What Is Eco-Friendly Flooring?
Recent research from environmental agencies suggest that indoor pollutant levels are considerably higher than outdoor.
This is shocking information for many homeowners, especially those with young families who endeavour to create a safe and toxin-free environment for children and pets.
Indeed, in many cases one of the main contributors to indoor pollutant levels is flooring.
Carpets and other flooring sometimes unleash hundreds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere, some of which are known and suspected carcinogens.
Eco-friendly flooring is designed to minimize the number of toxic chemicals in your home while also improving sustainability.
Carpet Today there are many eco-friendly carpets that are sold at sustainable prices.
Carpets made from natural fibres such as wool are available with little or no chemical treatment.
You can also choose carpets that feature backing made from natural fibers and adhesives with fewer toxins.
But beyond the carpet itself, you should also consider the environmental impact of other aspects of your flooring.
Padding may contain plastics which are petroleum-based, an unrenewable resource.
Also, during the installation process, many professionals use chemical-based glues that can be harmful to your environment, so be sure to work with an installer that utilizes water-based, low VOC glues.
Wood Flooring While wood flooring options are sometimes criticized because the wood Is sourced naturally, these types of floors have a lesser environmental impact in your home and can even be constructed from recycled materials.
In addition, bamboo flooring makes a great and durable alternative to other types of hardwood.
Bamboo is one of the quickest growing trees and is also abundantly available.
Moreover, bamboo is considerably harder than maple and red oak, so it is known to have a longer lifespan while also naturally resisting water, mildew, and insects.
Another eco-friendly flooring option is cork.
Though a soft wood, cork has a natural elasticity that makes it very comfortable.
In addition, cork improves not only acoustic insulation, but thermal insulation as well and can therefore contribute to lower energy costs.
This is a clear environmental benefit.
Homeowners also like cork because it is hypo-allergenic, cork floors do not attract dust and they're fire resistant and act as a natural insect repellant.
In fact, engineered wood floors are another eco-friendly option.
Manufacturers essentially use a thin layer of slower-growth hard woods on the surface of the flooring and then construct the backing from more renewable wood sources.
Ultimately, these types of flooring have a lesser impact on slow-growth forests, while still providing an attractive option.
As our society becomes more focused on environmentalism, eco-friendly flooring has become not only more popular but more versatile as well.
Speak to your flooring expert about the eco-friendly flooring options they have available and you're sure to find an attractive floor for your home.
This is shocking information for many homeowners, especially those with young families who endeavour to create a safe and toxin-free environment for children and pets.
Indeed, in many cases one of the main contributors to indoor pollutant levels is flooring.
Carpets and other flooring sometimes unleash hundreds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere, some of which are known and suspected carcinogens.
Eco-friendly flooring is designed to minimize the number of toxic chemicals in your home while also improving sustainability.
Carpet Today there are many eco-friendly carpets that are sold at sustainable prices.
Carpets made from natural fibres such as wool are available with little or no chemical treatment.
You can also choose carpets that feature backing made from natural fibers and adhesives with fewer toxins.
But beyond the carpet itself, you should also consider the environmental impact of other aspects of your flooring.
Padding may contain plastics which are petroleum-based, an unrenewable resource.
Also, during the installation process, many professionals use chemical-based glues that can be harmful to your environment, so be sure to work with an installer that utilizes water-based, low VOC glues.
Wood Flooring While wood flooring options are sometimes criticized because the wood Is sourced naturally, these types of floors have a lesser environmental impact in your home and can even be constructed from recycled materials.
In addition, bamboo flooring makes a great and durable alternative to other types of hardwood.
Bamboo is one of the quickest growing trees and is also abundantly available.
Moreover, bamboo is considerably harder than maple and red oak, so it is known to have a longer lifespan while also naturally resisting water, mildew, and insects.
Another eco-friendly flooring option is cork.
Though a soft wood, cork has a natural elasticity that makes it very comfortable.
In addition, cork improves not only acoustic insulation, but thermal insulation as well and can therefore contribute to lower energy costs.
This is a clear environmental benefit.
Homeowners also like cork because it is hypo-allergenic, cork floors do not attract dust and they're fire resistant and act as a natural insect repellant.
In fact, engineered wood floors are another eco-friendly option.
Manufacturers essentially use a thin layer of slower-growth hard woods on the surface of the flooring and then construct the backing from more renewable wood sources.
Ultimately, these types of flooring have a lesser impact on slow-growth forests, while still providing an attractive option.
As our society becomes more focused on environmentalism, eco-friendly flooring has become not only more popular but more versatile as well.
Speak to your flooring expert about the eco-friendly flooring options they have available and you're sure to find an attractive floor for your home.
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