FBC limits the use of architectural trim in Type I building to no more than 40 feet above grade. The architectural trim above 40 ft must be non-combustible. If the trim is expanded polystyrene covered with cement plaster, per ASTM C 926 we must use metal lath. Is there any ASTM standard that allows glass fiber mesh to be used in lieu of metal? How is EIFS applied at those heights with fiberglass mesh?
In addition to IBC limitations on the thickness of EIFS trim because of the fuel it adds, there is the issue of securement: if a maintenance worker puts a foot on it, will it give way?
Louis, all I can say is that is a very dumb maintenance worker to use trim as a foot hold, SFL is the land of litigation and stupid workers, but I’ve never heard of any worker falling to his death because the trim failed to support his weight.
It’s actually a very wise thing to consider. The fire departments here I the Phoenix metro area will comment on such trim, because it can prove dangerous for firefighters attempting to get to the roof via ladder.
You also need to design window washing platforms, tie-backs for life lines and other such things so that they never bear on the architectural trim. Even a ladder leaned against the trim at the base can ruin it.
One of the firms that I used to work at would incorporate a fairly wide EIFS cornice/coping at the top of the wall and would call for a stencil “Not a Step” every 50 feet or so on the top of an EIFS coping.
That is a very good idea, Peter. There may be other building components for which that might be considered. I do wonder if it should be stenciled in other languages as well.
When we create building elements that look like one thing (stone, for example) but behave like another (plastic), we cannot entirely blame the uninformed person for mistaking it for the real thing. During my early dumb days as a fence erector, I leaned a heavy spud bar against what appeared to be a concrete wall and put a hole in it. It was my first experience with a thin EIFS application. It was also my first experience in paying for damage I caused with my already meager earnings.
David
Don’t know when or where your payback occurred but at least now/here in Calif (and I presume many/most other states), labor laws forbid employers from assessing employees for damages, errors, mistakes, etc. while in the capacity of performing their jobs (excepting proven gross negligence, or dishonest or willful acts; keyword here is proven…by employer). So unless your employer can “prove” you were grossly negligent, dishonest or willful, payback is unlawful. Federal labor laws are less-restrictive.
Is there an international symbol for “Not a Step”? (Some graphic in a slashed circle?)
Lynn:
https://www.redrockdecals.com/aircraft-stickers/aircraft-notice-stickers/no-step
(And I didn’t need Edd Soenke’s help finding it…)
I doubt the decals would work for the EIFS surface.
I don’t know, Peter. Could just wing it.
Ron
What is the basis for the fire departments requirement/request? Code sections would be appreciated?
Their concern is accessing the roof via ladder and stepping onto foam trim cornices at parapet walls that would not have enough support. There is no specific requirement, but if the depth of the trim is large enough to cause concern, they will comment on it.
Is anyone going to answer my original Query? Ron it seems your post hijacked my thread post.
Actually, I think Louis did, but I’ll take the blame.
I don’t know of anything that will allow the use of glass fiber mesh in lieu of metal lath.
Per IBC Section 1406.2, the exception to the limitations requires compliance with Chapter 26. Chapter 26 requires compliance with NFPA 285 for exterior walls. EIFS is required to comply with ASTM E 2568, which requires compliance with NFPA 285, and if the exterior wall complies with the other requirements per IBC Section 2603.5, then the 40-foot height limitation doesn’t apply.