Building Code Glossary
Vinyl Siding: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009 define vinyl siding, 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
Vinyl siding is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Exterior Walls. The code's own words are: “A shaped material, made principally from rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC), that is used as an exterior wall covering.” The IRC 2009 words it differently, in Definitions: “A shaped material, made principally from rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC), that is used to cover exterior walls of buildings.” The IRC 2009 defines the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 4 chapters of this corpus, most often in Wall Covering (IRC 2009), Exterior Walls (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?
Vinyl Siding — IBC 2009, Exterior Walls:
A shaped material, made principally from rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC), that is used as an exterior wall covering.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Vinyl Siding, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Exterior Walls | A shaped material, made principally from rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC), that is used as an exterior wall covering. |
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | A shaped material, made principally from rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC), that is used to cover exterior walls of buildings. |
Where vinyl siding is used in the code
The term appears in 4 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Wall Covering | IRC 2009 | 24 |
| Exterior Walls | IBC 2009 | 9 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about vinyl siding, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Vinyl siding shall be certified and labeled as conforming to the requirements of ASTM D 3679 by an approved quality control agency.
Vinyl siding conforming to the requirements of this section and complying with ASTM D 3679 shall be permitted on exterior walls of buildings located in areas where the basic wind speed specified in Chapter 16 does not exceed 100 miles per hour (45 m/s) and the bUilding height is less than or equal to 40 feet (12 192 mm) in …
The terms vinyl siding is built out of
The definition above leans on 3 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what vinyl siding covers:
- Exterior Wall Covering — IBC 2009: A material or assembly of materials applied on the exterior side of exterior walls for the purpose of providing a weather-resisting barrier, insulation or for aesthetics, including but not limited to, veneers, siding, exterior insulation and finish systems, architectural trim …
- Exterior Wall — IBC 2009: A wall, bearing or nonbearing, that is used as an enclosing wall for a building, other than a fire wall, and that has a slope of 60 degrees (1.05 rad) or greater with the horizontal plane.
- Cover — IBC 2009: Distance between surface of reinforcing bar and edge of member.
Vinyl Siding: 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 | Exterior Walls | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wall Covering (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Exterior Walls (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Exterior Wall Covering | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Exterior Wall | |
| 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?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Exterior Wall Covering: Building Code Definition
- Exterior Wall: Building Code Definition
- Cover: Building Code Definition
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 vinyl siding?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Exterior Walls as: “A shaped material, made principally from rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC), that is used as an exterior wall covering.” 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 vinyl siding?
In this corpus the term is used across 4 chapters, led by Wall Covering in the IRC 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 are the requirements for vinyl siding in Florida building codes?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Exterior Walls: “A shaped material, made principally from rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC), that is used as an exterior wall covering.” It is defined in IBC 2009, 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 does vinyl siding mean?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Exterior Walls: “A shaped material, made principally from rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC), that is used as an exterior wall covering.” It is defined in IBC 2009, 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 is the best grade of vinyl siding?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Exterior Walls: “A shaped material, made principally from rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC), that is used as an exterior wall covering.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IRC 2009. It is not the same as Grade, which the IRC 2009 defines separately as “The finished ground level adjoining the building at all exterior walls.” 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.
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