Titebond GREENchoice Construction Adhesives
Offering a Wide Range of No-Solvent VOC-Compliant Building Glues
Apr 10, 2009
The Titebond (and Franklin) company have enjoyed great market share in both the DIY homeowner and the professional contractor markets for many years. Titebond I, II, and III glues are some of the most popular woodworking glues used by both woodworkers and journeyman carpenters alike.
The VOC Problem with Traditional Construction Adhesives
Construction adhesives are useful and necessary in both new home construction and in remodeling projects. The issue with traditional ones is that although they perform well, they have issues with VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Solvents added to adhesives to improve performance and application are the source of many harmful VOCs.
What are VOCs? These are a wide range of chemicals that have adverse health effects, both near and long-term. The EPA estimates that they are up to 10 times higher indoors than out. It goes without saying that the newer the home, the more concentrated the chemicals from off-gassing will be.
Titebond's Solution to the Solvent and VOC Issue
The glue manufacturer's researchers began work on eliminating solvents in the 1980s under the name Franklin International. In 1989, it released a line of adhesives which was the first in the industry to pass AFG-01.
Only a handful of US states currently have commercial and consumer VOC regulations although nationwide EPA regulations are expected to be enacted in 2010. Canada is also working on phasing in their regulations by category: architectural coatings, automotive refinish coatings, and surface cleaners.
Dedicated Environment-Friendly Adhesives for Every Project
Titebond's line-up has expanded to these green construction products:
- Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive – For both indoor and outdoor applications, it remains workable even in near-freezing weather. It contains no ozone-depleting chemicals.
- Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive – Used for a wide range of projects such as attaching drywall and securing materials in close quarters where nails and screws aren't practical. Because it contains no solvents, it's non-flammable and cleans up with plain water.
- Professional Cove Base Adhesive – Used for both vinyl and rubber cove base, it's designed to adhere to most common wall surfaces such as drywall, tile, wallpaper, and paneling.
- Titebond Solvent Free Clear Pressure Sensitive Adhesive – This is a latex-based, clear, thin-spread material. It's commonly used for installing foam-backed hardwood parquet tiles and asphalt and vinyl composition tiles. Again, there are no ozone-depleting chemicals and it cleans up with water.
- Weatherproof Subfloor Adhesive – Today, all responsible home-builders supplement nails or screws with an adhesive when installing or repairing subfloors. This assists with the grab, and eliminates the problem of squeaking later on.
- Acoustical Sound Sealant – This is used when a STC (Sound Transmission Class) value is called for, such as in home theaters.
- Titebond WeatherMaster Sealant – This is a replacement for non-VOC compliant urethane and silicone sealants. It's commonly used for sealing around windows and doors. It is made in over 200 colors designed to be a close match for popular siding colors.
- Professional Radon Sealant – Basements are the prime spot for toxic radon gas to make its way into the home. This product is especially designed to keep it out. It's used on foundation penetrations, cracks, and joints. It dries quickly, and is mildew and mold resistant.
Resources: www.epa.gov, www.titebondgreenchoice.com, www.ec.gc.ca/nopp/voc/docs
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