Wall Covering

Application.

The provisions of this chapter shall control the design and construction of the interior and exterior wall covering for buildings. Exception: Buildings and structures located within the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 44.

Installation.

Products sensitive to adverse weather shall not be installed until adequate weather protection for the installation is provided. Exterior sheathing shall be dry before applying exterior cover.

General.

Interior coverings or wall finishes shall be installed in accordance with this chapter and Table R702.1(1), Table R702.1(2), Table R702.1(3) and Table R702.3.5.

Gypsum plaster.

Gypsum plaster materials shall conform to ASTM C5, C22, C28, C35, C59, C61, C587, C631, C847, C 933, C1032 and C1047, and shall be installed or applied in compliance with ASTM C843 and C844. Gypsum lath or gypsum base for veneer plaster shall conform to ASTM C1396.

Cement plaster.

Cement plaster materials shall conform to ASTM C91 (Type M, S or N), C150 (Type I, II and III), C595 [Type IP, I (PM), IS and I (SM), C847, C897, C926, C933, C1032, C1047 and C 1328, and shall be installed or applied in compliance with ASTM C1063. Gypsum lath shall conform to ASTM C1396.

Application.

Each coat shall be kept in a moist condition for not less than 24 hours prior to application of the next coat. Exception: Applications installed in accordance with ASTM C926.

Curing.

The finish coat for two-coat cement plaster shall not be applied sooner than 48 hours after application of the first coat. For three-coat cement plaster, the second coat shall not be applied sooner than 24 hours after application of the first coat.

Support.

Support spacing for gypsum or metal lath on walls or ceilings shall not exceed 16 inches (406 mm) for 3/8-inch-thick (9.5 mm) or 24 inches (610 mm) for 1/2-inch-thick (12.7 mm) plain gypsum lath.

Gypsum board and gypsum panel products.

Gypsum board and gypsum panel products.

Materials.

Gypsum board and gypsum panel product materials and accessories shall conform to ASTM C22, C475, C514, C1002, C1047, C1177, C1178, C1278, C1396 or C1658 and shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of this section.

Wood framing.

Wood framing supporting gypsum board and gypsum panel products shall be not less than 2 inches (51 mm) nominal thickness in the least dimension except that wood furring strips not less than 1-inch by 2-inch (25 mm by 51 mm) nominal dimension shall be permitted to be used over solid backing or framin...

Cold-formed steel framing.

Cold-formed steel framing supporting gypsum board and gypsum panel products shall be not less than 11/4 inches (32 mm) wide in the least dimension. Nonload-bearing cold-formed steel framing shall comply with AISI S220.

Insulating concrete form walls.

Foam plastics for insulating concrete form walls constructed in accordance with Sections R404.1.2 and R608 on the interior of habitable spaces shall be protected in accordance with Section R316.4. Use of adhesives in conjunction with mechanical fasteners is permitted.

Application.

Supports and fasteners used to attach gypsum board and gypsum panel products shall comply with Table R702.3.5. Gypsum sheathing shall be attached to exterior walls in accordance with Section R602.3.

Screw fastening.

Screws for attaching gypsum board and gypsum panel products to wood framing shall be Type W or Type S in accordance with ASTM C1002 and shall penetrate the wood not less than 5/8 inch (15.9 mm). Gypsum board and gypsum panel products shall be attached to cold-formed steel framing with minimum No.

Horizontal gypsum board diaphragm ceilings.

Gypsum board and gypsum panel products shall be permitted on wood joists to create a horizontal diaphragm in accordance with Table R702.3.6. Gypsum board and gypsum panel products shall be installed perpendicular to ceiling framing members.

Water-resistant gypsum backing board.

Gypsum board used as the base or backer for adhesive application of ceramic tile or other required nonabsorbent finish material shall conform to ASTM C1396, C1178 or C1278. Use of water-resistant gypsum backing board shall be permitted on ceilings.

Limitations.

Water-resistant gypsum backing board shall not be used where there will be direct exposure to water, or in areas subject to continuous high humidity.

General.

Ceramic tile surfaces shall be installed in accordance with ANSI A108.1, A108.4, A108.5, A108.6, A108.11, A118.1, A118.3, A136.1 and A137.1.

Backer boards.

Materials used as backers for wall tile in tub and shower areas and wall panels in shower areas shall be of materials listed in Table R702.4.2, and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Other finishes.

Wood veneer paneling and hardboard paneling shall be placed on wood or cold-formed steel framing spaced not more than 16 inches (406 mm) on center.

Wood shakes and shingles.

Wood shakes and shingles shall conform to CSSB Grading Rules for Wood Shakes and Shingles and shall be permitted to be installed directly to the studs with maximum 24 inches (610 mm) on-center spacing.

Attachment.

Nails, staples or glue are permitted for attaching shakes or shingles to the wall, and attachment of the shakes or shingles directly to the surface shall be permitted provided the fasteners are appropriate for the type of wall surface material.

Furring strips.

Where furring strips are used, they shall be 1 inch by 2 inches or 1 inch by 3 inches (25 mm by 51 mm or 25 mm by 76 mm), spaced a distance on center equal to the desired exposure, and shall be attached to the wall by nailing through other wall material into the studs.

Vapor retarders.

Vapor retarder materials shall be classified in accordance with Table R702.7(1). A vapor retarder shall be provided on the interior side of frame walls of the class indicated in Table R702.7(2), including compliance with Table R702.7(3) or Table R702.7(4) where applicable.

Spray foam plastic insulation for moisturecontrol with Class II and III vapor retarders.

For purposes of compliance with Tables R702.7(3) and R702.7(4), spray foam with a maximum permeance of 1.5 perms at the installed thickness applied to the interior side of wood structural panels, fiberboard, insulating sheathing or gypsum shall be deemed to meet the continuous insulation moisture co...

General.

Exterior walls shall provide the building with a weather-resistant exterior wall envelope. The exterior wall envelope shall include flashing as described in Section R703.4.

Panel siding.

Fiber-cement panels shall comply with the requirements of ASTM C1186, Type A, minimum Grade II or ISO 8336, Category A, minimum Class 2. Panels shall be installed with the long dimension either parallel or perpendicular to framing.

Lap siding.

Fiber-cement lap siding having a maximum width of 12 inches (305 mm) shall comply with the requirements of ASTM C1186, Type A, minimum Grade II or ISO 8336, Category A, minimum Class 2.

Water resistance.

The exterior wall envelope shall be designed and constructed in a manner that prevents the accumulation of water within the wall assembly by providing a water-resistant barrier behind the exterior cladding as required by Section R703.2 and a means of draining to the exterior water that penetrates th...

Vinyl siding.

Vinyl siding shall be certified and labeled as conforming to the requirements of ASTM D3679 by an approved agency.

Installation.

Vinyl siding, insulated vinyl siding and compatible accessories shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Fasteners.

Unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer’s instructions, fasteners for vinyl siding shall be 0.120-inch (3 mm) shank diameter nail with a 0.313-inch (8 mm) head.

Penetration depth.

Unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer’s installation instructions or in accordance with Table R703.3(1), fasteners shall penetrate into building framing. The total penetration into the sheathing, furring framing or other nailable substrate shall be a minimum 11/4 inches (32 mm).

Spacing.

Unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer’s installation instructions, the maximum spacing between fasteners for horizontal siding shall be 16 inches (406 mm), and for vertical siding 12 inches (305 mm) both horizontally and vertically.

Starter strip.

The first course of horizontal siding shall be secured using a starter strip as specified in the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Utility trim.

Where horizontal siding has to be cut or trimmed below windows and at the top of walls, the top edge of the siding shall be secured with utility trim and snap locks or as specified by the manufacturer’s installation instructions. See Figures R703.11.1.5(1) and R703.11.1.5(2).

Installation over foam plastic sheathing.

Where vinyl siding or insulated vinyl siding is installed over foam plastic sheathing, the vinyl siding shall comply with Section R703.11 and shall have a wind load design pressure rating in accordance with Table R703.11.2. Exceptions: 1.

Basic wind speed not exceeding 115 miles per hour and Exposure Category B.

Reserved.

Design wind pressure rating.

Reserved.

Wind resistance.

Wall coverings, backing materials and their attachments shall be capable of resisting wind loads in accordance with Tables R301.2(2) and R301.2(3) for walls using an effective wind area of 10 square feet.

Adhered masonry veneer installation.

Adhered masonry veneer shall comply with the requirements of Section R703.7.3 and the requirements in Sections 12.1 and 12.3 of TMS 402/ACI 530/ASCE 5.

Wind resistance of exterior soffits.

Exterior soffits and their attachments shall comply with Section R704.

Clearances.

On exterior stud walls, adhered masonry veneer shall be installed: 1. Minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) above the earth; 2.

Flashing at foundation.

A corrosion-resistant screed or flashing of a minimum 0.019-inch (0.48 mm) or 26-gage galvanized or plastic with a minimum vertical attachment flange of 31/2 inches (89 mm) shall be installed to extend a minimum of 1 inch (25 mm) below the foundation plate line on exterior stud walls in accordance w...

Water-resistive barrier.

A water-resistive barrier shall be installed as required by Section R703.2 and shall comply with the requirements of Section R703.7.3. The water-resistive barrier shall lap over the exterior of the attachment flange of the screed or flashing provided in accordance with Section R703.7.3.

Insulated vinyl siding.

Insulated vinyl siding shall be certified and labeled as conforming to the requirements of ASTM D7793 by an approved agency.

Insulated vinyl siding and accessories.

Insulated vinyl siding and compatible accessories shall be installed in accordance with Sections R703.11.1, R703.11.2 and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Polypropylene siding.

Polypropylene siding shall be certified and labeled as conforming to the requirements of ASTM D7254 by an approved agency. In addition, polypropylene siding shall conform to the fire separation distance requirements of Section R703.14.2 or R703.14.3.

Polypropylene siding and accessories.

Polypropylene siding and accessories shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Installation.

Unless otherwise specified in the manufacturer’s installation instructions, polypropylene siding shall be installed over and attached to wood structural panel sheathing with minimum thickness of 7/16 inch (11.1 mm), or other nailable substrate, composed of wood or wood-based material and fasteners h...

Starter strip.

Horizontal siding shall be installed with a starter strip at the initial course at any location.

Under windows and top of walls.

Where nail hem is removed, such as under windows and at the top of walls, nail slot punch or pre-drilled holes shall be constructed as shown in Figure R703.14.1.1.2(1). FIGURE R703.14.1.1.2(1) TRIM UNDER WINDOW AND TOPOF WALLS POLYPROPYLENE SIDING

Fastener requirements.

Unless otherwise specified in the approved manufacturer’s installation instructions, nails shall be corrosion resistant, with a minimum 0.120-inch (3 mm) shank and minimum 0.313-inch (8 mm) head diameter.

Fire separation.

Polypropylene siding shall not be installed on walls with a fire separation distance of less than 5 feet (1524 mm) and walls closer than 10 feet (3048 mm) to a building on another lot. Exception: Walls perpendicular to the line used to determine the fire separation distance.

Flame spread index.

The certification of the flame spread index shall be accompanied by a test report stating that all portions of the test specimen ahead of the flame front remained in position during the test in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.

Cladding attachment over foam sheathing to wood framing.

Cladding shall be specified and installed in accordance with Section R703, the cladding manufacturer’s approved instructions, including any limitations for use over foam plastic sheathing, or an approved design.

Direct attachment.

Where cladding is installed directly over foam sheathing without the use of furring, cladding minimum fastening requirements to support the cladding weight shall be as specified in Table R703.15.1.

Furred cladding attachment.

Where wood furring is used to attach cladding over foam sheathing, furring minimum fastening requirements to support the cladding weight shall be as specified in Table R703.15.2.

Cladding attachment over foam sheathing to cold-formed steel framing.

Cladding shall be specified and installed in accordance with Section R703, the cladding manufacturer’s approved instructions, including any limitations for use over foam plastic sheathing, or an approved design.

Direct attachment.

Where cladding is installed directly over foam sheathing without the use of furring, cladding minimum fastening requirements to support the cladding weight shall be as specified in Table R703.16.1.

Furred cladding attachment.

Where steel or wood furring is used to attach cladding over foam sheathing, furring minimum fastening requirements to support the cladding weight shall be as specified in Table R703.16.2.

Cladding attachment over foam sheathing to masonry or concrete wall construction.

Cladding shall be specified and installed in accordance with Section 703.3 and the cladding manufacturer’s instructions or an approved design.

Water-resistive barrier.

Not fewer than one layer of water-resistive barrier shall be applied over studs or sheathing of all exterior walls with flashing as indicated in Section R703.4, in such a manner as to provide a continuous water-resistive barrier behind the exterior wall veneer.

Nominal thickness and attachments.

The nominal thickness and attachment of exterior wall coverings shall be in accordance with Table R703.3(1), the wall covering material requirements of this section, and the wall covering manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Wind limitations.

Where the design wind pressure exceeds 30 psf or where the limits of Table R703.3.1 are exceeded, the attachment of wall coverings shall be designed to resist the component and cladding loads specified in Table R301.2(2), adjusted for height and exposure in accordance with Table R301.2(3).

Fasteners.

Exterior wall coverings shall be securely fastened with aluminum, galvanized, stainless steel or rust-preventative coated nails in accordance with Table R703.3(1) or with other approved corrosion-resistant fasteners in accordance with the wall covering manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Minimum fastener length and penetration.

Fasteners shall have the greater of the minimum length specified in Table R703.3(1) or as required to provide a minimum penetration into framing as follows: 1.

Untitled

Fasteners for polypropylene siding shall be installed in accordance with Section R703.14.

Siding clearance at wall and adjacent surfaces.

Unless otherwise specified by the material manufacturer, or this code, siding shall have a clearance of at least 6 inches (152 mm) from grade and at least 1/2 inch (13 mm) from other adjacent surfaces (decks, roofs, slabs).

Flashing.

Approved metal flashing, vinyl flashing, self-adhered membranes and mechanically attached flexible flashing shall be applied shingle-fashion or in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Metal flashing shall be corrosion resistant.

Wood, hardboard and wood structural panel siding.

Wood, hardboard, and wood structural panel siding shall be installed in accordance with this section and Table R703.3(1). Hardboard siding shall comply with CPA/ANSI A135.6.

Vertical wood siding.

Wood siding applied vertically shall be nailed to horizontal nailing strips or blocking set not more than 24 inches (610 mm) on center.

Panel siding.

3/8-inch (9.5 mm) wood structural panel siding shall not be applied directly to studs spaced more than 16 inches (406 mm) on center where long dimension is parallel to studs.

Horizontal wood siding.

Horizontal lap siding shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Wood shakes and shingles.

Wood shakes and shingles shall conform to CSSB Grading Rules for Wood Shakes and Shingles.

Application.

Wood shakes or shingles shall be applied either single course or double course over nominal 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) wood-based sheathing or to furring strips over 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) nominal nonwood sheathing.

Weather exposure.

The maximum weather exposure for shakes and shingles shall not exceed that specified in Table 703.6.1.

Attachment.

Wood shakes or shingles shall be installed according to this chapter and the manufacturer’s instructions.

Bottom courses.

The bottom courses shall be doubled.

Exterior plaster.

Installation of these materials shall be in compliance with ASTM C926, ASTM C1063 or ASTM C1787 and the provisions of this code.

Lath.

Lath and lath attachments shall be of corrosion-resistant materials.

Plaster.

Plastering with cement plaster shall be not less than three coats where applied over any type of code-approved lath and shall be not less than two coats where directly applied over masonry, concrete, clay brick, stone or tile.

Weep screeds.

A minimum 0.019-inch (0.5 mm) (No. 26 galvanized sheet gage), corrosion-resistant weep screed or plastic weep screed, with a minimum vertical attachment flange of 31/2 inches (89 mm) shall be provided at or below the foundation plate line on exterior stud walls in accordance with ASTM C926.

Water-resistive barriers.

Water-resistive barriers shall be installed as required in Section R703.2 and, where applied over wood-based sheathing, shall include a water-resistive vapor-permeable barrier with a performance at least equivalent to two layers of Grade D paper.

Application.

Each coat shall be kept in a moist condition for at least 48 hours prior to application of the next coat. Exception: Applications installed in accordance with ASTM C926 including the reference in ASTM C926 Section 8 to Section X1.4.2 of the Appendix.

Curing.

The finish coat for two-coat cement plaster shall not be applied sooner than seven days after application of the first coat. For three-coat cement plaster, the second coat shall not be applied sooner than 48 hours after application of the first coat.

Anchored stone and masonry veneer, general.

Anchored stone and masonry veneer shall be installed in accordance with this chapter, Table R703.3(1) and Figure R703.8. These veneers installed over a backing of wood or cold-formed steel shall be limited to the first story above grade plane and shall not exceed 5 inches (127 mm) in thickness.

Interior veneer support.

Veneers used as interior wall finishes shall be permitted to be supported on wood or cold-formed steel floors that are designed to support the loads imposed.

Exterior veneer support.

Exterior masonry veneers having an installed weight of 40 pounds per square foot (195 kg/m2) or less shall be permitted to be supported on wood or cold-formed steel construction.

Support by steel angle.

A minimum 6-inch by 4-inch by 5/16-inch (152 mm by 102 mm by 8 mm) steel angle, with the long leg placed vertically, shall be anchored to double 2-inch by 4-inch (51 mm by 102 mm) wood studs or double 350S162 cold-formed steel studs at a maximum on-center spacing of 16 inches (406 mm).

Support by roof construction.

A steel angle shall be placed directly on top of the roof construction.

Lintels.

Masonry veneer shall not support any vertical load other than the dead load of the veneer above. Veneer above openings shall be supported on lintels of non-combustible materials.

Allowable span.

The allowable span shall not exceed the values set forth in Table R703.8.3.1. TABLE R703.8.3.1 ALLOWABLE SPANS FOR LINTELS SUPPORTING MASONRY VENEERa, b, c, d SIZE OF STEEL ANGLEa, c, d (inches) NO STORY ABOVE ONE STORY ABOVE TWO STORIES ABOVE NO.

Maximum span.

The allowable span shall not exceed 18 feet 3 inches (5562 mm) and shall be constructed to comply with Figure R703.8.3.2 and the following: 1. Provide a minimum length of 18 inches (457 mm) of masonry veneer on each side of opening as shown in Figure R703.8.3.2.

Anchorage.

Masonry veneer shall be anchored directly to the supporting wall studs with corrosion-resistant metal ties embedded in mortar or grout and extending into the veneer a minimum of 11/2 inches (38 mm), with not less than 5/8-inch (15.9 mm) mortar or grout cover to outside face.

Size and spacing.

Veneer ties, if strand wire, shall be not less in thickness than No. 9 US gage [(0.148 inch) (4 mm)] wire and shall have a hook embedded in the mortar joint, or if sheet metal, shall be not less than No.

Veneer ties around wall openings.

Additional metal ties shall be provided around wall openings greater than 16 inches (406 mm) in either dimension. Metal ties around the perimeter of openings shall be spaced not more than 3 feet (9144 mm) on center and placed within 12 inches (305 mm) of the wall opening.

Grout fill.

As an alternative to the airspace required by Table R703.8.4(1), grout shall be permitted to fill the airspace. Where the airspace is filled with grout, a water-resistive barrier is required over studs or sheathing.

Flashing.

Flashing shall be located beneath the first course of masonry above finished ground level above the foundation wall or slab and at other points of support, including structural floors, shelf angles and lintels where masonry veneers are designed in accordance with Section R703.8.

Weepholes.

Weepholes shall be provided in the outside wythe of masonry walls at a maximum spacing of 33 inches (838 mm) on center. Weepholes shall be not less than 3/16 inch (5 mm) in diameter.

Exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS)/EIFS with drainage.

Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) shall be designed or tested to meet the wind pressures specified in Table R301.2(2) and shall comply with this chapter and Section R703.9.1. EIFS with drainage shall comply with this chapter and Section R703.9.2.

Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS).

EIFS shall comply with the following: 1. ASTM E2568.

Exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) with drainage.

EIFS with drainage shall comply with the following: 1. ASTM E2568.

Wind resistance of soffits.

Soffits and their attachments shall be capable of resisting wind loads specified in Tables R301.2(2) and R301.2(3) for walls using an effective wind area of 10 square feet.

Soffit installation.

Soffit installation shall comply with Sections R704.2.1, R704.2.2, R704.2.3 and R704.2.4.

Vinyl and aluminum soffit panels.

Vinyl and aluminum soffit panels shall be installed using aluminum, galvanized, stainless steel or rust-preventative coated nails or other approved corrosion-resistant fasteners specified by the manufacturer and shall be fastened at both ends to a supporting component such as a nailing strip, fascia...

Fiber-cement soffit panels.

Fiber-cement soffit panels shall be a minimum of 1/4 inch thick and shall comply with the requirements of ASTM C1186, Type A, minimum Grade II or ISO 8336, Category A, minimum Class 2. Panel joints shall occur over framing or over wood structural panel sheathing.

Hardboard soffit panels.

Where the design wind pressure is 30 psf or less, soffit panels shall be a minimum of 7/16 inch in thickness and shall be fastened to framing or nailing strips with 2 1/2″ × 0.113″ siding nails spaced not more than 6 inches on center at panel edges and 12 inches on center at intermediate supports.

Wood structural panel soffit prescriptive alternative.

Wood structural panel soffit panels are permitted to be installed in accordance with Table R704.2.4.

Aluminum fascia.

Aluminum fascia shall have a minimum thickness of 0.019 inches and be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and this code. Fasteners shall be aluminum or stainless steel.

Fascia installation where the design wind pressure is 30 psf or less.

Where the design wind pressure is 30 pounds per square foot (1.44 kPA) or less, aluminum fascia shall be attached as follows: 1. Finish nails shall be provided in the return leg (11/4″ × 0.057″ × 0.177″ head diameter) spaced a maximum of 24 inches (610 mm) on center, and 2.

Fascia installation where the design wind pressure exceeds 30 psf but is 60 psf or less.

Where the design wind pressure is 60 pounds per square foot (2.88 kPA) or less, aluminum fascia shall be attached in accordance with Section R704.3.2.1 or Section R704.3.2.2.

Where the height of the fascia from the top of the roof sheathing to the bottom of the subfascia plus any thickness of soffit material below the subfascia is less than or equal to 6.5 inches (165 mm) or less, aluminum fascia shall be attached as follows:

1. Finish nails shall be provided in the return leg (11/4″ × 0.057″ × 0.177″ head diameter) spaced a maximum of 24 inches (610 mm) on center, and 2.

Untitled

Where the height of the fascia from the top of the roof sheathing to the bottom of the sub-fascia plus any thickness of soffit material below the subfascia is greater than 6.5 inches (165 mm), the top edge of the fascia shall be secured using utility trim installed beneath the drip edge with snap lo...

Fascia installation where the design windpressure exceeds 60 psf.

Where the design wind pressureis greater than 60 pounds per square foot (2.88 kPA), aluminum fascia shall be attached as follows in accordancewith Section R704.3.3.1 or Section R704.3.3.2.

Where the height of the fascia from the top of the roof sheathing to the bottom of the subfascia plus any thickness of soffit material below the subfascia is less than or equal to 4.5 inches (114 mm) or less, aluminum fascia shall be attached as follows:

1. Finish nails shall be provided in the return leg (11/4″ × 0.057″ × 0.177″ head diameter) spaced a maximum of 24 inches (610 mm) on center, and 2.

Untitled

Where the height of the fascia from the top of the roof sheathing to the bottom of the subfascia plus any thickness of soffit material below the subfascia is greater than 4.5 inches (114 mm), the top edge of the fascia shall be secured using utility trim installed beneath the drip edge with snap loc...

Corners on hip roofs.

Fascia shall be bent around corners and extend at least 12 inches (305 mm) beyond the corner. The next fascia material section shall overlap the extension a minimum of 3 inches (76 mm) and be fastened through the return leg at the overlap.

Corners on gable roofs.

Corners on gable roofs. Fascia shall be wrapped (tabbed) around and extend at least 1 inch (25 mm) beyond the corner.