PEPA Advocates for Fair and Helpful Code Updates for Polymeric Exteriors at ICC’s Code Development Hearings for the 2027 Model Codes
At last week’s International Code Council (ICC) Code Hearings in Orlando, the Polymeric Exterior Products Association’s (PEPA) Code Development Work Group (CDWG) represented its newest member categories – polymeric roofing and vinyl fencing – for the first time. PEPA’s many years of code work on behalf of the vinyl siding industry served the association well in this inaugural hearing, and the team delivered on some big wins. It was a genuine team effort, with many PEPA members providing support in addition to PEPA staff.
Ten of the 14 proposals, all related to cladding application, submitted by PEPA were approved at this hearing. With two more hearings remaining in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, the PEPA team feels well positioned for more success.
“It’s a very good step forward,” said Matt Dobson, Senior Vice President of PEPA and a seasoned veteran of these code hearings. “We’re digging in on fencing, learning more about roofing issues and had very good success with almost all PEPA-sponsored proposals.”
Some key highlights from the recent code hearings include:
- Continued introductions to backed vinyl siding as a product category into the codes.
- Continued refinement of addressing soffit installation.
- Introduction of expansions on standardized installation to include alternatives that will be more commonly accepted. According to Matt, this win was a “big one” because there used to be just one way of standardized installation that the codes recognized. Now, there are many practical ways that can be used in the field that will be accepted, which should lead to opportunities for better installation when various challenges arise.
“Such a proposal with many amendments is not easy to get passed, Matt explained. “The International Building Code Structural Committee that has oversight of approval during the hearings consists of the premiere engineers from the U.S. They have very high standards. These committee members were favorable to our proposal’s concept, as well as committee members from the International Residential Code. Still, they held off with approval until we make additional modifications they have suggested for the hearings in the Fall.”
- Changes were introduced for vinyl fencing that could affect how PEPA members become code compliant. This includes added requirements for beefed-up hardware and how ballisters are tested for use in deck applications.
- For polymeric roofing, there was a focus on underlayment, high wind applications and the integration of solar technologies into roofing systems.
With the success of this hearing, Matt believes there is a good chance more positive amendments will be approved.
“Overall, we focused on 60-70 proposals of interest for all three categories, including the 14 we introduced,” he said. “We opposed many proposals that seemed unreasonable that could add unnecessary cost to manufacturers’ bottom line, most of which failed due in part to our testimony.”
PEPA actively supported changes with the Foam Sheathing Coalition to prescribe how polypropylene siding can be installed with foam sheathing. In many cases, PEPA was aligned with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) on issues that would unnecessarily add cost without good substantiation, highlighting the need for reasonable codes that attempt to minimize the impact on housing affordability.
Matt is also pleased that there is continued interest in moisture management from cladding systems, including a focus on increased inspections and wind-driven rain.
“We want to ensure that other competing categories are held to the same standard so there is an even playing field in the codes,” he said. “In addition, we continue to take the approach that the code can enforce proper installation through incremental steps when necessary. Starter strips and utility trims are standard industry installation practices but are sometimes missed in the field, which can lead to failures, especially in hurricane areas. Our approach has always been to influence and shape the code to help people in the field with proper installation, which leads to better, more resilient homes and buildings.”
PEPA’s CDWG looks forward to meeting on June 10 to craft comments ahead of the mid-July ICC deadline, and to another set of committee hearings scheduled in the fall. The final assembly hearings next spring will complete the cycle, resulting in the 2027 codes which will then be adopted by all 50 states.
For more information on the specific proposals introduced by PEPA and other related code work, contact Matt at mdobson@polymericexteriors.org.
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Don Browne is a writer, entrepreneur and local legislator who believes that the power of words can change the world. He provides unique writing services for clients in the construction, health care, IT and hospitality sectors. He has a passion for small business and start-ups, as well as writing about Irish history, family and corporate biographies. As a homeowner and father of four who is passionate about community development, Don looks forward to writing more about the exciting possibilities of creating traditional neighborhoods and more sustainable communities using modern materials.