R703.15

Section R703.15 is titled 'Cladding attachment over foam sheathing to wood framing' and covers the requirements for attaching exterior wall coverings to wood framing where the wall assembly has a layer of foam plastic sheathing installed between the framing and the wall covering. A cross-reference to another section of this code, the manufacturer's installation instructions, or an approved design for the specifications and installation of exterior cladding, and a cross-reference to 1 of 2 sections of this code or an approved design for fastening requirements of cladding or furring through foam plastic sheathing is established. The purpose of this section is to prevent cladding from detaching from the wall framing where the assembly includes a layer of foam plastic sheathing and premature degradation from water intrusion through exterior walls into a building. This section has 3 exceptions which allows for fastening to be done in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions, and 2 specific types of cladding to be installed and fastened in accordance with cross-referenced sections of this code. The purpose of these exceptions is to allow for alternative fastening and installation that is appropriate for specific cladding types.

The model shows a cutaway section of an exterior wall with several rows of vinyl siding being installed over foam insulation.