Last month, we saw how sheathing is used as a multi-purpose building material and discussed the environmental concerns-past and present-for the manufacture of two of the most widely used residential sheathing materials: plywood and OSB. This month, we'll continue the series with a look at the bigger picture, where wood-based sheathing (plywood and OSB) and the environment are concerned.
This month, we'll begin a series that takes an in-depth look into all aspects of sheathing materials used in modern-day construction. In particular, we'll focus on the environmental concerns, thus complementing the "Déjà Vu x 2" series recently concluded, which examined alternatives for formaldehyde-based binders and substitutes for wood fiber in composite wood panel products.
This month, we'll conclude this series with a review of the significant advancements in soy-based resin binder technology with a look at PureBond-a new line of formaldehyde-free hardwood plywood panels from the largest producer of decorative interior panels in the United States, Columbia Forest Products.
In part one of this series, we took a look at the mixed results when agricultural fibers were substituted for wood fibers in the manufacture of composite wood panel products, such as particleboard and medium-density fiberboard.
In part one, we began this series that takes a look at the recent developments concerning substituting/minimizing off-gassing from formaldehyde-based binders (adhesives) used for composite wood panel products. Known as non-added formaldehyde alternatives, research and development in this field is starting to pay off with a new generation of soy-based binders and substitution of phenol formaldehyde for urea formaldehyde binders for composite wood fiber panels used in architectural millwork as a means to lessen the effects of formaldehyde off-gassing into the interior environment.
In September 2003, an article appeared in this column titled "Formaldehyde: Free at Last." It concerned the voluntary switchover by Johns Manville from the standard formaldehyde binder for fiberglass insulation to an acrylic binder.
Until recently, per Construction Specifications Institute Division 10260 (PVC/Aluminum Products), PVC was the material of choice for wall protection items...
In part two, we reviewed the new products offered via the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design green building rating/certification program. In part one, we saw how a statement made by USGBC President/CEO Rick Fredrizzi ("If it's not LEED, it's not green") at the November 2004 Greenbuild Conference held in Portland, Ore., caused quite a lot of controversy. Also, we saw how two reports and a user survey gave the LEED program its first "report card" after five years of implementation. This time, we'll conclude our review with a look at the international scene for LEED and a recent USGBC decision that will affect the walls and ceilings industry directly.
Last month in part one, we began to take a look back at what's been happening concerning the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED green building rating/certification program. We saw how