CRSC · California Referenced Standards Code

Which insulating materials and applications are regulated by Chapter 12‑13?

Chapter 12‑13 covers the sale (within California) of specific insulation types — the statute lists the exact materials and forms (for example, polystyrene board, cellulose loose‑fill, mineral fiber blankets) and sets the quality and labeling/testing framework that applies to those sales; it does not treat the sale of a building containing installed insulation as a sale of the insulation itself (see § 12‑13‑1551).

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — plain English

Chapter 12‑13 applies to the sale within California of specific insulating materials and the forms in which they are sold (for example, board, loose‑fill, blankets, spray applied). The list of covered types is enumerated in § 12‑13‑1551 and the article establishes the standards that govern the quality and thermal/safety properties of those sold products. § 12‑13‑1551

The single most important rule: Chapter 12‑13 applies to the specific insulation types listed in § 12‑13‑1551(b) when they are sold for use inside California.

Key defined term (first use)

  • Insulating material — defined as any material listed in § 12‑13‑1551(b) placed within or contiguous to a wall, ceiling, roof, floor or appliance for the purpose of reducing heat transfer. § 12‑13‑1552(g)

Requirements in detail

Scope and trigger

  • What triggers the Chapter: sale of the listed insulating materials inside California after September 22, 1981. § 12‑13‑1551(a)–(c)
  • What the Chapter DOES NOT apply to: insulation manufactured in California but sold outside California, or insulation manufactured outside California and sold wholesale in California for final retail sale outside the state. Sale of a building or appliance containing installed insulation is not treated as the sale of the insulation itself. § 12‑13‑1551(c)

Which materials and forms are covered (the full list)

The statute lists the types and the common forms covered by the article. This is the primary decision table you will use:

Covered Material (as listed in § 12‑13‑1551(b)) Common form(s) / application called out in the text Code Reference
Aluminum foil reflective foil § 12‑13‑1551(b)(1)
Cellular glass board form § 12‑13‑1551(b)(2)
Cellulose fiber loose fill and spray applied § 12‑13‑1551(b)(3)
Mineral aggregate board form § 12‑13‑1551(b)(4)
Mineral fiber blankets, board form, loose fill § 12‑13‑1551(b)(5)
Perlite loose fill § 12‑13‑1551(b)(6)
Polystyrene board form, molded and extruded § 12‑13‑1551(b)(7)
Polyurethane board form and field applied § 12‑13‑1551(b)(8)
Polyisocyanurate board form and field applied § 12‑13‑1551(b)(9)
Urea formaldehyde foam field applied § 12‑13‑1551(b)(10)
Vermiculite loose fill § 12‑13‑1551(b)(11)

Notes:

  • The list is authoritative — if a product matches a listed type and is sold in the State, Chapter 12‑13 standards apply. § 12‑13‑1551(b)

Sales vs. installation; labeling and installation-related duties

  • The article’s requirements are tied to the sale of listed insulating materials within California (not directly to every installation). § 12‑13‑1551(c)
  • Where installation duties are separately regulated, Chapter 12‑13 contains provisions addressing installers and certification for certain retrofits: for example, contractors installing insulation in existing buildings must certify installed R‑values and other details after the work is done (see § 12‑13‑1564(a)). Water‑heater insulation kits sold on or after March 25, 1982 must have a minimum thermal resistance of R‑6 and be so identified. § 12‑13‑1564(b)

Exceptions & special cases

  • Not covered when sold outside CA: Insulation manufactured in California but sold outside the state is not subject to the article. § 12‑13‑1551(c)
  • Wholesale destined for out‑of‑state retail: Insulation manufactured outside California but sold wholesale in California for final retail sale outside the state is not covered. § 12‑13‑1551(c)
  • Sale of building/appliance ≠ sale of insulation: The sale of a building or appliance that contains installed insulating material is not the sale of the insulation itself under this article. § 12‑13‑1551(c)
  • Materials not listed: Importantly, any insulating material not listed in subsection (b) may nonetheless be sold in California irrespective of other provisions of this article — i.e., omission from the list is not a ban. § 12‑13‑1551(d)

Common mistakes

  • Assuming Chapter 12‑13 bans materials not listed. Wrong — the rule explicitly allows sale of types not listed. § 12‑13‑1551(d)
  • Treating the act of selling a building that contains installed insulation as a sale of insulation (which would trigger Chapter 12‑13). The statute says that is not a sale of the insulating material. § 12‑13‑1551(c)
  • Overlooking installation certification rules when insulating existing buildings — sale rules are separate from installer certification requirements found elsewhere in the chapter. See § 12‑13‑1564(a) for installer certification after retrofit work. § 12‑13‑1564(a)
  • Confusing the form of the product with the material — the statute lists both material types and the forms (for example, polystyrene is captured with board, molded and extruded forms). § 12‑13‑1551(b)(7)

Worked example

Scenario: A contractor purchases extruded polystyrene (XPS) rigid board insulation in California to install in an attic.

  1. Is this product covered by Chapter 12‑13? Yes — polystyrene (board form, molded and extruded) is explicitly listed in § 12‑13‑1551(b)(7), so the sale of that board in California falls under the article. § 12‑13‑1551(b)(7)
  2. What must the manufacturer/seller have satisfied? The product, as sold within the state, must meet the standards established by the article governing the quality and thermal/safety properties of insulation (see the article scope). § 12‑13‑1551(a)
  3. Does the act of installing the board create additional paperwork? If this were an installation in an existing building subject to the retrofit provisions in Part 6, the installing contractor may need to post a certification about installed R‑value and related information after completion under § 12‑13‑1564(a). § 12‑13‑1564(a)

Related provisions (select list)

  • § 12‑13‑1552 — Definitions used in Article 3 (including the definition of Insulating material, installed design density, and representative thickness)
  • § 12‑13‑1553 — Manufacturer testing and quality standards (general testing procedures and requirements)
  • § 12‑13‑1557 — (Referenced in the text for labeling requirements; see article for labeling specifics)
  • § 12‑13‑1558 — Inspection access and sampling authority for enforcement and testing purposes
  • § 12‑13‑1559 — Commission authority to conduct independent performance tests on representative samples
  • § 12‑13‑1564 — Requirements specific to insulating existing buildings and water heater insulation kits (minimum R‑6)
  • § 12‑13‑1565 — Procedure for formal interpretation requests from the Commission (written determinations)

(These related sections are part of the same Article 3 and contain the detailed testing, labeling, inspection and installation‑certification rules that implement the scope stated in § 12‑13‑1551.)

Code references

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

  • CRSC § 12-11 High relevance — show source text

    (c) Conformation, (d) Sound-on-cane acoustic quality, (e) Resilience, and (f) Attachment will not degrade significantly for at least five years.

    SIGNIFICANT DEGRADATION

    Sections 12-11A.210 and 12-11B.210. Significant degradation means that the product maintains at least 90 percent of its approved design characteristics.

    SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT ENTITY

    Sections 12-11A.211 and 12-11B.211. The independent entity selected by the Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance shall be recognized as having appropriate expertise in determining whether products comply with the California Code of Regulations, Title 24.

    Authority: Government Code Sections 4450, 4460 and Health & Safety Code Section 18949.1.

    Reference: Government Code Section 4460.

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    12-13 STANDARDS FOR INSULATING MATERIAL

    (See Part 6, Title 24, CCR)

    DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS

    Bureau of Household Goods and Services

    ARTICLE 3. STANDARDS FOR INSULATING MATERIAL

    APPLICATION AND SCOPE

    Sec. 12-13-1551.

    (a) This article establishes standards governing the quality of insulation sold within the state after September 22, 1981, including those properties which affect the safety and thermal performance of insulation during application and in the use intended.

    (b) The provisions of this article shall apply only to the following types of insulating material:

    1. Aluminum foil (reflective foil);

    2. Cellular glass (board form);

    3. Cellulose fiber (loose fill and spray applied);

    4. Mineral aggregate (board form);

    5. Mineral fiber (blankets, board form, loose fill);

    6. Perlite (loose fill);

    7. Polystyrene (board form, molded and extruded);

    8. Polyurethane (board form and field applied);

    9. Polyisocyanurate (board form and field applied);

    10. Urea formaldehyde foam (field applied);

    11. Vermiculite (loose fill).

    (c) The provisions of this article shall apply to the sale of insulating material within the state. The provisions of this article shall not apply to insulating material manufactured in California, but sold outside the state, nor to insulating material manufactured outside California and sold wholesale in California for final retail sale outside the state. For the purpose of this article, the sale of a building or an appliance which contains installed insulating material is not considered the sale of the insulating material.

    (d) Any type of insulating material not listed in subsection (b) may be sold within California notwithstanding any other provision of this article.

    Authority: Sections 25920 and 25922, Public Resources Code.

    Reference: Sections 25910, 25920, 25921 and 25922, Public Resources Code.

  • CRSC § 12-13 High relevance — show source text

    ARTICLE 3. STANDARDS FOR INSULATING MATERIAL

    APPLICATION AND SCOPE

    Sec. 12-13-1551.

    (a) This article establishes standards governing the quality of insulation sold within the state after September 22, 1981, including those properties which affect the safety and thermal performance of insulation during application and in the use intended.

    (b) The provisions of this article shall apply only to the following types of insulating material:

    1. Aluminum foil (reflective foil);

    2. Cellular glass (board form);

    3. Cellulose fiber (loose fill and spray applied);

    4. Mineral aggregate (board form);

    5. Mineral fiber (blankets, board form, loose fill);

    6. Perlite (loose fill);

    7. Polystyrene (board form, molded and extruded);

    8. Polyurethane (board form and field applied);

    9. Polyisocyanurate (board form and field applied);

    10. Urea formaldehyde foam (field applied);

    11. Vermiculite (loose fill).

    (c) The provisions of this article shall apply to the sale of insulating material within the state. The provisions of this article shall not apply to insulating material manufactured in California, but sold outside the state, nor to insulating material manufactured outside California and sold wholesale in California for final retail sale outside the state. For the purpose of this article, the sale of a building or an appliance which contains installed insulating material is not considered the sale of the insulating material.

    (d) Any type of insulating material not listed in subsection (b) may be sold within California notwithstanding any other provision of this article.

    Authority: Sections 25920 and 25922, Public Resources Code.

    Reference: Sections 25910, 25920, 25921 and 25922, Public Resources Code.

    HISTORY:

    1. Repealer of Article 3 (Sections 1551-1561) filed 8-11-78; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 78, No. 32). For prior history, see Registers 76, No. 16; 78, Nos. 2 and 26.
    2. New Article 3 (Sections 1551-1565) filed 1-16-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 3).
    3. Amendment filed 8-10-81; designated effective 9-22-81 (Register 81, No. 33).

    DEFINITIONS

    Sec. 12-13-1552. For purposes of this article, the following definitions shall apply:

    (a) “Approved laboratory” means any testing facility including a facility owned or operated by a manufacturer which has been approved pursuant to Section 1554 of this article.

    (b) “ANSI” means the American National Standards Institute.

    (c) “ASTM” means ASTM International.

    (d) “Building materials” means materials used in walls, ceilings, roofs and floors of buildings.

    (e) “Exposed application” means any interior application of the product in which it is not used in a construction assembly imposing a material which meets the requirements of Chapter 8 of the California Building Code in substantial contact with the facing or membrane surface.

    (f) “Installed design density” means the proven density for loose fill insulation other than cellulose which has been determined by the manufacturer to constitute the density whereby settlement of no more than 2 percent shall occur over the first three years, or no more than 4 percent over the first 15 years of installation.

  • CRSC § 1551-1561 High relevance — show source text

    HISTORY:

    1. Repealer of Article 3 (Sections 1551-1561) filed 8-11-78; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 78, No. 32). For prior history, see Registers 76, No. 16; 78, Nos. 2 and 26.
    2. New Article 3 (Sections 1551-1565) filed 1-16-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 3).
    3. Amendment filed 8-10-81; designated effective 9-22-81 (Register 81, No. 33).

    DEFINITIONS

    Sec. 12-13-1552. For purposes of this article, the following definitions shall apply:

    (a) “Approved laboratory” means any testing facility including a facility owned or operated by a manufacturer which has been approved pursuant to Section 1554 of this article.

    (b) “ANSI” means the American National Standards Institute.

    (c) “ASTM” means ASTM International.

    (d) “Building materials” means materials used in walls, ceilings, roofs and floors of buildings.

    (e) “Exposed application” means any interior application of the product in which it is not used in a construction assembly imposing a material which meets the requirements of Chapter 8 of the California Building Code in substantial contact with the facing or membrane surface.

    (f) “Installed design density” means the proven density for loose fill insulation other than cellulose which has been determined by the manufacturer to constitute the density whereby settlement of no more than 2 percent shall occur over the first three years, or no more than 4 percent over the first 15 years of installation.

    (g) “Insulating material” or “insulation” means any material listed in Section 1551 (b) of this article and placed within or contiguous to a wall, ceiling, roof or floor of a room or building, or contiguous to the surface of any appliance or its intake or outtake mechanism, for the purpose of reducing heat transfer or reducing adverse temperature fluctuations of the building room or appliance.

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    STANDARDS FOR INSULATING MATERIAL

    (h) “Manufacturer” means any person who either:

    1. Produces insulating material in the final composition either for use in the form sold or to be further dimensionally modified; or
    2. In the case of polyurethane, polyisocyanurate and urea formaldehyde foam formed at the installation site, produces the primary components of the material.

    “Manufacturer” shall not include any building contractor or any other person whose sole activity is to install insulation at the installation site.

    (i) “Quality assurance program.” (Reserved)

    (j) “Recommended wall density” means the density used for pressure fill retrofit wall applications to prevent settling.

    (k) “Representative sample” means a sample of insulating material with the same characteristics (other than thickness) and using the same facing imposed on the insulating material manufactured for final use.

    (l) “Representative thickness” means a thickness of insulating material at which the change in thermal performance per inch will vary no more than plus or minus 2 percent with increases in thickness.

    (m) “TAPPI” means Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry.

  • CRSC § 2602.1 High relevance — show source text

    (c) Any representation of thermal performance which appear on any label, literature, advertising or any other writing intended for the public shall be consistent with the certification testing results and derating required by this article.

    (d) Any insulation with facings and membranes for which the flame spread exceeds 25 when tested with facings and membranes exposed to the flame during the ANSI/ASTM E84-79 test must be clearly labeled with a statement that the product may be highly combustible if used in an exposed application. This subsection shall not apply to any product meeting the requirements of Sections 2602.1-2602.6 of the 1994 Uniform Building Code.

    Authority: Section 25218(e), Public Resources Code.

    Reference: Section 25921, Public Resources Code.

    HISTORY:

    1. Amendment of subsections (a) and (c) filed 8-10-81; designated effective 9-22-81 (Register 81, No. 33).

    INSPECTIONS

    Sec. 12-13-1558.

    After September 22, 1981, the Commission may, upon the consent of the owner or lessee, or upon securing a search warrant, have access, during normal working hours, to the premises of manufacturers, distributors and retailers of insulating material sold for installation within the state for the purpose of determining compliance with the standards promulgated pursuant to Chapter 10.5 of the California Public Resources Code . Such access shall be for the purposes of obtaining representative samples of subject insulation and inspecting records and documents pertaining to tests by approved testing labs.

    Authority: Section 25218 (e), Public Resources Code.

    Reference: Section 25926, Public Resources Code.

    HISTORY:

    1. Amendment filed 8-10-81; designated effective 9-22-81 (Register 81, No. 33).

    PERFORMANCE TESTS

    Sec. 12-13-1559.

    The Commission may conduct, or may contract with others to conduct, independent performance tests of representative samples of insulation sold in the state to determine compliance with standards adopted pursuant to Chapter 10.5 of the California Public Resources Code . Such tests shall form the basis for instituting enforcement proceedings.

    Authority: Section 25218 (e), Public Resources Code.

    Reference: Section 25926, Public Resources Code.

    HISTORY:

    1. Amendment filed 8-10-81; designated effective 9-22-81 (Register 81, No. 33).

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    STANDARDS FOR INSULATING MATERIAL

    COSTS OF INSPECTION AND TESTING (RESERVED)

    Sec. 12-13-1560.

    Authority: Section 25218 (e), Public Resources Code.

    Reference: Section 25926, Public Resources Code.

    HISTORY:

    1. Repealer filed 8-10-81; designated effective 9-22-81 (Register 81, No. 33).

    ENFORCEMENT (RESERVED)

    Sec. 12-13-1561.

    Authority: Section 25218 (e), Public Resources Code.

    Reference: Section 25931, Public Resources Code.

    HISTORY:

    1. Repealer filed 6-26-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 26).

    RELEASE OF INFORMATION

  • CRSC § 6-26 High relevance — show source text

    HISTORY:

    1. Repealer filed 6-26-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 26).

    RELEASE OF INFORMATION

    Sec. 12-13-1562.

    Persons submitting information to the Commission who wish information to be kept confidential shall comply with the provisions of Sections 2501-2511 of the Public Resources Code.

    Authority: Section 25218(e), Public Resources Code.

    Reference: Sections 25223 and 25921.1, Public Resources Code.

    HISTORY:

    1. Amendment filed 8-10-81; designated effective 9-22-81 (Register 81, No. 33).

    LIABILITY

    Sec. 12-13-1563.

    Nothing in this article shall be construed as imposing responsibility on manufacturers for misuse of properly labeled insulation.

    Authority: Section 25218(e), Public Resources Code.

    Reference: Sections 25926 and 25931, Public Resources Code.

    HISTORY:

    1. Amendment filed 8-10-81; designated effective 9-22-81 (Register 81, No. 33).

    INSULATING EXISTING BUILDINGS

    Sec. 12-13-1564.

    (a) On or after March 25, 1982, if insulating material is installed in an existing building, in any of the applications specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6, Section 118, the installing contractor shall certify that the amount of insulation installed meets or exceeds the requirements of Part 6, Section 118 for that application. Such certification shall be made on completion of the installation by posting in a conspicuous location a certificate signed under penalty of perjury. The certificate shall state the manufacturer’s name and material identification, the thermal resistance ( R -value) of the newly installed insulation, the estimated R -value of the original insulation, the total R -value, and (in application of loose fill insulation) the minimum contractor installed weight per square foot. This installed weight per square foot shall conform with the manufacturer’s installed design density per square foot at the manufacturer’s labeled R -value.

    (b) Water heater insulation kits. No water heater insulation kit shall be sold, on or after March 25, 1982, unless it has a thermal resistance of at least R-6 and is so identified.

    Each water heater insulation kit sold shall include instructions which are equivalent to the Department of Energy standard practice for the installation of insulation on gas-fired, oil-fired and electric resistance water heaters, 44 Fed. Reg. pages 64703-64705.

    Authority: Section 25922, Public Resources Code.

    Reference: Section 25922, Public Resources Code.

    HISTORY:

    1. Amendment filed 8-10-81; designated effective 9-22-81 (Register 81, No. 33).
    2. Editorial correction of subsection (a) filed 1-13-82 (Register 82, No. 2).

    INTERPRETATION

    Sec. 12-13-1565.

    The General Counsel of the Commission shall make a determination as to the application or interpretation of any provision of this article to any person requesting such a determination. Any such request shall be submitted in writing to the Commission. The Commission shall make written replies to such inquiries and shall widely publish interpretations that have broad application or interest.

    Authority: Section 25218 (e), Public Resources Code.

    Reference: Sections 25920 and 25922, Public Resources Code.

  • CRSC § 12-113 Medium relevance — show source text

    1248 Reserved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-113

    1249 Reserved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-113

    1250 [CA] Pharmacies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-113

    1251 [CA] Veterinary Premises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-113

    1252 [CA] Barber Colleges and Shops. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-114

    1253 [CA] Schools of Cosmetology, Cosmetological Establishments and Satellite Classrooms . . . . . 12-114

    1254 [CA] Acupuncture Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-115

    CHAPTER 13 ENERGY EFFICIENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1

    CHAPTER 14 EXTERIOR WALLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1

    1401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3

    1402 Performance Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3

    1403 Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-4

    1404 Installation of Wall Coverings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5

    1405 Combustible Materials on the Exterior Side of

    Exterior Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-16

    1406 Metal Composite Material (MCM). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-17

    1407 Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS). . . . 14-18

    1408 High-Pressure Decorative Exterior-Grade Compact Laminates (HPL). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-18

    1409 Insulated Metal Panel (IMP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-19

    1410 Plastic Composite Decking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-21 1411 Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Systems for Exterior Wall Coverings and Fenestration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-21

  • California Referenced Standards Code Medium relevance — show source text

    |100 psf|1 hr
    23 min|||7|1, 2|11/3| |F/C-4-RC-9|4″|4″ deep (4370 psi);1/4″ reinforcement bars
    at 6″ pitch with3/4″ cover;1/4″ main rein-
    forcement bars at 4″ pitch perpendicular
    with1/2″ cover; 13′1″ span restrained.|150 psf|2 hrs|||7|1, 3|2| |F/C-4-RC-10|4″|4″ thick (5140 psi) deck;1/4″ reinforce-
    ment bars at 71/2″ pitch with7/8″ cover;3/8″
    main reinforcement bars at 33/4″ pitch
    perpendicular with1/2″ cover; 13′1″ span
    restrained.|140 psf|1 hr
    16 min|||7|1, 5|11/4| |F/C-4-RC-11|4″|4″ thick (4000 psi) concrete deck;
    3″ × 11/2″ × 4 lbs R.S.J.; 2′6″ C.R.S.; flush
    with top surface; 4″ × 6″ x 13 SWG mesh
    reinforcement 1″ from bottom of slab; 6′6″
    span restrained.|150 psf|2 hrs|||7|1, 3|2| |F/C-4-RC-12|4″|4″ deep (2380 psi) concrete deck;
    3″ × 11/2″ × 4 lbs R.S.J.; 2′6″ C.R.S.; flush
    with top surface; 4″ × 6″ x 13 SWG mesh
    reinforcement 1″ from bottom surface;
    6′6″ span restrained.|150 psf|1 hr
    3 min|||7|1, 2|1| |F/C-4-RC-13|41/2″|41/2″ thick (5200 psi) deck;1/4″ reinforce-
    ment bars at 71/4″ pitch with7/8″ cover;3/8″
    main reinforcement bars at 33/4″ pitch
    perpendicular with1/2″ cover; 13′1″ span
    restrained.|140 psf|2 hrs|||7|1, 3|2| |F/C-4-RC-14|41/2″|41/2″ deep (2525 psi) concrete deck;1/4″
    reinforcement bars at 71/2″ pitch with7/8″
    cover;3/8″ main reinforcement bars at
    33/8″ pitch perpendicular with1/2″ cover;
    13′1″ span restrained.|150 psf|42 min|||7|1, 5|2/3| |F/C-4-RC-15|41/2″|41/2″ deep (4830 psi) concrete deck;
    11/2″ × No.

  • CRSC § 12-7 Medium relevance — show source text

    CHAPTER 12-7-1 FIRE-RESISTIVE STANDARDS. . . . . . . . . . 13

    CHAPTER 12-7-2 FIRE-RESISTIVE STANDARDS

    RESERVED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

    CHAPTER 12-7-3 FIRE-RESISTIVE STANDARDS. . . . . . . . . . 25

    CHAPTER 12-7-4 FIRE-RESISTIVE STANDARDS. . . . . . . . . . 31

    CHAPTER 12-7-5 FIRE-RESISTIVE STANDARDS. . . . . . . . . . 35

    CHAPTER 12-7A MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION

    METHODS FOR EXTERIOR WILDFIRE

    EXPOSURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

    CHAPTER 12-8-1 FIRE-RESISTIVE STANDARDS FOR

    FIRE PROTECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

    APPENDIX 12-8-1A CALCULATION OF THE TOTAL RATE

    OF HEAT AND CARBON MONOXIDE OR

    CARBON DIOXIDE PRODUCTION . . . . . . . 63

    APPENDIX 12-8-1B GUIDE TO MOUNTING TECHNIQUES FOR

    WALL AND CEILING INTERIOR FINISH

    MATERIAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

    CHAPTER 12-10-1 EXITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

    CHAPTER 12-10-2 EXITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

    CHAPTER 12-10-3 EXITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

    CHAPTERS 12-11A AND 12-11B

    BUILDING AND FACILITY ACCESS

    SPECIFICATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

    CHAPTER 12-12 RESERVED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

    CHAPTER 12-13 STANDARDS FOR INSULATING

    MATERIAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

    CHAPTER 12-16-1 ENGINEERING REGULATIONS—QUALITY

    AND DESIGN OF THE MATERIALS OF

    CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

    CHAPTER 12-16-2 ENGINEERING REGULATIONS—QUALITY

    AND DESIGN OF THE MATERIALS OF

    CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

  • CRSC § 2.6 Medium relevance — show source text

    BK109.1 Thermal characteristics. Cob walls shall be classified as mass walls in accordance with Section N1102.2.6 and shall meet the R -value requirements for mass walls in Table N1102.1.3. BK109.2 Thermal resistance. The unit R -value for cob walls with a density of 110 pounds per cubic foot (1762 kg/m [3] ) shall be R-0.22 (RSI 0.0387) per inch of cob thickness. The unit R -value for cob walls with a density of 75 pounds per cubic foot (1201 kg/m [3] ) shall be R-0.54 (RSI 0.095) per inch of cob thickness. Linear interpolation is permitted. Extrapolation is not permitted. Walls that vary in thickness along their height or length shall use the average thickness of the wall to determine its R -value. The thermal resistance values of air films and finish materials or additional insulation shall be added to the cob wall’s thermal resistance value to determine the Rvalue of the wall assembly. Cob density shall be measured at equilibrium moisture content.

    BK109.3 Additional insulation. Where insulating materials are added to the face of a cob wall, the combination of additional insulation and any associated connecting, weather-resisting or protective materials shall comply with Section BK104.1.2, Items 1 through 4.

    SECTION BK110—REFERENCED STANDARDS

    BK110.1 General. See Table BK110.1 for standards that are referenced in various sections of this appendix. Standards are listed by the standard identification with the effective date, the standard title and the section or sections of this appendix that reference the standard.

    TABLE BK110.1—REFERENCED STANDARDS Col2 Col3
    STANDARD
    ACRONYM    		 STANDARD NAME SECTIONS
    HEREIN REFERENCED
    ASTM C5—10 Standard Specification for Quicklime for Structural Purposes BK104.4.6
    ASTM C141/C141M—14 Standard Specification for Hydrated Hydraulic Lime for Structural Purposes BK104.4.6
    ASTM C206—14 Standard Specification for Finishing Hydrated Lime BK104.4.6
    ASTM C926—21 Specification for Appliance of Portland Cement-Based Plaster BK104.4.8
    ASTM C1707—11 Standard Specification for Pozzolanic Hydraulic Lime for Structural Purposes BK104.4.6
    ASTM E2392/E2392M—10(2016) Standard Guide for Design of Earthen Wall Building Systems BK104.4.3.2
    ASTM BS1, ASTM BS EN 459—15 Building Lime—Part 1: Definitions, Specifications and Conformity Criteria;
    Part 2: Test Methods    		 BK104.4.6

    APPENDIX BK-18 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE

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    CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE APPENDIX BL – HEMP-LIME (HEMPCRETE) CONSTRUCTION

    (Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

  • CRSC § 12-7 Medium relevance — show source text

    Fire tests of building
    construction and materials.|SFM|Part 2, Section 703| |Chapter 12-7-2|Reserved||| |Chapter 12-7-3|Fire-resistive standards.
    Fire testing furnaces.|SFM|Part 9, Section 3001| |Chapter 12-7-4|Fire-resistive standards.
    Fire door assembly tests.|SFM|Part 2, Section 716| |Chapter 12-7-5|Fire-resistive standards. Interior
    finish of decorative material.|SFM|Part 2, Chapter 8
    Part 9, Chapter 8| |Chapter 12-7A|Materials and construction methods for
    exterior wildfire exposure|SFM|Part 7, Chapter 5| |Chapter 12-8-1|Fire-resistive standards for fire protection|SFM|Part 2, Sections 408.14 and 435.6.2| |Appendix 12-8-1A|Calculation of the total rate of heat and carbon
    monoxide or carbon dioxide production|SFM|| |Appendix 12-8-1B|Guide to mounting techniques for wall and
    ceiling interior finish material|SFM|| |Chapter 12-10-1|Exits. Power-operated exit doors.|SFM|Part 2, Sections 408.4.2, 1010.1.4.2, 1010.1.9.1| |Chapter 12-10-2|Exits. Single-point latching or locking devices.|SFM|Part 2, Section 1010.2.2
    Part 9, Section 1010.2.2| |Chapter 12-10-3|Exits. Emergency exit and panic hardware.
    |SFM|Part 9, Section 1009.12| |Chapter 12-11A,
    12-11B|Detectable warning products and directional
    surfaces|DSA|Part 2, Sections 1112A.9, 1116A.5, 11B-247,
    11B-406.5.12, 11B-705, 11B-810.5.2| |Chapter 12-12|Reserved||| |Chapter 12-13|Standards for insulating material|CA/SFM|Part 2.5, Section R302.10.1
    Part 6, Section 110.8
    Part 9, Section 720, Table 721.1(1)
    Part 11, Section A5.504.4.8| |Chapter 12-16-1|California standard for earthquake-actuated
    automatic gas shutoff systems|DSA|Part 2, Chapters 16 and 16A
    Part 5, Section 1211.8| |Chapter 12-16-2|California standard for residential excess flow
    actuated automatic gas shutoff valves|DSA|Part 5, Section 1209.1| |Chapter 12-31C|Radiation shielding|DPH|Part 2, Section 3102C| |Chapter 12-71|Air filters|SFM|Part 4, Sections 401.2, 509.2.3, 509.2.3.4
    Part 6, Section 120.1| |Chapter 12-72-1|Protective signaling systems.
    Standard test procedures.|SFM|| |Chapter 12-72-2|Protective signaling systems.

  • CRSC § 64703-64705. Medium relevance — show source text

    This installed weight per square foot shall conform with the manufacturer’s installed design density per square foot at the manufacturer’s labeled R -value.

    (b) Water heater insulation kits. No water heater insulation kit shall be sold, on or after March 25, 1982, unless it has a thermal resistance of at least R-6 and is so identified.

    Each water heater insulation kit sold shall include instructions which are equivalent to the Department of Energy standard practice for the installation of insulation on gas-fired, oil-fired and electric resistance water heaters, 44 Fed. Reg. pages 64703-64705.

    Authority: Section 25922, Public Resources Code.

    Reference: Section 25922, Public Resources Code.

    HISTORY:

    1. Amendment filed 8-10-81; designated effective 9-22-81 (Register 81, No. 33).
    2. Editorial correction of subsection (a) filed 1-13-82 (Register 82, No. 2).

    INTERPRETATION

    Sec. 12-13-1565.

    The General Counsel of the Commission shall make a determination as to the application or interpretation of any provision of this article to any person requesting such a determination. Any such request shall be submitted in writing to the Commission. The Commission shall make written replies to such inquiries and shall widely publish interpretations that have broad application or interest.

    Authority: Section 25218 (e), Public Resources Code.

    Reference: Sections 25920 and 25922, Public Resources Code.

    HISTORY:

    1. Amendment filed 8-10-81; designated effective 9-22-81 (Register 81, No. 33).

    100 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE

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    12-16-1 ENGINEERING REGULATIONS—QUALITY AND

    DESIGN OF THE MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION

    CALIFORNIA STANDARD FOR EARTHQUAKE-ACTUATED AUTOMATIC GAS SHUTOFF SYSTEMS (SEE CCR TITLE 24, PART 2, CHAPTERS 16 AND 16A, AND CCR TITLE 24, PART 5, CHAPTER 12) STANDARD 12-16-1

    DIVISION OF THE STATE ARCHITECT

    Authority: Sections 19180–19183, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Section 19182, Health and Safety Code.

    DIVISION 1—CONSTRUCTION

    SCOPE

    Sec. 12-16-101. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) requirements for “Earthquake-Actuated Automatic Gas Shutoff Devices,” ANSI/ASCE/SEI 25-16 (copyright 2016 by ASCE), shall be the applicable standard used by the Division of the State Architect for the certification of these devices.

    Sec. 12-16-101.1. Each installation of a customer-owned device that satisfies this standard shall be in accordance with the California Plumbing Code (CCR Title 24, Part 5).

    2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE 101

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    102 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE

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    12-16-2 ENGINEERING REGULATIONS—QUALITY AND

  • CRSC § 12-13 Medium relevance — show source text

    PERFORMANCE TESTS

    Sec. 12-13-1559.

    The Commission may conduct, or may contract with others to conduct, independent performance tests of representative samples of insulation sold in the state to determine compliance with standards adopted pursuant to Chapter 10.5 of the California Public Resources Code . Such tests shall form the basis for instituting enforcement proceedings.

    Authority: Section 25218 (e), Public Resources Code.

    Reference: Section 25926, Public Resources Code.

    HISTORY:

    1. Amendment filed 8-10-81; designated effective 9-22-81 (Register 81, No. 33).

    2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS CODE 99

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    STANDARDS FOR INSULATING MATERIAL

    COSTS OF INSPECTION AND TESTING (RESERVED)

    Sec. 12-13-1560.

    Authority: Section 25218 (e), Public Resources Code.

    Reference: Section 25926, Public Resources Code.

    HISTORY:

    1. Repealer filed 8-10-81; designated effective 9-22-81 (Register 81, No. 33).

    ENFORCEMENT (RESERVED)

    Sec. 12-13-1561.

    Authority: Section 25218 (e), Public Resources Code.

    Reference: Section 25931, Public Resources Code.

    HISTORY:

    1. Repealer filed 6-26-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 26).

    RELEASE OF INFORMATION

    Sec. 12-13-1562.

    Persons submitting information to the Commission who wish information to be kept confidential shall comply with the provisions of Sections 2501-2511 of the Public Resources Code.

    Authority: Section 25218(e), Public Resources Code.

    Reference: Sections 25223 and 25921.1, Public Resources Code.

    HISTORY:

    1. Amendment filed 8-10-81; designated effective 9-22-81 (Register 81, No. 33).

    LIABILITY

    Sec. 12-13-1563.

    Nothing in this article shall be construed as imposing responsibility on manufacturers for misuse of properly labeled insulation.

    Authority: Section 25218(e), Public Resources Code.

    Reference: Sections 25926 and 25931, Public Resources Code.

    HISTORY:

    1. Amendment filed 8-10-81; designated effective 9-22-81 (Register 81, No. 33).

    INSULATING EXISTING BUILDINGS

    Sec. 12-13-1564.

    (a) On or after March 25, 1982, if insulating material is installed in an existing building, in any of the applications specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6, Section 118, the installing contractor shall certify that the amount of insulation installed meets or exceeds the requirements of Part 6, Section 118 for that application. Such certification shall be made on completion of the installation by posting in a conspicuous location a certificate signed under penalty of perjury.

Frequently asked questions

Which materials does Chapter 12‑13 regulate?

Chapter 12‑13 regulates the specific materials listed in § 12‑13‑1551(b) (aluminum foil; cellular glass board; cellulose; mineral aggregate; mineral fiber; perlite; polystyrene; polyurethane; polyisocyanurate; urea formaldehyde foam; vermiculite) when sold in California. § 12‑13‑1551(b)

Does the chapter regulate insulation installed in a house sold with the house?

No — the sale of a building or appliance that contains installed insulating material is not treated as the sale of the insulating material under § 12‑13‑1551(c).

Are materials not listed in § 12‑13‑1551(b) prohibited?

No — subsection (d) expressly allows any type of insulating material not listed to be sold within California notwithstanding other provisions of the article. § 12‑13‑1551(d)

If I buy a water‑heater insulation kit, does the code set a minimum R‑value?

Yes — water heater insulation kits sold on or after March 25, 1982 must have at least R‑6 and be so identified. § 12‑13‑1564(b)

Where can I find definitions like “insulating material” or “installed design density”?

See § 12‑13‑1552 for definitions used throughout Article 3 (including insulating material, installed design density, and representative thickness). § 12‑13‑1552

Who enforces testing and compliance for these products?

The Commission may inspect, sample and/or conduct performance testing of insulating material sold in the state under § 12‑13‑1558 and § 12‑13‑1559. § 12‑13‑1558 § 12‑13‑1559

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