Commercial Building Code

When Commercial Kitchens Require a Type I Hood

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This article is written to the 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and NFPA 96 (2021). Local amendments and AHJ interpretations may apply. Type I hood requirements aren’t based on kitchen size or how busy the operation feels — they’re triggered by what the cooking equipment actually produces. If you’ve ever been surprised by a failed … Read more

Cold Weather Concrete Protection in Zone 5: Don’t Let Winter Ruin Your Foundation (or Your Flatwork)

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Cold weather concrete protection Zone 5 isn’t just a seasonal problem—it’s a code and inspection issue every builder in northern Illinois faces. Zone 5 climate, basically means real winters, real freeze–thaw cycles, and plenty of days that bounce between “not bad” and “what are we doing out here?” Concrete feels every bit of that. Here’s … Read more