Forum discussion
NC-2009 IEQc4.1: Low-Emitting Materials—Adhesives and Sealants
Up in the Bird's Eye View the following statement is made:
"Since most mortars, grouts, and thinsets are largely cementitious, with inherently low VOC content, they will comply under most categories, anyway."
We are using cement-based adhesives for ceramic flooring and our providers have not the VOCs data about the material. Can we assume the material will comply with the requirements due to its cement-based composition?
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Do products applied to the weather barrier need to comply with VOC thresholds?
How do I determine what application my product falls under?
How is VOC % less water determined for aerosol adhesives?
Do grout and caulking need to be included, and if so, what is the application category?
Jon Clifford
LEED-AP BD+CGREENSQUARE
LEEDuser Expert
327 thumbs up
June 21, 2014 - 10:34 pm
Never assume. Always verify
First, look at your project specifications. Has your specifier required or allowed “latex-modified” or “epoxy-based” products, liquid under-tile waterproofing or crack-suppression membranes, or other products with integral organic-based binders? If so, the products may contain VOC. For these, your Specs should probably also call out the 65g/L VOC limit for “Ceramic Tile Adhesives” for these items.
If your specification do not allow such products, exclusively requiring cementitious products, you may be safe. To be sure, you should still check the contractor’s submittals to ensure that they are using the specified products and to verify whether any substitutions have allowed organic-based products. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) should confirm whether the product is entirely cementitious.