Forum discussion
NC-2009 IEQc4.1: Low-Emitting Materials—Adhesives and Sealants
Hello,
We are going to use epoxy sealant for joints between ceramic walls and floors in the showers, and I was wondering if this is acceptable if COV is less then 250g/l? we are also using epoxy sealant for concrete slabs in parking garage, what is the COV level required ? Thank you
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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
325 thumbs up
September 3, 2014 - 12:40 pm
Epoxy grout used at ceramic tile qualifies as “Ceramic Tile Adhesive,” so the VOC limit is 65g/L.
If your parking garage is unconditioned and open to the outdoors, it is exempt from IEQc4 VOC restrictions. See LEED Interpretation #1767:
http://www.usgbc.org/leed-interpretations?keys=1767
Sahar Abi-Ziki
September 3, 2014 - 12:51 pm
Thank you but the parking garage is underground, what would be the VOC level?
Jon Clifford
LEED-AP BD+CGREENSQUARE
LEEDuser Expert
325 thumbs up
September 3, 2014 - 1:31 pm
Is the garage separated from the occupied, conditioned building by solid, impenetrable walls?
If so, it does not matter that the garage is underground. LI#1767 states that an underground garage that is unconditioned and open to the exterior is not technically interior space. IEQc4 VOC limits only apply to interior space.
Sahar Abi-Ziki
September 3, 2014 - 1:39 pm
it is not a separate garage, there is openings with rest of the building. Voc would be then 250g/l??
Jon Clifford
LEED-AP BD+CGREENSQUARE
LEEDuser Expert
325 thumbs up
September 3, 2014 - 2:11 pm
If the openings between the garage and the building have self-closing doors to prevent automotive exhaust from entering the building, then this still qualifies as an interior/exterior separation.
For sealants that fill, seal, or waterproof gaps or joints between surfaces, the VOC limit is 250g/L for Architectural Sealants used within the weatherproof enclosure.
However, if you are asking about liquid sealers applied to concrete to resist water, alkalies, acids, ultraviolet light, or staining, these products would be Waterproofing Concrete/Masonry Sealers. According to IEQc4.2, the VOC limit is 400g/L for concrete sealers used inside the weatherproof enclosure.
Lilian Seow
PrincipalLSDesignworks @ Vancouver, BC Canada
12 thumbs up
February 6, 2015 - 5:34 pm
What is the rational of having this product applicable to below grade parkade slabs since the parkade below grade separated from the above grade structures by fire-rated slab, walls, and self-closing doors; and separate ventilation system?