Michael, this is a great question, as LEED does not give a precise definition of what it means to be within the weatherproofing system—and whether the weatherproofing system itself counts.
I would tend to focus on "indoors" as being within the weatherproofing system, and not be concerned about masonry, vapor barrier sealants, and insulation. However, there will always be some gray area here....
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David Posada
Integrated Design & LEED SpecialistSERA Architects
LEEDuser Expert
1980 thumbs up
May 11, 2010 - 7:55 pm
Lots of gray here. We've usually treated the weatherproofing system as the plane of the "Weather Resistant Barrier" or drainage plane, which is sometimes but not always the vapor barrier. Sealants on that plane and outside of it, such as exterior rigid insulation or rainscreen/ brick veneer would not be included since occupants won't be exposed to those vapors.
FYI, I seem to recall a CIR that addressed sealant between two pieces of butt-jointed glass that was exposed to the interior, saying this had to comply with VOC limits, but would need to check.
Craig Graber
Perkins+Will4 thumbs up
August 16, 2010 - 11:25 am
Hi- any insights on roofs? For example, adhesives used under a TPO membrane, or a primer used under liquid-applied green roof membrane. You can interpret both of these products to be inside the weather resistant barrier, and if so should be VOC-compliant.
On the other hand, you might also argue that they are PART OF the "weatherproofing system", not INSIDE of it....in which case they would be excluded from LEED VOC limits. Splitting hairs, I know...but that's what LEED is all about! Any thoughts?
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11477 thumbs up
August 20, 2010 - 1:09 am
If there were a definitive answer to this question that USGBC had established, I think we would know it, given the frequency with which this question comes up.I think you could easily consider those TPO adhesives to BE the weatherproofing system, thus not within it. You could also say, though, that they're within the airtight part of the system so occupants could be exposed.What's the best path for your project may be up to you.
Petra Hajná
Sustainability ConsultantSkanska Czech Republic
189 thumbs up
August 31, 2011 - 7:06 am
Any progress in the "weatherproofing system border" definition?
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11477 thumbs up
August 31, 2011 - 8:42 am
Petr, there has been a lot of discussion, some of it more definitive, on this question in some of the IEQc4 forums on this site. Check IEQc4.1 and IEQc4.2.