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1.1 This guide describes design, specification, selection, installation, and inspection of new building wall systems, exterior deck and stair components, doors, windows, penetrations and sealant joints of wood and metal frame buildings, typically four stories or less, to minimize water intrusion.

1.2 This guide does not address prevention of damage caused by water originating from the use of wet building materials or from indoor or outdoor humidity. Water from these sources can be important, and the potential for damage caused by water from these sources must not be overlooked in building design or construction.

1.3 This guide does not address roofing systems, except when the surface of a deck also serves as a roof and at locations where roof systems interface with building walls.

1.4 This guide does not address any type of barrier wall system.

1.5 This guide does not address any exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS).

1.6 This guide does not address foundation conditions where the bottom of a slab on grade or the grade of a crawl space is at or below the water table or subject to hydrostatic pressure.

1.7 This guide is intended to supplement and not duplicate building code requirements.

1.8 Maintenance, although important, is not covered in detail.

1.9 Application of finishes, such as paint and sealers, may be important in the performance of some types of cladding; however, this is not covered in detail.

1.10 This guide applies only to constructions with sheathing, which facilitates installation of the water-resistive barrier and associated flashings in a common plane.

1.11 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.12 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.

1.13 Organization of Document: 

1.14 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

5.1 This guide may be used by public agencies to set standards affecting the weather resistance, durability, and performance of new building wall systems, exterior deck and stair components, doors, windows, penetrations and sealant joints beyond those specifically defined in the building codes.

5.2 This guide may be used by building field inspectors as a resource for construction inspection during the construction phase of a project.

5.3 This guide may be used by private organizations or individuals to set standards affecting the weather resistance, durability, and performance of building walls.

5.4 This guide may be used by architects and engineers as a resource for making design decisions involving material selection, building wall detailing and specifications.

5.5 This guide may be used by architects and engineers as a resource for conducting submittal review and construction observation during the construction administration phase of a project.

5.6 This guide may be used by contractors as a resource and checklist for exercising field quality control.