USG Corporation recently introduced a self-leveling underlayment that offers a significant reduction in several environmental impacts. USG’s DUROCK EcoCap Self-Leveling Underlayment utilizes an all new proprietary geopolymer technology developed at USG’s Corporate Innovation Center in Libertyville, Illinois.
DUROCK EcoCap reduces carbon footprint by 50 percent and reduces embodied energy by 45 percent when compared to Portland cement-based or calcium aluminate cement-based underlayment products (data based on in-house LCA studies of 1,000 SF of ¼” thick self-leveling underlayments). The underlayment’s lower surface pH enhances compatibility and durability of floor-covering adhesives used in flooring applications. Overall, the 75 percent recycled content in the cementitious binder, low embodied energy and low carbon footprint make this underlayment a highly environmentally sustainable product. Additionally, EcoCap may assist in obtaining LEED credits 4.1, 4.2, 5.1 and 5.2.