Special Exterior Wall Systems & Features

Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

• CBC § 715.2.2 High relevance — show source text

  715.2.2 Approved materials installation. Approved materials protecting voids shall be securely installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions in or on the void for its entire length so as not to dislodge, loosen or otherwise impair its ability to accommodate expected building movements and to resist the passage of fire and hot gases.

  715.3 Fire-resistance-rated assembly intersections. Joints installed in or between fire-resistance-rated walls, floor or floor/ceiling assemblies and roofs or roof/ceiling assemblies shall be protected by an approved fire-resistant joint system designed to resist the passage of fire for a time period not less than the required fire-resistance rating of the wall, floor or roof in or between which the system is installed.

  Exception: Fire-resistant joint systems shall not be required for joints in the following locations:

  1. Floors within a single dwelling unit.
  2. Floors where the joint is protected by a shaft enclosure in accordance with Section 713.
  3. Floors within atriums where the space adjacent to the atrium is included in the volume of the atrium for smoke control

  purposes.

  4. Floors within malls.

  5. Floors and ramps within parking garages or structures constructed in accordance with Sections 406.5 and 406.6.

  6. Mezzanine floors.

  7. Walls that are permitted to have unprotected openings.

  8. Roofs where openings are permitted.

  9. Control joints not exceeding a maximum width of 0.625 inch (15.9 mm) and tested in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263.

  10. The intersection of exterior curtain wall assemblies and the roof slab or roof deck.

  715.3.1 Fire test criteria. Fire-resistant joint systems shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of either ASTM E1966 or UL 2079. Nonsymmetrical wall joint systems shall be tested with both faces exposed to the furnace, and the assigned fire-resistance rating shall be the shortest duration obtained from the two tests. Where evidence is furnished to show that the wall was tested with the least fire-resistant side exposed to the furnace, subject to acceptance of the building official, the wall need not be subjected to tests from the opposite side.

  Exception: For exterior walls with a horizontal fire separation distance greater than 10 feet (3048 mm), the joint system shall be required to be tested for interior fire exposure only.

  715.4 Exterior curtain wall/fire-resistance-rated floor intersections. Voids created at the intersection of exterior curtain wall assemblies and fire-resistance-rated floor or floor/ceiling assemblies shall be protected with an approved perimeter fire contain

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  FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

  ment system to prevent the interior spread of fire. Such systems shall provide an F rating for a time period not less than the fireresistance rating of the floor or floor/ceiling assembly.

  Exceptions: An approved perimeter fire containment system shall not be required for voids in the following locations:

  1. Floors within a single dwelling unit.

  2. Floors and ramps within parking garages or structures constructed in accordance with Sections 406.5 and 406.6.

  3. Mezzanine floors.

  715.4.1 Fire test criteria. Perimeter fire containment systems shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of ASTM E2307.

• CBC § 1407.4.1 High relevance — show source text

  1407.4.1 EIFS with drainage. EIFS with drainage shall have an average minimum drainage efficiency of 90 percent when tested in accordance the requirements of ASTM E2273 and is required on framed walls of Type V construction, Group R1, R2, R3 and R4 occupancies.

  1407.4.1.1 Water-resistive barrier. For EIFS with drainage, the water-resistive barrier shall comply with Section 1403.2 or ASTM E2570.

  1407.5 Exterior walls of buildings of any height. Exterior wall assemblies containing an EIFS exterior wall covering shall comply with Section 2603.5.

  1407.6 Installation. Installation of the EIFS and EIFS with drainage shall be in accordance with the EIFS manufacturer’s instructions.

  1407.7 Special inspections. EIFS installations shall comply with the provisions of Sections 1704.2 and 1705.17.

  SECTION 1408—HIGH-PRESSURE DECORATIVE EXTERIOR-GRADE COMPACT LAMINATES (HPL)

  1408.1 General. The provisions of this section shall govern the materials, construction and quality of High-Pressure Decorative ExteriorGrade Compact Laminates (HPL) for use as exterior wall coverings in addition to other applicable requirements of Chapters 14 and 16.

  1408.2 Exterior wall covering. HPL used as exterior wall covering or as elements of balconies and similar projections and bay and oriel windows to provide cladding or weather resistance shall comply with Sections 1408.4 through 1408.14.

  1408.3 Architectural trim and embellishments. HPL used as architectural trim or embellishments shall comply with Sections 1408.7 through 1408.14.

  [BS] 1408.4 Structural design. HPL systems shall be designed and constructed to resist wind loads as required by Chapter 16 for components and cladding.

  1408.5 Approval. Results of approved tests or an engineering analysis shall be submitted to the building official to verify compliance with the requirements of Chapter 16 for wind loads.

  1408.6 Weather resistance. HPL systems shall comply with Section 1402 and shall be designed and constructed to resist wind and rain in accordance with this section and the manufacturer’s instructions.

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  EXTERIOR WALLS

  1408.7 Durability. HPL systems shall be constructed of approved materials that maintain the performance characteristics required in Section 1408 for the duration of use.

  1408.8 Fire-resistance rating. Where HPL systems are used on exterior walls required to have a fire-resistance rating in accordance with Section 705, evidence shall be submitted to the building official that the required fire-resistance rating is maintained.

  Exception: HPL systems not containing foam plastic insulation, which are installed on the outer surface of a fire-resistance-rated exterior wall in a manner such that the attachments do not penetrate through the entire exterior wall assembly, shall not be required to comply with this section.

  1408.9 Surface-burning characteristics. Unless otherwise specified, HPL shall have a flame spread index of 75 or less and a smokedeveloped index of 450 or less when tested in the minimum and maximum thicknesses intended for use in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.

• CBC § 1705.15.6 High relevance — show source text

  [BF] 1705.15.6 Bond strength. The cohesive/adhesive bond strength of the cured SFRM applied to floor, roof and wall assemblies and structural members shall be not less than 150 pounds per square foot (psf) (7.18 kN/m [2] ). The cohesive/adhesive bond strength shall be determined in accordance with the field test specified in ASTM E736 by testing in-place samples of the SFRM selected in accordance with Sections 1705.15.6.1 through 1705.15.6.3.

  [BF] 1705.15.6.1 Floor, roof and wall assemblies. The test samples for determining the cohesive/adhesive bond strength of the SFRM shall be selected from each floor, roof and wall assembly at the rate of not less than one sample for every 2,500 square feet (232 m [2] ) of the sprayed area, or portion thereof, in each story.

  [BF] 1705.15.6.2 Structural members. The test samples for determining the cohesive/adhesive bond strength of the SFRM shall be selected from beams, girders, trusses, columns and other structural members at the rate of not less than one sample for each type of structural member for each 2,500 square feet (232 m [2] ) of floor area or portion thereof in each story.

  [BF] 1705.15.6.3 Primer, paint and encapsulant bond tests. Bond tests to qualify a primer, paint or encapsulant shall be conducted where the SFRM is applied to a primed, painted or encapsulated surface for which acceptable bond-strength performance between these coatings and the SFRM has not been determined. A bonding agent approved by the SFRM manufacturer shall be applied to a primed, painted or encapsulated surface where the bond strengths are found to be less than required values.

  [BF] 1705.16 Intumescent fire-resistive materials. Special inspections and tests for intumescent fire-resistive materials applied to structural elements and decks shall be performed in accordance with AWCI 12-B. Special inspections and tests shall be based on the fire-resistance design as designated in the approved construction documents. Special inspections and tests shall be performed during construction. Additional visual inspection shall be performed after the rough installation and, where applicable, prior to the concealment of electrical, automatic sprinkler, mechanical and plumbing systems.

  [BF] 1705.17 Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS). Special inspections shall be required for all EIFS applications.

  Exceptions:

  1. Special inspections shall not be required for EIFS applications installed over a water-resistive barrier with a means of draining moisture to the exterior.
  2. Special inspections shall not be required for EIFS applications installed over masonry or concrete walls.

  [BF] 1705.17.1 Water-resistive barrier coating. A water-resistive barrier coating complying with ASTM E2570 requires special inspection of the water-resistive barrier coating where installed over a sheathing substrate.

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  SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

• CBC § 1409.5 Medium relevance — show source text

  1409.5 Fire-resistance rating. Evidence of the required fire-resistance rating of IMP systems shall be in accordance with this section.

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  EXTERIOR WALLS

  1409.5.1 IMP used as exterior walls. In all types of construction where IMP systems are used as exterior walls required to have a fire-resistance rating in accordance with Section 705, evidence shall be submitted to the building official that the wall achieves the required fire-resistance rating.

  1409.5.2 IMP used as exterior wall coverings. In all types of construction where IMP systems are used as exterior wall coverings on exterior walls required to have a fire-resistance rating in accordance with Section 705, evidence shall be submitted to the building official that the required fire-resistance rating is maintained.

  Exception: IMP systems not containing combustible insulation, which are installed on the outer surface of a fire-resistance rated exterior wall in a manner such that the attachments do not penetrate to the entire exterior wall assembly.

  1409.6 IMP systems with noncombustible core insulation. IMP with noncombustible core insulation shall comply with Sections 1409.1 through 1409.5. Combustibility shall be determined in accordance with Section 703.3.

  1409.7 IMP systems with combustible core insulation. IMP systems with combustible core insulation shall comply with Sections 1409.1 through 1409.5 and this section. Combustibility shall be determined in accordance with Section 703.3.

  1409.7.1 Surface-burning characteristics. Unless otherwise specified in this section, a combustible core 4 inches (102 mm) or less in thickness shall have a flame spread index of 75 or less and a smoke-developed index of 450 or less when tested in the maximum thickness intended for use in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. For thicknesses greater than 4 inches (102 mm), the combustible core shall have a flame spread index of 75 or less and a smoke-developed index of 450 or less at 4 inches (102 mm) in thickness and the IMP approved based on testing in accordance with Section 1409.7.2.2 at the maximum IMP thickness intended for use.

  1409.7.1.1 Foam plastic core. For IMP having a core insulation composed of foam plastic, the insulation core shall comply with Section 2603.3.

  1409.7.2 Thermal barrier. Unless otherwise specified in this section, IMP with a combustible core shall be separated from the interior of a building by an approved thermal barrier consisting of [1] / 2 -inch (12.7 mm) gypsum wallboard or a material that is tested in accordance with and meets the acceptance criteria of both the Temperature Transmission Fire Test and the Integrity Fire Test of NFPA 275.

  1409.7.2.1 Foam plastic core. For IMP having a foam plastic core, use with the thermal barrier prescribed in Section 1409.7.2 shall be in accordance with Section 2603.4 unless special approval is obtained on the basis of Section 2603.9.

• CBC § 2.25 Medium relevance — show source text

  00|2.25|0.70|DR|3.70|1.05|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
  mil steel
  furring or
  minimum
  1x wood
  furringc|33 mil cold-
  formed steel
  stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
  ness plus 3
  threads|16|3.85|1.45|DR|DR|3.40|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
  mil steel
  furring or
  minimum
  1x wood
  furringc|33 mil cold-
  formed steel
  stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
  ness plus 3
  threads|24|3.40|DR|DR|DR|2.70|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
  mil steel
  furring or
  minimum
  1x wood
  furringc|43 mil or
  thicker cold-
  formed steel
  stud|#8 Screw|Steel thick-
  ness plus 3
  threads|12|3.00|1.80|DR|DR|3.00|0.65|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
  mil steel
  furring or
  minimum
  1x wood
  furringc|43 mil or
  thicker cold-
  formed steel
  stud|#8 Screw|Steel thick-
  ness plus 3
  threads|16|3.00|1.00|DR|DR|2.85|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
  mil steel
  furring or
  minimum
  1x wood
  furringc|43 mil or
  thicker cold-
  formed steel
  stud|#8 Screw|Steel thick-
  ness plus 3
  threads|24|2.85|DR|DR|DR|2.20|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
  mil steel
  furring or
  minimum
  1x wood
  furringc|43 mil or
  thicker cold-
  formed steel
  stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
  ness plus 3
  threads|12|4.00|3.85|2.80|1.80|4.00|3.05|1.50|DR| |Minimum 33
  mil steel
  furring or
  minimum
  1x wood
  furringc|43 mil or
  thicker cold-
  formed steel
  stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
  ness plus 3
  threads|16|4.00|3.30|1.95|0.60|4.00|2.25|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
  mil steel
  furring or
  minimum
  1x wood
  furringc|43 mil or
  thicker cold-
  formed steel
  stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
  ness plus 3
  threads|24|4.00|2.25|DR|DR|4.00|0.65|DR|DR| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per square foot (psf) = 0.0479 kPa, 1 pound per square inch = 0.00689 MPa.
  DR = Design Required, o.c. = on center.
  a. Wood furring shall be spruce-pine-fir or any softwood species with a specific gravity of 0.42 or greater.

• CBC § 12.3 Medium relevance — show source text

  1705 A .12.3 Wind-resisting components. Periodic special inspection is required for fastening of the following systems and components:

  1. Roof covering, roof deck and roof framing connections.
  2. Exterior wall covering and wall connections to roof and floor diaphragms and framing.

  1705 A .13 Special inspections for seismic resistance. Special inspections for seismic resistance shall be required as specified in Sections 1705 A .13.1 through 1705 A .13.9, unless exempted by the exceptions of Section 1704 A .2.

  1705 A .13.1 Structural steel. Special inspections for seismic resistance shall be in accordance with Section 1705 A .13.1.1 or 1705 A .13.1.2, as applicable.

  1705 A .13.1.1 Seismic force-resisting systems. Special inspections of structural steel in the seismic force-resisting systems in buildings and structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F shall be performed in accordance with the quality assurance requirements of AISC 341 and this code.

  [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] Quality assurance application is not permitted for the following AISC 341, Chapter J Sections: 1. J6 (Inspection Tasks).

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  SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS

  2. J7 (Welding Inspection and Nondestructive Testing). 3. J10 (Inspection of Composite Structures). 4. J11 (Inspection of H-Piles).

  Additionally, the applicable portions in Table 1705A.2.1 of the California Building Code shall apply.

  1705 A .13.1.2 Structural steel elements. Special inspections of structural steel elements in the seismic force-resisting systems of buildings and structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F other than those covered in Section 1705 A .13.1.1, including struts, collectors, chords and foundation elements, shall be performed in accordance with the quality assurance requirements of AISC 341 and this code .

  [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] Quality assurance application is not permitted for the following AISC 341, Chapter J Sections: 1. J6 (Inspection Tasks). 2. J7 (Welding Inspection and Nondestructive Testing). 3. J10 (Inspection of Composite Structures). 4. J11 (Inspection of H-Piles).

  Additionally, the applicable portions in Table 1705A.2.1 of the California Building Code shall apply.

  1705 A .13.2 Structural wood. For the seismic force-resisting systems of structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F:

  1. Continuous special inspection shall be required during field gluing operations of elements of the seismic force-resisting system.
  2. Periodic special inspection shall be required for nailing, bolting, anchoring and other fastening of elements of the seismic force-resisting system, including wood shear walls, wood diaphragms, drag struts, braces, shear panels and hold-downs.
• CBC § 715.7 Medium relevance — show source text

  715.7 Exterior wall/vertical fire barrier intersections. Voids created at the intersection of nonfire-resistance-rated exterior wall assemblies and vertical fire barriers shall be filled with an approved material or system to retard the interior spread of fire and hot

  gases.

  715.8 Curtain wall spandrels. Height and fire-resistance requirements for curtain wall spandrels shall comply with Section 705.9.5. Where Section 705.9.5 does not require fire-resistance-rated curtain wall spandrels, the requirements of Sections 715.4 and 715.5 shall still apply to the intersection between the curtain wall spandrels and the floor.

  715.9 Joints and voids in smoke barriers. Fire-resistant joint systems protecting joints in smoke barriers, and perimeter fire containment systems protecting voids at the intersection of a horizontal smoke barrier and an exterior curtain wall, shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of UL 2079 for air leakage. The L rating of the joint system shall not exceed 5 cubic feet per minute per linear foot (0.00775 m [3] /s m) of joint at 0.30 inch of water (74.7 Pa) for both the ambient temperature and elevated temperature

  tests.

  SECTION 716—OPENING PROTECTIVES

  716.1 General. Opening protectives required by other sections of this code shall comply with the provisions of this section and shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 80.

  TABLE 716.1(1)—MARKING FIRE-RATED GLAZING ASSEMBLIES	Col2	Col3
  FIRE TEST STANDARD	MARKING	DEFINITION OF MARKING
  ASTM E119 or UL 263	W	Meets wall assembly criteria.
  ASTM E119 or UL 263	FC	Meets floor/ceiling criteriaa
  NFPA 257 or UL 9	OH	Meets fire window assembly criteria including the hose stream test.
  NFPA 252 or UL 10B or UL 10C	D	Meets fire door assembly criteria.
  NFPA 252 or UL 10B or UL 10C	H	Meets fire door assembly hose stream test.
  NFPA 252 or UL 10B or UL 10C	T	Meets 450°F temperature rise criteria for 30 minutes
  —	XXX	The time in minutes of the fire resistance or fire protection rating of the glazing assembly.
  For SI:°C = [(°F) – 32]/1.8. a. See Section 2409.1	For SI:°C = [(°F) – 32]/1.8. a. See Section 2409.1	For SI:°C = [(°F) – 32]/1.8. a. See Section 2409.1

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  FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

  |TABLE 716.1(2)—OPENING FIRE PROTECTION ASSEMBLIES,

• CBC § 1406.10 Medium relevance — show source text

  1406.10 Types I, II, III and IV construction. Where installed on buildings of Types I, II, III and IV construction, metal composite material (MCM) shall comply with Sections 1406.10.1 and 1406.10.2 for installations up to 40 feet (12 192 mm) above grade plane. Where installed on buildings of Type I, II, III and IV construction, MCMs and MCM systems shall comply with Sections 1406.10.1 through 1406.10.3, for installations greater than 40 feet (12 192 mm) above grade plane.

  1406.10.1 Surface-burning characteristics. MCM shall have a flame spread index of not more than 25 and a smoke-developed index of not more than 450 when tested in the maximum thickness intended for use in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.

  1406.10.2 Thermal barriers. MCM shall be separated from the interior of a building by an approved thermal barrier consisting of 1 / 2 -inch (12.7 mm) gypsum wallboard or material that is tested in accordance with and meets the acceptance criteria of both the Temperature Transmission Fire Test and the Integrity Fire Test of NFPA 275.

  Exceptions:

  1. The MCM system is specifically approved based on tests conducted in accordance with NFPA 286 and with the acceptance criteria of Section 803.1.1.1, UL 1040 or UL 1715. Such testing shall be performed with the MCM in the maximum thickness intended for use. The MCM system shall include seams, joints and other typical details used in the installation and shall be tested in the manner intended for use.

  2. The MCM is used as elements of balconies and similar projections, architectural trim or embellishments.

  1406.10.3 Full-scale tests. The MCM system shall be tested in accordance with, and comply with, the acceptance criteria of NFPA 285. Such testing shall be performed on the MCM system with the MCM in the maximum thickness intended for use.

  1406.11 Type V construction. MCM shall be permitted to be installed on buildings of Type V construction.

  1406.12 Foam plastic insulation. Where MCM systems are included in an exterior wall assembly containing foam plastic insulation, the exterior wall assembly shall also comply with the requirements of Section 2603.

  1406.13 Labeling. MCM shall be labeled in accordance with Section 1703.5.

  SECTION 1407—EXTERIOR INSULATION AND FINISH SYSTEMS (EIFS)

  1407.1 General. The provisions of this section shall govern the materials, construction and quality of exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) for use as exterior wall coverings in addition to other applicable requirements of Chapters 7, 14, 16, 17 and 26.

  1407.2 Performance characteristics. EIFS shall be constructed such that it meets the performance characteristics required in ASTM E2568.

  [BS] 1407.3 Structural design. The underlying structural framing and substrate shall be designed and constructed to resist loads as required by Chapter 16.

  1407.4 Weather resistance. EIFS shall comply with Section 1402 and shall be designed and constructed to resist wind and rain in accordance with this section and the manufacturer’s application instructions.

• CBC § 1705.12.2 Medium relevance — show source text

  1705.12.2 Cold-formed steel light-frame construction. Periodic special inspection is required for welding operations of elements of the main windforce-resisting system. Periodic special inspection is required for screw attachment, bolting, anchoring and other fastening of elements of the main windforce-resisting system, including shear walls, braces, diaphragms, collectors (drag struts) and hold-downs.

  Exception: Special inspections are not required for cold-formed steel light-frame shear walls and diaphragms, including screwing, bolting, anchoring and other fastening to components of the windforce-resisting system, where either of the following applies:

  1. The sheathing is gypsum board or fiberboard.
  2. The sheathing is wood structural panel or steel sheets on only one side of the shear wall, shear panel or diaphragm assembly and the specified fastener spacing at the panel or sheet edges is more than 4 inches (102 mm) on center (o.c.).

  1705.12.3 Wind-resisting components. Periodic special inspection is required for fastening of the following systems and components:

  1. Roof covering, roof deck and roof framing connections.
  2. Exterior wall covering and wall connections to roof and floor diaphragms and framing.

  1705.13 Special inspections for seismic resistance. Special inspections for seismic resistance shall be required as specified in Sections 1705.13.1 through 1705.13.9, unless exempted by the exceptions of Section 1704.2.

  Exception: The special inspections specified in Sections 1705.13.1 through 1705.13.9 are not required for structures designed and constructed in accordance with one of the following:

  1. The structure consists of light-frame construction; the design spectral response acceleration at short periods, S DS, as determined in Section 1613.2.4, does not exceed 0.5; and the building height of the structure does not exceed 35 feet (10 668 mm).
  2. The seismic force-resisting system of the structure consists of reinforced masonry or reinforced concrete; the design spectral response acceleration at short periods, S DS, as determined in Section 1613.2.4, does not exceed 0.5; and the building height of the structure does not exceed 25 feet (7620 mm).
  3. The structure is a detached one- or two-family dwelling not exceeding two stories above grade plane and does not have any of the following horizontal or vertical irregularities in accordance with Section 12.3 of ASCE 7: 3.1. Torsional or extreme torsional irregularity. 3.2. Nonparallel systems irregularity. 3.3. Stiffness-soft story or stiffness-extreme soft story irregularity. 3.4. Discontinuity in lateral strength-weak story irregularity.

  1705.13.1 Structural steel. Special inspections for seismic resistance shall be in accordance with Section 1705.13.1.1 or 1705.13.1.2, as applicable.

  1705.13.1.1 Seismic force-resisting systems. Special inspections of structural steel in the seismic force-resisting systems in buildings and structures assigned to Seismic Design Category B, C, D, E or F shall be performed in accordance with the quality assurance requirements of AISC 341. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] and this code.

• CBC § 705.12.1 Medium relevance — show source text

  705.12.1 Parapet construction. Required parapets shall have the same fire-resistance rating as that required for the supporting wall, and on any side adjacent to a roof surface, shall have noncombustible faces for the uppermost 18 inches (457 mm), including counterflashing and coping materials. The height of the parapet shall be not less than 30 inches (762 mm) above the point where the roof surface and the wall intersect. Where the roof slopes toward a parapet at a slope greater than 2 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (16.7-percent slope), the parapet shall extend to the same height as any portion of the roof within a fire separation distance where protection of wall openings is required, but the height shall be not less than 30 inches (762 mm).

  705.13 Exterior graphics on exterior walls of high-rise buildings. Where installed on the exterior walls of high-rise buildings, exterior graphics, both permanent and temporary, greater than 100 square feet in area or greater than 10 feet in either dimension shall comply with the following conditions subject to the review and approval of the fire code official and building official: 1. The materials used for graphics installed at a height greater than 40 feet above the grade plane shall be noncombustible mate- rials or shall have a flame spread index not greater than 25 when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.

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  FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

  2. The method of attachment and mounting of the graphics to the exterior wall shall be such that the graphics are securely attached.

  3. The graphics shall not interfere with the active or passive ventilation required for the building and the required smoke control systems in the building. 4. The graphics shall not impair the functions of any fire or life safety systems in the building.

  SECTION 706—FIRE WALLS

  706.1 General. Fire walls shall be constructed in accordance with Sections 706.2 through 706.11. The extent and location of such fire walls shall provide a complete separation. Where a fire wall separates occupancies that are required to be separated by a fire barrier wall, the most restrictive requirements of each separation shall apply.

  706.1.1 Party walls. Any wall located on a lot line between adjacent buildings, which is used or adapted for joint service between the two buildings, shall be constructed as a fire wall in accordance with Section 706. Party walls shall be constructed without openings and shall create separate buildings.

  Exceptions:

  1. Openings in a party wall separating an anchor building and a mall shall be in accordance with Section 402.4.2.2.1.
  2. Party walls and fire walls are not required on lot lines dividing a building for ownership purposes where the aggregate height and area of the portions of the building located on both sides of the lot line do not exceed the maximum height and area requirements of this code. For the building official’s review and approval, the official shall be provided with copies of dedicated access easements and contractual agreements that permit the owners of portions of the building located on either side of the lot line access to the other side for purposes of maintaining fire and life safety systems necessary for the operation of the building.
• CBC § 1402.4 Medium relevance — show source text

  1402.4 Fire resistance. Exterior walls shall be fire-resistance rated as required by other sections of this code with opening protection as required by Chapter 7.

  1402.5 Vertical and lateral flame propagation. Exterior walls on buildings of Type I, II, III and IV construction that contain a combustible exterior wall covering, combustible insulation or a combustible water-resistive barrier shall comply with Sections 1402.5.1 through 1402.5.5, as applicable. Where compliance with NFPA 285 and associated acceptance criteria is required in Sections 1402.5.1 through 1402.5.5, the exterior wall assembly shall be tested in accordance with and comply with the acceptance criteria of NFPA 285.

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  EXTERIOR WALLS

  1402.5.1 Combustible water-resistive barrier. Exterior walls containing a combustible water-resistive barrier shall comply with Section 1402.6.

  1402.5.2 Metal composite material (MCM). Exterior walls containing metal composite material (MCM) systems shall comply with Section 1406.

  1402.5.3 Exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS). Exterior walls containing an exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) shall comply with Section 1407.

  1402.5.4 High-pressure decorative exterior-grade compact laminate (HPL) system. Exterior walls containing a high-pressure decorative exterior-grade compact laminate (HPL) system shall comply with Section 1408.

  1402.5.5 Foam plastic insulation. Exterior walls containing foam plastic insulation shall comply with Section 2603.

  1402.6 Water-resistive barriers. Exterior walls on buildings of Type I, II, III or IV construction that are greater than 40 feet (12 192 mm) in height above grade plane and contain a combustible water-resistive barrier shall be tested in accordance with and comply with the acceptance criteria of NFPA 285.Combustibility shall be determined in accordance with Section 703.3. For the purposes of this section, fenestration products, flashing of fenestration products and water-resistive-barrier flashing and accessories at other locations, including through wall flashings, shall not be considered part of the water-resistive barrier.

  Exceptions:

  1. Exterior walls in which the water-resistive barrier is the only combustible component and the exterior wall has an exterior wall covering of brick, concrete, stone, terra cotta, stucco or steel with minimum thicknesses in accordance with Table 1404.2.

  2. Exterior walls in which the water-resistive barrier is the only combustible component and the water-resistive barrier complies with the following: 2.1 A peak heat release rate of less than 150 kW/m [2], a total heat release of less than 20 MJ/m [2] and an effective heat of combustion of less than 18 MJ/kg when tested on specimens at the thickness intended for use, in accordance with ASTM E1354, in the horizontal orientation and at an incident radiant heat flux of 50 kW/m [2] .

  2.2 A flame spread index of 25 or less and a smoke-developed index of 450 or less as determined in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723, with test specimen preparation and mounting in accordance with ASTM E2404.

• CBC § 1.2 Medium relevance — show source text

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  The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

  2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 14-1

  on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

  14-2 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

  on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

  14 EXTERIOR WALLS

  User notes:

  About this chapter: Chapter 14 addresses requirements for exterior walls of buildings. Minimum standards for wall covering materials, such as material performance and fire resistance, installation of wall coverings and the ability of the wall to provide weather protection are provided. This chapter also contains limitations on the areas and heights of combustible wall coverings based on fire separation distances, radiant heat exposure and surface burning characteristics.

  ICC code development note: Code change proposals to sections preceded by the designation [BS] will be considered by the IBC—Structural Code Development

  Committee during the 2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.

  SECTION 1401—GENERAL

  1401.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall establish the minimum requirements for exterior walls, exterior wall assemblies, exterior wall coverings, exterior wall openings, exterior windows and doors, exterior soffits and fascias, and architectural trim.

  SECTION 1402—PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

  1402.1 General. The provisions of this section shall apply to exterior walls, exterior wall coverings and components thereof.

  1402.2 Weather protection. Buildings shall be provided with a weather-resistant exterior wall assembly. The exterior wall assembly shall include flashing, as described in Section 1404.4. The exterior wall assembly shall be designed and constructed in such a manner as to prevent the accumulation of water within the exterior wall assembly by providing a water-resistive barrier behind the exterior veneer, as described in Section 1403.2, and a means for draining water that enters the assembly to the exterior. Protection against condensation in the exterior wall assembly shall be provided in accordance with Section 1404.3.

  Exceptions:

  1. A weather-resistant exterior wall assembly shall not be required over concrete or masonry walls designed in accordance with Chapters 19 and 21, respectively.
  2. Compliance with the requirements for a means of drainage, and the requirements of Sections 1403.2 and 1404.4, shall not be required for an exterior wall assembly that has been demonstrated through testing to resist wind-driven rain, including joints, penetrations and intersections with dissimilar materials, in accordance with ASTM E331 under the following conditions: