The WDMA Code Resource Center serves as a comprehensive hub for up-to-date information on building code development, state code adoptions, and the latest published model codes from major U.S. code organizations. This page provides direct links to model code development activities, current state-level adoption status, and (limited) free access to codes published by the International Code Council (ICC), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and ASHRAE. It also includes related resources from the U.S. Department of Energy.
This resource is offered as a service to WDMA members and the public.
For questions, please contact Craig Drumheller, Vice President of Technical Activities at [email protected].
International Code Council
The International Code Council (ICC) develops and publishes the I-Codes—the most widely adopted set of consensus-based building codes and standards in the United States. ICC publishes 15 model codes that states may adopt or amend to address their specific building safety needs. WDMA members actively participate in the I-Code development process to help ensure the safety of the public and building occupants.
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ICC Code Development Process
ICC uses a governmental consensus process that invites broad public participation, including input from building professionals nationwide. Proposed changes to future code editions are reviewed through public hearings and comment periods, with final decisions made by ICC’s governmental members, typically code officials. Each model code is updated and published on a three-year cycle, with the most recent edition being the 2024 I-Codes.
For detailed information on ICC’s standards development procedures and the current code development schedule, please visit ICC’s website.
Quick Links to ICC Code Development resources:
WDMA Exterior Products Codes Committee Positions
During each ICC code development cycle, stakeholders submit proposals and public comments to update the model codes. ICC compiles all proposals and comments into monographs for review during upcoming hearings.
The WDMA Exterior Products Codes Committee (EPCC) evaluates every proposal and assigns a position—Support, Oppose, or Neutral. WDMA staff and member representatives then participate in hearings to advocate for these positions on behalf of the association.
The resources below include PDF reports outlining WDMA’s positions and hearing outcomes for each major step in the ICC Code Development Process for the 2027 I-Codes. Documents are organized by Group A (2024) and Group B (2025) codes, and by stage in the process.
National Fire Protection Association
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is an organization that develops and publishes over 300 consensus based building codes and standards. Although all 300 published codes and standards do not impact the door, window, and skylight industry, those that do involve WDMA members as active participants helping to ensure the life safety of the public.
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NFPA Standards Development Process
The NFPA utilizes a standards development process that involves public participation and input from building professionals to review and consider proposed changes to future building code editions. Each standard is updated every three to five years. For more information on the details of the standards development process, please see NFPA’s website.
Code Adoption by State and Jurisdiction
Every state and/or jurisdiction has the option to adopt and amend NFPA codes and standards, or portions of, that they feel directly impact local public safety issues. For example, NFPA 101: Life Safety Code is used in every state, and adopted by 43 states with various amendments to suit their building construction and safety needs amongst numerous factors.
Access to NFPA Codes and Standards
The NFPA provides a free web-based, read-only access version of their codes and standards available for viewing to the public. Of the 300+ codes that NFPA develops and publishes, below are the NFPA codes that primarily impact the door, window, and skylight industry.
NFPA 1 – Fire Code
NFPA 1 addresses fire code regulation and addresses the means of egress in Chapter 14 for new and existing buildings. (i.e. exit access corridors, door openings, door leaf operation, locks and latches, panic hardware).
NFPA 80 – Standard for Fire Doors and Opening Protectives
NFPA 80 addresses opening protection in walls, ceilings, and floors, against the spread of fire and smoke. These code requirements impact swinging doors, and sliding doors (vertical and horizontal).
NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code
NFPA 101 addresses the protection of building occupants through life safety measures based on building construction and occupancy features. It covers the means of egress in chapter 7 for new and existing buildings, and the inspection and testing of door assemblies in chapter 8.
NFPA 101B: Code for Means of Egress for Buildings and Structures
NFPA 101B for the means of egress code covers egress and escape from buildings and structures.
NFPA 105: Standard for Smoke Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives
NFPA 105 addresses the restriction of smoke movement through door assemblies, and covers the inspection, testing, and maintenance covering swinging doors.
ASHRAE
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is an organization that develops and publishes consensus based standards. Many ASHRAE standards involve equipment testing methods and indoor air quality, however, they also have a few code intended standards written in mandatory, enforceable language that impact the door, window, and skylight industry. There are three such standards with ASHRAE 90.1 - Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings being the most widely adopted. It is adopted in most jurisdictions by reference as an alternate compliance path to the commercial portion of the IECC.
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ASHRAE Standards Development Process
ASHRAE utilizes a consensus based standards development process that involves public participation and input from building professionals to review and consider proposed changes to future standard editions. For more information on the details of the standards development process, please see ASHRAE’s website.
Adoption by State and Jurisdiction
Only a few ASHRAE standards are directly adopted or used in model codes and regulations. Every state and/or jurisdiction has the option to adopt the model codes with the referenced ASHRAE standards, or portions of, that they feel directly impact local energy efficiency issues.
Access to ASHRAE Standards
ASHRAE provides a free web-based, read-only access version of their standards available for viewing to the public. Of the over 87 standards that ASHRAE develops and publishes, below are standards that are adopted by state or local jurisdictions or are referenced in energy efficiency programs which impact the door, window, and skylight industry.
Standard 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
Standard 90.1 addresses minimum requirements related to the operation, design, and energy efficiency for buildings other than low-rise residential buildings. It is the benchmark for commercial building energy codes in the United States referenced in the Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA). Section 5 of the standard address the building envelope covering compliance paths, trade-off options, and inspection and verification. WDMA has an organizational member seat on the 90.1 committee.
Standard 90.2, Energy Efficient Designs of Low-Rise Residential Buildings
Standard 90.2 addresses minimum requirements related to the operation, design, and energy efficiency for low-rise residential buildings. Section 5 of the standard address the building envelope covering compliance paths, trade-off options, and inspection and verification.
Standard 100, Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings
Standard 100 addresses minimum requirements related to operation, design, and renewable energy resources for existing buildings. Section 6 of the standard address the building envelope and building systems including an operations and maintenance program to ensure that an energy efficiency program is implemented and maintained.
Department of Energy
The U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) actively participates in the development, adoption, compliance, training and efficiency determinations of ASHRAE standard 90.1 and the IECC. DOE’s office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) also contracts the Pacific Northwest National Labs (PNNL) to provide technical assistance to achieve their mission. DOE’s EnergyCodes.gov provides a repository for much of the energy code work performed by the EERE office.
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Energy Code Development
The DOE develops and submits code change proposals which cost-effectively achieve energy efficiency improvements to the current model codes. After each new model code is published, the DOE is required by statute (EPCA) to determine if the new version (ASHRAE 90.1 for commercial and IECC for residential) saves energy relative to the old version. A positive determination triggers obligations for the states to review the new versions for adoption. For more information on DOE determinations.
Energy Code Adoption
The DOE provides technical assistance to state and local governments to support their adoption processes. The DOE responds to state and local requests and it also develops customized reports for every state detailing the benefits of upgrading to the current model codes. The DOE support also includes tracking state adoption status, coordinating activities among stakeholders, and technical analysis. For more information on state energy code adoptions.
Energy Code Compliance
The DOE’s code compliance software (REScheck and COMcheck) has been developed to simplify compliance with model energy codes and standards. The DOE also develops education and training materials that are available for energy code training across the country.
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