ICC-ES
To further check the compliance of building products with the code,
ICC Evaluation Service Reports (ICC-ES) can also be utilized.
These are also a very good resource to ensure satisfactory com-
pliance with the building code. The International Building Code ad-
dresses alternative materials and methods of construction in Sec-
tion 104.11. The IBC is not intended to prohibit any type of material
or design that may be developed, therefore, there are provisions for
evaluating new and innovative materials and methods of construc-
tion. The building official reviews alternate designs and products to
determine if they comply with the purpose and intent of the code.
The building official must determine if the alternate is at least the
equivalent to the code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resis-
tance, durability and safety. The ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES)
was created to assist the building official in this process. ICC-ES
is a subsidiary of the International Code Council (A member of the
ICC Family of Solutions). It develops acceptance criteria for dif-
ferent types of construction products and evaluates the products
based on the acceptance criteria or other national standards to de-
termine if they comply with the intent of the particular code.
An ICC-ES evaluation report includes specific information about
the product being reviewed. It provides manufacturer information,
installation requirements and details, and specific conditions for the
approval. The report is issued for a specific time period and re-
newed as required. It is also approved based on specific editions
of the code. Because the IBC code is revised every 3 years, it is
important for the current report to be used in evaluating the product
for use in a project. ICC-ES Reports are known as ESR (Evaluation
Service Reports) and are available free of charge on the ICC-ES
Website at https://icc-es.org/