Minimum Clear Air Spaces and Vented Openings for Vented Claddings | UpCodes (2024)

For the purpose of this section vented cladding shall include the following minimum clear airspaces. Other openings with the equivalent vent area shall be permitted.

1. Stucco with a ³/₈-inch clear airspace with ³/₈-inch continuous slot vent openings at the top and bottom of each wall.
2. Brick with a 2-inch clear airspace behind the brick with vents at both the top and bottom of the brick. The vents shall be ³/₈-inch × 2.5 inch openings every third brick at both the bottom and top.
3. Stone or masonry veneer with a 2-inch clear airspace behind the stone with vents at the top and bottom. The vents shall have at least 1 square inch of vent area for every 24 inches of wall.
4. Panel siding with ³/₈-inch clear airspace with ³/₈-inch continuous slot vent openings at both the top and bottom of each wall.
5. Wood, wood based, or fiber cement siding with either a ¹/₄-inch clear airspace; or alternatively a ¹/₄-inch gap between the horizontal siding laps.
6. Vinyl lap siding applied directly to a weather resistive barrier.
7. Manufactured stone veneer with a ³/₈-inch clear airspace with ³/₈-inch continuous slot vent openings at both the top and bottom of each wall.
8. Other approved clear air spaces and vented openings.