Building Code Glossary
Expanded Vinyl Wall Covering: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009 define expanded vinyl wall covering, 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
Expanded vinyl wall covering is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Interior Finishes. The code's own words are: “Wall covering consisting of a woven textile backing, an expanded vinyl base coat layer and a nonexpanded vinyl skin coat. The expanded base coat layer is a homogeneous vinyl layer that contains a blowing agent. During processing, the blowing agent decomposes, causing this layer to expand by forming closed cells.The total thickness ofthe wall covering …” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IBC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 2 chapters of this corpus, most often in Interior Finishes (IBC 2009), Definitions (IBC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
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?
Expanded Vinyl Wall Covering — IBC 2009, Interior Finishes:
Wall covering consisting of a woven textile backing, an expanded vinyl base coat layer and a nonexpanded vinyl skin coat. The expanded base coat layer is a homogeneous vinyl layer that contains a blowing agent. During processing, the blowing agent decomposes, causing this layer to expand by forming closed cells.The total thickness ofthe wall covering is approximately 0.055 inch to 0.070 inch (1.4 mm to 1.78 mm).
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Expanded Vinyl Wall Covering is defined once in this corpus, in the Interior Finishes chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009:
Wall covering consisting of a woven textile backing, an expanded vinyl base coat layer and a nonexpanded vinyl skin coat. The expanded base coat layer is a homogeneous vinyl layer that contains a blowing agent. During processing, the blowing agent decomposes, causing this layer to expand by forming closed cells.The total thickness ofthe wall covering is approximately 0.055 inch to 0.070 inch (1.4 mm to 1.78 mm).
Where expanded vinyl wall covering is used in the code
The term appears in 2 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Finishes | IBC 2009 | 7 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
The terms expanded vinyl wall covering 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 expanded vinyl wall covering covers:
- Backing — IBC 2009: The wall or surface to which the veneer is secured.
- Agent — IFC 2009: A person who shall have charge, care or control of any structure as owner; or agent of the owner; or as executor, executrix, administrator, administratrix, trustee or guardian of the estate ofthe owner: Any such person representing the actual owner …
Expanded Vinyl Wall Covering: 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 IBC | Interior Finishes | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Interior Finishes (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Backing | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Agent | |
| 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 expanded vinyl wall covering?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Interior Finishes as: “Wall covering consisting of a woven textile backing, an expanded vinyl base coat layer and a nonexpanded vinyl skin coat. The expanded base coat layer is a homogeneous vinyl layer that contains a blowing agent. During processing, the blowing agent decomposes, causing this layer to expand by forming closed cells.The total thickness ofthe wall covering is approximately 0.055 inch to 0.070 inch (1.4 mm to 1.78 mm).” 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 expanded vinyl wall covering?
In this corpus the term is used across 2 chapters, led by Interior Finishes 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.
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