FAQs

• Does vinyl belong in a green building?



• Why does vinyl smell?



• What is the effect of indoor vinyl products on indoor air quality?



• Why are additives and stabilizers needed to make vinyl?
  

Does vinyl belong in a green building?

It does if you’re looking at green building from a life cycle perspective! Less than half of vinyl’s raw material is fossil fuel-based. The manufacture of vinyl building products requires less energy than alternative materials (three times less than aluminum, for example, in the manufacture of windows). The thermal efficiency of vinyl building products is well-known; in fact vinyl window and roof products are often Energy Star® rated. Highly durable vinyl products last considerably longer than most alternatives, thereby saving replacement resources. And vinyl building products can be – and are being – recycled.

Why does vinyl smell?

Most manufactured interior products – carpeting and other flooring, wallcoverings, fabrics and furniture – have an odor when newly installed. In the case of vinyl, the odor results from additives and stabilizers that give the vinyl its particular performance attributes, as well as the printing inks. These components are confined when newly manufactured products are packed for shipment, but as the products are unwrapped and aired out, the odors begin to spread and soon dissipate – generally faster than the odors from most paints.

What is the effect of indoor vinyl products on indoor air quality?

Vinyl is a contributor to indoor air quality. Vinyl’s easy-to-clean surfaces can help minimize the opportunity for build-up and proliferation of common indoor pollutants and allergens. Vinyl is so effective in this regard that it is often the material of choice for flooring, wallcovering and upholstery fabrics in healthcare settings.

Why are additives and stabilizers needed to make vinyl?

These components are what give vinyl its versatility and performance attributes. Depending on the “recipe” selected to combine vinyl resin with selected additives and stabilizers, vinyl can be made flexible enough for wallcovering or rigid enough for pipe, can have nearly any texture or pattern, and can be made clear or in virtually any color. Vinyl’s durability, resistance to the elements and fire performance can all be affected by additives or stabilizers.

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