The first question should be whose best practices are we following? If you think the answer is simple, guess again. Best practices with craftwork can start arguments; add regional variations, and best practices become a war. The ASTM standards provide an example of preferences, regional variations and groups digging in to have it their way. While these standards are referred to as consensus, the installation standards would be more accurately labeled as contentious standards. Virtually all installers of lath and plaster will agree that adhering to all ASTM requirements is improbable, if not impossible.

The ASTM Standards

The consequences for a contractor failing to adhere strictly to the ASTM installation standards can be substantial. Many of them try to help configure installation standards, but they often let their own best practices cloud their judgement. Others have a lack to communicate a rationale effectively and may be ignored, and still others have agendas. The result can be walking away in frustration.

The ASTM standards for products are less contentious for a variety of reasons. Most ASTMs provide a clear and concise standard for established products, with a minimum level of acceptance. The same cannot be said of installation standards. Every installer has their best practice for installation. Fights can occur over the intent of the ASTM installation standards. If they are minimums, best practices or regional preferences are all unresolved issues.

The ASTM is a voluntary standard and only becomes mandatory when referenced by a contract, government agency or the building code. But there is even a twist to this statement. If a contract references an ASTM standard, the party that developed that contract has the right to alter such a mandate. It is similar with the building code, as alternates to prescriptive code requirements are expressly allowed. Chapter One, Section 104 allows alternates to the prescriptive language of the code if it meets the intent of the code.

Alternate Practices

The entity that decides if the alternate meets the intent of the code is the building official. This means that the local building official and their department carry the weight as to what is code-compliant.

The building code is meant to be a set of regulations adopted by states and municipalities to establish minimum requirements to safeguard public health, safety and general welfare. Some claim that the building code is far from best practices or even accepted standards. They may even infer that the code is the worst building you can build and far from best practices. History would support the claims that this is not true and that building codes in the United States are very good. I know for a fact that some countries find American standards too restrictive.

Industry Standard or Industry Practice?

The difference between minimum standards, industry practices and best practices has been argued many times. Construction litigation essentially revolves around these terms and the various opinions tied to them. The difference between an industry standard and an industry practice is a frequently debated issue. There is a third category that can help resolve that argument. Industry standards are written and agreed upon, and they may be written by ASTM or another association, such as the Gypsum Association, SMA or EIMA. These groups produce written documentation that is reviewed and agreed upon by subject-matter experts, and they carry weight. Industry practices, on the other hand, are what is commonly done and are often a regional practice, whether a good or bad practice. If an authoritative source provides substantiation that the practice is allowed, then the practice becomes an acceptable industry practice. However, that practice would still need the local building official to approve the practice to be considered code-compliant. Most building officials are amiable to alternates backed by national trade associations with a proven track record of reliability.

While this process seems a bit cumbersome and controversial, it actually makes sense. Designers, contractors and building owners are allowed to have, and need, some flexibility. A construction world of unbendable rules might seem fair to some but would stifle creativity and imagination. The result would be box-like buildings that all look the same, similar to the old Soviet-bloc countries where we find cities that are filled with rows and rows of indistinguishable and boring apartment buildings.

Redefining Best Practices

Should a best practice be redefined as a design with a construction technique that meets the needs of public life safety? After all, this could fit the owner’s budget and allow the building to last with minimal maintenance issues for the owner. In America, we strive to allow innovative and aesthetically pleasing architecture; all while striving to build structures that protect life and property. A free and prosperous society needs to allow for design and installation options. America has done a pretty good job of that, regardless how one opts to define best practices.