Array of Titebond GREENchoice VOC-Compliant construction adhesives; Photo Copyright Kelly R. Smith
This article was updated on 09/03/20.
Titebond and associated company Franklin have stayed in the forefront in the woodworking, handyman, and the professional contractor markets with their reliable adhesive products. The evolving family of woodworking glues, Titebond I, II, and III, are extremely popular with woodworkers, cabinetmakers, and journeyman carpenters.
The VOC Issue with Conventional Glue
Adhesives are indispensable in commercial and residential construction as well as remodeling jobs. And even though they perform well, VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are offensive to the nose and cause health problems in some individuals.
Solvents are components infused into the glue that are designed to enhance performance. Unfortunately, they also boost VOCs. VOCs are a family of chemicals. They may cause health problems both immediate and in the long-term. EPA scientists estimate that they’re up to ten times more concentrated inside than outside.
It logically follows that the newer your home is, the more concentrated off-gassing VOCs will be unless more health-friendly materials were used during construction. It is unlikely the conbtractor did that because of cost or product availability. They’re not just from glue, by the way; paint and carpeting are also culprits.
Titebond Solvent Research Pays Off
This adhesive company's scientists started the work of eliminating hazardous solvents back in the 80's operating under the name of Franklin International. Then in 1989, they began to market a line of glues which were the first in their industry to pass AFG-01.
Titebond.com defines AFG-01 as "Established by the American Plywood Association, this test method measures adhesive strength for wood-to-wood applications. AFG-01 requires that adhesives applied at the job site be sunlight resistant and able to fill gaps. Adhesives are subject to adverse weather conditions including moisture, sunlight and fluctuating temperature conditions."
EPA.gov is responsible for regulating VOCs and says, "The final rule is estimated to reduce VOC emissions by 90,000 tons per year (tpy) by requiring manufacturers, importers, and distributors to limit the VOC content of consumer products."
Presenting Environment-Friendly Glues for All Projects
Since 1989, Titebond has developed more green construction adhesives:
Weatherproof Subfloor Adhesive. Unlike the days of old, all credible home-builders use screws rather than nails with a subfloor glue when initially installing or or later repairing subfloors.
It not only helps with the grab, but also does away with the issue of squeaking and popped nails.
Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive. Developed for interior and exterior applications, it stays workable even when the temperature approaches freezing. Also, there are no ozone-depleting chemicals involved.
Titebond Solvent Free Clear Pressure Sensitive Adhesive. A latex-based, clear, thin-spread composition that’s used for laying foam-backed parquet floor tiles as well as asphalt and vinyl tiles.
Being user-friendly, it cleans up in a snap with water.
Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive. Choose this one for hanging drywall in tight spots and attaching materials where you just can’t get in with nails and screws.
Unlike Liquid Nails, it cleans up with plain water.
Professional Radon Sealant. Got radon? If you have a basement, chances are that you might and radon testing is a good idea. This sealant is formulated to keep this invisible but toxic gas out.
Use it at foundation penetrations, and on foundation cracks and joints. Not only does it dry fast, but it’s also mildew and mold resistant.
Professional Cove Base Adhesive. This is a common choice in commercial construction but is great in the home as well. Use it for applying vinyl and rubber cove base.
It sticks well to most common wall surfaces like drywall, tile, wallpaper, and even paneling.
Acoustical Sound Sealant. When a STC (Sound Transmission Class) value is specified, this is the product to use. Home theaters and recording studios are typical places where it’s used.
It’s also helpful in situations where one or more family members do shift work.
Titebond WeatherMaster Sealant. The next generation of sealant, it surpasses non-VOC compliant urethane and silicone sealants in performance. Use it for a reliable seal around windows and doors.
It’s available in over 200 colors to match popular siding colors although it may have to be ordered from your dealer. Please post in the comment box below if you have an experience with these products that would benefit our readers.
That's the low-down on Titebond's line-up of GREENchoice construction adhesives. If your situation warrants using one, it's well worth a look.
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About the Author:
Kelly R. Smith was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation and financial and energy trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at I Can Fix Up My Home Blog where he muses on many different topics.
Kelly R. Smith was a commercial carpenter for 20 years before returning to night school at the University of Houston where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After working at NASA for a few years, he went on to develop software for the transportation and financial and energy trading industries. He has been writing, in one capacity or another, since he could hold a pencil. As a freelance writer now, he specializes in producing articles and blog content for a variety of clients. His personal blog is at 
