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Wall Assemblies — Research Notes

Scope: layer stacks for the Bones wall-layers engine (interior partitions, dwelling–garage separation, exterior walls with cladding families), plus the climate/jurisdiction modifiers that change them. Companion dataset: data/wall-assemblies.json. Code basis: 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) chapter 7 + R302 + R602, and the 2021 IECC / IRC ch. 11 for insulation. 2015/2018 renumbering and 2024 deltas noted in §10.

Disclaimer. Drafting aid, not engineering. Typical/approximate values — verify with the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). Layer thicknesses are render/BOM values; several real materials (WRB film, vapor retarders, veneer ties) are geometrically negligible and are carried as thin symbolic layers or metadata.


1. How the values were sourced and verified

  • Primary verbatim text: IRC-based Ohio Residential Code ch. 7 PDF (2018 IRC text, codes.ohio.gov rule 4101:8-7-01) — R702.3.5, R702.7, R703.2, R703.3(1), stucco and veneer sections read cell-for-cell; plus 2015/2018 ICC ch. 3 text for R302.5/R302.6/R302.11.
  • Vapor retarder tables (class prohibitions, Class III insulated-sheathing minimums incl. Zone 7 R-10/R-15 and Zone 8 R-12.5/R-20) verified online against the UpCodes mirror of 2021 IBC 1404.3, which is identical to IRC R702.7 Tables R702.7(1)–(2). verified: true.
  • 2021 IECC wall R-value rows, HVHZ, WUI and termite overlays are from established code knowledge — ICC/PNNL sources were paywalled or 403 during the session (2026-08-14). Tagged verified: "knowledge-base" in the dataset.
  • 2021 renumbering cross-checked: stucco = R703.7, anchored veneer = R703.8, siding table = Table R703.3(1), vapor retarders restructured into Tables R702.7(1)–(4). See §10.

2. The three stacks (overview)

Exterior wall assembly order, inside-out, per [R703.1 / R703.2 / R703.3]: interior gypsum board → (interior vapor retarder, by climate zone) → framing cavity with insulation → structural sheathing over studs → (optional foam plastic insulating sheathing) → water-resistive barrier "applied over studs or sheathing" → exterior cladding. The WRB is always immediately behind the cladding/drainage plane, outside any structural sheathing.

Wall type Stack (inside → out) Typical total
Interior partition 1/2″ gypsum | 2x4 cavity | 1/2″ gypsum [R702] 4-1/2″ (114 mm)
Garage separation 1/2″ gypsum (house) | 2x4 cavity | 1/2″ gypsum (garage side) [Table R302.6] 4-1/2″
Exterior (vinyl example) 1/2″ gypsum | VR note | 2x4/2x6 + batt | 7/16″ WSP | (foam ci) | WRB | cladding [R703.1–.3] varies by cladding

ENGINE: wall-layers.ts stacks member roles outward from the stud envelope: drywall | insulation (in bays) | sheathing | foam? | wrb | cladding. Interior partitions emit only drywall+drywall — exterior/interior is a wall-type switch, never a shared stack. Openings punch every layer with the RO footprint.


3. Interior partitions — gypsum board [R702.3.5 + Table R702.3.5]

Gypsum board on both faces. Table R702.3.5 (walls, "Either direction"):

Board Max framing spacing Notes
1/2″ (12.7 mm) 24″ o.c., either orientation the default
5/8″ (15.9 mm) 24″ o.c., either orientation the Type X thickness
3/8″ (9.5 mm) 16″ o.c. only banned under water-based texture

Edges/ends must land on framing; fasteners: nails 8″ o.c. / screws 12–16″ o.c. on walls [Table R702.3.5].

Ceiling rows + footnote d [Table R702.3.5]: 1/2″ handles joists/trusses at 16″ o.c. in any orientation but must run perpendicular at 24″ o.c.; water-based texture bumps 3/8→1/2 at 16″ and 1/2→5/8 (or sag-resistant 1/2) at 24″; 3/8″ may not support insulation or texture.

ENGINE: partition assembly = 12.7 mm drywall each side of the stud envelope (2x4 total 89 + 2×12.7 = 114 mm = 4-1/2″). gypsumThickness ∈ {12.7, 15.9}; reject 9.5 mm when studSpacing > 406 mm. Ceiling drywall thickness = f(framingSpacing, texture/garage flags): 610 mm spacing → 15.9 mm default. Wall drywall box height = floorToCeiling − ceilingBoardThickness (boards meet, no overlap). Fastener schedules are takeoff metadata (LOD 500), not geometry.


4. Dwelling–garage separation [Table R302.6, R302.5]

This is a separation, not a rated assembly — no fire-resistance rating is prescribed.

Table R302.6 row Requirement
From the residence and attics ≥ 1/2″ gypsum board or equivalent applied to the garage side (verbatim). Base code does not require Type X on the wall — 5/8″ Type X there is a local amendment / builder upgrade only.
From habitable rooms above the garage ≥ 5/8″ Type X on the garage ceiling, perpendicular to framing (max 24″ o.c.), fastened 6″ o.c. with 1-7/8″ 6d coated nails or equivalent screws [+ Table R702.3.5 Type X row]. The only place R302.6 demands Type X.
Structure(s) supporting the separation Walls, beams, columns supporting that floor/ceiling: 1/2″ gypsum.
Detached garages < 3 ft from the dwelling 1/2″ gypsum on the interior side of the exterior walls facing the gap.

Openings [R302.5.1]: no door from garage directly into a sleeping room; other doors 1-3/8″ solid wood, 1-3/8″ solid/honeycomb-core steel, or 20-minute rated, with self-closing device (reinstated 2018). Ducts [R302.5.2]: min No. 26 gage sheet steel, no openings into the garage.

ENGINE: corrects the round-13 spec — the garageSeparation face flag lives on the garage-facing side; base-code member = 12.7 mm drywall with a fireSeparation tag. If Bones renders 15.9 mm Type X there (design choice), the code-checker must treat 12.7 mm regular as compliant, and takeoff labels cite Table R302.6, not a fire rating. garageBelowHabitable → 15.9 mm Type X ceiling board; any bearing wall/post under it gets a 12.7 mm drywall member even in an unfinished garage. Openings punched through a fireSeparation wall carry doorType constraints (35 mm solid / 20-min, selfClosing: true); the validator rejects garage→bedroom doors; duct members crossing the plane get material=26ga-steel.


5. Exterior stack, layer by layer

5.1 Interior vapor retarder [R702.7, Tables R702.7(1)–(4); = 2018 R702.7/Table R702.7.1; = IBC 1404.3]

Class I: poly/foil ≤ 0.1 perm. Class II: kraft-faced batts. Class III: latex/enamel paint. Required Class I or II on the interior of frame walls in CZ 5–8 + Marine 4; the 2021 edition also prohibits interior Class I in CZ 1–3 and Class II in CZ 1–2 (hot-humid walls must dry inward). Class III permitted in the cold zones with vented cladding or sufficient exterior ci — full table in §8.2. Basement/below-grade walls exempt; never combine interior Class I with low-perm exterior foam (double vapor barrier) [R702.7 exceptions].

ENGINE: zero-thickness layer — emit a vaporRetarder note (class + basis) on the assembly, not geometry; kraft facing on the batt member satisfies Class II.

5.2 Cavity insulation [N1102.1.3 / 2021 IECC Table R402.1.3]

Values in §8.1. Practical batts: R-13/R-15 fill a 2x4 bay (3-1/2″); R-19/R-21/R-23 a 2x6 bay (5-1/2″); "ci" is the exterior foam layer, never cavity fill.

ENGINE: insulation members are LOD-400 batt boxes filling bays between studs (the gate matrix must NOT allowlist insulation × framing). Thickness = stud depth (89/140 mm). When the zone demands more than R-21 cavity, the assembly auto-adds the foam ci layer instead of thickening the wall.

5.3 Structural sheathing [Table R602.3(3), R602.10.4, Table R602.3(1) items 30–32]

Wood structural panel (OSB/plywood): min 3/8″ span-rated 24/0 at studs 16″ o.c.; 7/16″ 24/16 at 24″ o.c. — 7/16″ OSB is the near-universal field default and the thickness other sections key on (veneer tie backing demands ≥ 7/16 WSP). Fastened 6″ edges / 12″ field with 8d common; braced-wall panels (Method WSP/CS-WSP) use the same panels at ≥ 3/8″.

  • Gypsum sheathing option [R702.3.5 + Table R703.3(1) fastener column]: ASTM C1396/C1177 glass-mat, 1/2″ or 5/8″, a recognized substrate for every siding — but not a WSP: bracing must come from another method (WSP corner panels, let-in braces, Method GB). Typical under stucco and brick veneer.
  • Foam plastic insulating sheathing [R703.15, Tables R703.15.1/.2; R703.16/R703.17; Table R703.8.4(2)]: the "ci" layer, typically 1/2″–2″ XPS/polyiso/EPS, non-structural, sits between structural sheathing and WRB (or serves as WRB when faced/taped as an approved system). Cladding over it needs the R703.15 fastener/furring tables (longer fasteners or vertical furring; heavy claddings generally need 3/4″ furring at 16″ o.c.); masonry-veneer ties may pass through at most 2″ of foam into ≥ 7/16 WSP.

ENGINE: sheathing member = 11.1 mm box on the exterior stud face, full height, punched at ROs; 4x8 sheet takeoff with 6/12 nailing note citing Table R602.3(1). sheathingType='gypsum' → 12.7 mm glass-mat layer + validator requires a bracing source elsewhere. Foam layer thickness = ciR/5 × 25.4 mm (R-5 ≈ 1″ XPS), capped at 51 mm under brick veneer; presence flips fastener metadata to R703.15 and can satisfy the Class III condition (§8.2).

5.4 Water-resistive barrier [R703.1 / R703.2]

Verbatim: "One layer of No. 15 asphalt felt, free from holes and breaks, complying with ASTM D226 for Type 1 felt or other approved water-resistive barrier shall be applied over studs or sheathing of all exterior walls." Approved equivalents: plastic housewraps (ASTM E2556), WRB-faced sheathings, per manufacturer instructions. Applied horizontally shingle-fashion, upper course lapped ≥ 2″ over lower, ≥ 6″ at vertical joints, continuous to the top of walls, terminated at penetrations to complete the envelope, integrated with flashing [R703.4].

Omissions [R703.2 Exception; R703.1.1 Exc. 1–2]: (1) detached accessory buildings — base-IRC exception, some states (e.g. Ohio) delete it; (2) concrete/masonry walls designed per ch. 6 and flashed per R703.4/R703.8; (3) assemblies passing ASTM E331 (6.24 psf, 2 h). Everywhere else the WRB is mandatory under every cladding type — the old "no WRB under some sidings" table column died with the 2009 code.

Stucco doubles it [R703.7.3, split into R703.7.3.1/.2 in 2021; = 2018 R703.6.3]: over wood-based sheathing the WRB must be equivalent to two layers of Grade D paper as separate continuous planes (sacrificial bond-break + drainage plane), unless a 60-minute Grade D WRB is separated from the stucco by a non-absorbing layer or a ≥ 90 %-efficiency drainage space. Dry-southwest jurisdictions commonly amend this — exposed as an override in the dataset. The single most-missed stucco rule.

ENGINE: one thin box per wall face (render 1.6 mm per round-13 design; real material ~0.25–0.5 mm — the render thickness is symbolic). Continuous full height after RO punch; takeoff in sqft + 10 % lap factor, label "R703.2". claddingType=stucco && sheathingType=WSPwrb.layerCount=2 in the takeoff (geometry stays one box). suppressWrb only when wallContext=detachedAccessory (jurisdiction caveat flag) or wallStructure=masonry/concrete — never on cladding type alone.

5.5 Cladding attachment generalities [R703.3 + Table R703.3(1)]

Fasteners corrosion-resistant, penetrating studs or WSP sheathing unless the table/manufacturer says otherwise. Table R703.3(1) gives a fastener spec per substrate column — WSP+stud, fiberboard+stud, gypsum sheathing+stud, over foam (deferring to R703.15), direct-to-stud (several sidings "Not allowed" direct). Verbatim: "Nominal material thicknesses in Table R703.3(1) are based on a maximum stud spacing of 16 inches on center" — wider spacing needs manufacturer documentation. Support grid: studs 16″ (406 mm) o.c. default, 24″ (610 mm) max.

ENGINE: cladding fastener metadata = f(claddingType, outermost substrate layer) — derive the table column automatically from the stack. Warn when studSpacing=610 mm and cladding lacks a mfr-spacing note; foam-only sheathing → flag "fasten to studs only".

5.6 Openings [R703.4 + R703.2]

Every RO through the exterior stack needs pan/head flashing integrated shingle-fashion with the WRB so drainage-plane water exits over the cladding — layers terminate onto each other at openings. ENGINE: the wrb member keeps a flashing edge annotation on all four RO edges (takeoff: lineal ft per opening, cite R703.4); no separate LOD-400 geometry, but the dollhouse renderer must show the cavity cut cleanly through drywall→cladding with no layer bridging the RO.


6. Cladding families — thicknesses and rules

Assembly offset = added thickness outside the WRB (outside the sheathing for stucco, which wraps its own paper).

Family Render/offset Material min Key citation Vented (Class III credit) Weight
Vinyl 0.75″ (19 mm) 0.035″ nominal panel R703.11 + Table R703.3(1) yes ~1–2 psf
Fiber cement lap 0.625″ (16 mm) effective 5/16″ board R703.10.2 no (face-sealed) ~2.3 psf
Fiber cement panel 0.25″ (6 mm) (+3/4″ battens) 1/4″ R703.10.1 no ~2.3 psf
Wood lap (bevel) 0.75″ (19 mm) 3/8″ rustic/drop; 19/32 shiplap avg; 7/16 bevel (3/16 tip); hardboard 7/16 R703.5 + Table R703.3(1) no (unless furred) ~2 psf
Stucco 3-coat 1.0″ (25 mm) incl. lath 7/8″ plaster (3/8+3/8+1/8, ASTM C926) R703.7 (= 2018 R703.6) no ~10 psf
Brick veneer 4-5/8″ (117 mm) 3-5/8″ wythe + 1″ airspace R703.8 yes (airspace) ~40 psf
EIFS w/ drainage 2.0″ (51 mm) EPS 3/4″–4″ R703.9 / ASTM E2568 no ~1–2 psf

6.1 Vinyl [R703.11 + Table R703.3(1) vinyl row]

Certified to ASTM D3679, 0.035″ min nominal thickness; 0.120″ shank / 0.313″ head nails (or 16-ga staples) penetrating 1-1/4″ into sheathing+framing combined; nails centered in hem slots, not driven tight (panel floats); over foam use R703.11.2 wind-pressure-adjusted attachment; ≥ 140 mph zones need high-wind certification (VSI/ASTM D7793). Counts as vented cladding for R702.7 Class III. ENGINE: render box 19 mm (lap-profile bounding depth; skin is only ~1 mm) with materialThickness=0.9 mm metadata so takeoff quotes the code number; sets assembly.ventedCladding=true.

6.2 Fiber cement [R703.10; Table R703.3(1) rows]

Lap: ≥ 5/16″ thick (ASTM C1186), ≤ 12″ wide, lapped ≥ 1-1/4″, 6d common nails into studs through the sheathing (max 24″ o.c.); standard 8.25″ boards, 7″ exposure; ≥ 6″ clearance to grade. Panel: ≥ 1/4″, vertical joints over framing, battens optional (3/4 × 2-1/2″). ENGINE: lap → 7.9 mm board box, 16 mm effective offset at laps; panel seams snap to the stud grid; not vented by default. In WA/OR add 3/8″ rainscreen furring as best practice (total 1″).

6.3 Wood / hardboard lap [R703.5 + Table R703.3(1) wood rows]

Lap ≥ 1″ (≥ 1/2″ rabbeted/shiplap); face-nailed to each bearing, penetrating framing 1-1/2″, one nail per bearing to 6″ widths, two over 8″; butt joints over framing. ENGINE: default 19 mm render box (bevel bounding depth) with profile-specific min-thickness metadata; hardboard maps to 11.1 mm.

6.4 Stucco [R703.7/.7.1/.7.2.1 (= 2018 R703.6/.6.1); ASTM C926/C1063; Table R702.1(1)]

Three coats over metal/wire lath on framed walls: scratch 3/8″ + brown 3/8″ + finish 1/8″ = 7/8″ total; corrosion-resistant lath fastened 6″ o.c. into framing (1-1/2″ 11-ga nails or 7/8″ 16-ga staples); two WRB layers over wood sheathing (§5.4); No. 26 ga weep screed (≥ 0.019″, ≥ 3-1/2″ flange) at the foundation plate line, lower edge ≥ 4″ above earth / ≥ 2″ above paving, WRB and lath lapping the flange. FL variant: 5/8″ two-coat direct-applied on CMU, no WRB/lath/screed (masonry substrate). ENGINE: 22.2 mm box outside the doubled WRB; total stack 25 mm incl. self-furring lath + papers; stucco terminates at the weep-screed line, never runs to grade — bottom = max(grade + 102 mm, paving + 51 mm) at the sill-plate line; screed is a 26-ga break-metal profile ~89 mm tall (reuse the foundation engine's grade line); lath is takeoff-only. Heaviest non-masonry cladding (~10 psf) — note for dead-load checks.

6.5 Brick veneer [R703.8; Tables R703.8.4(1)/(2); R703.8.4.1/.2; R703.8.5/.8.6; R703.8.2/.2.1]

  • Geometry: nominal 4″ brick = 3-5/8″ actual wythe + nominal 1″ airspace (exactly 1″ with corrugated ties; up to 4-1/2″ backing-to-veneer with No. 9 strand-wire/adjustable ties); veneer ≤ 5″ thick; grout may fill the airspace (R703.8.4.2 alternative).
  • Ties [R703.8.4/.8.4.1]: min 22-ga × 7/8″ corrugated (or wire), one per 2.67 sq ft, max 32″ o.c. horizontal × 24″ vertical; extra ties within 12″ of openings > 16″; one per 2 sq ft in SDC D / high wind. Through foam: ≤ 2″ into ≥ 7/16 WSP [Table R703.8.4(2)].
  • Support [R703.8.2/.2.1]: bears on concrete/masonry foundation (brick ledge) — never on wood; steel lintels at openings (typ. 3-1/2 × 3-1/2 × 1/4″ loose angle); prescriptive height ≤ ~30 ft
    • 8 ft gable above support (first story only in high SDC without engineering).
  • Water management [R703.8.5/.8.6]: flashing under the first course at the foundation and at all shelf angles/lintels, turned up behind the WRB; weepholes ≥ 3/16″ at ≤ 33″ o.c. immediately above every flashing line (practically every 3rd–4th head joint).

ENGINE: emits two layers: airGap 25.4 mm (transparent, still occupies the interpenetration matrix) + veneer 92 mm. Foundation engine widens the stem wall/slab edge by ~117–127 mm as a brickLedge member (top 4–8″ below finish floor); veneer boxes start at the ledge, not the sill plate; deleting the ledge invalidates the veneer. Ties = LOD-500 metadata (count = wallArea/0.25 m²; stud grid 16″ × 24″ satisfies 2.67 sq ft). Weep/flashing = base-of-wall metadata citing R703.8.6. Adds ~40 psf dead load and ~4.6″ jamb returns at every opening. Counts as vented cladding for R702.7 Class III.

6.6 EIFS [R703.9; ASTM E2568/E2273]

On wood frame it must be EIFS with drainage (≥ 90 % efficiency per ASTM E2273) over a R703.2 WRB — barrier EIFS over wood is a code violation (and the industry's most litigated assembly). Terminations ≥ 6″ above grade, starter track (not weep screed). ENGINE: 51 mm total: ~6 mm drainage plane/adhesive ribbons + 38 mm EPS (range 3/4″–4″) + ~3 mm base coat + finish lamina.


7. Fireblocking and the wall/ceiling joint [R302.11, R302.11.1]

  • Item 1: concealed stud spaces (incl. furred spaces, parallel/staggered stud rows) fireblocked vertically at ceiling and floor levels and horizontally at ≤ 10 ft. In platform framing the top/bottom plates are the vertical fireblocks; solid studs subdivide ordinary walls — the 10-ft rule bites only in double-stud/staggered/furred assemblies and balloon-framed/tall walls crossing a floor line.
  • Item 2: wall-cavity ↔ horizontal-space interconnections (soffits, dropped/cove ceilings) must be blocked. Item 4: openings around vents/pipes/ducts/cables at ceiling and floor level sealed with approved material.
  • Materials [R302.11.1]: 2″ nominal lumber; two 1″ thicknesses with broken laps; 23/32″ WSP with backed joints; 1/2″ gypsum; 1/4″ cement millboard; securely retained mineral/glass batts.

ENGINE: tag existing plates fireblock:true for the takeoff; emit explicit blocking members only for doubleStud/furred assemblies at 10-ft intervals (batts permitted — can be an insulation-role member) and walls crossing an intermediate floor plane. Soffit/dropped-ceiling abutments get a fireblock cap member (12.7 mm gypsum or 38 mm lumber) at the soffit top plane. MEP members crossing a plate line inherit a fireblockSeal tag (LOD-500 collar); through the garage separation plane, the R302.11-item-4 seal tag applies.


8. Climate tables

8.1 Cavity insulation by IECC zone [2021 IECC Table R402.1.3 / IRC N1102.1.3; 2018/2015 Table R402.1.2]

Zone 2021 IECC (wood-frame wall) 2009–2018 editions
0–2 R-13, or R-0 + R-10ci R-13
3 R-20, or R-13 + R-5ci, or R-0 + R-15ci R-20 or R-13 + 5ci
4–8 (unified 2021) R-30, or R-20 + R-5ci, or R-13 + R-10ci, or R-0 + R-20ci Z4–5 (incl. Marine 4): R-20 or R-13 + 5ci; Z6–8: R-20 + 5ci or R-13 + 10ci (2009 Z7–8: R-21)

The 2021 stringency bump (zones 4–5 gaining a ci/R-30 tier) is the big delta — cavity-only 2x6 no longer complies under 2021. Most states have NOT adopted the 2021 values: pick the row by the state's adopted edition, keyed to jurisdictions-adoption.json ircBase (≥ 2021 → 2021 row). Zone 3 is the first 2x6 trigger (plan dimensions, header bearing, jamb depth).

Air tightness rides the same mapping [2021 IECC R402.4.1.2/.3]: ≤ 5.0 ACH50 zones 0–2, ≤ 3.0 ACH50 zones 3–8 (since 2012; gate on ircBase ≥ 2012).

8.2 Interior vapor retarder class by zone [R702.7, Tables R702.7(1)–(2); = 2018 Table R702.7.1; = IBC 1404.3(1); verified via UpCodes]

Zone Requirement Prohibitions Class III (paint) permitted if — ci min (2x4 / 2x6)
1–2 none interior Class I and II prohibited always (Class III is the ceiling)
3 none interior Class I prohibited always
4 (non-marine) none — Class III suffices always
Marine 4 Class I or II vented cladding over WSP/fiberboard/gypsum, or ci ≥ R-2.5 / R-3.75
5 Class I or II vented cladding (as above), or ci ≥ R-5 / R-7.5
6 Class I or II vented cladding over fiberboard/gypsum only, or ci ≥ R-7.5 / R-11.25
7 Class I or II ci ≥ R-10 / R-15
8 Class I or II ci ≥ R-12.5 / R-20

Vented cladding = vinyl, brick veneer with airspace, furred siding. Coupling rule: where the engine adds ci for IECC (e.g. R-5 over 2x6 in Zone 5 < R-7.5), the assembly still needs Class II or vented cladding — compute ciR ≥ tableMin(zone, studDepth) OR claddingVented → Class III OK, else Class II. Never emit interior Class I over low-perm exterior foam (double vapor barrier error); basement walls exempt [R702.7 exceptions].

8.3 State → dominant IECC zone [2021 IECC Figure R301.1 / county tables]

jurisdictions-climate.json has no ieccZone field (weathering/termite letters only) — the overlay generator must add one; the dataset carries this mapping as stateClimateZone (dominant zone + split note; split states need a "zone varies by county — confirm with AHJ" warning). Highlights: FL 2A (1A Miami/Keys), HI 1A, TX 2A–3A, AZ 2B (5B Flagstaff), CA 3B/3C (5B–6B mtn), most of the Northeast/Midwest 5A, MN/WI/ME/MT/ND/WY/VT 6, AK 7 (8 interior). Full 51-entry table in the dataset.


9. Jurisdiction overlays

9.1 Regional default cladding (51 jurisdictions) [R703.6/.8/.10/.11 + jurisdictions-*.json]

Default States Driver
Stucco (6) AZ, CA, NM, NV, UT, FL negligible weathering, termite pressure; FL usually stucco-on-CMU (5/8″ two-coat, no WRB/lath/screed)
Vinyl (28) CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, VT, WI, WV, WY, AK cost, freeze-thaw tolerance, no termite appetite; cold states pair with 1–1.5″ foam ci; coastal NE needs R703.11.2 high-wind panels
Fiber cement (10) GA, NC, SC, VA, WA, OR, ID, MT, CO, HI humidity/rain durability, termite/rot immunity, WUI hardening
Brick veneer (7) TX, OK, AR, LA, MS, AL, TN clay supply, heavy termite, hail/heat, market expectation; Gulf-coast hurricaneTies → one tie per 2 sq ft

9.2 HVHZ [FBC-R 8th Ed. (2023) §R4402–R4412 (wood §R4409); Miami-Dade TAS 201/202/203]

Miami-Dade + Broward counties only (flags.hvhz): sheathing min 15/32″ WSP, 8d ring-shank at 6″ o.c. edges AND field; every exterior product needs an NOA; openings impact-protected (TAS 201/202/203); foam sheathing cannot be the nailable substrate; blocks the 0 + 20ci IECC path.

9.3 High wind [R301.2.1.1/.2; AWC WFCM-2018; ICC 600-2020; R703.1.1 + Table R301.2(1)]

Vult ≥ 140 mph (or special wind regions): IRC prescriptive no longer applies — WFCM/ICC 600/ASCE 7. Wind-borne debris (Vult ≥ 130 within 1 mi of coast, or ≥ 140 in hurricane regions): impact-protected openings. WFCM sheathing: 8d ring-shank 4–6″ o.c. edges, 4″ o.c. corner end zones (4 ft), fully sheathed. Where stateWind ≥ 130 && flags.hurricaneTies emit the nail-zone overlay + coastal-band opening protection (county-level for AL/GA/LA/MS/NC/SC/TX/VA). At ≥ 140 mph warn on vinyl and standard EIFS; prefer stucco-on-CMU or fiber cement with tightened fastening.

9.4 WUI [California Residential Code R337 (= CBC ch. 7A); SFM 12-7A-1; ORSC R327 (2023)]

CA Fire Hazard Severity Zones (all SRA + LRA Very High): exterior covering noncombustible / ignition-resistant / heavy-timber / log, or an SFM 12-7A-1 assembly, foundation to roof; vinyl and untreated wood prohibited in zone. OR adopted a mapped parallel in 2023; NV/CO/UT have local ordinances only. wuiOverlay: true (CA), 'mapped-2023' (OR).

9.5 Termite [R318.4 + Figure R301.2(6)]

termiteRisk === 'very heavy' (FL, LA, HI): no exterior/below-grade foam on foundations; 6″ inspection gap between foam and earth — terminate wall ci ≥ 6″ above grade, prefer cavity path at grade-adjacent assemblies. 'heavy' (AL, AR, CA, GA, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA): R318.1 protection + 6″ siding-to-grade warning; foam not prohibited.

9.6 Weathering [R703.8.2; ASTM C216/C62; Figure R301.2(3)]

Brick in weatheringPotential 'severe' regions (all northern/interior states) must be Grade SW; 'moderate' permits MW; drives mortar/durability selections.


10. Edition stability

R302.6 / R302.11 / R702.3.5 / R703.2 / Table R703.3(1) / stucco / veneer content is unchanged in substance 2015 → 2021. Chapter 7 was renumbered in 2018: 2015 Table R703.4 → Table R703.3(1); 2015 R703.6/R703.7 (plaster/veneer) → R703.7/R703.8. Real 2021 deltas in scope: R702.7 vapor retarders (rewritten as Tables R702.7(1)–(4) + hot-zone Class I restrictions) and the 2021 IECC wall R-value bump. The 2024 IRC rewrites R703.2 again (WRB performance classes) — flagged for a future round. Dataset citations key to 2021 numbers with a codeEdition field; 2015/2018 states need only the R702.7 table-number alias and the pre-2021 insulation row.