Photo © Werner Hennies. Photo courtesy Ceilings Plus
Individuals responsible for project submittals may not be familiar with chain-of-custody requirements. In Part 1–General of a wood product specification section, it is therefore also advisable to require submittal of the product manufacturer’s invoices, and packing slips indicating the FSC claims applicable to products used on the job.
Specifying certified wood can increase the cost of the material, depending on the species. The supply or quality of exotic species with FSC certification may be limited and it is prudent to discuss cost and availability with vendors before specifying. The awkwardly named “FSC Mix Credit” program alleviates some of the marketplace’s limitations. It allows veneer suppliers to meet project specifications by swapping credit from certified wood of poor aesthetic quality to better-looking wood that is not certified.
Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Credit 4.4, Low-emitting Materials–Composite Wood and Agrifiber Products
This credit requires wood products have no added urea formaldehyde (NAUF). Urea formaldehyde is widely used as a binder in manufacturing of particle cores for traditional wood panels. (Using aluminum cores eliminates this concern.) Formaldehyde, however, has also been used as a binder in engineered veneers, and as an adhesive to assemble veneer faces and to apply veneer to a core. Alternative binders and adhesives are increasingly available and specifiers should consult vendors for assistance in specifying NAUF products. (See the article, “Making Informed Decisions: Manufactured Wood Products and Formaldehyde Emissions,” by Dwight Chapman, in the May 2012 issue of The Construction Specifier.)
The Living Building Challenge, a relatively new standard for sustainable construction, has “red listed” all forms of formaldehyde, including phenol formaldehyde. Phenol formaldehyde is considered less deleterious to indoor air quality (IAQ) because it has a lower emission rate than that of urea formaldehyde. Still, several veneer producers have also eliminated this chemical.
Photos courtesy Ceilings Plus
Beyond LEED
LEED credits for low-VOC adhesives and coatings do not pertain to factory-applied adhesives or coatings. However, lifecycle considerations, including manufacturing, also contribute to a product’s environmental impact. Low-VOC adhesives are available for applying veneer to aluminum; its tenacious hold has been tested by running panels through multiple cycles in a dishwasher (an unsophisticated-but-convincing methodology), and proven in actual uses in both interior and exterior applications. UV-cured clear coatings have zero VOCs; they are durable, non-yellowing, and available with a low gloss surface.
Continuing to grow
Prior to the mid-20th century, most architectural paneling had stile and rail frames with small, inset panels of solid lumber. Veneer, when used, was thicker than that of today, and required time-consuming craftsmanship to apply.
Concurrent with advances in plywood manufacturing, veneer became thinner due to improved slicing technology and better adhesives, and manufacturing processes improved the application of veneer over core materials. The tradition of innovation continues. As photos accompanying this article show, wood panels can now be used in bigger and more diverse applications than was previously practical.
In fields where rapid change is occurring, design professionals will best be able to realize their vision through close collaboration with veneer suppliers and experienced manufacturers and by preparing specifications that clearly define ceiling and wall panel requirements.
Nancy Mercolino is president of Ceilings Plus, a producer of ceiling and wall systems recently recognized as Small Business Exporter of the Year by the Import-Export Bank of the United States. She can be reached via www.ceilingsplus.com.
Brian Michler supervises veneer laminating and finishing for Ceilings Plus and collaborates with customers and veneer suppliers to satisfy architectural requirements. He can be contacted via e-mail at bmichler@ceilingsplus.com.
Michael Chusid, RA, FCSI, CCS, is responsible for marketing and business development for Ceilings Plus. He is a frequent contributor to The Construction Specifier. Chusid can be contacted at mc@ceilingsplus.com.
I am researching quonset homes and am looking at ceiling applications for a curved surface. I like the idea of flexible aluminium panels and would like more information on the size of the sheets and colors and designs, and of course the price.
Thanks,
Sharon