Temporary Rule To Address Shortage Of Ductwork Signed Into Law

RALEIGH – On March 17, Governor Roy Cooper signed House Bill 243, "Budget Technical Corrections," into law. The law allows the N.C. Building Code Council to adopt temporary rules relaxing homebuilding regulations to address ongoing supply chain issues.Sen. Steve Jarvis (R-Davidson) led the effort to include the temporary rule change in the bill after hearing from members of the N.C. Home Builders Association. The members of the association are experiencing a shortage of insulated flexible ductwork caused by global supply chain issues, resulting in higher prices for consumers.The temporary change allows for the use of minimum R-4.2 insulation value for supply and return ducts for construction projects. That insulation is more widely available and does not present any safety concerns."I am pleased to see Gov. Cooper sign House Bill 243 into law so we can address the industry's need for flexibility," Sen. Jarvis said. "It is of the utmost importance that in times of a supply chain crisis we do everything in our power to help local businesses and consumers."