Building codes by their nature tend to be limiting—they
limit designs, materials and construction methods to those
specifically prescribed in codes and meeting codes' performance
requirements. However, most codes contain provisions that allow
building officials to approve alternatives that are not
specifically permitted by the codes.
You should be aware of these alternative approval provisions
because they apply to an increasing number of roofing products and
roof systems.
The 2006 edition of the International Building Code (IBC)
includes the following statement regarding alternatives: "104.11
Alternative materials, design and methods of construction and
equipment. The provisions of the code are not intended to prevent
the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or
method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code,
provided that any such alternative has been approved. An
alternative material, design or method of construction shall be
approved where the building official finds that the proposed design
is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of
this code, and that the material, method or work is, for the
purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in
this code for quality, strength, effectiveness, fire
resistance,...
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