As the year end approaches, there continues to be considerable discussions about the changes coming to the building codes and state adoption process. This article will cover some of the challenges traditional three-coat plaster clad wall assemblies face in code compliance and functional installation.
At this point, most states have adopted the latest ASHRAE 90.1 Standards as a guideline for new construction to meet the 2013 Energy Efficiency Standards. The updated codes require new buildings, excluding low rise construction, to increase the insulation value of the structure by 30 percent. New buildings not in plan check by the end of 2013 will not be issued building permits without meeting or exceeding the new energy standards. The new calculations for R- and U-values for wall assemblies are determined by a calculation based on the climate zone where the building is located.