HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem VI (A) Discussion on Use of Siding on Our Buildings AGENDA 2-15-94
Item VI A
"CENTER OF GOOD LIVING-PRIDE OF WEST ORANGE"
Ocoee S.SCOTT VANDERGRIFT
w ° CITY OF OCOEE =IT=
UST1l JOHNSON
- ONERS
G 150 N.LAIESHORE DRIVE PAUL W.FOSTER
OCOEE FLORIDA 34761-2258 VERN COMBS
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Gp GOO CITY MANAGER
ELLIS SHAPIRO
MEMORANDUM
TO: ELLIS SHAPIRO, CITY MANAGER
FROM: D.W. FLIPPEN, BUILDING AND ZONING DIRECTOR
DATE: FEBRUARY 1, 1994
SUBJECT: SIDING
As per your request, an investigation of the problems that have
occurred with a siding material known as inner-seal siding which
is manufactured by the Louisiana Pacific Corporation has been
completed.
This particular siding material has been approved by the southern
Building Code Congress International. The approval of this
product by the SBCCI was based on an evaluation report by a
recognized testing laboratory (National Evaluation Services Inc. )
As you are aware, this product has a deterioration problem. From
my conversation with the manufacturer and local contractors, it
is evident that this product is not suitable for use in high
humidity areas. The manufacturer claims the siding was not
properly installed or the tenants are allowing lawn sprinklers to
spray directly on the siding or rain gutters have not been
installed which would prevent rain water from splashing directly
on the siding. The contractors claim that the problem is caused
by a defective product.
I contacted the contractors who have used inner-seal siding
within the City Limits of Ocoee. All of these contractors are
aware of this situation and have assured me that they will not
use this product again even if it is an approved product.
I have also contacted the Standard Building Code Congress and
requested they re-evaluate this product. In particular, the
durability of the product.
Section 102.7 of our Standard Building Code states:
Alternate Materials and Methods: The provisions of the
technical codes are not intended to prevent the use of any
material or method of construction not specifically
prescribed by them, provided any such alternate has been
reviewed by the Building Official. The Building Official
OfOIt-
Page 2
Ellis Shapiro
February 1, 1994
shall approve any such alternate, provided the Building
Official finds that the alternate for the purpose intended
is at least the equivalent of that prescribed in the
technical codes, in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire
resistance, durability and safety. The Building Official
shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted
to substantiate any claim made regarding the alternate.
It appears that as Building Official for the City I could
prohibit the use of this product within the City; however, our
City Attorney advises me that due to the approval of this product
by a recognized testing laboratory, any action taken by the City
to prohibit its use could result in a costly lawsuit between the
City and the Louisiana Pacific Corporation. In order to avoid a
potential lawsuit, this product will not be prohibited for use in
the City of Ocoee.
As stated above, our local contractors are aware of this
situation and will not use this siding in their projects. I have
also directed our Building Department Staff to let me know
immediately if they encounter this product being used within the
City. If a builder insists on using this product, he will be
required to strictly comply with all of the manufacturers
installation instructions.
I believe this method of control will resolve this problem while
avoiding a potential lawsuit. If you have any questions regarding
this matter, please let me know.
DWF/sas/051