IEQ Credit 4: Adhesive Backing for Flooring

Hi Doris, thanks for your question.

I believe that the adhesive backing and underlay for tile/laminate flooring is all regulated under IEQ Credit 4.1, Low Emitting Materials - Adhesives and Sealants and IEQ Credit 4.3, Low Emitting Materials - Flooring Systems.

The adhesive backing is addressed in IEQ Credit 4.1. While the adhesive is not liquid, it will still be applied to the subfloor on site, I assume. In LEED for New Construction 2009, IEQ Credit 4.1 says "all adhesives and sealants used on the interior of the building (i.e., inside of the weatherproofing system and applied on-site) must comply with the following requirements". It never says that non-liquids are exempt. The good news about this credit is that it allows a VOC budget, which means that some products can be above the VOC threshold, as long as other low or no VOC products counterbalance this.

In IEQ Credit 4.3, which more specifically addresses floors, it also never specifically calls out non-liquid adhesives or sealants as being exempt. For this credit, a VOC budget is not allowed, so make sure you follow it for all materials.

In general, I would err on the side of caution and include the adhesive in your calculations.

I hope this helps!

Adhesive backing and underlay for any flooring is regulated under EQc4.1. It's not clearly addressed there. Moreover, you can take the help of some flooring contractor for better suggestions.