CIM Industries latest blog articles and news

VOC Regulations and the Rise of Zero-VOC Membranes

Written by Layla May | Sep 30, 2025 9:48:00 PM

Stricter VOC rules—and the need for healthier, faster jobsites—are pushing owners to zero-VOC waterproofing. CIM’s 100% solids membranes deliver compliance without the solvent odors, while maintaining long-term, elastomeric performance and very low permeability. Use CIM ECO 1000 for zero-VOC, low-odor indoor work, CIM ECO 1061 where NSF/ANSI 61 potable approval is required, and CIM 1000 TG for vertical/overhead areas in potable assemblies—paired with moisture-tolerant, VOC-compliant primers. The result: safer installs, quicker turnarounds, and a seamless barrier that bridges cracks and handles complex details.

 VOC Regulations and the Rise of Zero-VOC Membranes  

VOC regulations keep tightening at the federal and state level, and owners are rightly pushing for healthier jobsites and faster returns to service. Suppose your waterproofing work involves potable water, wastewater, or occupied indoor spaces. In that case, the specification bar is now: meet the rule, protect the people, and deliver long-term performance—without solvent odors or schedule drag.

CIM zero-VOC, 100% solids membranes meet strict VOC limits and provide durable waterproofing for potable water (NSF/ANSI 61), wastewater, and indoor/occupied spaces. Use CIM ECO 1000 for zero-VOC/low-odor installs, CIM ECO1061 for potable water tanks and basins, and CIM 1000 TG for vertical/overhead areas in potable work—all supported by VOC-compliant primers and accessories.

Why Zero-VOC Matters Now

  • Compliance without compromise: Zero-VOC, 100% solids membranes satisfy current VOC rules while delivering long-term, elastomeric protection.
  • Healthier installations & faster turnarounds: Low-odor, solvent-free application helps avoid odor complaints and minimizes downtime in occupied or confined spaces.
  • Potable water safety: CIM’s potable portfolio includes NSF/ANSI 61-approved options for tanks, basins, and contact surfaces.
  • Complex details, seamless barrier: Liquid-applied, fully bonded systems conform to penetrations, curves, and transitions—with crack-bridging and low permeability.

Which CIM System Where? (At-a-Glance)

  • Indoor / Confined / Zero-VOC:  CIM ECO 1000 — zero-VOC, low-odor, 100% solids liquid-applied membrane that retains the strength and flexibility of the CIM 1000 family.
  • Potable Water Tanks & Reservoirs: CIM ECO 1061 — formulated and NSF/ANSI 61 approved for potable water contact.
  • Potable + Vertical/Overhead: CIM 1000 TG — trowel-grade, sag-resistant; used on walls/ceilings in potable projects alongside CIM 1061 or ECO 1061, per spec.
  • Primers & Accessories: EMT Primer (moisture-tolerant, VOC-compliant) and VOC-compliant bonding agents to ensure adhesion in challenging conditions.

    Access our product selector guide

Case Example: Potable Tank Retrofit Without the Headaches

A municipal potable tank needed relining—without prolonged odor complaints or extended outages. By selecting CIM ECO 1000 in general areas (zero-VOC, low odor) and CIM ECO 1061 where direct potable contact was required, the contractor:

  • Maintained regulatory compliance and NSF/ANSI 61 safety,
  • Kept the facility operational with minimal disruptions, and
  • Delivered a seamless, crack-bridging waterproofing system with low permeability for long service life.

Tip: Pair with EMT Primer to maximize adhesion across steel and concrete, especially in moisture-tolerant conditions.

FAQs

Q1: Are zero-VOC membranes as durable as traditional systems?

Yes. CIM’s liquid-applied, 100% solids membranes are engineered to provide decades of service, with elastomeric flexibility, crack-bridging, and very low permeability when installed to TDS.

Q2: Which products are safe for potable water?

CIM ECO 1061 is NSF/ANSI 61 approved for potable contact. CIM 1000 TG is approved for potable vertical/overhead use within potable systems. (Confirm final assembly in the project spec and TDS.)

Q3: Are CIM zero-VOC membrane installations slower or more expensive?

Material cost can be modestly higher, but total installed cost often drops by avoiding ventilation/odor mitigation, reducing re-occupancy delays, and minimizing schedule risk.

Q4: Can I use CIM zero-VOC membrane indoors in winter or humid conditions?

Yes—CIM systems include moisture-tolerant primers and liquid-applied chemistries designed for field variability. Always follow TDS for substrate condition, profile, and cure guidance.

More Resources: