Red Devil – Part of a Growing Movement Toward
Low-VOC, High Performance Products

Choosing low-VOC caulks makes sense, whether you operate in one of the growing number of states that have banned solvent-based products, you have a client who's sensitive to chemicals or odors, or you think indoor air quality is simply a goal that's worth pursuing. Volatile organic compounds, commonly known as VOCs, have the potential to trigger a wide range of health problems and have no place in a green building—especially given today's alternatives.

"There was a time when builders complained that low-VOC meant paying more money for products that worked less well," said Kate Sollecito, Director of Marketing for Red Devil. "But many of today's versions actually outperform previous generations. We have one product, a three-in-one hybrid polymer, that's low-VOC and low-odor—and yet its bond is so strong it can adhere a ceramic soap dish indefinitely."

Low-VOC caulks, sealants and adhesives are available in three formula types: water-based (latex and acrylics), reactive (silicone and polyurethane), and hybrid polymer.

The choice is generally based on user preference and the surface (or substrate) to which the product is being applied. Acrylics often fare better on porous surfaces, for example, while silicones are better suited to non-porous surfaces such as glass. Other factors include:

• Required time for the initial cure – Acrylics typically require 48 to 72 hours protection from rain, while silicones typically cure in 24 to 48 hours.
• Paintability – Acrylics, hybrids and polyurethanes can be painted, while most silicones cannot.
• Dampness – Hybrids (like solvent-based formulas) allow for application to a damp surface, while silicones, polyurethanes and acrylics don't. However, all types require a clean and otherwise sound surface for best results.

Demand for low-VOC formulas is being driven largely by green building rating systems—such as the NAHB National Green Building Program and the GBI's Green Globes™ system for commercial buildings—which reward the use of green products and create a higher level of builder education.

"Low-VOC products are good for consumers, but they're also important for builders," said Sollecito. "Builders are the first ones breathing in any substances, and they do it day after day—so they're also the first ones breathing easier."

For more information, visit:
www.reddevil.com