WSR 13-23-097
EMERGENCY RULES
BUILDING CODE COUNCIL
[Filed November 20, 2013, 9:22 a.m., effective November 20, 2013, 9:22 a.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: Amendment of chapter 51-50 WAC, 2012 International Building Code, Section 1203; and chapter 51-51 WAC, International Residential Code, Section R408: Include requirements for black, 6 mil polyethylene ground cover in crawl spaces. This requirement was previously located in the 2009 Washington State Energy Code but not in the reformatted 2012 Energy Code.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 51-50-1203 and 51-51-0408.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074.
Other Authority: Chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW.
Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest.
Reasons for this Finding: The state building code council (council), based on the following good cause, finds that an emergency affecting the general welfare of the state of Washington exists. The council further finds that immediate amendment of a certain council rule is necessary for the public welfare and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment would be contrary to the public interest.
The declaration of emergency affecting the general welfare of the state of Washington is based on the following findings:
Requirements for a Class 1 Vapor Retarder installed on the exposed earth in crawl spaces have been in every edition of the Washington State Energy Code since 1980. When transitioning from the 2009 Energy Code to the adoption and amendment of the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code, crawl space vapor retarder requirements were not incorporated because it was believed the requirement was contained within the 2012 International Building Code and International Residential Code. However, these codes allow the elimination of the ground cover with a minimum ventilation rate of one square foot for every three hundred square feet of floor area.
The council believes the elimination of the crawl space vapor retarder will have an adverse effect on housing durability, indoor air quality and mold problems in new houses in Washington. Without the ground cover, stack effect can draw moisture vapor from the crawl space through the house to condense on the cool underside of roof sheathing. This causes mold and potential rot problems.
The council concluded that it is in the best interest of the general welfare of the state of Washington to reinstate the requirement for a 6 mil black polyethylene ground cover in crawl spaces to minimize stack effect and related moisture problems.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 2, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: November 8, 2013.
C. Ray Allshouse
Council Chair
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 13-04-067, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13)
WAC 51-50-1203 Section 1203—Ventilation.
1203.1 General. Buildings shall be provided with natural ventilation in accordance with Section 1203.4, or mechanical ventilation in accordance with the International Mechanical Code.
1203.2 Attic spaces. Enclosed attics and enclosed rafter spaces formed where ceilings are applied directly to the underside of roof framing members shall have cross ventilation for each separate space by ventilation openings protected against the entrance of rain and snow. Blocking and bridging shall be arranged so as not to interfere with the movement of air. An airspace of not less than 1 inch (25 mm) shall be provided between the insulation and the roof sheathing. The net free ventilating area shall not be less than 1/150th of the area of the space ventilated.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. The net free cross-ventilation area shall be permitted to be reduced to 1/300 provided not less than 50 percent and not more than 80 percent of the required ventilating area provided by ventilators located in the upper portion of the space to be ventilated at least 3 feet (914 mm) above eave or cornice vents with the balance of the required ventilation provided by eave or cornice vents.
 
2. The net free cross-ventilation area shall be permitted to be reduced to 1/300 where a Class I or II vapor retarder is installed on the warm-in-winter side of the ceiling.
 
3. Attic ventilation shall not be required when determined not necessary by the building official due to atmospheric or climatic conditions.
 
4. Unvented attic assemblies (spaces between the ceiling joists of the top story and the roof rafters) shall be permitted if all the following conditions are met:
 
4.1 The unvented attic space is completely contained within the building thermal envelope.
 
4.2 No interior vapor retarders are installed on the ceiling side (attic floor) of the unvented attic assembly.
 
4.3 Where wood shingles or shakes are used, a minimum 1/4 inch (6 mm) vented air space separates the shingles or shakes and the roofing underlayment above the structural sheathing.
 
4.4 In Climate Zones 5B and 6B, any air-impermeable insulation shall be a Class II vapor retarder, or shall have a Class II vapor retarder coating or covering in direct contact with the underside of the insulation.
 
4.5 Either items a, b, or c below shall be met, depending on the air permeability of the insulation directly under the structural roof sheathing.
 
a. Air-impermeable insulation only. Insulation shall be applied in direct contact to the underside of the structural roof sheathing.
 
b. Air-permeable insulation only. In addition to the air-permeable insulation installed directly below the structural sheathing, rigid board or sheet insulation shall be installed directly above the structural roof sheathing as specified in Table 1203.2.1 for condensation control.
 
c. Air-impermeable and air-permeable insulation. The air-impermeable insulation shall be applied in direct contact to the underside of the structural roof sheathing as specified in Table 1203.2.1 for condensation control. The air-permeable insulation shall be installed directly under the air-impermeable insulation.
 
i. Climate Zone #1 - R-10 minimum rigid board or air-impermeable insulation R-value.
 
ii. Climate Zone #2 - R-25 minimum rigid board or air-impermeable insulation R-value.
 
d. Where preformed insulation board is used as the air-impermeable insulation layer, it shall be sealed at the perimeter of each individual sheet interior surface to form a continuous layer.
Table 1203.2.1
Insulation for Condensation Control
CLIMATE ZONE
MINIMUM RIGID BOARD ON AIR-IMPERMEABLE INSULATION R-VALUEa
4C
 
R-15
 
5B
 
R-20
 
6B
 
R-25
 
a Contributes to but does not ((supercede)) supersede the requirements for insulation in the Washington State Energy Code (((WAC)) chapter 51-11 WAC).
1203.3 Under-floor ventilation. The space between the bottom of the floor joists and the earth under any building except spaces occupied by basements or cellars shall be provided with ventilation openings through foundation walls or exterior walls. Such openings shall be placed so as to provide cross ventilation of the under-floor space. A ground cover of six mil (0.006 inch thick) black polyethylene or approved equal shall be laid over the ground within crawl spaces. The ground cover shall be overlapped six inches minimum at the joints and shall extend to the foundation wall.
EXCEPTION:
The ground cover may be omitted in crawl spaces if the crawl space has a concrete slab floor with a minimum thickness of two inches.
1203.4 Natural ventilation. For other than Group R Occupancies, natural ventilation of an occupied space shall be through windows, doors, louvers or other openings to the outdoors. The operating mechanism for such openings shall be provided with ready access so that the openings are readily controllable by the building occupants. Group R Occupancies shall comply with the International Mechanical Code.
1203.6 Radon resistive construction standards. The criteria of this section establishes minimum radon resistive construction requirements for Group R Occupancies.
1203.6.1 Application. The requirements of Section 1203.6 shall be adopted and enforced by all jurisdictions of the state according to the following subsections.
1203.6.1.1 All jurisdictions of the state shall comply with Section 1203.6.2.
1203.6.1.2 Clark, Ferry, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Skamania, Spokane, and Stevens counties shall also comply with Section 1203.6.3.
1203.6.2 State wide radon requirements.
1203.6.2.1 Crawlspaces. All crawlspaces shall comply with the requirements of this section.
1203.6.2.2 Ventilation. All crawlspaces shall be ventilated as specified in Section 1203.3.
If the installed ventilation in a crawlspace is less than one square foot for each 300 square feet of crawlspace area, or if the crawlspace vents are equipped with operable louvers, a radon vent shall be installed to originate from a point between the ground cover and soil. The radon vent shall be installed in accordance with Sections 1203.6.3.2.6 and 1203.6.3.2.7.
1203.6.2.3 Crawlspace plenum systems. In crawlspace plenum systems used for providing supply air for an HVAC system, aggregate, a permanently sealed soil gas retarder membrane and a radon vent pipe shall be installed in accordance with Section 1203.6.3.2. Crawlspaces shall not be used for return air plenums.
In addition, an operable radon vent fan shall be installed and activated. The fan shall be located as specified in Section 1203.6.3.2.7. The fan shall be capable of providing at least 100 cfm at 1-inch water column static pressure. The fan shall be controlled by a readily accessible manual switch. The switch shall be labeled "RADON VENT FAN."
1203.6.3 Radon prescriptive requirements.
1203.6.3.1 Scope. This section applies to those counties specified in Section 1203.6.1.2. This section establishes prescriptive construction requirements for reducing the potential for radon entry into all Group R Occupancies, and for preparing the building for future mitigation if desired.
In all crawlspaces, except crawlspace plenums used for providing supply air for an HVAC system, a continuous air barrier shall be installed between the crawlspace area and the occupied area to limit air transport between the areas. If a wood sheet subfloor or other material is utilized as an air barrier, in addition to the requirements of Section 502.1.6.2 of the Washington State Energy Code, all joints between sheets shall be sealed.
1203.6.3.2 Floors in contact with the earth.
1203.6.3.2.1 General. Concrete slabs that are in direct contact with the building envelope shall comply with the requirements of this section.
EXCEPTION:
Concrete slabs located under garages or other than Group R Occupancies need not comply with this chapter.
1203.6.3.2.2 Aggregate. A layer of aggregate of 4-inch minimum thickness shall be placed beneath concrete slabs. The aggregate shall be continuous to the extent practical.
1203.6.3.2.3 Gradation. Aggregate shall:
1. Comply with ASTM Standard C-33 Standard Specification for Concrete Aggregate and shall be size No. 8 or larger size aggregate as listed in Table 2, Grading Requirements for Course Aggregate; or
2. Meet the 1988 Washington State Department of Transportation Specification 9-03.1 (3) "Coarse Aggregate for Portland Cement Concrete," or any equivalent successor standards. Aggregate size shall be of Grade 8 or larger as listed in Section 9-03.1 (3) C, "Grading"; or
3. Be screened, washed pea gravel free of deleterious substances in a manner consistent with ASTM Standard C-33 with 100 percent passing a 1/2-inch sieve and less than 5 percent passing a No. 16 sieve. Sieve characteristics shall conform to those acceptable under ASTM Standard C-33.
EXCEPTION:
Aggregate shall not be required if a substitute material or system, with sufficient load bearing characteristics, and having approved capability to provide equal or superior air flow, is installed.
1203.6.3.2.4 Soil-gas retarder membrane. A soil-gas retarder membrane, consisting of at least one layer of virgin polyethylene with a thickness of at least 6 mil, or equivalent flexible sheet material, shall be either placed directly under all concrete slabs so that the slab is in direct contact with the membrane, or on top of the aggregate with 2 inches minimum of fine sand or pea gravel installed between the concrete slab and membrane. The flexible sheet shall extend to the foundation wall or to the outside edge of the monolithic slab. Seams shall overlap at least 12 inches. The membrane shall also be fitted tightly to all pipes, wires, and other penetrations of the membrane and sealed with an approved sealant or tape. All punctures or tears shall be repaired with the same or approved material and similarly lapped and sealed.
1203.6.3.2.5 Sealing of penetrations and joints. All penetrations and joints in concrete slabs or other floor systems and walls below grade shall be sealed by an approved sealant to create an air barrier to limit the movement of soil-gas into the indoor air.
Sealants shall be approved by the manufacturer for the intended purpose. Sealant joints shall conform to manufacturer's specifications. The sealant shall be placed and tooled in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. There shall be no gaps or voids after the sealant has cured.
1203.6.3.2.6 Radon vent. One continuous sealed pipe shall run from a point within the aggregate under each concrete slab to a point outside the building. Joints and connections shall be permanently gas tight. The continuous sealed pipe shall interface with the aggregate in the following manner, or by other approved equal method. The pipe shall be permanently connected to a "T" within the aggregate area so that the two end openings of the "T" lie within the aggregate area. A minimum of 5 feet of perforated drain pipe of 3 inches minimum diameter shall join to and extend from the "T." The perforated pipe shall remain in the aggregate area and shall not be capped at the ends. The "T" and its perforated pipe extensions shall be located at least 5 feet horizontally from the exterior perimeter of the aggregate area.
The continuous sealed pipe shall terminate no less than 12 inches above the eave, and more than 10 horizontal feet from a woodstove or fireplace chimney, or operable window. The continuous sealed pipe shall be labeled "radon vent." The label shall be placed so as to remain visible to an occupant.
The minimum pipe diameter shall be 3 inches unless otherwise approved. Acceptable sealed plastic pipe shall be smooth walled, and may include either PVC schedule 40 or ABS schedule of equivalent wall thickness.
The entire sealed pipe system shall be sloped to drain to the subslab aggregate.
The sealed pipe system may pass through an unconditioned attic before exiting the building; but to the extent practicable, the sealed pipe shall be located inside the thermal envelope of the building in order to enhance passive stack venting.
EXCEPTION:
A fan for subslab depressurization system includes the following:
 
1. Soil-gas retarder membrane as specified in Section 1203.6.3.2.4;
 
2. Sealing of penetrations and joints as specified in Section 1203.6.3.2.5;
 
3. A 3-inch continuous sealed radon pipe shall run from a point within the aggregate under each concrete slab to a point outside the building;
 
4. Joints and connections shall be gas tight, and may be of either PVC schedule 40 or ABS schedule of equivalent in wall thickness;
 
5. A label of "radon vent" shall be placed on the pipe so as to remain visible to an occupant;
 
6. Fan circuit and wiring as specified in Section 1203.6.3.2.7 and a fan.
If the subslab depressurization system is exhausted through the concrete foundation wall or rim joist, the exhaust terminus shall be a minimum of 6 feet from operable windows or outdoor air intake vents and shall be directed away from operable windows and outdoor air intake vents to prevent radon reentrainment.
1203.6.3.2.7 Fan circuit and wiring and location. An area for location of an in-line fan shall be provided. The location shall be as close as practicable to the radon vent pipe's point of exit from the building, or shall be outside the building shell; and shall be located so that the fan and all downstream piping is isolated from the indoor air.
Provisions shall be made to allow future activation of an in-line fan on the radon vent pipe without the need to place new wiring. A 110 volt power supply shall be provided at a junction box near the fan location.
1203.6.3.2.8 Separate aggregate areas. If the 4-inch aggregate area underneath the concrete slab is not continuous, but is separated into distinct isolated aggregate areas by a footing or other barrier, a minimum of one radon vent pipe shall be installed into each separate aggregate area.
EXCEPTION:
Separate aggregate areas may be considered a single area if a minimum 3-inch diameter connection joining the separate areas is provided for every 30 feet of barrier separating those areas.
1203.6.3.2.9 Concrete block walls. Concrete block walls connected to below grade areas shall be considered unsealed surfaces. All openings in concrete block walls that will not remain accessible upon completion of the building shall be sealed at both vertical and horizontal surfaces, in order to create a continuous air barrier to limit the transport of soil-gas into the indoor air.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 13-04-068, filed 2/1/13, effective 7/1/13)
WAC 51-51-0408 Section R408—Under-floor space.
R408.1 Ventilation. The under-floor space between the bottom of the floor joists and the earth under any building (except space occupied by a basement) shall have ventilation openings through foundation walls or exterior walls. A ground cover of six mil (0.006 inch thick) black polyethylene or approved equal shall be laid over the ground within crawl spaces. The ground cover shall be overlapped six inches minimum at the joints and shall extend to the foundation wall.
EXCEPTION:
The ground cover may be omitted in crawl spaces if the crawl space has a concrete slab floor with a minimum thickness of two inches.
R408.2 Openings for under-floor ventilation. The minimum net area of ventilation openings shall not be less than 1 square foot (0.0929 m2) for each 300 square feet (28 m2) of under-floor area. Required openings shall be evenly placed to provide cross ventilation of the space except one side of the building shall be permitted to have no ventilation openings. Ventilation openings shall be covered for their height and width with any of the following materials provided that the least dimension of the covering shall not exceed 1/4 inch (6.4 mm):
1. Perforated sheet metal plates not less than 0.070 inch (1.8 mm) thick.
2. Expanded sheet metal plates not less than 0.047 inch (1.2 mm) thick.
3. Cast-iron grill or grating.
4. Extruded load-bearing brick vents.
5. Hardware cloth of 0.035 inch (0.89 mm) wire or heavier.
6. Corrosion-resistant wire mesh, with the least dimension being 1/8 inch (3.2 mm).
EXCEPTION:
The total area of ventilation openings shall be permitted to be reduced to 1/1,500 of the under-floor area where the ground surface is covered with an approved Class I vapor retarder material and the required openings are placed to provide cross ventilation of the space. The installation of operable louvers shall not be prohibited. If the installed ventilation is less than 1/300, or if operable louvers are installed, a radon vent shall be installed to originate from a point between the ground cover and soil. The radon vent shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of Appendix F (Radon) of this code.
R408.3 Unvented crawl space. Ventilation openings in under-floor spaces specified in Sections R408.1 and R408.2 shall not be required where:
1. Exposed earth is covered with a continuous Class I vapor retarder. Joints of the vapor retarder shall overlap by 6 inches (152 mm) and shall be sealed or taped. The edges of the vapor retarder shall extend at least 6 inches (152 mm) up the stem wall and shall be attached and sealed to the stem wall; and a radon system shall be installed that meets the requirements of Appendix F (Radon) of this code.
2. Continuously operated mechanical exhaust ventilation is provided at a rate equal to 1 cubic foot per minute (0.47 L/s) for each 50 square feet (4.7 m2) of crawlspace floor area. Exhaust ventilation shall terminate to the exterior.
EXCEPTION:
Plenum in existing structures complying with Section M1601.5, if under-floor space is used as a plenum.