(FAQ): DeepBlue Smarthouse & ICC-ES ESR-5348 Certification
(FAQ): DeepBlue Smarthouse & ICC-ES ESR-5348 Certification
Q1: What is the ICC-ES ESR-5348 report, and why is it important?
The ICC-ES ESR-5348 is an internationally recognized evaluation report issued by the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES). It provides official verification that DeepBlue Smarthouse's cold-formed light steel framing system complies with major international building codes, including the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC).
Why it matters:
Global Market Access: It serves as a passport for your projects in key markets like the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Streamlined Approvals: Building departments accept the report as proof of compliance, significantly speeding up the permit approval process.
Risk Reduction: It assures investors, banks, and insurers that the building system meets the highest standards for safety and performance.
Q2: My project is in California, specifically Los Angeles. Are your materials compliant with their strict codes?
Yes, absolutely. Our ESR-5348 report includes specific supplements for both the State of California and the City of Los Angeles. This means our system is officially compliant with:
The 2022 California Building Code (CBC), including its stringent seismic requirements.
The 2023 Los Angeles Building Code (LABC) and Los Angeles Residential Code (LARC).
This pre-approval saves developers significant time and cost by navigating these complex regulatory environments in advance.
Q3: We are building in a coastal Florida high-wind zone. Is your system certified for hurricane-prone areas?
Yes. Our light steel framing system is certified for use in Florida's High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). This certification demonstrates that the system is engineered to safely withstand extreme wind events, with performance validated for winds up to 350 km/h (approximately 217 mph). It offers superior strength and durability compared to traditional wood framing and complies with the 2023 Florida Building Code (FBC).
Q4: Does your certification cover other specific regions in the U.S., like Chicago or Oregon?
Yes, it does. The scope of our ESR-5348 report is extensive and includes compliance with:
The 2019 Chicago Building Code (Title 14B)
The 2022 Oregon Structural Specialty Code (OSSC)
This broad coverage facilitates smoother project entry for urban redevelopment in the Midwest and sustainable building projects on the West Coast.
Q5: As a developer, what are the main benefits of using a pre-certified system like yours?
The primary benefits are speed, certainty, and confidence.
Faster Time-to-Market: By eliminating the need for lengthy product-specific testing and justification during permitting, you can start construction sooner.
Reduced Design Risk: Our system's pre-verified compliance with major codes minimizes the risk of redesign or rejection by authorities.
Enhanced Project Viability: The certification strengthens your project's credibility with financial and insurance partners, making it a more secure investment.
Q6: How does this certification support DeepBlue's claim of "Building Smarthouse for the World"?
The ICC-ES ESR-5348 report is a foundational element of our global mission. It provides a universal benchmark of quality and safety that transcends local boundaries. By investing in this comprehensive certification—covering everything from general IBC/IRC standards to the specific demands of Los Angeles, Florida, Chicago, and Oregon—we remove the technical barriers for our clients. This allows developers anywhere to leverage a smart, strong, and safe building system with the confidence that it meets world-class standards.