Specs
Composite Wood
DID YOU KNOW: Wood is generally viewed as “green,” however, composite wood often contains formaldehyde when bonded together with glue or adhesive.
May 10, 2023
Menu
Specs
Sealants
DID YOU KNOW: Sealants are commonly used to protect porous surfaces like wood or natural stone from damage caused by liquid and stains. However, some sealants contain harmful chemicals that can have negative health effects and harm the environment.
April 12, 2023
Specs
Carpeting
DID YOU KNOW: Carpet is a common flooring material, but a recent study ranked carpet as the most negatively impactful flooring type because of its short service life compared to other flooring.1 When looking at materials, it is important to consider the full life cycle of a product.
March 23, 2023
Specs
Water proofing + Damp proofing
DID YOU KNOW: Bentonite sheet membranes can be healthier alternatives for waterproofing strategies.
February 27, 2023
Specs
Resilient Flooring
DID YOU KNOW: Resilient flooring can be a bit of a misnomer because some products within this category have a low service life and present material health hazards.
January 15, 2023
Specs
PVC Pipes
DID YOU KNOW: Plastic pipe is a key component of residential plumbing systems. Up to 70% of homes in the US contain plastic pipe.
November 10, 2022
Specs
Joint Sealants
DID YOU KNOW: Joint sealants are popular building products that play an important role in a building’s weather-resistance and energy efficiency.
October 26, 2022
Specs
Windows
DID YOU KNOW: Choosing the most appropriate window for its purpose and location involves understanding each of its components.
May 5, 2022
Specs
What’s wrong with LVT?
DID YOU KNOW: There are 14 billion pounds of vinyl flooring manufactured in the United States each year…
March 30, 2022
Specs
Laminates
DID YOU KNOW: Plastic Laminate (known as P-Lam) is a common countertop and cabinet material.
March 23, 2022
Specs
Artificial Turf
DID YOU KNOW: Artificial turf is a ground surface made to function like and appear like grass. Although originally used for athletic fields, turf expanded its market to residential and commercial properties…
March 10, 2022
Specs
Vapor Barriers
DID YOU KNOW: Improper installation resulting in mold is the leading source of health concerns when it comes to vapor barriers.
February 22, 2022
Specs
Tile Countertops
DID YOU KNOW: Ceramic and porcelain tiles are relatively low-impact and a stain/burn resistant material for a countertop installation.
February 9, 2022
Specs
Fiber Cement Cladding
DID YOU KNOW: Fiber cement is a widely used exterior cladding due to its durability, stability, flame resistance, economics, and easy maintenance.
January 27, 2022
Specs
Gypsum Board
DID YOU KNOW: Drywall manufacturing plants in the USA released over 3 tons of mercury into the air between 2009 and 2018.
January 13, 2022
Specs
Acoustic Ceiling Tile
DID YOU KNOW: Often found in commercial spaces, acoustic ceiling tiles (ACT) are used to soften, block, and diffuse sound.
December 12, 2021
Specs
Wallcoverings
DID YOU KNOW: Even though they are widely used, wallcoverings contain a variety of factors that pose serious health hazards.
November 24, 2021
Specs
Carpet Tile
DID YOU KNOW: Carpet tile has increased in popularity due to its versatility and design flexibility. The tiles also allow for easy replacement as repairs can be made by section instead of the entire floor.
November 4, 2021
Specs
Epoxy alternatives
DID YOU KNOW: Epoxy is too often spec’d as a catch-all coating despite the availability of less toxic and more cost effective solutions.
October 21, 2021
Specs
LVT alternative – Linoleum
DID YOU KNOW: LVT or Luxury Vinyl Tile is one of the most popular yet toxic flooring choices in our market. It impacts our health both during production and long-term…
October 9, 2021
Specs
Countertops
DID YOU KNOW: The greenest countertop is the one that withstands damage throughout its lifetime as it is one you don’t have to replace…
July 4, 2021
Specs
Insulation
DID YOU KNOW: Rigid insulation is associated with several serious environmental and social impacts. The worst come from chemicals used during manufacturing: blowing agents with massive global warming potential and halogenated flame retardants…
June 20, 2021
Specs
Countertops – Stone
DID YOU KNOW: Natural stone countertops are porous and can absorb liquids, causing staining or unhygienic conditions…
April 25, 2021
Specs
Paint
DID YOU KNOW: Safer paints consider the use and release of hazardous chemicals at any stage in the product’s life cycle…
April 25, 2021
Specs
Antimicrobials
DID YOU KNOW: Common antimicrobials, including but not limited to quaternary ammonium compounds, Triclosan, and Triclocarban have been linked to a variety of health impacts…
April 10, 2021
© 2023 Spec Matters LLC