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
| Oct 18, 2012
Chicago pushing green roofs to reduce heat island effect
The city of Chicago has mandated that all new buildings that require any public funds must be LEED certified, usually with a green roof.
| Oct 11, 2012
OSHA launches pilot program for alternative dispute resolution on whistleblower complaints
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is launching an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) pilot program for complaints filed with OSHA's Whistleblower Protection Program.
| Oct 11, 2012
Bill promotes investment in commercial, multifamily retrofits
The Commercial Building Modernization Act recently introduced in the Senate would extend and streamline a current tax deduction to encourage commercial and multifamily residential building owners to perform comprehensive energy-efficient retrofits.
| Oct 11, 2012
Morristown, N.Y., settles code violation dispute with Amish
The town of Morristown, N.Y., has dropped charges of building code violations against local Amish communities to settle a First Amendment complaint.
| Oct 11, 2012
Mesquite, Nev., rebels against state-mandated energy code
The city council of Mesquite, Nev., voted against adopting a new energy efficiency code adopted by the state.
| Oct 11, 2012
Bloomingdale, N.J., restricts ground solar and wind energy installations
The borough of Bloomingdale, N.J., recently adopted regulations for solar-energy and wind energy systems.
| Oct 3, 2012
Bill introduced to extend home energy efficiency tax credit
A bill to extend the expired residential energy efficiency tax credit for installing qualified furnaces, boilers, central air conditioners, and heat pumps was recently filed in the U.S. House of Representatives.
| Oct 3, 2012
OSHA publishes more detailed information on variances
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enhanced its variances Web page to improve public understanding of the variance approval process and increase access to the agency's decisions regarding variance requests.
