The new International Building Code now allows for the use of weather-resistive barriers above 40 feet high.
Code restrictions had been designed to limit the use of combustible materials that might propagate flames. In the 2015 update, however, exceptions are allowed that recognize that in certain circumstances a weather-resistive barrier by itself would be a negligible contributor to the spread of flames.
This change should result in an energy efficiency boost in cases where builders have had to transition to less efficient methods of weather sealing above 40 feet. Weather-resistive barriers are now allowed in walls in which the water-resistive barrier is the only combustible component and the exterior wall has a fire-resistant wall covering of brick, concrete, stone, terracotta, stucco, or steel.
The material can also be used in walls in which the water-resistive barrier is the only combustible component and the water-resistive barrier has certain heat, flame spread, and smoke properties in accordance with ASTM E 1354 and ASTM E84 or UL723.
Related Stories
| Aug 21, 2014
Industry groups agree to streamline green building tool coordination and development
Major building industry groups the International Code Council (ICC), ASHRAE, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES), and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) have agreed to collaborate on the development of Standard 189.1, the International Green Construction Code (IgCC), and the LEED green building program.
| Aug 21, 2014
Performance-based zoning: U.S. cities starting to loosen zoning regulations
Driven by New Urbanism, more than two dozen communities in the U.S. have loosened zoning restrictions in recent years.
| Aug 21, 2014
Meeting to finalize amendments to green property underwriting standard
The National Public Meeting for Resiliency + Infrastructure Consensus Underwriting Standard Amendments will take place September 16, from 9 a.m.-12p.m. at Perkins+Will, 1250 24th St. NW, Washington, DC in the World Wildlife Fund Building.
| Aug 21, 2014
American Iron and Steel Institute revises 14 test standards
The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) published 14 revised test standards in its S900-series.
| Aug 14, 2014
Mississippi county rejects adoption of state building code
The county board of supervisors voted unanimously to opt out of the state building code.
| Aug 14, 2014
Boards at odds over North Carolina county’s CM-at-Risk policy
Some local small contractors are not pleased with the school board’s CM-at-Risk policy that was instituted in 2007. The county’s board of commissioners has offered a sympathetic ear to their complaints
| Aug 14, 2014
2014 National Electrical Code now effective in 12 states; 11 more to come online by January
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says that the 2014 edition of the National Electrical Code(NEC) is now effective in 12 states: Alabama, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming.
| Aug 14, 2014
CDC report highlights need for heat acclimatization to prevent worker deaths
CDC supports OSHA’s analysis suggesting that the primary risk factor for heat fatalities is the lack of acclimatization programs.
| Aug 8, 2014
California revives study of earthquake faults
California reinstituted an ambitious plan to study dangerous earthquake faults and create zoning maps that could restrict development.
| Aug 6, 2014
Loudoun County, Virginia may dump green building requirements
Loudoun County, Va., supervisors may do away with a county policy that requires LEED Silver certification on new county buildings.