ICC-ES AC524
Full Name
ICC-ES AC524 – Acceptance Criteria for Wood-plastic Composite Products Used as Exterior Siding
Scope
ICC-ES AC524 outlines the acceptance criteria for evaluating wood-plastic composite (WPC) boards used as exterior siding in building construction. The primary goal is to ensure that these alternative siding materials offer comparable performance and safety to traditional wood siding.
The evaluation process encompasses various aspects, including:
- Material properties: assessment of the physical and mechanical properties of the WPC material, including its composition, density, moisture content, and resistance to weathering, decay, and insects.
- Performance testing: conducting tests to evaluate the WPC siding’s resistance to wind uplift, impact, fire, and thermal cycling, as well as its ability to maintain dimensional stability and resist fading or discoloration over time.
- Installation methods: evaluating the recommended installation procedures, including fastening, gapping, and flashing details, to ensure proper attachment and weatherproofing of the siding system.
- Code compliance: verifying that the WPC product and installation methods comply with relevant building codes and standards, such as the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC).
By meeting the criteria outlined in AC524, manufacturers can obtain an evaluation report from ICC-ES, which can be used to demonstrate code compliance and gain approval for use in building projects.
Resources
Keywords
wood-plastic composite; exterior siding; material properties; performance testing; installation methods; code compliance; weathering; durability; fire resistance; dimensional stability; fastening; gapping; flashing