IRC reference for finished flooring

[bnymbill]

I'm looking for an IRC or other code reference for finished flooring. I realize it may not exist but the building code has a lot of sections where it indicates something as generic as "must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation."

Is there any code reference for hardwoods, vinyl planks, tile, etc. Thanks!

 

[steveray]

I'm looking for an IRC or other code reference for finished flooring. I realize it may not exist but the building code has a lot of sections where it indicates something as generic as "must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation."

Is there any code reference for hardwoods, vinyl planks, tile, etc. Thanks!

To what end?...If you are done, it is finished.....

 

[bnymbill]

I'm documenting a case of water damage - the builder refused to cover the window openings during an extended delay, which allowed the OSB to soak up water in the joints/cut edges. The manufacturer's instructions specify the tolerance for the floor to be level to within 3/16" over 10'. However, I was looking to tie it back to a code, if possible.

 

[steveray]

I'm documenting a case of water damage - the builder refused to cover the window openings during an extended delay, which allowed the OSB to soak up water in the joints/cut edges. The manufacturer's instructions specify the tolerance for the floor to be level to within 3/16" over 10'. However, I was looking to tie it back to a code, if possible.

Installation instructions for the OSB?

R104.9 Approved Materials and Equipment​

Materials, equipment and devices approved by the building official shall be constructed and installed in accordance with such approval.

R106.1.2 Manufacturer's Installation Instructions​

Manufacturer's installation instructions, as required by this code, shall be available on the job site at the time of inspection.

 

[bnymbill]

Installation instructions for the OSB?

R104.9 Approved Materials and Equipment​

Materials, equipment and devices approved by the building official shall be constructed and installed in accordance with such approval.

R106.1.2 Manufacturer's Installation Instructions​

Manufacturer's installation instructions, as required by this code, shall be available on the job site at the time of inspection.

Definitely a good starting point, I'll take a look and see where it goes. I'll check for a manufacturer's label/stamp on the sheathing and see if I can find their specs.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

I'm documenting a case of water damage - the builder refused to cover the window openings during an extended delay, which allowed the OSB to soak up water in the joints/cut edges. The manufacturer's instructions specify the tolerance for the floor to be level to within 3/16" over 10'. However, I was looking to tie it back to a code, if possible.

I suggest that before looking at the flooring, you look at the manufacturer's and industry literature for the OSB. OSB is a sheathing material. Back in prehistoric days when we used plywood, there was exterior plywood, interior plywood, and "interior plywood using exterior glue." The length of time each product could be left exposed to weather was highly dependent on the type of glue used.

Examples for OSB:

https://osb.westfraser.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/OSB-Information-Sheet-Rev2023-08-04-EN.pdf

Storage and Handling
West Fraser OSB panels should be properly stored,
handled, kept dry, and protected during construction
to ensure expected in-service performance. Refer to
the latest version of APA’s Engineered Wood
Association Construction Guide, E30.

https://www.jlconline.com/how-to/interiors/is-weathered-osb-okay_o

Although both panel grades use the same moisture-resistant adhesive, only Exterior-grade panels (such as sanded A-C and B-C plywood, T-111 siding, and overlaid panels like MDO) are intended for long-term exposure to weather, and even then they must be properly finished and maintained.

Exposure 1 panels, by contrast, are supposed to be able to resist the effects of moisture caused by construction delays but are not suitable for long-term exposure; they are commonly used for roof and wall sheathing and subflooring, and should be protected from the weather as soon as practical. The longer these panels are exposed and the more severe the exposure, the greater the effect on panel performance. However, panels exposed to long construction delays may be less than aesthetically pleasing - as in your case - yet still structurally sound, especially if they're located on walls where there is less rain exposure.

https://lpcorp.com/media/1333/lp-osb-sheathing-specifications-english.pdf

 

[bnymbill]

I suggest that before looking at the flooring, you look at the manufacturer's and industry literature for the OSB. OSB is a sheathing material. Back in prehistoric days when we used plywood, there was exterior plywood, interior plywood, and "interior plywood using exterior glue." The length of time each product could be left exposed to weather was highly dependent on the type of glue used.

Examples for OSB:

https://osb.westfraser.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/OSB-Information-Sheet-Rev2023-08-04-EN.pdf

https://www.jlconline.com/how-to/interiors/is-weathered-osb-okay_o

https://lpcorp.com/media/1333/lp-osb-sheathing-specifications-english.pdf

Thank you, I'll check out these references!

 

[Paul Sweet]

Some OSBs, such as Huber AdvanTech, Weyerhaeuser Edge Gold or Diamond, are designed for exposure to rain during construction.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Some OSBs, such as Huber AdvanTech, Weyerhaeuser Edge Gold or Diamond, are designed for exposure to rain during construction.

Yes -- this is why it's important to refer to the manufacturer's literature. Keep in mind, however, that most of the statements I have seen in the literature for OSB sheathing ("structural panel") products address only structural integrity. Some of them specifically state that exposure to rain may result in swelling at the edges. They pretty much ALL require storage under dry conditions, off the ground.

I'm fairly certain that, if consulted, the manufacturers whose products can be exposed to weather during construction would say that's for a short period -- like a week or two between when the subflooring is installed and the weather enclosure is completed. In this case, window openings were left open and unprotected for (apparently) a prolonged period. For such applications, a product rated for long-term exposure (equivalent to exterior plywood, NOT "interior with exterior glue") would probably be required.

 

[bnymbill]

Yes -- this is why it's important to refer to the manufacturer's literature. Keep in mind, however, that most of the statements I have seen in the literature for OSB sheathing ("structural panel") products address only structural integrity. Some of them specifically state that exposure to rain may result in swelling at the edges. They pretty much ALL require storage under dry conditions, off the ground.

I'm fairly certain that, if consulted, the manufacturers whose products can be exposed to weather during construction would say that's for a short period -- like a week or two between when the subflooring is installed and the weather enclosure is completed. In this case, window openings were left open and unprotected for (apparently) a prolonged period. For such applications, a product rated for long-term exposure (equivalent to exterior plywood, NOT "interior with exterior glue") would probably be required.

Right, in this case it was TopNotch 250, for which the instructions say it can withstand regular delays but additional precautions should be taken for extended delays. Covering window openings should have been easy enough but the builder refused! Classic case of jumping over a quarter to save a nickel.