Which Flooring Should You
Choose If You Have Allergies?
Best type of flooring for people with
allergies is a popular subject these days. That’s because the number of
individuals who suffer from some form of allergy is well over 50% of the
population. Cutting down on exposure to allergens is important for these
individuals and the floor is a perfect place to start.
When taking steps to allergy proof their
home, most people tend to overlook the floor yet it can be the single
biggest source of allergens. That’s because certain types of flooring can
provide the perfect breeding ground for common allergens including dust
mites, mold and mildew. So choosing the right flooring for your house can
make all the difference when allergies are a concern.
So what is the best type of flooring for
people with allergies? That depends on several factors. In general, you want
a floor that is resistant to dust mites, mold and mildew and is also free of
VOC’s or volatile organic compounds. VOC’s are traces of chemicals left
behind when fabrics or surfaces are treated or processed.
Though the pros and cons of various
flooring surfaces can vary, one general rule of thumb for allergy sufferers
is to avoid carpeting at all costs. The deep pile of most carpets holds
allergens from dust mites, mold, pollen, pet dander, grass, dirt and pretty
much anything else. Carpeting also retains moisture, which encourages the
growth of mold and mildew. If you must have carpeting, a low pile is much
better for avoiding allergens.
Since carpeting is a no-no, when
considering the best type of flooring for people with allergies, laminate
and vinyl flooring is often a popular choice. While these surfaces certainly
offer more allergy control than carpeting, they can be manufactured and
treated with chemicals, which can increase your exposure to VOC’s. If you
opt for laminate or vinyl, try to choose flooring that is labeled as low VOC
and watch what type of adhesive they use.
With more people concerned not only about
allergies but also about maintaining the environment, cork and bamboo
flooring is taking center stage. These eco-friendly choices are both
resistant to mold and mildew and offer no place for dust mites and other
allergens to hide. The down side is the more eco-friendly they more
expensive.
Pretty much any discussion of the best type
of flooring for people with allergies ultimately leads to stone, ceramic
tile and hardwood. Stone and ceramic tiles are both ideal choices for
allergy-free flooring, but the more rough the stone surface, the more dirt
they will hold. Hardwood is a great choice for people with allergies as it
is easy to keep clean and provides no chance for mites, mold or mildew to
flourish. Once again a good hardwood floor will cost a pretty penny by in my
opinion worth it.
We have tile and laminate flooring in our
home. On day we will put new tile throughout the entire house. It's easier
to keep clean and keeps the house cooler.
There are so many flooring choices out
there and there is no reason why you should be limited in your selection
simply because you have allergies. Lets face it, new flooring is a big and
important discission. Just do your homework and make sure you choose
flooring that will not only look good but provide a healthy environment for
your family as well.
Wishing you the best of health
The Allergy Store
