Building Code Glossary
Cladding: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009 define cladding, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Cladding is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “The exterior materials that cover the surface of the building envelope that is directly loaded by the wind.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IRC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 10 chapters of this corpus, most often in Structural Design (IBC 2009), Structural Tests and Special Inspections (IBC 2009), Exterior Walls (IBC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Cladding — IRC 2009, Definitions:
The exterior materials that cover the surface of the building envelope that is directly loaded by the wind.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Cladding is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:
The exterior materials that cover the surface of the building envelope that is directly loaded by the wind.
Where cladding is used in the code
The term appears in 10 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Design | IBC 2009 | 43 |
| Structural Tests and Special Inspections | IBC 2009 | 9 |
| Exterior Walls | IBC 2009 | 8 |
| Glass and Glazing | IBC 2009 | 8 |
| Wall Construction | IRC 2009 | 6 |
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 5 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 3 |
| Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Roof Assemblies | IRC 2009 | 1 |
| Wall Covering | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about cladding, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Structural members, systems, components and cladding shall be designed to resist forces due to earthquake and wind, with consideration of overturning, sliding and uplift.
Periodic special inspection during the erection and fastening of exterior cladding, interior and exterior nonbearing walls and interior and exterior veneer in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category D, E or F.
Plastic panel, apron or spandrel walls as defined in this code shall not be limited in thickness, provided that such plastics and their assemblies conform to the requirements of Chapter 26 and are constructed of approved weather-resistant materials of adequate strength to resist the wind loads for cladding specified in Chapter 16.
The terms cladding is built out of
The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what cladding covers:
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
- Cover — IBC 2009: Distance between surface of reinforcing bar and edge of member.
Cladding: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Structural Design (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Structural Tests and Special Inspections (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Exterior Walls (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Glass and Glazing (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Building | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Cover | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of cladding?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “The exterior materials that cover the surface of the building envelope that is directly loaded by the wind.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on cladding?
In this corpus the term is used across 10 chapters, led by Structural Design in the IBC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is the definition of building cladding?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Definitions: “The exterior materials that cover the surface of the building envelope that is directly loaded by the wind.” It is defined in IRC 2009. It is not the same as Building, which the IBC 2009 defines separately as “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
What is considered exterior cladding?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Definitions: “The exterior materials that cover the surface of the building envelope that is directly loaded by the wind.” It is defined in IRC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
What does IRC mean in building code?
Building is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” That is not the same as cladding, which the IRC 2009 defines as “The exterior materials that cover the surface of the building envelope that is directly loaded by the wind.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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