So, I live in a 20+ year old condo. They are planning to redo the siding. Basically the siding is coming off on some units when it gets windy. Also, the condos were built with no exterior insulation or vapor barrier. Underneath the alum. siding is plywood which is attached to the studs. Some units are getting water damage due to this.
Anyway, I was talking to a very litigious person, and they think that the city who gave these units a passed inspection, should pay for the damages and ultimately the new siding. I disagree, since codes change year to year.
My question is: When did vapor barrier become part of the codes? How would I be able to find out about that in my city?
Is it even possible to think we could possibly file and win a claim against the city *IF* vapor barriers were part of the codes back in the late 1980s?
We are in NJ.
I think I am referring to Tyvek--the stuff you see on the outside of the structure.
Thanks everyone!
The new siding will be insulated.
The old siding was aluminum nailed (poorly) to the plywood. Not insulated.
Answer by Rocky Mtn High
Building codes are slightly different from region to region, but most in the US follow the 2006 International building code. A vapor barrier isn't required in my area, though most do use it. 20 years ago it was common to not install a vapor barrier, your description of the framing used in your condo is true for most residential buildings built at that time.
Building Departments are usually at the county level, look in the yellow pages.
Answer by papamoe
Go to the office where you get remodeling permits.Here you can find out what changes have been made in codes on building.
Answer by Don S
You are very likely wasting your time and money looking at a legal recourse. Codes do indeed change regularly to keep up with the times and I'm quite sure that disclaimers are included to prevent lawsuits against projects completed under earlier revisions. Every area is different of course but I think you'll find it very unlikely that exterior vapor barriers would have been required in the late 80s. The use of Tyvek type barriers under siding did not become "common and expected" until the mid 90s and local codes are not extremely quick to pick up on new practices until they are proven over time. I'd bet that codes in many parts of the US still do not require a vapor barrier under vinyl siding.
Answer by Red E3
The city cannot be sued.
1) It was twenty years ago
2)They have language that always blames the contractor, Builder or owner in every case including poor inspections.
The idea of third party inspection is to provide a standard in the industry. It is not an insurance policy. It works reasonably well. Look at the death rates of Hati vs San Francisco 1989 earthquake (similar in magnitude and density of populous) With the codes in place and most of which were outdated there are two very different results
Answer by classicsat
A vapor barrier should not be outside at all. You may need or want a wind barrier, which should not cost that much, and probably not worth the hassle trying to get somebody to pay for it.
Answer by hectikart
yea good luck trying to sue the city. they didn't design or build the structure, so they have no liability. codes do change often and differ depending on area...your states government website may have the current code online, and possibly a record of previous editions...but, realistically, I would not waste the time, and definitely not the money to hire a lawyer.
you will definitely want them to insulate at the same time...pretty much everything is on the IBC now which includes energy code. basically you're walls need to achieve a certain 'r-value' which rates thermal efficiency. vapor barrier should be installed and it should be on the warm side of the wall...this allows the wall to breathe and dry out. otherwise you will end up with moisture trapped inside the wall, mold, and a whole mess of issues.
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Orignal From: Building codes that change over the years?
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