Health Epoxy/Resin Flooring?!

Teresa Jan

Multistudio

LEEDuser Basic Member

0 thumbs up

October 20, 2023

Has anyone vetted through all the Epoxy and Resin-based flooring systems to see which flooring application is "healthier"?

Below is a preapproved list from our local health department:
• Tera Lite • Stonhard Stonclad, Stonclad Ut, Stonshield Hri • Sunbelt 110 • Everlast • Westcoat Epoxy Mortar, Slurry, Or Double Broadcast • Dex-O-Tex Cheminert K • Dur-A-Flex Ploy-Crete Md • Basf Selbatwede 41 • General Plymers Fastop 125 • Sikafloor 110, Purcem 125, Purcem 19n

but they will review nd approve other products if we submit a sample and manufacturer specification sheets.

We are steering away from the quartz countertop due to the health hazard for the workers. Want to confirm epoxy flooring with quartz don't have the same issue because there isn't sanding and polishing....want to see others thoughts!

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Nicole Voss

Director of Sustainability

isgenuity

LEEDuser Basic Member

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Thu, 11/16/2023 - 15:52

Hi Teresa - in so far as epoxy flooring is made from biphenol, which is a known endrocrine disruptor, there is no "healthy" epoxy. We still have clients with lab or healthcare spaces that demand epoxy because it's seamless and can stand up to their cleaning protocols. Some clients have been willing to switch to rubber floors, which can be a better option if the rubber if made without tire-derived crumb rubber (see the Informed Tool for more on this distinction). I can say that Sikafloor has an extremely high VOC content (requiring that the facility be shut down for 48 hours), but I don't specific research on all of the options on that list.

We've also tried to get Liquid Lino by Mannington on one job. Mannington was amazing to work with, they sent out a rep to help teach installers how to pour it, and the client was willing to pay the extra cost. However, we ran into some scheduling issues that we couldn't get past so unfortunately that dream is dead (for now!)

Kate Bubriski

Principal | Director of Sustainability & Building Performance

Arrowstreet

LEEDuser Basic Member

1 thumbs up

Thu, 11/16/2023 - 16:17

We typically specify Dur-a-flex Poly Crete SLB in areas that need resinous flooring. It is urethane not epoxy. It is red list compliant and has CDPH v1.2 - 2017 testing. _______________________________________ Katherine Bubriski, AIA CPHC, LEED AP BD+C, Fitwel Ambassador Principal | Director of Sustainability & Building Performance 617.666.7006 Direct Arrowstreet 10 Post Office Square Suite 700N Boston MA 02109 _______________________________________ arrowstreet.com Follow us on LinkedIn | Instagram

Sarah Cutsforth

ZGF Architects LLP

LEEDuser Premium Member

4 thumbs up

Thu, 11/16/2023 - 16:19

Hi Teresa- As Nicole pointed out, epoxy flooring contains BPA which is on the LBC Red List and many other chemical of concern lists. In addition to Mannington, Duracryl has liquid linoleum and other safer options for poured-in-place flooring systems. Duracryl - Natural Based Floors

Mike Manzi

Bora Architects

LEEDuser Basic Member

0 thumbs up

Thu, 11/16/2023 - 16:26

We have at least found a few options from Stonhard and Dur-A-Flex that are low to zero VOC and comply with CDHP v1.2-2017 (for LEED). On a recent product, these include combinations of Dur-A-Flex; Accelara, Ply-Crete SL, Hybri-Flex, Armor Coat, Dua-A-Glaze #4, Poly-Crete SLB, Elasto-O-Coat, and Dura-A Quartz, as well as Stonhard; Stonres RTZ. Mike Manzi He/Him Bora Architecture & Interiors Main: 503 226 1575 Direct: 503 802 5007