Leaving Hurricane Shutters on During Off Season

[jar546]

If snowbirds are away for the summer and not in town for 6 months out of the year, and decide to close their exterior accordion or panel hurricane shutters while the home is not occupied, would that violate any type of IRC code? During that time, the home is unoccupied, and snowbirds do that for safety and security, just in case a hurricane comes through while they are away.

 

[Sifu]

Not in my opinion. An unoccupied building shouldn't have concerns over occupants that aren't there getting out. But, I am biased, I have hurricane shutters on my windows that I keep closed when not there. But that country has no codes.

"Ques es un codigo de construccion?"

I do sometimes I keep them closed while I am there to cut down on the solar load, and to save the bird nests I occasionally find until the eggs hatch.

 

[Paul Sweet]

I don't know of a code violation, but I'd be nervous about buildup of interior moisture if it's shut up tight without A/C or dehumidification.

 

[Sifu]

I don't know of a code violation, but I'd be nervous about buildup of interior moisture if it's shut up tight without A/C or dehumidification.

The shutters I have are not sealed, just steel accordions with gaps that allow air flow. They keep the place much cooler when closed. I expected to return to a sweltering, hot atmosphere but was pleasantly surprised. They will protect the glazing from missiles, at least until they get ripped off the walls.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

2018 IRC does not have any exceptions about when not occupied. When I do the inspections for a new house and sometimes an existing house it is unoccupied.

R310.1.1 Operational constraints and opening control
devices. Emergency escape and rescue openings shall be
operational from the inside of the room without the use of
keys, tools or special knowledge. Window opening control
devices on windows serving as a required emergency
escape and rescue opening shall comply with ASTM
F2090.
R310.4 Bars, grilles, covers and screens. Where bars,
grilles, covers, screens or similar devices are placed over
emergency escape and rescue openings, area wells, or window
wells, the minimum net clear opening size shall comply
with Sections R310.2.1 through R310.2.3, and such devices
shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the
use of a key, tool, special knowledge or force greater than
that required for the normal operation of the escape and rescue
opening.

 

[brokenkeys]

7.5.2.3 of the Florida Fire Prevention Code says it's ok to shutter EERO's during the threat of a storm while it is occupied, provided there is at least one exit. There are sections for commercial too, that I can't find off the top of my head, but I believe they're also specific to when the building is occupied.

Would be interesting to know if there's some obscure code or state law that defines something as being in use for more than a certain amount of time.

 

[mtlogcabin]

would that violate any type of IRC code?

No
The IRC references the IFC


The IEBC references the IFC


IFC 102.5 is applicable to IRC structures


IEBC 2021

UNSAFE. Buildings, structures or equipment that are unsanitary, or that are deficient due to inadequate means of egress facilities, inadequate light and ventilation, or that constitute a fire hazard, or in which the structure or individual structural members meet the definition of “Dangerous,” or that are otherwise dangerous to human life or the public welfare, or that involve illegal or improper occupancy or inadequate maintenance shall be deemed unsafe. A vacant structure that is not secured against entry shall be deemed unsafe.
IFC 2021