We are now much more educated on what being ‘Green’ truly means and take into consideration the entire ‘Cradle to Grave’ concept of the product.
Here’s Duradek’s ‘Cradle to Grave’ story...as compared to the alternatives;
Mining – PVC is a derivative of natural gas and sodium chloride; which is also known as Salt and is one of the most abundant natural resources available on earth.
Manufacturing – At one time, manufacturing PVC had some hazardous side effects. But measures have been taken to rectify those and these safety issues no longer exist. The EPA states that while the manufacturing of PVC is on the rise, toxic dioxins are decreasing.
Transportation & Distribution – Due to the low weight of Duradek compared to the alternatives (such as EPDM & pavers or wood planks), there is considerably less energy consumed in the transportation of the product; from raw resources to manufacturing to distribution to the jobsite.
Building Design – The structural requirements to support a deck with heavy pavers requires many more construction materials. Duradek’s light weight needs only basic structural requirements, using far fewer materials and energy.
Installation – The one-step application process of Duradek requires fewer trips to the job site and uses less manpower, both of which means less energy being consumed.
Maintenance – Duradek does not require re-coating or re-staining, both of which consume materials and manpower. Maintaining Duradek consumes far less energy than the alternatives.
Useful Life – Duradek is a waterproofing membrane, therefore the entire structure is protected and will not decay. The structure remains intact, helping the building to last longer. This saves cost, materials and energy in repairs or replacement.
End of Life – When the time comes to renew the surface, Duradek’s re-installation process will consume less manpower, materials and energy, as well as less disruption to the structure and building use.
Disposal – Compared to Treated Lumber PVC does not leach chemicals into the environment as it decomposes. In fact PVC is often used as landfill liners to prevent other materials from leaching toxins into the earth. Other alternatives, such as composite deck boards are much larger in volume therefore taking up much more space in a landfill.
Recycling - The current opportunities for cost-effectively recycling PVC are minimal, but progress is being made. Some solutions include creating new building materials and man-made reefs.
Compare PVC to the Alternatives
When compared to products that perform the SAME function, consider the following:
- PVC's one-step application and longevity compare favorably to the multiple application and reapplication requirements of liquid-applied systems, saving many trips to the job, which in turn consumes less energy.
- There is a huge weight savings benefiting the structural requirements and the energy consumption to transport as compared to an EPDM membrane with concrete pavers.
- When compared to pressure treated wood, there are no chemicals leaching into the environment and likely double the life expectancy.
As a waterproof roof or deck, compared to alternatives, DURADEK IS THE GREENER CHOICE!
Click here to see more information on the Green side of Duradek including LEED points.
