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FAQs about IEQc4.1 :

Is there a shortcut to the VOC budget method if you have just one product that is used minimally on a project?

Do products applied to the weather barrier need to comply with VOC thresholds?

How do I determine what application my product falls under?

How is VOC % less water determined for aerosol adhesives?

Do grout and caulking need to be included, and if so, what is the application category?

Our project didn't use some common adhesive types, and our LEED reviewer asked about this. Are we supposed to justify not using certain adhesives in our documentation?

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NC-2009 IEQc4.1:Low-Emitting Materials—Adhesives and Sealants

VOC content for thermalplastic insulation

Could anybody help me to orientate as to which category a thermalplastic (PE) insulation foam belongs when identifying the allowed VOC content of the adhesive? And does this same categorie apply if you can effectively seal all joints by a cero VOC tape, so that there is no contact of the adhesive and the air? Many thanks beforehand, your help would be very much appreciated!! Dieter

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Tristan Roberts
Representative
Vermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
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Fri, 03/08/2013 - 17:17

Dieter, are you referring to the adhesive used to manufacture the foam insulation? Or an adhesive used onsite to install it? Just checking, since I wasn't entirely clear from your question. And if it's the former, this is not considered under IEQc4.1.

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 17:22

Thanks for your quick reply Tristan and clarification. I am referring to the adhesive used to install onsite. Dieter
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Peggy White
White + GreenSpec
LEEDuser Basic Member
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Fri, 03/08/2013 - 18:15

For inside the weather proofing system and/or installed on site, here are some VOC limits that might apply to your situation: Plastic Foam Adhesives: 50 g/L Multipurpose Construction Adhesives: 70 g/L

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 18:48

Thank you Peggy, very much appreciated. I will look for an adhesive within this limits. I also the category ´adhesive primer for plastic´, could that one also apply? Regards, Deiter
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Peggy White
White + GreenSpec
LEEDuser Basic Member
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Fri, 03/08/2013 - 18:56

The primer for plastic would not necessarily apply - it is for formed, hard plastic items rather than foam plastic. It does get confusing!

Fri, 03/08/2013 - 19:28

Indeed it does :-) ! But thanks for making it clearer. I´m not sure if this platform can also be used for specific products, but if you would happen to know something that would be within the mentioned VOC rate (50 to 70) and product application (plastic foam), I would be very gratful!

Thu, 03/14/2013 - 20:26

Hello Peggy, I was wondering if you could help me out with one more question. Since the reason of this credit is to reduce VOC in the indoor air, which I completely understand, the content of VOC of adhesives is important but also whether it is in contact with the ambient atmosphere. The definition indicates the list applies to all materials aplied within the weatherproofing, but what if the glue is effectively shut off from the indoor air, by let´s say a weather proof material? The insulation itself does not permit for air or damp to pass thru the material, so this should avoid any VOC to come into the air. Would you happen to know if this could be accepted? Many thanks again, Dieter
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Peggy White
White + GreenSpec
LEEDuser Basic Member
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Thu, 03/14/2013 - 21:04

Hello The parameters set forth by LEED Credits do not cover every situation and variation that might come up in the design. Good effort for sure, but it would be impossible to forsee how an application may meet the strict requirements and intent of a Credit, but still lose out because that particular variation was not anticipated. I can't predict how they might respond to your case, but I've found that the LEED reviewers tend to interpret things literally - i.e., if the adhesive is 'inside the weatherproofing' assembly, then the Credit limits would apply, regardless of whether your particular design does not allow VOCs into the indoor ambient atmosphere. While the literal interpretation by reviewers can be frustrating when you know you are meeting the intent of the Credit, it is also understandable - imagine how thick the book of exceptions would be! ;o) You can try to present your case, but be prepared to be knocked down, and remember that you may be risking the loss of obtaining that Credit if they don't agree with your reasoning. Let us know if you are able to convince them!

Thu, 03/14/2013 - 21:36

Thanks again Peggy, your answers are very much appreciated. And it is indeed understandable, but defenitely also frustrating when your are in effect avoiding VOC to come into the ambiant air. First of all the VOC content might be high, but the amount of adhesive used is really minimal (we can prefabricate without glue but alwyas need a small amount to install), and then ensuring that the VOC´s can´t get out, should do the trick. Let´s see if we can use this arguments to convince the reviewers, I will let you know! Dieter
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Ngo Ha
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Hira
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Wed, 12/16/2020 - 04:18

Hey- I have a similar question with Dieter.
If we supplied PE Insulation sheet with Self Adhesive (all these coating processes are done in supplier factory).
Do we need a VOC content certificate/test report?
Thank you,
 

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