Stud spacing per Table R602.3(5); 2×6 may rise to 18 ft @ 16 in o.c. or 20 ft @ 12 in o.c. (low-snow/wind exception)

Description

Stud size, height, and spacing follow Table R602.3(5). Utility-grade studs: max 16 in o.c., not over 8 ft (exterior/load-bearing) / 10 ft (interior non-bearing). Exception: where ground snow ≤ 25 psf AND ultimate wind speed ≤ 130 mph, 2×6 studs supporting roof loads with ≤ 6 ft tributary may rise to 18 ft at 16 in o.c. or 20 ft at 12 in o.c. (No. 2 grade or better). Tall-wall conditions to 12 ft are permitted per Table R602.3(6) in Exposure B with snow ≤ 30 psf.

Why this exists

Modern open-plan great rooms with 12-18 ft walls used to require engineered framing — Table R602.3(5) now lets the architect use prescriptive 2×6 framing in benign load conditions. Architects working tall-wall geometry should check snow + wind first to see if the exception applies.

Categories

Applies to

• Jurisdiction: New York State

Source

Solver enforcement

Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.

Related directives

• Habitable space minimum ceiling height · IRC R305.1
• Wind design · IRC R301.2.1
• Seismic provisions · IRC R301.2.2
• Snow loads · IRC R301.2.3
• Floodplain construction · IRC R301.2.4