IRC to Recognize Steel Framing as Primary Method of Termite Protection

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A code change recognizing cold-formed steel framing as a primary form of termite protection within the International Residential Code was recently passed by an overwhelming majority of the International Code Council's voting members. The code change effort, led by Worthington Industries (NYSE:WOR) and in alliance with the American Iron and Steel Institute, resulted in new language listing cold-formed steel framing alongside other approved methods of termite protection. As a result, the 2007 supplement of the IRC will read as follows:

R320.1 Subterranean termite control methods. In areas subject to damage from termites as indicated by Table R301.2(1), methods of protection shall be one of the following methods or a combination of these methods:

1. Chemical termiticide treatment, as provided in Section R320.2.

2. Termite baiting system installed and maintained according to the label.

3. Pressure-preservative-treated wood in accordance with the AWPA standards listed in Section R319.1.

4. Naturally termite-resistant wood as provided in Section R320.3.

5. Physical barriers as provided in Section R320.4.

6. Cold-formed steel framing in accordance with Sections R505.2.1 and R603.2.1.

Though it’s obvious that termites do not eat steel, the change was needed to clarify the fact that a cold-formed steel framed residence requires no other form of termite protection to comply with the IRC. By protecting a home’s structure from termites through the use of cold-formed steel framing, the life-safety objectives of the code can be realized without introducing pesticides or chemicals into the home environment.

“We have been working on this particular code change for some time because we believe it is an important part of our effort to have steel framing’s termite resistance recognized,” stated John P. McConnell, Chairman of Worthington Industries. “Our Dietrich Metal Framing division produces residential products for distribution and our Worthington Integrated Building Systems is actively working with builders in a number of markets. The IRC inclusion complements our efforts in those markets where termites are of concern,” McConnell added.

Worthington Industries is a leading diversified metal processing company with annual sales of approximately $3 billion. The Columbus, Ohio, based company is North America’s premier value-added steel processor and a leader in manufactured metal products such as metal framing, metal ceiling grid systems, pressure cylinders, automotive past model service stamping and laser welded blanks. Worthington Industries and its subsidiaries employ more than 8,000 people and operate 64 facilities in 10 countries.

Founded in 1955, the company operates under a long-standing corporate philosophy rooted in the golden rule, with earning money for its shareholders as the first corporate goal. This philosophy, an unwavering commitment to the customer, and one of the strongest employee/employer partnerships in American industry serve as the company’s foundation.

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