If "under the siding" is "exposed or subject to excessive moisture or dampness," they'll be tearing the siding off to repair dry rot long before the romex is affected.
From:
http://www4.iccsafe.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=4;t=007118#000003
The proper application of a weather resistive barrier is a very important component of the wall and is a building code requirement for walls constructed using plywood or OSB sheathing.
I understand that the question is based on the 2001 California Code (UBC) but the most current code development is based on improved industry knowledge and shouldn?t be overlooked.
Reference 2004 IBC and IRC Supplements:
IBC Section 1404.2: "Water-resistive barrier. A minimum of one layer of No. 15 asphalt felt, complying with ASTM D 226 for Type1 felt, shall be attached to the studs or sheathing, with flashing as described in Section 1405.3, in such a manner as to provide a continuous water-resistive barrier behind the exterior wall veneer."
IRC Supplement Section R703.2: "Weather-resistant sheathing paper. One layer of No. 15 asphalt felt, free from holes and breaks, complying with ASTM D 226 for Type1 felt or other approved weather-resistive materials shall be applied over studs or sheathing of all exterior walls. ?" The section goes on to describe acceptable application referring to Table 703.4 and certain limited exceptions.
"Exceptions: Omission of such felt or material is permitted in the following situations:
1. In detached accessory buildings.
2. Under exterior wall finish materials as permitted in Table R703.4
3. Under paperbacked stucco lath when paper backing is an approved weather-resistive sheathing paper."
IRC Supplement Table R703.4 stipulates that a weather resistive barrier is required under vinyl siding. Footnote m. of the table states, ?Vinyl siding shall comply with ASTM D 3679.?
Both APA The Engineered Wood Association (APA) and the Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI) recommend weather resistant barriers.
The "Build a Better Home" section of APA's website,
http://www.apawood.org, provides recommendations to help assure moisture protection. APA's publication on walls addresses the proper use of weather-resistant barriers. It is available online at:
http://www.apawood.org/level_c.cfm?...es&pD=Yes&pF=Yes&CFID=114470&CFTOKEN=21646285
In their paper "VSI Weather Resistant Barrier Statement" VSI states, "Vinyl siding has always been designed as an exterior cladding, not a weather resistant barrier. Vinyl siding is designed to allow the material underneath it to breathe; therefore, it is not a watertight covering. Because of its design and application, it provides a supplemental rain screen that enhances the weather resistant barrier system by reducing the amount of water that reaches the underlying weather resistant barrier." The entire VSI paper is available online at:
http://www.vinylsiding.org/vsic/VSIWeatherResistantBarrierStatement.pdf
We are always happy to assist with questions related to engineered wood, southern pine or SIP product's. Available weekdays 7 AM to 5 PM (Pacific).
APA and Southern Pine Council Help Desk
Tel: 253-620-7400
E-mail:
help@apawood.org