Lightweight insulating concrete (LWIC) roof deck systems are a popular choice for commercial construction due to their low density, light weight, high R-values, and cost savings. For building owners and roofing contractors who prioritize green construction, they have another significant benefit: their reduced environmental impact compared to traditional polyiso board roof decks.
LWIC is a mixture of Portland cement, water, and preformed foam. The foam creates a structure of discrete air cells within the material, which makes it highly flowable, with low density and light weight.
In this blog post, our LWIC roof deck experts explain how LWIC roof decks contribute to eco-friendly construction.
LWIC roof deck contributes to green construction certifications
LWIC roof decks are widely accepted as a “green” product and are often used on LEED projects. Elastizell, one of the industry leading manufacturers of LWIC, assists with the following LEED V4 points:
- Energy and Atmosphere: minimum energy performance of at least 5% over baseline
- Materials and Resources – Buildings and Material Re-Use
- Building Product Disclosure – Material Re-Use: two of the ingredients in Elastizell use post-industrial recycled content
- Construction and Demolition Waste Management
- Low-Emitting Materials
LWIC roof decks are also listed in the GreenSpec Directory, a list of independently endorsed Green building materials for sustainable construction.
LWIC roof decks reduce landfill waste
The primary factor that lessens the environmental impact of LWIC roof deck is its reduction of landfill waste. For new construction, the roof deck will last the entire lifespan of the building provided it is adequately maintained. When it’s time to replace the roof, simply tear off the existing membrane, patch the LWIC as needed, and install the new membrane directly over the existing LWIC deck.
LWIC deck is also a popular choice for reroofing over traditional insulation board systems, as explained in our recent blog post. In most cases, LWIC can be cast directly over the existing membrane and insulation, significantly reducing the waste compared to a total tear-off. Then, since the insulation in LWIC is permanently encased in the concrete and will never erode, it will not have to be torn out and landfilled a few decades later when it’s time to reroof again.
Want to learn more?
If you have questions about LWIC roof decks or green construction, our experts are happy to help. Contact us today!
