CodeMandatory
Insect screens required on every ventilation opening
Virginia USBC 2021 Amendment 12 (IRC R303.11)Description
Every door, window and other outside opening required for ventilation purposes shall be supplied with approved tightly fitted screens of not less than 16 mesh per inch, and every screen door used for insect control shall have a self-closing device.
Why this exists
Virginia's mosquito + insect climate makes this a public-health amendment. The 16-mesh requirement specifies the minimum screen density.
Measurements
| Property | Operator | Value | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
meshDensity | min | 16 | mesh-per-inch | Minimum screen mesh density on ventilation openings |
Categories
Ventilation
Applies to
- Jurisdiction: Virginia
Source
Virginia DHCDauthoritative
2021 Virginia Construction Code (Part I of USBC) (2021)
Section: Amendment 12 (IRC R303.11)
Published 2024-01-18 · last verified 2026-05-10
Solver enforcement
Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.
Related directives
- Natural light in habitable rooms · IRC R303.1
- Carbon monoxide alarms in sleeping areas · IRC R315
- Garage HVAC duct prohibition · IRC R302.5.2
- Natural ventilation in habitable rooms · IRC R303.1 (vent)
- Bathroom ventilation · IRC R303.3
Last reviewed 2026-05-10.