Pest management: seal all building penetrations against insects + rodents (≤ ¼ in any opening); termite barrier per climate
Indoor airPLUS §Pest Management — sealed penetrations + integrated approachDescription
Indoor airPLUS requires an integrated pest management approach: every penetration of the building envelope must be sealed (no opening larger than ¼ in); exterior wood members in contact with soil must be pressure-treated or have a physical barrier; in termite-infestation areas (per Figure R301.2), termite barriers per R304 must be installed. Pesticide application as the primary control method is NOT compliant.
Why this exists
Sealed penetrations also help with energy + IAQ. The ¼-in rule keeps mice out (they squeeze through anything that doesn't pinch); insects need finer mesh. Architects should call out exterior penetration sealing in the wall section and rim joist detail.
Categories
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
- Continuous load path from roof to foundation · HUD RSDG §2.4
- Residential structural reliability targets 1-in-100 to 1-in-1000 annual probability of failure · HUD RSDG §2.5
- Residential floor live load: 40 psf minimum (30 psf sleeping rooms) · HUD RSDG §3.4
- Wind load design uses ASCE 7 basic wind speed for the locality · HUD RSDG §3.6
- Ground snow load for Virginia: 25 psf eastern, up to 40 psf western mountains · HUD RSDG §3.7
Last reviewed 2026-05-15.