Why use Liquid Applied Roofing Systems with Low or Zero VOCs?

Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are chemicals that vaporise easily at room temperature, releasing gases into the atmosphere. Widely found in construction materials such as adhesives, paints, and solvents, VOCs can have harmful effects on both health and the environment. In roofing, where liquid-applied systems are common, VOC emissions are a concern as they could pose potential health risks. In the UK, there is a growing shift towards low or zero-VOC roofing solutions. This trend reflects rising awareness of health and environmental safety and a need to comply with regulations aimed at enhancing air quality and sustainability.

What are VOCs

VOCs are carbon-based compounds that, once airborne, can react with other elements to form ground-level ozone, a key component of smog. In liquid-applied roofing systems, VOCs are often present in resins, adhesives, primers, and sealants. When VOCs are released, they can have both immediate and long-term health effects. Short-term exposure to VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, cause headaches, and lead to nausea, while long-term exposure is associated with respiratory problems, liver and kidney damage, and some cancers. In response the UK government has enforced regulations to limit VOC use in construction, encouraging safer, more sustainable building practices. The trend towards low or zero VOC materials, including in roofing, not only aids regulatory compliance but also meets the demand for products prioritising health and environmental responsibility.

What's Being Done in the UK to Reduce VOCs?

To address the adverse effects of VOCs, the UK has implemented regulations to reduce their presence in construction materials, aligning with broader European standards. This regulatory push reflects the UK’s commitment to cutting down harmful emissions and has spurred demand for low or zero-VOC materials across the industry. This trend not only helps businesses meet compliance requirements but also appeals to customers and contractors who prioritise health and sustainability.

What's Being Done in the UK to Reduce VOCs?

The UK is actively reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the liquid-applied roofing sector through a mix of regulatory measures, industry initiatives, and technological advances. Legislation places strict limits on VOC content in construction products, aligned with the EU’s Industrial Emissions Directive, pushing manufacturers toward low-VOC or VOC-free alternatives. Many UK-based roofing product manufacturers including Allbase are now transitioning from solvent-based to water-based products, which contain significantly fewer VOCs, thereby improving air quality and reducing health risks associated with high VOC exposure.

Industry bodies like NFRC and the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) are promoting greener products and best practices, setting standards that encourage the use of low-VOC products. Additionally, the UK is advocating for VOC-free adhesives and primers, which contribute to reduced VOC emissions, particularly in urban applications where air quality is essential.

Government support for R&D in sustainable roofing solutions, including grants and tax relief, encourages the development of innovative low-emission products. This research often explores bio-based or renewable resources for roofing materials that naturally emit fewer VOCs. Certifications such as BREEAM also incentivise low-emission materials, as buildings with low-VOC roofing systems can achieve higher ratings, motivating contractors and developers to opt for environmentally friendly options.

Common Chemicals used in Liquid Roofing that Produce VOCs

Certain ingredients in liquid-applied roofing products produce VOCs due to their solvent and bonding properties. Some of the most common VOC-generating ingredients in these systems include:

Solvents such as toluene, xylene, and ethylbenzene are frequently used in liquid-applied roofing for thinning materials, making them easier to apply and ensuring even drying. However, as they evaporate, they release VOCs into the air, which contributes to pollution and can pose health risks.

Plasticisers are added to enhance flexibility, especially in roofing systems that need to adapt to temperature changes or structural movement. However, some plasticisers can emit VOCs during application and curing, contributing to indoor and outdoor air pollution.

Styrene, often used to add strength and flexibility to roofing systems, is another common VOC-producing ingredient in liquid-applied roofing systems. As it evaporates, styrene releases VOCs into the environment, posing potential risks of respiratory irritation and dizziness when inhaled.

Isocyanates, found in certain polyurethane-based roofing systems and roofing adhesives, are highly reactive chemicals that enhance durability and resistance. However, they can release VOCs during application and curing, and exposure to isocyanates can cause respiratory issues and skin irritation, particularly for workers handling these products.

Stabilisers and organic peroxides like Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxides are used to maintain product stability and ensure efficient curing, but some also contribute to VOC emissions.

These ingredients are essential for achieving the performance, flexibility, and durability required in roofing systems but can result in significant VOC emissions. As a result, low and zero VOC roofing options strive to find safer alternatives or modifications to these components to reduce their environmental and health impacts.

Choosing the Right System for the Project

When selecting a low or zero VOC liquid-applied roofing system, contractors should consider compatibility with existing roofing materials, climate suitability, and performance requirements. The chosen product should align with UK regulations and meet the project’s specific demands, including resistance to UV exposure, ponding water, and seasonal weather variations common in the UK climate.

Allbase's range of liquid-applied roofing systems designed with sustainability and safety in mind, featuring low and zero VOC options. Our solutions not only ensure a durable, weather-resistant finish but also prioritise the health of our clients, contractors, and the environment. These eco-friendly formulations are ideal for commercial and residential roofing projects across the UK, reducing harmful emissions without compromising on performance or longevity.

Benefits of a Low or Zero VOC Liquid Roofing System

Low or zero-VOC liquid-applied roofing systems provide many benefits, they release fewer harmful compounds, which translates to cleaner air both indoors and outdoors. This is especially advantageous for buildings in urban areas or near schools, hospitals, and residential spaces, where air quality directly impacts people’s health. Contractors and workers also benefit from low VOC materials, as they reduce the risk of respiratory problems and other health issues during application. Building occupants gain long-term health benefits as well, as low VOC systems contribute to better indoor air quality even after installation.

By reducing emissions, these systems help lower the carbon footprint of construction projects and contribute to a healthier ecosystem. Many low and zero VOC products are designed to have minimal odour, which makes installation less disruptive, particularly in public spaces or densely populated areas. Additionally, low and zero VOC liquid-applied roofing systems are often engineered for high performance, providing durability, weather resistance, and UV stability that suit the UK’s variable climate. Low VOC options can offer comparable, if not superior, longevity and resilience to traditional materials, ensuring effective, long-term protection for buildings.