Done in a Flash
Commercial steel stud wall assemblies must shed water effectively to the exterior to meet the requirements of the IBC. Chapter 14 (Exterior Wall) of the IBC describes the necessary requirements for a drainage plane in a variety of wall constructions using a prescriptive method including a water-resistive barrier (WRB) and flashing.
The IBC also provides an exception in Section 1403.2 that allows a wall system to be tested under ASTM E331 (Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference) in order to show an appropriate level of water resistance to meet the commercial code requirements. This exception removes a requirement for an explicit WRB and flashing, and in some cases a combination of the exterior sheathing and flashing materials can be used to create a system that works as the drainage plane.
The THERMAXâ„¢ Wall System was tested in accordance with ASTM E331 and has passed its rigorous testing requirements.
Flashing details for a system that can pass the ASTM E331 test protocol are detailed in Section 1405.3 of the IBC:
Flashing shall be detailed in such a manner so as to prevent moisture from entering the wall or to redirect it to the exterior. Flashing shall be installed at the perimeters of exterior door and window assemblies, penetrations and terminations of exterior wall intersections with roofs, chimneys, porches, decks, balconies and similar projections and at built-in gutters and similar locations where moisture could enter the wall. Flashing with projecting flanges shall be installed on both sides and the ends of copings, under sills and continuously above projecting trim.
In the THERMAX™ Wall System, WEATHERMATE™ Straight Flashing is used to seal joints of THERMAX™ (ci) Exterior Insulation and thru-wall penetrations, such as windows and doors. It is also recommended behind all veneer tie penetrations.
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