Updated October 9, 2009
Fly ash is a key ingredient used in the manufacturing of our fiber cement siding products. It is an industrial by-product of coal combustion, and without its use in construction applications, it would be landfilled.
Fly ash has been used in concrete since the 1930’s. It has been used in several construction projects and prominent buildings including the Ronald Reagan Government Office Building, home to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Washington D.C.
Through a proprietary process that combines fly ash with Portland cement and other ingredients, CertainTeed is able to manufacture a fiber cement board that ensures the fly ash is chemically bonded in the material, resulting in a durable and sustainable product. Studies of WeatherBoards™ Fiber Cement Siding using currently available test methods indicate that the risk levels to our employees, installers and homeowners are well within Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other regulatory standards.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently re-evaluating the classification of Coal Combustion Products (CCP’s) and expects to publish its findings by the end of December, 2009. Since 2003, the EPA, along with the U.S. Department of Energy and Federal Highway Administration, has promoted the beneficial use of fly ash and other coal combustion products through the Coal Combustion Products Partnership program.
(See
http://www.epa.gov/waste/partnerships/c2p2/)
The beneficial use of CCP's has significant environmental benefits, decreasing the amount of waste that is sent to landfills each year as well as reducing the use of virgin materials in construction products. CertainTeed strongly supports a regulatory approach that continues to allow the safe and beneficial use of CCP’s in construction products, while putting in place appropriate regulations to ensure the safe landfilling of coal combustion waste.
To download a copy of CertainTeed's Corporate Statement on the Use of Fly Ash, please use the link under Helpful Resources.
