PEPA’s Product Certification and Code Development Teams Working Together to Promote Proper Installations in the Field
In March 2022, I wrote a blog entitled, “The Code, and The Code, and The Code!” that emphasized the passion and commitment of our association’s Code Development Work Group (CDWG) to continuously improving the regulatory provisions of the primary homebuilding codes. This is especially true for CDWG chair Neil Sexton AIA, Compliance and Technical Services Manager of Certainteed, who has worked closely with me for two decades on code development.

Throughout this time, we have taken an approach to using the developing code to help improve the quality of installations in the field by having the code reinforce standard industry practices that are sometimes missed. While many in the industry perceive the code as a “regulatory thing” that makes bureaucratic hoops to jump through in the building process, we believe that the code can be a highly effective tool for the standardization of product categories when deemed appropriate and can help as an enforcement tool for installation success, performance and increasing resiliency.
The CDWG’s latest work is a perfect example of our commitment, as evidenced by the 17 proposals we submitted on January 10, 2025, for the 2027 International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC) (or “I-Codes”).
These proposals were based on months of demanding work (especially during the November meetings) and collaboration with the Technical Committee and PEPA’s Product Certification team. They included much forward-thinking that focused on the structural aspects addressing installation.
Essential highlights of these proposed amendments include:
New Prescriptive Table. The current code has taken a standard prescriptive approach with one longstanding solution. Still, the CDWG has learned about other ways to adapt to specific challenges (like not being able to find or hit the framing stud with the fastener). The group worked with structural engineering consultant Jay Crandall, PE, to develop a new table with six prescriptive solutions that include a stronger focus on using ring shank roofing nails and furring strips. The CDWG spent the last eight months working on these proposals. They have been pushing the homebuilding industry to use shank roofing nails more as they are higher-performance products for use without hitting the stud. And with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) mandating homebuilding and renovating contractors install continuous insulation and hence, more foam, this prescriptive table makes fastener applications more practical.
Add Backed Vinyl Siding to IRC. Backed vinyl siding has already been added to the building code (IBC), thanks to the magnificent work conducted by the Technical Committee staffed by Sara Krompholz, PEPA’s Senior Director, Technical and Certification. This is the fourth PEPA-backed product category standard added to the code.
Introduce Drawings into the Program that are Utilized for VSI-Certified Installer Training. These improved drawings help building code officials who tend to be strong advocates for our PEPA manufacturer members’ products because they understand how the products help installation, fuel efficiency, sustainability and performance in tough climates. They are also excellent visual guides for installers to help ensure code compliance. A big thank you to our code consultant, Fernando Pages, for producing these effective drawings.
Specific Soffit and Facia Applications. Over the last several cycles, the CDWG worked closely with FEMA and the insurance industry to include soffits and facias in the code. Adding dedicated sections is critical for high-wind areas as they define where and how soffits and facias should be constructed. Prime examples are requirements for raised buildings constructed in high-wind, coastal areas and proper installation of porch ceilings with soffit materials.
Add Starter Strips and Utility Trims as Code Requirements. PEPA has successfully pushed that the codes require starter strips at based courses of siding and utility to use with snap locks for trim in panels and under windows. These provisions are existing industry practices but adding them to the code ensures the building's fortification and resiliency. The next step includes having the code require utility trim and snap locks over windows greater than 4’ in width where the bottom of the siding panel is removed.
What’s Next?
The 2027 I-Codes hearings will take place in the spring and fall of 2025 and spring 2026. After that, the states will adopt the 2027 I-codes in 2027-30.
Since they won’t take effect for a long time, I am grateful that the CDWG and our Product Certification group have exercised considerable foresight by addressing improvements to installation best practices and other challenges.
I also appreciate their shared passion for “The Code, The Code and The Code” and what it can mean for ensuring proper installations, as well as recognition of our members’ innovative products, which, in the end, will create more resilient homes.