Hi all
We attempt to use a hardwax for our hardwood floors in our project. Does this simply goes under "floor coatings"? It's hard to find hardwax with as low VOC-content as 100g/l and I don't think there are any at the swedish market (from what I can see from a little bit of researching), though we usually have really good products with low VOC. Under what product cathagory would you say hardwax for hardwood floors belongs to?
Jaida Anderson-Lozano
Enivronmental EngineerSkanska Sverige AB
24 thumbs up
August 29, 2013 - 7:15 am
Hej Mathilda,
That is a tricky one. I would classify it as a clear wood finish varnish as floor coating is described in Rule 1113 as an opaque coating for wood flooring. Hard flooring wax are usually clear and semi-transparent. Although you could argue it doesn't really fit into a varnish. As wax is not as durable as a varnish but then it definitely is not a lacquer.
I think the best bet is clear wood finish varnish at a VOC limit of 350 g/l. Would be interested to see others perspective..
Mara Baum
Partner, Architecture & SustainabilityDIALOG
674 thumbs up
August 29, 2013 - 5:49 pm
I would agree - when I used to use wax oh my hard wood floors home it was specifically in place of varnish. That was back when there weren't any low VOC varnish options and wax was a better health choice. For LEED you would want to indicate that the wax is serving the function of varnish (assuming that's true in your case), though there's no guaranty as to what their response will be.
Mathilda Jonsson
Environmental Certification Engineer (LEED AP BD+C)Skanska
41 thumbs up
August 30, 2013 - 2:41 am
Thank you! I will go with varnish and see what they say. Thanks both!