Building Code Glossary
Corrosion Resistance: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009 define corrosion resistance, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Corrosion resistance is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “The ability of a material to withstand deterioration of its surface or its properties when exposed to its environment.” The IRC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 10 chapters of this corpus, most often in Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures (IBC 2009), Chimneys and Fireplaces (IRC 2009), Fuel Gas (IRC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Corrosion Resistance — IBC 2009, Definitions:
The ability of a material to withstand deterioration of its surface or its properties when exposed to its environment.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Corrosion Resistance, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Definitions | The ability of a material to withstand deterioration of its surface or its properties when exposed to its environment. |
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | The ability of a material to withstand deterioration of its surface or its properties when exposed to its environment. |
Where corrosion resistance is used in the code
The term appears in 10 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures | IBC 2009 | 4 |
| Chimneys and Fireplaces | IRC 2009 | 2 |
| Fuel Gas | IRC 2009 | 2 |
| Roof Assemblies | IRC 2009 | 2 |
| Wall Covering | IRC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Gypsum Board and Plaster | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Masonry | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 1 |
| Foundations | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about corrosion resistance, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The materials used for metal-sheet roof coverings shall be naturally corrosion resistant or provided with corrosion resistance in accordance with the standards and minimum thicknesses shown in Table 1507.4.3(2).
Steel lintels shall be shop coated with a rust-inhibitive paint, except for lintels made of corrosion-resistant steel or steel treated with coatings to provide corrosion resistance.
All surfaces (inside and outside) of steel columns shall be given a shop coat of rust-inhibitive paint, except for corrosion-resistant steel and steel treated with coatings to provide corrosion resistance.
The terms corrosion resistance is built out of
The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what corrosion resistance covers:
- Exposed — IRC 2009: (As applied to live parts.) Capable of being inadvertently touched or approached nearer than a safe distance by a person.
Corrosion Resistance: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Chimneys and Fireplaces (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fuel Gas (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Roof Assemblies (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Exposed | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Exposed: Building Code Definition
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Construction Documents: Building Code Definition
- Registered Design Professional: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of corrosion resistance?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “The ability of a material to withstand deterioration of its surface or its properties when exposed to its environment.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on corrosion resistance?
In this corpus the term is used across 10 chapters, led by Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures in the IBC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is the definition of corrosion resistance?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Definitions: “The ability of a material to withstand deterioration of its surface or its properties when exposed to its environment.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IRC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
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