Attachment of Exterior Wall Coverings Through Foam Plastic Insulating Sheathing (FPIS) to Wood or Steel Wall Framing

Improved energy efficiency is a major focus in building design and construction with the evolution of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Foam plastic insulating sheathing (FPIS) is one of many products used, due to its beneficial thermal performance values, used alone or in combination with conventional sheathing and between the studs insulation. The code compliant use of FPIS for energy code applications also requires consideration of other factors such as appropriate methods for connection of claddings through FPIS materials of various thicknesses and various substrates. This research report addresses this need by reviewing current knowledge supporting solutions that are now recognized in the 2015 and 2018 editions of the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC).