We have a project with a primer being used for the installation of the exterior curtain wall. It is used in the connection of the framing, so as we understand it needs to comply with IEQ4.1 VOC limits.
The primers of concern have VOCs of 742g/L and 857g/L in a non-porous application.
The product manufacturer claims that "during application, the carrier solvent typically evaporates off quickly, allowing the active ingredients to begin to react with atmospheric moisture and bonding surfaces.It means that the effect of VOCs by the solvent will be minor after installation of the curtain wall." There appears to be no alternative to this primer.
We are requiring the contractors to now implement the budget method in order to try not to lose the credit, although we don't know if it is going to work or not. Is it worth trying to argue that this primer application is going to have a negligible effect on VOC emissions into the interior environment?
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John-David Hutchison, LEED AP BD+C, PMP
Sustainability ManagerBGIS
LEEDuser Expert
166 thumbs up
August 31, 2017 - 12:02 pm
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, I would think that the primer you are speaking about would be used s part of the building envelope system, and should be exempt from inclusion in your documentation for this credit.
I suggest searching the CIR library and I believe you will find a CIR supporting this.
Lyle Axelarris
Building Enclosure ConsultantBPL Enclosure
64 thumbs up
August 31, 2017 - 1:58 pm
I still don't understand why interior isn't simply defined as everything inside the air barrier. That's what prevents contaminants from entering the breathing space. I often have 18 - 24" between air barrier and WRB, and a DBV rainscreen outboard of that. In those cases, VOCs within the wall cavity are just as "exterior" as VOCs inclusive of the waterproofing membrane.
The point of this separation of air, not water, so why does USGBC continue to use "waterproofing" language?
Lakshmi Nair
Principal Sustainability ConsultantMarch 1, 2021 - 2:25 am
Hello,
I have a similar situation to the original query , 'during application, the carrier solvent typically evaporates off quickly ' and is used to clean the surface prior to applying the adhesive and is to promote adhesion. The adhesive will not be effective without using the solvent. Any suggestion on how to tackle this as this is for fixing the glazing unit and the quantiy will be less than 10 liters.