I do not recommend trying to learn them all at once, but rather revisit Article 1.4.1.2.[A] frequently as you use a provision that has a defined term.
I also encourage you to read closely anytime you are using a definition that starts with fire, as there are 12 of them, and I often see many of them used incorrectly. They are: fire compartment, fire damper, fire detector, fire load, fire-protection rating, fire-resistance rating, fire-retardant-treated wood, fire separation, fire stop, fire stop flap, and firewall.
Preface
There is a lot of good information tucked into the Preface of the Building Code, and is only about a 10 minute read. It is worth a gander to help you understand the Building Code works as a system.
The Prefaces outlines the consistent numbering and naming convention is used in the Building and Fire Codes. It is important to know these, as some requirements/relaxations refer to a certain “Group”. [Preface – Page xi]
The Preface also discusses the meaning of the words “and” and “or” between Clauses and Subclauses. Again, it is very important to understand this as it can drastically affect how you read a requirement if not applying correctly.
The Notes
Formerly referred to as the “Appendix”, the Notes for each Part are at the end of the Part to which they apply. The Notes are supplementary information and are generally not enforceable (see Sentence 1.1.3.1.(1) of Division A for exceptions). If there is further information on a Code provisions in the Notes, there will be a reference that will look like this:
The Intent Statements
The intent statements explain what the purpose of each Building Code provision is and provides insight into the Building Code committees’ view of what the Building Code intends to achieve. These are only published for the NBC, so any unique provisions for provincial codes will not have intent statements. There are found online at: codes-guides.nrc.ca/IA/15NBC/intentframe.html
The User’s Guides
Saving the best for last, the User’s Guides to the Building Codes were my favourite resources when first learning the Building Code. They explain concepts and the rationale provided for certain provisions is extremely helpful. Even once becoming comfortable with the Building Code, the User’s Guide is something I return to frequently.
Although other User’s Guides to the Building Codes have been updated, unfortunately the Part 3 guide has not since the 1995 Building Code. When following the National Research Council Canada’s (NRC) instructions below, choose the “Historical Editions (1941-1998)” option to access the Part 3 User’s Guide. https://nrc.canada.ca/en. Because the Part 3 guide is based on the 1995 Building Code, you’ll want to exercise caution to ensure the provisions are consistent with current requirements.
Want to Dive Deeper?
The Building Codes: Part 3 Fundamentals course is available for purchase in the Kilo Lima Code School, and you can register for a free preview of Module 1 here, where Kelsey explains all the information in this post in further detail.
