Thermal Insulation & Acoustics

Roof pitch is standardized under the International Building Code (IBC) and IRC into rise-over-run slope ratios (e.g. 4:12 indicates 4 inches of vertical rise per 12 inches of horizontal run), defining pitch angles from 0° to 60° and determining mandatory weatherproofing coverings (membrane vs asphalt shingles vs metal).

Sound Transmission Class (STC) is an integer rating standardized under ASTM E90 and ASTM E413 that quantifies airborne sound attenuation across interior wall, floor, and ceiling assemblies, ranging from STC 30 (normal conversation heard easily) to STC 50+ (IBC building code privacy standard for multi-family dwellings).

Thermal insulation materials are standardized under ASTM C518 and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) by their thermal resistance (R-value per inch of thickness, hr·ft²·°F/Btu / RSI in m²·K/W), ranging from fiberglass batts (R-3.1/in) to polyisocyanurate and closed-cell spray foam (R-6.5 to R-7.0/in).