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LYNNENGINEERING
Code Update Series — 2026
IBC & IRC 2024: What Contractors Need to Know
Texas has adopted the 2024 International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). These updates incorporate ASCE 7-22, raising design wind pressures across the Gulf Coast and tightening inspection, roofing, and foundation requirements. Here’s what changes on your next project.
Wind pressures are increasing 10–12%
ASCE 7-16 → ASCE 7-22 transition
Corpus Christi area example: Design wind speed increases from 153 mph (ASCE 7-16) to 157 mph (ASCE 7-22). This translates to roughly 10–12% higher wind pressures on every structural element.
Shear walls
More designated shear walls required. Can affect window and door placement if not planned early.
Connections & hold-downs
Bigger or additional straps, tighter nailing patterns, and higher-capacity hold-down hardware.
Foundation anchorage
Higher uplift forces mean increased anchorage requirements. Under-engineering here carries the most risk.
Cost reality check
The hardware and labor increase is minor — not a massive budget jump. The real cost risk is under-engineering, failing inspection, or a post-storm performance failure. Get the engineering right upfront.
Roofing — nailing, zones & underlayment
IRC Table 602.3 + ASCE 7-22 zone changes
What changed
6” edge / 12” field → 6” throughout (roof sheathing)
Pressure zones (7-16) → Revised roof zones (7-22)
No ASTM wind test language → Required for all roofing types
Shingle underlayment — choose one
  • Option 1: Double underlayment, all slopes
  • Option 2: 4” self-adhering polymer strips over all deck joints, then approved underlayment over deck and strips
  • Option 3: Single layer self-adhering polymer underlayment
Reroof note: Both IBC (§1512.2) and IRC (§908.3) now allow reroofing without removing down to the deck IF the existing top layer is an adhered underlayment and the deck shows no water damage or deterioration.
Action item for contractors
Confirm your roofing system carries ASTM wind resistance approval before purchase or installation. Incorrect framing shows up faster under the higher 7-22 loads — verify with your engineer early.
Garage doors — labeling now code-required
Applies to both IBC & IRC projects
No label = no approval
Doors must have a permanent manufacturer sticker showing design pressure rating that matches the project’s wind requirements. This is no longer just a TDI requirement — it’s in the code. Inspectors will be looking for it.
Not every door qualifies
Off-the-shelf doors may not meet the required design pressure for your zone. Verify ratings before ordering. Keep cut sheets and approval documents on file — the installed product must match what’s on the plans.
Flood zone construction is tightening
Zone V & Coastal A — engineered foundations required
Bottom line: If you’re building in Zone V or Coastal A, pile sizing is no longer based on rules of thumb. Engineered pile design is required, accounting for flood, wave, and uplift forces.
Early coordination required
Survey and flood elevation data must be in hand before design begins. Foundation design must align with FEMA flood zone maps. Proper embedment depth, lateral stability, and connection to structure must all be engineered.
Stricter inspections ahead
Pile installation, elevation, and flood compliance will all be checked closely. Errors here can result in failed windstorm or flood compliance, insurance complications, or structural issues down the road.
IBC inspection & geotech updates
Applies to commercial and larger-scope projects
  • IBC Metal building special inspections (PEMB): New Section 1705.2.6 requires special inspections of pre-engineered metal building systems.
  • IBC Concrete inspections upgraded: Several inspection types — moment frame welding, reinforcement splices, beam coupling — changed from periodic to continuous. Ref. Table 1705.3.
  • IBC Geotech reports now mandatory: Required when groundwater is above or within 5 feet, or where groundwater will affect design and construction. A previously allowed exception has been removed. Ref. §1803.5.4.
Questions about how these changes affect your project?
Lynn Engineering — Bay City | Rockport | Corpus Christi | Dallas–Ft. Worth
(979) 245-8900
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