Forum discussion
NC-2009 IEQc4.1: Low-Emitting Materials—Adhesives and Sealants
Does cement adhesive for electric PVC conduits that are embedded in concrete walls has VOC content requirements in IEQc4.1? If yes, what is the VOC threshold?
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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?
John-David Hutchison, LEED AP BD+C, PMP
Sustainability ManagerBGIS
LEEDuser Expert
166 thumbs up
February 1, 2017 - 10:34 am
Tricky question - Technically, if the adhesive is used on the inside of the Air/Vapour barrier during construction, then yes. PVC welding max VOC is 510 g/l
Mario S.
27 thumbs up
February 1, 2017 - 10:51 am
Heyy John, if we consider that the conduits are inside the Air/Vapour barrier, will there be any VOC emissions if the conduits are embedded in the concrete walls? We think that there will be no contact with the inside air.
On the other hand, the LEED reference guide mentions that any adhesive used "inside of the weatherproofing system" must be compliant.
What do you think?
John-David Hutchison, LEED AP BD+C, PMP
Sustainability ManagerBGIS
LEEDuser Expert
166 thumbs up
February 1, 2017 - 11:01 am
The VOC criteria is also in place for the protection of the people construction the building, so VOCs will be offgassing and affecting the health and the well being of humans until it is sealed in the embedded concrete.
Matthew Martin
Assistant Site SuperintendentQBS, Inc.
3 thumbs up
February 1, 2017 - 12:58 pm
Similarly, we have a contractor applying a fluid-applied air barrier coating on the exterior concrete masonry unit (CMU) wall, which is the exterior of the building. It has low VOCs of 21g/L and is also a water-resistive layer Not applied to the interior of the building but it does form the air barrier on exterior wall b/t Brick veneer and CMU wall.
Is this application considered inside the air barrier system? It IS the air barrier system.
And should it be included in c.4.1 adhesives and sealants or 4.2 paints and coatings? I believe this sealant is considered the "other" type, and my thinking is to include in both credits to be safe. Recommendations?
John-David Hutchison, LEED AP BD+C, PMP
Sustainability ManagerBGIS
LEEDuser Expert
166 thumbs up
February 3, 2017 - 9:55 am
I've been asked this question before and asked it myself; I am almost certain that there is an USGBC interpretation for this question, but I cannot find it.
For LEED V4 BDC states "The building interior is defined as everything within the waterproofing membrane. The building exterior is defined as everything outside and inclusive of the primary and secondary weatherproofing system, such as waterproofing membranes and air- and water-resistive barrier materials." So, for this, the answer is no.
Matthew Martin
Assistant Site SuperintendentQBS, Inc.
3 thumbs up
February 3, 2017 - 12:39 pm
Thank you very much.