National Building Code of Canada 2025 Updates

The following updates significantly impact residential construction inspections and compliance verification across Canada.

The updated code now references ASTM F2090-21, which specifies performance standards for window-fall-prevention devices when openings are more than 1.8 m (approximately 6 ft) above grade.

Key Requirements: • Devices must allow emergency egress release yet limit opening size to reduce child-fall risk • Inspectors should verify labeled compliance with ASTM F2090 on windows above the 6 ft threshold • This standardizes protection measures across all Canadian jurisdictions

Inspection Action: Verify device certification and function during window installation and final inspection.

Updated ASTM E-series references (E283, E547, E1105) set clearer procedures for on-site field testing of installed fenestration.

Key Requirements: • Windows and doors must pass water-penetration and air-leakage tests before occupancy • Standards apply to both factory-built and site-assembled units • Relevant for final enclosure inspection

Inspection Action: Ensure windows and doors meet water-penetration and air-leakage test requirements during enclosure inspection.

Corrections to ASTM D-series references ensure proper material testing for fiber-cement, vinyl, and PVC siding.

Key Requirements: • Installed claddings must match updated standards for weather resistance • Installation methods must follow revised specifications • Material testing procedures are now more clearly defined

Inspection Action: Verify that installed claddings match the updated standard for weather resistance and installation method.

Clarified tables add 'NBC 9.36.7 Tiered Performance' and 'NBC 9.36.8 Tiered Prescriptive' compliance options, providing builders with flexible pathways to meet energy requirements.

Key Requirements: • Projects must declare which tier they're following • Energy modelling or prescriptive details must match the declared path • Documentation must be provided at permit application

Inspection Action: Verify which tier a project claims and that energy modelling or prescriptive details match the declared path.

The anchor-bolt diameter for prescriptive foundation anchoring is now clearly specified as 15.9 mm (⅝ in.), resolving previous ambiguities.

Key Requirements: • Foundation bolts must be 15.9 mm (⅝ in.) diameter • Spacing requirements remain critical for structural integrity • Both diameter and spacing must be verified

Inspection Action: Inspect foundation bolts for correct size (15.9 mm/⅝ in.) and spacing at framing inspection.

Commercial construction sees several important clarifications that affect permit reviews and site inspections.

Minor text corrections clarify clearances and proximity measurements to property lines and public ways (3.2.3.6.(5)).

Key Requirements: • Fire rating and distance measurements use 'centre line of a public way' definition • Spatial separation calculations are now more consistent • Property line measurements have been standardized

Inspection Action: Measure fire rating and distance using the 'centre line of a public way' definition for consistency.

All structural loads must use updated references as of July 15, 2022 (ASCE 7-10 and related ASTM standards).

Key Requirements: • Engineered drawings must reference the new standard dates • Corresponding commentaries must be current • Load calculations must follow updated methodologies

Inspection Action: Check that engineered drawings reference the new dates and corresponding commentaries.

Revised sound-rating standards (E90, E336, E413) clarify testing for party walls and ceilings in multi-unit buildings.

Key Requirements: • Field tests must reflect updated STC and ASTC measurement methods • Party wall assemblies must meet revised acoustic ratings • Testing procedures are more clearly defined

Inspection Action: Verify field tests reflect the updated STC and ASTC measurement methods.

Cross-references to the National Energy Code for Buildings 2020 have been updated to align with tiered energy-performance goals.

Key Requirements: • Energy modelling documentation must match the correct NECB edition • Mechanical system specifications must align with updated requirements • Compliance path must be clear at plan review

Inspection Action: Ensure energy modelling and mechanical system documentation match the correct edition at plan review.

Hundreds of standards were revised or renamed. This is one of the most comprehensive updates affecting product specifications and material compliance.

Key Requirements: • All drawings and product submittals must use latest standard dates • ASTM, CSA, and ULC references must be current (effective July 15, 2022) • Product certifications must reference updated standards

Inspection Action: Verify drawings and product submittals use the latest standard dates (e.g., ASTM, CSA, ULC).

Several important general clarifications affect how the code is applied:

• Effective Reference Date: All referenced documents are effective July 15, 2022 (1.3.1.1.(1))

• Existing Buildings (Part A – Note A-1.1.1.1.(1)): Confirms inspectors should not retroactively apply new requirements unless safety is compromised or major renovation occurs

• Terminology Corrections: Italicized definitions and cross-references standardized across Volumes 1 and 2 for consistency in inspection forms and permit applications