Mickey:
First, realize this code applies to new construction or to remodeling. It does not force compliance with structures that were built "correctly" in years past. In other words, if your house is older and any remodeling in the attic was done before "current code" was instituted, your house is fine. It does not have to be made to comply. If they have questions about this, tell them to reference IRC 2000, Section R102.7 and R102.7.1
Now, your roof:
SECTION R806
ROOF VENTILATION
R806.1 Ventilation required. Enclosed attics and enclosed rafter spaces formed where ceilings are applied directly to the underside of roof rafters shall have cross ventilation for each separate space by ventilating openings protected against the entrance of rain or snow. Ventilating openings shall be provided with corrosion-resistant wire mesh, with 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) minimum to ¼ inch (6.35 mm) maximum openings.
R806.2 Minimum area.
The total net free venting area shall not be less than 1 to 150 of the area of the space ventilated except that the total area is permitted to be reduced to 1 to 300, provided at least 50 percent and not more than 80 percent of the required venting area is provided by ventilators located in the upper portion of the space to be ventilated at least 3 feet (914 mm) above eave or cornice vents with the balance of the required ventilation provided by eave or cornice vents. As an alternative, the net free cross-ventilation may be reduced to 1 to 300 when a vapor barrier having a transmission rate not exceeding 1 perm (57.4 mg/s·m²·Pa) is installed on the warm side of the ceiling.
R806.3 Vent clearance. Where eave or cornice vents are installed insulation shall not block the free flow of air. A minimum of 1-inch (25.4 mm) space shall be provided between the insulation and the roof sheathing at the location of the vent.
SECTION R807
ATTIC ACCESS
R807.1 Attic access. In buildings with combustible ceiling or roof construction, an attic access shall be provided to attic areas that exceed 30 square feet (2.8 m²) and have a vertical height of 30 inches (762 mm) or greater.
The rough-framed opening shall not be less than 22 inches by 30 inches (559 mm by 762 mm) and shall be located in a hallway or other readily accessible location. A 30-inch (762 mm) minimum unobstructed headroom in the attic space shall be provided at some point above the access opening. See Section M1305.1.3 for access requirements where mechanical equipment is located in attics.
It's online too:
2000 International Residential Code Unfortunately, if this was built AFTER the code was adopted (whatever Code version your locality is using; the IRC is a compilation of previous codes into one Code that is essentially universal now) I think it would need venting.
This describes your room in the attic, right?
enclosed rafter spaces formed where ceilings are applied directly to the underside of roof rafters
If so, they need
shall have cross ventilation for each separate space by ventilating openings protected against the entrance of rain or snow.
IF this was built when this Code was in force. If it was built BEFORE the local code required it, you don't need ventilation.
Now, what I am uncertain about... since I'm not a building inspector or a builder... is the definition of "each separate space". Are they talking about the whole room, in which case your windows are considered cross ventilation. Or are they talking about each individual rafter bay?
I'd call a remodeler and ask them just what this part of the code means. Seems odd they'd require cross ventilation of each enclosed rafter bay that already has insulation in it. How are you going to ventilate that?
Good luck!
Good luck!
