Concrete is considered to be fully compliant without any VOC emissions testing if the concrete does not include integral organic-based surface coatings, binders, or sealants.
When does concrete NOT include these items?
It is my understanding that if the products applied in the concrete mix / during the curing process, then they are included in the Flooring category of the LEM credit. If a product is applied after the concrete has cured then they are included in either the coatings or sealants category.
Any suggestions for coatings, binders, and sealants that are applied in the concrete mix / during the curing process AND meet the testing requirements of the CDPH?
thank you.
-dave (mechanical guy)
Deborah Lucking
Director of SustainabilityFentress Architects
LEEDuser Expert
245 thumbs up
November 22, 2021 - 7:37 pm
Dave
I checked with our technical guru and got this reply: "Concrete, in and of itself, does not include binders per se. The binder is the cement in the mix design. "Offending” treatments that would have VOC implications would be curing compounds, hardener/densifiers, dyes, and stains."
The LEED language in MasterSpec appears consistent with the Credit language, so if that is the language used in your project's specs, the concrete would be inherently non-emitting.
Finally - none of us is entirely clear on what defines "organic".
Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
495 thumbs up
November 23, 2021 - 7:09 am
Thanks Deborah! ... and please send my thanks over to your technical guru.
All the best,
dave