I have a wall cladding product that is made from salvaged solid wood and salvaged glulams that have been resawn. While a glulam is technically a composite material, my product is only using a salvaged composite as a component and is not manufacturing it. I considered this product exempt, but the reviewer is looking for clarification.
Does anyone out there believe there is any other clarification needed than the explanation I've just made?
John-David Hutchison, LEED AP BD+C, PMP
Sustainability ManagerBGIS
LEEDuser Expert
166 thumbs up
November 23, 2016 - 8:35 am
I would think that the reviewer is looking for verification in the manufacturing process of the new (final) cladding material, the no added formaldehyde glues were used?
Also, when you describe this as cladding, is it on the exterior of the building? If so, the material is exempt for this category.
Michelle Rosenberger
PartnerArchEcology
522 thumbs up
November 23, 2016 - 12:13 pm
Hi John-David,
There is no manufacturing process for the final wall cladding material. They are simply sawing the existing glulam material and piecing it together with other solid wood. And yes, it's an interior product.
Am I supposed to talk them into making a NAUF statement, even though they aren't manufacturing the composite?
John-David Hutchison, LEED AP BD+C, PMP
Sustainability ManagerBGIS
LEEDuser Expert
166 thumbs up
November 23, 2016 - 1:20 pm
Okay, the question is: how are they "piecing it together" with the other solid wood? Is there an adhesive used in the process?
Michelle Rosenberger
PartnerArchEcology
522 thumbs up
November 23, 2016 - 1:55 pm
It's tongue and groove with beveled edges. There are adhesives involved in installation and some finishes if desired.
John-David Hutchison, LEED AP BD+C, PMP
Sustainability ManagerBGIS
LEEDuser Expert
166 thumbs up
November 23, 2016 - 2:05 pm
I would suggest providing a letter stating what you have said about the salvaged material (which should be exempt from this credit) and explain that there are no adhesives used in manufacturing (tongue & groove) and provide documentation for the adhesives used in installation.
Michelle Rosenberger
PartnerArchEcology
522 thumbs up
November 23, 2016 - 2:11 pm
Okay, thanks. I'm just a little leery about the salvage issue. Theoretically, it could still offgas, though I can only assume a salvaged structural member would be more than a few years old. I could also move into the v4 realm and note that glulams are not considered CARB regulated composites and are now exempt due to phenol formaldehyde manufacturing processes. I'd rather keep it simple. Thanks for the prompt responses. Have a good holiday.