Has anyone else come across the issue of finding a CDPH v1.1-2010 compliant Safing Insulation or SAFB Insulation?
The contractor submitted the Owens Corning/Thermafiber SAFB and Safing and according to their new LEED v4 compliance table, neither product meets for Low Emitting Materials.
I performed a general search for both "Safing" and "SAFB" on UL Spot but there are no other compliant products indicated there either. I've also looked into the Johns Manville MinWool Safing that came up on UL Spot but it is only compliant with GreenGuard, not GreenGuard Plus.
I was able to locate what might be a compliant replacement for the SAFB, on UL Spot, the Roxul AFB, but would need to get that approved by the architect as it doesn't meet the spec currently.
After doing quite a bit of research on this topic and then circling back to the possibility that maybe I'm overthinking this since I can't seem to locate even a single compliant Safing. The requirement specifically states that the General Emissions Evaluation is required for "Ceilings, Walls, Thermal and Acoustic Insulation". Is it possible that Fireproofing Insulation is not included in this requirement? The Safing is definitely without a doubt a Fireproofing Insulation. The SAFB may be on the border as it is short for Sound Attenuation Fire Blankets, so that may lean a bit more toward Acoustic...but also provide fire protection. Also since there is the Roxul AFB that might be enough for a GBCI reviewer to say, "well, there was a compliant option out there for this product.".
Looking forward to any input or thoughts. Wow is tracking down all of the various information for the Building Product Disclosures and Low Emitting Materials submittals or to even verify the submittals as accurate is a beast with this new LEED v4!!
Thanks
Jerimiah
Joanna Switzer
Sustainability Project ManagerAtkins
59 thumbs up
February 23, 2017 - 12:51 pm
Hi Jerimiah,
I am unfamiliar with any exclusion for fire rating assembly components. I have encountered numerous challenges with specialty products as well...many of those manufacturers don't seem to have the IAQ testing done yet. It is also possible that the fire resistance properties are achieved by chemicals that won't meet CDPHv1.1-2010?
How would this blanket be used? Ceiling or wall? In either case, sorry to say it sounds like a VOC budget calc would be necessary to pursue the complex LEEDv4 low-emitting credit.
Joanna Switzer
Sustainability Project ManagerAtkins
59 thumbs up
February 28, 2017 - 10:19 am
Jerimiah,
It might be worth asking the GBCI about this item. Upon reflection, the requirement addresses thermal & acoustic insulation. I would interpret Fire resistant insulation as a specialty outside these two general categories, given its primary UL tested function. Thoughts?
Jerimiah Luckett
Doty and Miller ArchitectsFebruary 28, 2017 - 11:50 am
Joanna,
After extensively hunting for any compliant fire resistant insulation and coming up empty that is what I'm thinking is my best angle. I've spoken with numerous different insulation company tech reps now and not a single one has been able to provide a compliant option for this "fire containment insulation/safing".
I think I will move forward with the approval for the submittal and will address it in the construction submission and just see how it turns out in the review comments. Due to time constraints, I can't hold off any longer on the submittal.
Thanks
Jerimiah
Joanna Switzer
Sustainability Project ManagerAtkins
59 thumbs up
February 28, 2017 - 11:53 am
Jerimiah,
Completely understand. Worst case, it may require a VOC budget calc, but worth documenting as exempt from this criteria initially.
Paladino "Team"
(Individual single-user account, now canceled)January 3, 2018 - 7:07 pm
Hi, I am curious if excluding the Safing insulation passed review on your project, or if the reviewers noted that it must be included as a compliant product? Thanks!
Debra a. Lombard
Construction Administrator/ LEED APBywater Woodworks, Inc.
46 thumbs up
January 4, 2018 - 12:32 pm
I investigated the Thermafiber SAFB for our LEED NCv2009 project & the rep told me, in an email I can forward, that the newest formulation of the Thermafiber SAFB is SAFB FF (Formaldehyde Free) that is Green Guard Gold certified. See https://www.owenscorning.com/formaldehyde-free literature dated July 2017. Regards, Debra Lombard
Allan Robles
Sustainability AssociateUrban Fabrick, Inc.
7 thumbs up
September 6, 2018 - 8:57 am
Jeremiah,
Did you hear feedback from the GBCI reviewer on the construction phase submittal for what was purchased? We are in the process of recommending Debra's approach for the very same application.
Best,
Allan
Debra a. Lombard
Construction Administrator/ LEED APBywater Woodworks, Inc.
46 thumbs up
September 6, 2018 - 10:02 am
At that link above for the Thermafiber SAFB FF is the link to the the Greenguard Gold Certification on the UL Spot website which indicates the GGG certif. is until 10/16/2018, so maybe contact mfgr. to see if they are undergoing certification now for the period after 10/16/18. you'll also see link to the product's Declare label at: https://living-future.org/declare-products/thermafiber-safb-ff-formaldeh... which indicated there's dextrose. Not sure it that % of product would be considered rapidly renewable. Anyone?