The International Code Council heard several proposals having to do with door and window installation, as well as flashing, during its code hearings held last week.

The ICC upheld its original decision regarding RB119, part of the International Residential Code (IRC).

According to this section, doors and windows should be installed in accordance with the fenestration manufacturers written installation instructions. It also states that penetrations and opening in exterior walls shall be flashed or sealed in such a manner that will inhibit entry of water into the wall cavity or penetration of water to the building structural framing components. Self-adhered membranes used as flashing shall comply with AAMA 711.

Jeff Inks, representing the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA), submitted a public comment during the final action hearings that, among other things, would have stated the following: “For applications not addressed in the fenestration manufacturers written instructions, in accordance with the flashing manufacturers written instructions.”

“We haven’t taken any responsibility away from the window manufacturer,” said Inks. “All we have done is provide additional options so they are flashed correctly in situations where manufacturers instructions don’t adequately cover that in particular applications.”

Julie Ruth, representing the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), also was in favor of bringing forth Inks’ public comments but ultimately that motion failed.

During the debate over RB 119, many who were opposed to Inks’ proposal mentioned how RB 145, also submitted by Inks, was a better way to address this issue. RB145 came up later that day and that proposal, also brought forward by the WDMA, adds a new definition for pan flashing as: “Corrosion resistant flashing at the base of an opening that is integrated into the building exterior wall to direct water to the exterior and is pre-manufactured, fabricated, formed or applied at the job site.

That proposal was approved and adds the following text to the IRC:

Flashing at exterior window and door openings shall be installed in accordance with one or more of the following: The fenestration manufacturer’s installation and flashing instructions, or for applications not addressed in the fenestration manufacturer’s instructions, in accordance with the flashing manufacturer’s instructions. Where flashing instructions or details are not provided, pan flashing shall be installed at the sill of exterior window and door openings. Pan flashing shall be sealed or sloped in such a manner as to direct water to the surface of the exterior wall finish or to the water resistive barrier for subsequent drainage. Openings using pan flashing shall also incorporate flashing or protection at the head and sides.