Once the foundations were poured, the outside needed to be damp-proofed. The usual damp-proofing, spray-on tar, I reasoned, is not an environmentally-friendly material to leach into the soil.
I asked an architect what he knew about alternatives to this substance. His response:
“Tremproof 6100 is a zero VOC product – check out the website at http://www.tremcosealants.com/commercial/green/leed.asp?pselect=3#3”
Doug checked it out, and reported that it would have to be heated up in a cauldron and applied on a dry day by hand. Clearly this would be impractical in a single family home build. I looked on the web site, but could not find any further application specs. Another example where I must swallow the bitter no-green pill.
However, outside the tar-coated wall, we can use an additional water-proofing product: It’s a dimple board drainage composite system that protects the waterproofing membrane, provides an additional waterproofing element, and provides an air channel for any water that does get in to be carried by gravity to the footing drain. At least there will be less chance of water washing the tar down into the soil.
Green Dilemma #3: These days, the 3/4″ t&g plywood floors must be nailed and glued down (actually, it’s better to screw them down, but D says he can do that later.) When I asked Ron if they use a low VOC (volatile organic compounds) construction adhesive, he looked at me as though I was a nutter. So, I did check out the Home Depot, and indeed, they didn’t carry such an animal. I’ll check out Greenworks, too.
To continue on the topic of fly ash, from this website:
“Fly ash is comprised of the non-combustible mineral portion of coal. When coal is consumed in a power plant, it is first ground to the fineness of powder. Blown into the power plant’s boiler, the carbon is consumed — leaving molten particles rich in silica, alumina and calcium. These particles solidify as microscopic, glassy spheres that are collected from the power plant’s exhaust before they can “fly” away — hence the product’s name: Fly Ash.
Chemically, fly ash is a pozzolan. When mixed with lime (calcium hydroxide), pozzolans combine to form cementitious compounds. Concrete containing fly ash becomes stronger, more durable, and more resistant to chemical attack.
Mechanically, fly ash also pays dividends for concrete production. Because fly ash particles are small, they effectively fill voids. Because fly ash particles are hard and round, they have a “ball bearing” effect that allows concrete to be produced using less water. Both characteristics contribute to enhanced concrete workability and durability.
Finally, fly ash use creates significant benefits for our environment. Fly ash use conserves natural resources and avoids landfill disposal of ash products. By making concrete more durable, life cycle costs of roads and structures are reduced. Furthermore, fly ash use partially displaces production of other concrete ingredients, resulting in significant energy savings and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.”
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Do you know where the flyash came from? I wonder if it has to travel further than concrete otherwise would? I’d be interested in finding out.
I’ll ask Swanson’s. I also need to ask Gibsons Building Supply if they carry forest stewardship council (I think that’s the name of the sustainably-harvested certification program) wood, and if it’s more expensive.
Interestingly FSC wood is uboquitous in England. Especially in consumer products and the like. It’s almost becoming the default.
B