Your flooring affects the air you breathe. How? It all comes down to your flooring choice. Some materials release chemicals into the air, while others trap dust, pet dander and allergens. The wrong flooring in the wrong space can create a breeding ground for mold growth.
Families with allergies, asthma or respiratory sensitivities need to be careful about the flooring they choose. Flooring is more important than people realize. Even if you don’t personally have health concerns, cleaner air is essential to a healthier, more comfortable home.
At King Flooring in Memphis, we’re honest. We let you know what you’re bringing into your home so you can make the right decision for the air your family breathes. Here’s what you should know.
What’s Actually in Your Air?
Indoor air quality is how clean and safe the air in your home is. When you have poor air quality, it can trigger allergies, worsen asthma and result in respiratory irritation over time. Your flooring makes a big difference.
What air quality culprits are linked to flooring? Consider the following:
- VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): These chemicals are in some finishes, adhesives and synthetic materials that release gases into your air. No, that’s not just the “new floor smell.” It’s VOCs off-gassing. Short-term exposure can lead to headaches and irritation, while long-term exposure is a bigger cause for health concerns.
- Dust and Allergens: Carpets and porous surfaces easily trap dust, pet dander and pollen. While it keeps everything off the furniture, dust and allergens can still spread throughout the room when someone walks across the carpet.
- Mold and Mildew: Moisture-prone areas that have the wrong flooring or poor installation make way for mold. Once it starts, it becomes a headache.
These factors all contribute to your home’s indoor air quality. That’s why it’s important to make smart choices when it comes to what goes under your feet.
How Different Flooring Materials Stack Up
Flooring affects air quality differently. Here’s what you need to know:
- Hardwood Flooring: Naturally hypoallergenic and easy to clean, dust and allergens sit on top of hardwood flooring. All you have to do is sweep. Look out for finishes and adhesives and choose prefinished hardwood or low-VOC finishes to reduce chemical emissions.
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Durable, water-resistant and easy to maintain, quality LVP in Memphis is ideal for families with kids or pets. Some products emit VOCs so keep an eye out for FloorScore certification to get the healthiest option.
- Laminate Flooring: Modern laminate flooring is affordable and easy to clean. Just remember to look for low-VOC certifications and know that quality laminate often meets stricter emission standards than bargain-bin options.
- Tile Flooring: Porcelain and ceramic tiles don’t emit VOCs, which is great for air quality. They also resist mold and allergens. The only downside is grout lines can collect dust and dirt without proper sealing and maintenance.
- Carpet: Without proper cleaning, carpet can trap dust, allergens and mold. This isn’t great for people with respiratory issues. However, if you go with carpet, you can choose low-VOC options or commit to regular deep cleaning.
Trying to make the right choice for your family’s health and lifestyle? Let our team walk you through your options so you can find the right combination of air quality, durability and budget. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.
Why Low-VOC Flooring Matters
VOCs are chemicals that evaporate into the air from adhesives, finishes and synthetic materials. Over time, this can cause headaches, respiratory irritation and other health issues.
Look out for the following:
- GreenGuard Certification: Meets strict chemical emissions standards
- FloorScore Certification: Verifies the flooring contributes to healthy indoor air
- CARB Phase 2 Compliance: Adheres to stringent formaldehyde emission regulations
At King Flooring, our goal is to help you find quality flooring materials at wholesale prices. However, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice healthy air to find an option that suits your budget. That’s why we’re here to help.
Simple Steps for Healthier Air
Besides choosing the right materials, there are a few practices to keep your indoor air cleaner:
- Choose low-VOC adhesives and sealants during installation
- Vacuum regularly with HEPA filters to capture fine particles
- Seal grout lines on tile floors to prevent dirt buildup
- Avoid moisture-trapping materials in bathrooms and kitchens
- Maintain proper ventilation following new flooring installation
Professional installation is essential. Gaps, uneven surfaces or moisture issues from poor installation are a recipe for disaster. It can lead to mold growth and other air quality problems down the line.
Breathe Easier with the Right Flooring
Your flooring choice changes how your home looks, but more importantly, it affects the air your family breathes every day. At King Flooring, we get that. For this reason, we help our customers choose low-VOC, hypoallergenic materials and properly install their floors for healthier living.
Want to learn more about good flooring options for your air quality? Contact us to book a free consultation!
