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Interpretations Request Input

Original Request

  • Request ID: 8515
  • Requested By: Paul Frost
  • Requester E-Mail: pfrost@aluminumcoilsinc.com
  • Code Version: 2021
  • Code: RESIDENT
  • Code Description:
  • Chapter:
  • Section: R704.2.1
  • Topic: Installation for Aluminum Soffit
  • Question: Does section R704.2.1 only apply to Vinyl Soffit?
  • Comment: I am getting calls from customers claiming this section also applies to aluminum soffit. I have a product approval based on wind resistance testing to AAMA 1402 that allows installations that would be conflict with this section of the code if it also applies to aluminum soffit. I am of the belief this only applies to vinyl soffit, but I am having trouble convincing my customers of this.

Existing Interpretations and/or Declaratory Statements Related to this request

Input Received:

I think R704.2.1 is specific to vinyl,
aluminum soffits will still need to show how they meet the wind loads of Tables 301.2(2) and 301.2(3) per R704.1
Michael Grimm on 02/25/2021 at 2:29 PM
The 2021 IRC has a sentence in the soffit section "soffit materials not addressed in section...shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions" Unfortunately the FBC, Residential does NOT have this sentence. The FBC, Residential section 704.2 does not address aluminum soffit design. Section 704.2.1 only covers vinyl. I was on the committee that drafted the vinyl soffit language and detail, it was exclusive to vinyl soffits.
Christopher Macomber on 02/25/2021 at 3:00 PM
I agree.. I also think we need to mark this as another area to be update for use of other materials..
Linda Patrick on 03/01/2021 at 6:13 PM
I agree.. I also think we need to mark this as another area to be update for use of other materials..
Linda Patrick on 03/01/2021 at 6:13 PM
Agree. When we put the soffit section together in the FBC-B we required all manufactured soffit to have product approval. Not putting that requirement in the FBC-R was an oversight.
Joseph Belcher on 03/03/2021 at 6:54 PM

Answer:

Yes, the 2021 IRC has a sentence in the soffit section "soffit materials not addressed in section...shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions" Unfortunately the FBC, Residential does NOT have this sentence. The FBC, Residential section 704.2 does not address aluminum soffit design. Section 704.2.1 only covers vinyl.
On 03/05/2021 at 2:13 PM

Commentary:

When the soffit section was put together in the FBC-Building volume, all manufactured soffit was to have product approval. Not putting that requirement in the FBC-R was an oversight.

Comments on Draft:

Should we not start this with a “Yes, .......
Linda Patrick on 03/05/2021 at 2:27 PM
I agree and also agree with starting with "Yes"
Michael Grimm on 03/05/2021 at 3:05 PM
Agree with added yes.
Joseph Belcher on 03/05/2021 at 6:06 PM
I would also add that as a product or system comprising part of the building envelope manufactured soffit systems are required to have local or state product approval.
Joseph Belcher on 03/27/2021 at 11:44 PM
Publish Draft Interpretation