Above-Grade SIP Wall Coverings

Interior Covering

The interior facing of SIP walls located along interior habitable spaces shall be covered with a minimum of ½-inch (13-mm) gypsum board or an approved finish material that provides a thermal barrier to limit the average temperature rise of the unexposed surface to no more than 250 degrees F (139 °C) after 15 minutes of fire exposure as tested in accordance with ASTM E119. The use of vapor retarders and air barriers shall be in accordance with the authority having jurisdiction.

Exterior Covering

SIP walls shall be protected from physical damage. All SIP walls in exterior applications shall be covered with approved materials installed to provide a barrier against the weather (such as sunlight, snow, and rain). The exterior wall envelope shall be designed with a water-resistive barrier behind the exterior veneer. The water-resistive barrier shall be one layer of No. 15 felt, free from holes and breaks, complying with ASTM D226 for Type I felt or other approved equal.