[TBAbiz] FW: Weak Links in Vinyl Soffit and Siding Details/ Mark Worley

From: Jodi Sasse <jodi.sasse@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "TBAbiz@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <TBAbiz@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2021 12:58:25 +0000

From: Mark Worley <markworleyyfb@xxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 7:53 AM
To: Jodi Sasse <jodi.sasse@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Weak Links in Vinyl Soffit and Siding Details/ Mark Worley

https://www.proremodeler.com/weak-links-vinyl-soffit-and-siding-details?oly_enc_id=3469D6029134D0W<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.proremodeler.com_weak-2Dlinks-2Dvinyl-2Dsoffit-2Dand-2Dsiding-2Ddetails-3Foly-5Fenc-5Fid-3D3469D6029134D0W&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=i7ySVvHCn0TFZRi9vIOOzrrn_naIXtZOoeg3LOfTjIU&m=yBJ4tPMxumHd_wSXMCw9Wwn6st3umoRt9Ot0BE86SIg&s=P3uOQ8ueCw0gRbs5zYFOIA-EdoZ6ROu3aqLNgfUC_TU&e=>
Weak Links in Vinyl Soffit and Siding Details
During a hurricane, a lot of wind and water damage occurs when soffits blow off
the building. Here’s a look at why it happens and how to prevent it.
[During a hurricane, a lot of wind and water damage occurs when soffits blow
off the building, like the soffit. Here’s a look at why it happens and how to
prevent it. ]
I form part of an industry taskforce developing prescriptive codes for soffits
and fascia. We aim to provide the Florida Building
Commission<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.floridabuilding.org_&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=i7ySVvHCn0TFZRi9vIOOzrrn_naIXtZOoeg3LOfTjIU&m=yBJ4tPMxumHd_wSXMCw9Wwn6st3umoRt9Ot0BE86SIg&s=V6WIO1E20OfnaQTKHCxvR8LO0M2sbQwg3_0SP5K9yh8&e=>
with code language that will toughen one of the more common weak points in the
building envelope during high-wind events. When soffits blow off, wind-driven
rain penetrates the building and damages attic insulation, ceilings, and walls.
After Hurricanes Irma (Sept. 2017) and Michael (Oct. 2018), I toured the
ravaged areas observing damage to soffits and fascia, trying to determine what
may have caused the materials to fail and how to prevent it. For the most part,
the failures resulted from incorrect specification of standard materials in
high wind-velocity areas and incorrect material installation.
________________________________
[cid:F84A50EA-8D9F-4ADE-9899-99E377D6BF25@Home]
[cid:81C70698-0A8C-4BD0-9AB4-FBCBE85AEB79@Home]
The most common pattern for soffit failure begins when wind tears the fascia
off the building, exposing the soffit edge [A]. The wind then gets above the
soffit and pries it loose from the sub-fascia, often stripping the panels
completely off the building [B]. In other cases, wind directed upward by the
sidewall pushes soffit panels up and out of the J-channel [C]. This often
occurs when installers friction-fit the panels into J-channel. This is
sometimes due to the practice of adapting J-channels by cutting tabs that
enable wall fastening [D]. Research suggests that too many tabs spaced too
close together can weaken the channel and lead to failure. A better option is
to use F-channel, which is designed for the 90-degree connection [E].
[cid:A2BACD77-FA5A-44F7-82F6-EC225695E1D2@Home]
[cid:C9A5B3E9-DF58-427D-BA12-F0E2FDBA0F3E@Home]
[cid:9FA57A2B-75F6-4403-9D78-2176A176C9DA@Home]
________________________________
How the Damage Happens
Hurricanes, like earthquakes, place building components under unusual stresses,
such as horizontal and ascending forces. Strategies that hold building
components in place against gravity may not work to hold those components in
place against hurricane-force winds.
In the case of vinyl soffits, the most common hurricane pattern is a sharp,
horizontal wind that peels fascia off the eaves, then chisels into the soffit
edge, left exposed by the missing fascia. The wind will skin soffit panels
right off the building, opening a path for wind-driven rain to get inside. This
effect is especially prevalent at building corners, where the geometry of the
structure creates complex corkscrew patterns in the airstream.
In other instances, wind crashing against the windward side of the building
turns upward and lifts soffit panels off their tracks along the wall―especially
if the contractor friction-fit the panels into J-channel.
________________________________
[cid:A7BA32E2-0883-4E93-9024-9C1598A1DB01@Home]
[cid:A15EC072-CD4F-4CEB-AC3A-80F1C1A6AAD3@Home]
Improperly specified vinyl siding will fail in high-wind events, often because
the nailing fin tears away from the fastener [F]. FEMA (Federal Emergency
Management
Agency<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.fema.gov_&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=i7ySVvHCn0TFZRi9vIOOzrrn_naIXtZOoeg3LOfTjIU&m=yBJ4tPMxumHd_wSXMCw9Wwn6st3umoRt9Ot0BE86SIg&s=Sc4q7-n6UGVP_ryuEYbOuf29ptpBIuVvwWBaRY3QXRM&e=>)
has noted that “unlatching [G], which is often the result of nailing hem
failure, makes siding more vulnerable to tear-off, and that material with a
doubled-over nailing fin [H] provides better resistance to tearing.” Corners
are especially vulnerable to wind-damage, and two-story structures are more
susceptible than a single-story structure. In this photo from the aftermath of
Hurricane Michael [I], wind at the corner of the building peeled off the gutter
and fascia, removed a soffit panel, and tore off the siding.
[cid:A93C60EE-C7BB-4359-B159-30EC286039CA@Home]
[cid:3BF77175-4778-462B-9652-039E20B0FCED@Home]
________________________________
Why Codes Matter
In Florida, cladding materials, such as siding and roofing, must pass strict,
state-specific testing before builders can use them in either standard (up to
130 mph) or high-velocity (up to 150 mph) wind zones. Because the trial
includes material and installation specifications, Florida code prescribes that
installers follow the manufacturer installation recommendations.
But who reads the installation instructions? Time after time, forensic
inspection reveals that builders ignore manufacturer recommendations. The need
for a uniform, easy-to-follow, and easy-to-inspect code has become evident to
those of us that do the follow-up inspections. The
IRC2018<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__codes.iccsafe.org_content_IRC2018&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=i7ySVvHCn0TFZRi9vIOOzrrn_naIXtZOoeg3LOfTjIU&m=yBJ4tPMxumHd_wSXMCw9Wwn6st3umoRt9Ot0BE86SIg&s=8walntIqeBOppK_nqsEeJBxji_yaoxf52rSST8Sb92s&e=>
specifies fasteners for vinyl siding [R703.3.3], and has prescriptive language
for soffit installation that reads:
“Soffit panels shall be fastened at fascia and wall ends and to intermediate
nailing strips as necessary to ensure that there is no unsupported span greater
than 16 inches, or as specified by the manufacturer’s instructions.”
[R703.3.1.2]
But the code still does not address fascia, which we found contributes to
soffit failure. Our task force hopes to introduce robust language to future
codes, treating the entire assembly, including the fascia and soffit panels, so
that future storms do less damage. When the task force finishes its work, I
will post our recommendations―there’s no reason to wait for the 2021 code to
start building storm-resistant soffits.
________________________________
Resources for Storm-Proofing Siding and Soffits
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Insurance Institute for
Business & Home Safety (IBHS) have developed recommendations that you can refer
to while waiting for codes to catch up.
FEMA P2023 Mitigation Assessment Report: Hurricane Irma in
Florida<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.fema.gov_media-2Dlibrary_assets_documents_176315&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=i7ySVvHCn0TFZRi9vIOOzrrn_naIXtZOoeg3LOfTjIU&m=yBJ4tPMxumHd_wSXMCw9Wwn6st3umoRt9Ot0BE86SIg&s=46-1XqR9bCWYCvxcOLjAnv5_kxWipqGp6_08jtU5OVk&e=>
The contents of this 181-page report are aptly described in its subtitle:
“Building Performance Observations, Recommendations, and Technical Guidance.” A
section on soffit installation appears near the end.
Polymeric Siding Products Stand Up to the
Storm<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.vinylsiding.org_wp-2Dcontent_uploads_2018_08_VSI-5FHurricane-5FIrma-5FSheet.pdf&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=i7ySVvHCn0TFZRi9vIOOzrrn_naIXtZOoeg3LOfTjIU&m=yBJ4tPMxumHd_wSXMCw9Wwn6st3umoRt9Ot0BE86SIg&s=Omgczm8OykipJRAoL-bhQZNJmDGOdANo5fW1lhjx8gU&e=>
At
vinylsiding.org<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.vinylsiding.org_&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=i7ySVvHCn0TFZRi9vIOOzrrn_naIXtZOoeg3LOfTjIU&m=yBJ4tPMxumHd_wSXMCw9Wwn6st3umoRt9Ot0BE86SIg&s=qXdVybeauqBxAavqIadYrNvcXcCYz6K1wGiQFbZLQwU&e=>,
click on “Resources” tab in the main menu. This PDF contains reflections on
Hurricane Irma from the Vinyl Siding Institute.
FORTIFIED vs. Common Residential
Construction<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__ibhs.org_wind_residential-2Dfortified-2Ddemonstrations_&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=i7ySVvHCn0TFZRi9vIOOzrrn_naIXtZOoeg3LOfTjIU&m=yBJ4tPMxumHd_wSXMCw9Wwn6st3umoRt9Ot0BE86SIg&s=bqlR3KI8Zgk-35MNHKTrNnTlzkk8WWxKNfIXCqHFuO0&e=>
At
ibhs.org<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__ibhs.org&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=i7ySVvHCn0TFZRi9vIOOzrrn_naIXtZOoeg3LOfTjIU&m=yBJ4tPMxumHd_wSXMCw9Wwn6st3umoRt9Ot0BE86SIg&s=XQGyXY-73pspFOI2bPoftKIE_UY8AGlHE0nRfL1nIrQ&e=>,
click on “Risk Research” tab in the main menu. These dramatic videos feature
two full-scale test houses built side-by-side to conventional code and
FORTIFIED “code-plus” standards, then subjected to hurricane-force winds.

Your Favorite Builder
Mark Worley GMB, CAPS, GBP, CIP

"Tallahassee's Favorite Builder and only Graduate Master Builder"

Cell 850-528-0954

[TBAbiz] FW: Weak Links in Vinyl Soffit and Siding Details/ Mark Worley

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